Thanksgiving is a time when we gather together with our friends and family to give thanks, share a meal, and reminisce of times past. As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, I look back at all of the blessings that the Lord has provided for me and my family. It has been a tough year for us. Like many Americans, it has been a year of tests and trials for our nation, its citizens, and our economy. It is through these tests and trials however, that we grow! As believers in Christ, we must first and foremost stand on God’s Word. I often remind myself of this on a daily basis, “He shall not leave me or forsake me in times of trials and tribulations, I will go forward!
It is with a grateful heart that I want to thank God for this ministry that he has placed me in. Over the past 15 months on staff here at New Life Jefferson Park, I’ve had the opportunity to see God in action! He has doubled our impact at New Life Jefferson Park as we have gone to two services and grown our location. This was a step of faith which was taken by our church leadership team and led by our beloved Pastor Asa as we trusted the Lord and launched our second service back in April, of 2008. As this year comes to an end, I think about our growth and all that God has done to bless not only our location, but New Life as a whole. New Life has launched four new locations throughout Chicago within one year, and has plans on launching more after the New Year. None of this could be done without the vision and heart that the New Life Pastoral team shares!
Here at New Life Jefferson Park, I’ve seen how our church has begun to impact the community God has planted us in! On a weekly basis I witness the new faces that light up our congregation during our morning worship. I hear the enthusiasm that people have as they laugh at one of Pastor Asa’s jokes or stories. J I’ve shared in the excitement as people grow in faith and take a step of baptism. I’ve seen the altar in our sanctuary filled with people responding to the message of God’s Word. I’ve seen our “Seniors Ministry” flourish as our 50+ gather monthly to fellowship, share a meal, develop community, and the joy of our Lord! I’ve watched our worship team, which I find a privilege to serve on, grow and multiply. Our Soul Purpose Ministry has impacted our young peoples lives, and our Children’s ministry continues to grow on a weekly basis. Through our Soul Purpose Dramas and our monthly Renewals, prayer and worship times, we have grown as a community within a community.
Giving thanks with a grateful heart…this is something truly to be grateful for!
