Tim Ainley, CEO of Forward Edge, recently shared an inspiring message at a graduation commencement ceremony that is a timely and impactful message for us all. But, especially for recent graduates, young adults, and teens, these words could be the guiding principles you need as you step into a world with a million different possibilities:
Read Part 1: Remember Whose You Are
Ok, the second thing I wish someone would have told me is this:
Let’s go back to Ephesians 2:10, which says: We are God’s handiwork (poiema), created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
God made us to do good works…to bestow charity upon others…to give…to love…to serve.
We follow Jesus’ example, who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
In fact, do you remember the last lesson he taught the disciples in the upper room before going to the cross? He washed their feet and told them just as he has served them, they now ought to go and serve one another.
That’s the purpose you were made for, graduates: to serve others.
Let me ask any of you who have served on a mission trip…do you feel like even though you went to give of yourselves, you actually got more out of the experience than you gave?
Yes! That’s the common theme we hear among people who serve with Forward Edge on mission trips. Because it’s how God designed us!
And here’s what’s fascinating: science confirms this.
Did you know that there is a positive biological response to altruism? That serving others, and giving to others, is actually good for your mental health?
You see, when you give to someone else or serve them, with no motive behind it, no strings attached, your brain releases three chemicals: oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine.
Doctors call these three chemicals the happiness trifecta because when your brain releases them, it brightens your mood. It increases your joy.
You see, God designed us to serve others, and He biologically wired our bodies to flourish when we do so.
You were made to serve.
Living from overflow is not a theological prosperity concept like “name it and claim it” or “blab it and grab it”; it’s a perspective shift in regard to wealth. The attitude behind this mindset is, “since I am overflowing with what I need, who can I bless today?” In 2
As a child sponsor for over 3 decades, and now as the Child Sponsorship Administrator for Forward Edge, I am often asked (and challenged myself) about how to best communicate with a sponsored child. In almost all cases, the children we sponsor live in other countries. We do live in
Photography is more than just a way to document your mission trip—it’s a bridge to connection, a chance to honor the stories of those you encounter. As you step into communities, camera in hand, pause to reflect. Are you capturing moments with care and respect? Are your photos fostering dignity rather than reducing people to subjects?
When I introduce new people to Forward Edge, I’ll often describe what we do this way: we help children around the world overcome poverty, discover their true worth, and pursue God’s extraordinary purpose for their lives. I believe these three descriptors are distinct and important. Let me explain a little
11 yrs. old
Entered the program: March 2023
Wunintira lives with her parents and three siblings in a mud house with a thatch roof. The family has no access to electricity or potable water. Residents draw water from the village dam until it dries up; then, the women and girls of the community have to walk long distances to find other sources. Wunintira’s village is very poor and lacks many resources.
Wunintira’s family is Muslim. Her father is unemployed and her mother periodically sells rice to help with the household income. They live on less than a dollar a day and usually have one meal a day. Before Create Hope, providing for Wunintira’s school fees and supplies was an added hardship. She requires ongoing healthcare; as she has suffered with seizures since birth.
Plus bonus group fundraising ideas!
