For most people, the month of January is a time spent on reflection and revision.  Looking behind, we assess the negatives, recount the positives; then look ahead, conceiving a future full of greater outcomes than the year before.  It is a time of resetting the score, hitting that metaphoric do-over button, reviving passion, renewing vision, and redefining our goals and strategies.

As we launch into 2014, I look ahead with great optimism, believing that this will be a year of community and collaboration at its best.  I also believe that the local churches will be instrumental in leading and guiding transformative change, providing untapped resources and new strategies that will effectively address our community’s greatest needs and challenges, more so than anything we’ve ever seen before.

I recently watched a documentary about Heidi Baker and Iris Global Ministries titled “Compelled by Love”. This movie traces the life/ministry of Rolland and Heidi Baker in which they move into a war torn Mozambique to be the literal hands and feet of Christ.  I was left with a feeling of unrest and a desire to pursue the purpose that Christ has for my life with a renewed passion. I instantly imagined what it would look like for my family and I to sell everything and move to Africa as I was still feeling the emotional high from the closing credits.

Community Ambassadors is honored and ever so grateful to be selected for a 2014 Parma Area Chamber of Commerce Pride Award.  Each year, these prestigious awards are presented to one outstanding individual, organization, businesses, and volunteer.  This year, Community Ambassadors was nominated and selected as recipient of the Outstanding Organization Award.  This award simply would not have been possible without the numerous volunteers, financial contributors, and partnering organizations that make every program and initiative we oversee possible.

If you have not visited the two new Parma Libraries, you are missing out!  The Parma (Main) branch at 6996 Powers Blvd. and the Parma-Snow branch at 2121 Snow Rd. both boast a long list of attractive features, such as a full-service drive-up window, an interactive children’s play area, and a Technology Learning Center.  Aside from these amenities, both locations also offer ample meeting rooms, large open spaces, and independent quiet rooms, perfect for personal studying, private meetings, or small group sessions.