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We Are Grateful For You

By Natalie Hart

Yes, You

There will be plenty of articles published this week about how gratitude will enrich our lives and our faith. Instead of adding to that number, we at Gatherings of Hope want to express our gratitude to the pastors and ministry leaders of Grand Rapids

We see you. We value who you are and what you do.

There is good biblical precedence for this. Paul always took time to thank his ministry partners.

“As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord.”
2 Thessalonians 2:13

“How I thank God through Jesus Christ for each one of you.” Romans 1:8

“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.” Philippians 1:3

Pastors and ministry leaders, whether paid or volunteer, you are our brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, and this is our letter of gratitude for you and all the work you do.

“We see you giving of yourself and your time, even when you are tired and need rest.” Mrs. Mary H. Jones (Cluster Manager, Family Leadership Initiative)

We see you comforting and encouraging your people even as you, yourself, are grieving.

“We see you heeding the call to your community and neighborhoods and we see you making a difference.” Julie Bos (Program Coordinator, Community Initiatives).

We see you reaching into your own pocket for ministry or outreach expenses.

We see you being called out to the church for yet another evening meeting.

“We see your unwavering resolve to show the love of Jesus to all by leading peacefully, by example.” Julie Bos

We see you loving the people in your congregation, even when you don’t agree with them, and when they don’t agree with each other.

We see you working for pay outside the church and still giving your ministry your all.

“We see you helping around the church and doing whatever is needed, even when it’s a job many people think is ‘below’ the status of pastor.” Ukinya Hunter (Cluster Manager, Family Leadership Initiative)

We see you thirsting to learn more and to become ever more faithful in your ministry and in your families.

We see you visiting your people where they need you, whether in hospital, in jail, in the courtroom, in their homes, in coffeeshops.

We see you following the call of God to come to this cold Northern city from your warmer hometowns.

We see you taking joy in the Lord and in lives changed.

We are grateful for who you are and what you do. Thank you.

“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.”
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17