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.
I’m home from a life-changing mission trip. Now what? A short-term mission trip is an intense experience, in more ways than one. In the space of a week to 10 days, you’re immersed with a new group of people, develop a routine and learn new tasks and skills. You’ve also
I just returned from a mission trip to our children’s program in El Cobre, Cuba and spent several days with not only my sponsored child but some of yours as well! What a joy to see them face to face, hug them, and to share some quality time. TyAnn Hunt,
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,
Almost 20 years ago now, I was circling the 60-foot maple tree that stands just yards from my front door, talking to my Heavenly Father. Forward Edge needed to upgrade the training we provided for our short-term mission teams, and I was asking God for guidance. In a matter of
16 yrs. old
Entered the program: September 2023
Daim lives with his parents, older siblings, their families, as well as 5 uncles and their families in a poor neighborhood. It is very common for extended family members to live together, and there are more than 40 people sharing an old five-room house with one bathroom; they live in impoverished conditions. Daim’s family occupies one room of the house and they have no furniture. Daim’s father works small construction or gardening jobs sometimes in the summer. His mother is very ill and is homebound. Daim also tries to get small jobs in the community to help out. Life is very difficult for them.
Daim's cousin, Suad, is also in the Cornerstone program.
Plus bonus group fundraising ideas!
