It is the season of Thanksgiving and time to step back and look at all the things that I am thankful for. This past year has been an amazing year, despite covid and all the impacts it has had.
We were able to return to Ukraine after 14 months of no travel due to covid restrictions. We had two trips this year and saw the impact of our ministry after being gone for a while. God has opened new doors for us and we are humbled by the opportunities we have been given to influence and impact the leaders of the churches of the Baptist Union across Ukraine. God keeps reminding us that we often think too small and need to have God-sized dreams. I am thankful for Vasily and his leadership and his willingness to let us partner with him in his work with the Baptist Union of Ukraine.
I am thankful for my family! This year has seen the addition of a new daughter-in-law Maryn and a new grandson Owen. To have all our kids married to such amazing spouses and to watch them raise our grandkids is truly a blessing and I am thankful for the fact that they all live close and we are able to spend time with them. I am thankful for Beth who continue to work side by side with me in our ministry. Working together can be difficult, but we have found it a real blessing to be able to share time and purpose together in this stage of our lives. I would not be the person that I am without the support, encouragement, and partnership of my amazing wife.
I am thankful that we can live a life of purpose. We are so blessed to be able to do ministry that has purpose and meaning for our lives. I believe that we often gain far more from those we work with than we ever have to offer, but it is so fulfilling to have something to give and share with others.
We would not be able to do this without the support of so many who have faithfully donated to Potential Endeavors. Raising money is really hard. It is hard to ask people to give to your ministry when there are so many other good organizations also asking for resources. It is hard to take money from another organization, but we also know that when people give to us, they are investing in the future. The money we receive is being used to invest in pastors and leaders who are working to reach the next person for Jesus. At times it is hard to quantify the impact of what an investment in our ministry achieves, but I believe we are seeing results. We are beginning to see that changes are starting to happen. People are recognizing the need for change and are looking for help in making these changes. We have been able to help with developing the why and what of change, and as we continue to work moving into the how to make changes.
I have much to be thankful for. I am thankful for a God who uses someone as flawed as me to help others. I am thankful for the challenges I have gone through in the past that have shaped me into who I am today. I am thankful that despite mistakes I have made I have been given a second, third or fourth chance. I am thankful for a family that has its priorities aligned to Biblical values.
As you celebrate this Thanksgiving, be sure to stop of think about all of things that you are thankful for this past year.
