I thought I’d take a moment to reflect upon my own gratitude for how God is working in the CGGC and how He’s used the CGGC in my own life. I think I tend to be a fairly straight shooter. We’re certainly not perfect as denominations go. We have some serious challenges that we have to face in order to play a part of God’s redemptive story in our world. But with that being said, there are many, many, many reasons to give thanks for what God is doing in and through the CGGC. I’m grateful today.
I’m grateful for the spiritual home I have in the CGGC. This is the only tribe I’ve ever known (you all loaned me out to the E-Free church for a few years, but the CGGC was still home to me). I came to follow Christ in the East Harrison Street Church of God (Midwest Region). I spent my summers at Camp Maranatha (Midwest Region) and it played a major role in my own spiritual development. I could fill page after page of individuals, some are still here and some have gone on to glory, who have nurtured my faith, invested in my spiritual growth, challenged me and helped me understand what it means to follow Jesus. Like any family, we have our own crazy aunts and uncles, but I’m eternally grateful for how the CGGC has impacted my life and my faith journey.
I’m grateful for how God has graciously expanded the global reach of the CGGC. When I was growing up, we had cross-cultural ministries in India, Bangladesh, Haiti and the Southwestern United States. Today, India is now our fastest growing field and God continues to accomplish great things in Bangladesh despite overt resistance and opposition to Christian faith. Over the past twenty-five years, God has opened doors to establish works or partner in ministries in Brazil, Kenya, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Sweden, and Ethiopia. In addition to these fields, we’ve have a host of CGGC Affiliate Missionaries (CGGC members who are serving with other faith organizations around the world) serving in a broad variety of ministries and fields. There are new fields being considered in places like Nicaragua and Peru. God continues to open doors for us to partner in His mission around the world and I am grateful for the work being done in Jesus name throughout the world through the ministries of the CGGC.
I’m grateful for the University of Findlay and its work in preparing students for meaningful lives and productive careers. There’s much to be thankful for as the University of Findlay continues clarify and live out its Christian foundation in a manner that values and encourages Christian faith within a diverse community. Campus Ministries is thriving at the University of Findlay with hundreds of students taking part in the weekly worship experiences, bible studies, and other activities designed to develop the faith and practice of these vibrant young adults. God is not dead in academia today and that is certainly true at the University of Findlay. I’m proud of the good work being done at the University of Findlay under the leadership of Dr. Katherine Fell.
I’m grateful for an increasing number of churches who are partnering in God’s mission across the street and around the world. We have churches that are heeding the call to bear witness in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the world! We have bodies of believers that are looking beyond themselves to reach their neighbors and communities as well as partnering somewhere else in the world in order to reach the ends of the earth! I’m grateful for those brothers and sisters who are sacrificing to reach beyond themselves.
I’m grateful for my colleagues here at the CGGC office in Findlay as well as the conference staff across the various regions of the CGGC. These are men and women who love Jesus and His church and who are committed to serving others to the Glory of God and for the advancing of His kingdom. They are dear friends and co-laborers. I’m grateful for their gifts and talents and their passion for seeking first the kingdom and His righteousness. I’m grateful that I get to work with such a great group of folks.
I’m grateful for the hunger and restlessness that I sense across the body. There’s a desire to experience more of what Jesus has for us. There’s a holy discontent about the status quo. Sure, there’s fear and uncertainty mixed in as well, but I’m grateful for brothers and sisters who aren’t satisfied with the way things are right now.
I’m grateful for God’s patience and His unrelenting grace. He’s gracious and kind, but staying here is not an option. He’s calling us to greater obedience. He’s calling us into places where we have to trust Him rather than rely upon our own resources, abilities and experiences. I’m grateful that He hasn’t given up on us yet. I’m grateful that He’s still working through the CGGC.
Christ’s Peace,
Lance