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.
One of the most impactful things I learned as a teenager was that God will do extraordinary things through you whether you are 5 or 45, 15 or 52; He has no age restrictions and certainly does not follow the boundaries that we build up ourselves. Even now, at 21,
During these times when most of us are ‘social distancing’ and ‘sheltering in place’, we probably have much more time on our hands and yet are unable to be in touch with many of those on our minds. This is especially true of our sponsored children. We know they and
Before embarking on your first mission trip, there are a variety of things you can do to prepare yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually. This article will focus on some of the practical steps you can take to ensure you get the most out of your experience. Here are four things
Picadillo has its origins in Spain, but it has been adapted and modified over the years by Cuban cooks to suit local tastes and ingredients. Picadillo is a versatile dish that can be made with various ingredients depending on regional preferences and what’s available. The base typically consists of ground
10 yrs. old
Entered the Program: February 2025
Iris lives with her parents, 7 siblings and her sister-in-law in a six-room adobe house with a tin roof and concrete and dirt floors. With so many inhabitants, the house is not maintained well. The property is large and has a separate kitchen, outside bathroom, and patio. The family cooks with wood and has access to water from a hose on the property.
Iris’s mother cares for the home and her father works in construction; they both also work farming the fields. Iris’s mother went to church years ago, but doesn’t anymore; she is not in favor of Iris attending the Saturday Bible Club, but Iris’s dad encourages her to go.
