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Recently, I was with my 9 year old son, Dalyn, when he had just received a gift from someone.  After receiving this unexpected token of kindness, I noticed that he never offered the person any expression of gratitude in return.  Feeling the need to seize the teaching moment, I quickly pulled him aside and reminded him that he should always say “thank you” upon receiving a gift.

 

Then it hit me.  How often have I failed to express my thankfulness to the God who has blessed me so much?  And how often have I failed to share my gratitude with those around me who silently, day in and day out, offer their friendship and partnership?  Call it a Thanksgiving epiphany if you will, but I learned through this parenting moment that it was also I that needed to do a better job at giving thanks.

 

In Acts 20:35,  Paul quotes Jesus saying “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”  While this passage reminds us to be givers of our material possessions to those in need, it also reminds us to be givers of every kind - including our gratitude.  So, without any further ado, I would like to take this time to “give thanks” for the good things of God that I’ve witnessed this year working with Community Ambassadors.

 

First and foremost, I want to thank the Lord for always, always, always providing for us.  Every resource, every dollar, every idea - His providence has never failed us as we have endeavored to be missionaries to our community, offering the love of Christ to as many as we can through practical and meaningful servitude.

 

I also want to thank all of our Directors and core volunteers who have sacrificed so much and give of themselves week after week, all for the cause of being an “ambassador” of Christ.  Without you, it would all just be “potential.”  But because of you, we are seeing lives touched and transformed by the love of Jesus.

 

There have also been a number of churches and organizations that have been such a significant blessing to us this year.  I’m sure I’ll miss someone, but I want to start by thanking Parma Heights Baptist Church for their collaboration with us in facilitating the Homework Help program earlier in the year.  I am especially thankful for New Life Fellowship for opening their doors and hearts to accommodate the Pay It Forward Cafe (PIF Cafe) program and keeping it alive after our space at Parmatown Mall was closed back in April.  I am thankful for the Han Madang United Methodist Church for their monthly commitment to providing a meal at PIF Cafe.  I am thankful for Parma Christian Church for offering their building each week to hold small group meetings where we can share the gospel and grow in God’s Word with those who are seeking.  I am thankful for the Parma Area Family Collaborative for their partnership with us on many initiatives, as well as for availing their building for our quarterly Ministerial Forums.  I am thankful for the many local pastors and church leaders who stay connected with us and keep the dialogue going on how we all can be better contributors to our community.  Also, I am thankful for the openness that exists among our City Halls and the Parma City School District that has allowed us room at the table to offer input on important matters of the community.

 

Last but not least, a big thanks to every individual and group that has invested in us through donations of time, money, and resources.  Without their gracious support and collaboration, we simply could not do all that we are able to do.

 

These are all relationships and partnerships that I do not take for granted and have grown to value immensely.  To simply say “thank you” just doesn’t seem enough, but….Thank you!  Together, we are doing some really great things in our community!

 

On behalf of the whole Community Ambassadors team, I want to wish you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving.  We are praying for God’s abundant blessing and favor upon your churches and ministries.  We love you and are so grateful for all that you contribute to our community and to the Kingdom!

 

 

Thessalonians 5:18

“In everything give thanks.”