By Ben Disney
Dankon / Dankon al vi / Tänan / Aitäh / Ole meheks
Aitih / Tehnän / Abumgang / Merci / Mudo
Danke / Go raibh maith agat / Arigato / Gratia
Dziękuję / Mulţumesc / a dank dir / Thank you
It doesn’t matter what language we use; the sentiment is still the same. Thank you. Thank you for being such a remarkable and faithful congregation. The year 2012 has been another extraordinary one in the life and ongoing ministry of Arborlawn. Lives have been changed, needs have been met, and real people have been blessed by what you’ve done in the name of Jesus Christ.
Around here we have a saying: “Everything makes a statement.” It means that everything we do and say makes a statement; a clear and revealing statement about who we are and what we believe. We never take that lightly.
When we help local children in elementary schools through Snack Sacks, Adopt-a-School, or Kids Hope ministries, we’re doing more than supplying essential items such as food and uniforms or providing adult tutoring and mentoring. We’re making a statement that every child is a child of God; holy, sacred, and deserving of the opportunity to fulfill their God–given potential.
When our students travel on mission trips to rebuild and refurbish homes, it’s more than hammers and nails or paint and sheetrock. It’s a statement to those we serve that reaffirms our belief in the dignity of each individual and the importance of our call to serve others who are in need. It also makes the statement to the youth that the highest calling and purpose is to give ourselves away in love and service to others.
When we gather to worship, it’s more than an hour of music, prayers and words. It’s a statement about our deep belief in an omnipotent God who is worthy of our best and highest praise.
When we gather in classes and groups, it’s more than just an effort to learn and memorize material. It’s a statement about our desire to grow and mature in our faith; that we might prepare ourselves to live in the fullness of what God has in store for us.
When we pray, it’s more than words hastily strung together and launched into an empty silence. It’s a prayer of gratitude, hope, and confidence in a very real God who loves us more than we can imagine.
You make a statement with every act of generosity and faithfulness. I’m pleased to say that Arborlawn has finished yet another year of remarkable service and ministry. Apportionments were paid in full, the hungry were fed, children were blessed, marriages were enriched, hope was found and grace received. Newborn babies fresh from heaven were baptized, and the lives of heaven-bound saints were celebrated. All that is to say, what we do here is good work, holy work, and none of us should ever forget just how important it is or how grateful we are to be a part of it all.
So, before we launch headlong into another great year of mission and ministry, take one last bow, people of Arborlawn. You’ve made quite a statement. If I knew nothing else about you other than what you’ve done, I would be deeply impressed. May it always be so in this place called Arborlawn. God bless and thank you!
I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3
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