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.
Though generally joy-filled, one of the difficult aspects of the Christian life are the troubles we encounter in the midst of following and trusting God. Jesus and the apostles tell us in God’s Word that this will be a common experience for us, and it raises the question of how
“Consider this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly,
Most everyone has made banana bread at one time or another. In fact, you may already have your favorite banana bread recipe. Maybe you like it more moist, maybe you like it with walnuts… but chances are you haven’t tried a banana bread recipe from Ghana! Bananas are an important
Jollof rice is THE signature meal of Ghana. The classic Jollof recipe varies a bit region to region (in fact, Ghana and Nigeria have a friendly ‘rivalry’ over whose jollof is better). It is made using tomatoes, peppers, onions and spices from the region and is often served alongside fish or fufu. In
8 yrs. old
Entered the program: November 2025
Margaret lives with her parents and two younger siblings in a rented two-bedroom cement block house with an aluminum roof and a mud cement floor. The family cooks outdoors with wood and there is no bathroom or toilet facility.
Margaret’s family is Christian. Her father is a small-scale farmer who cultivates maize and rice to provide for the family. Due to the inability to afford more advanced tools or equipment, he cannot farm on a large scale, so the food he harvests doesn’t last through the year. They have two meals a day. Margaret’s parents struggle to meet all of their children needs and Margaret and her younger brother’s school attendance has suffered for lack of fees. With the assistance of CHG, Margaret will be able to go to school consistently.
Plus bonus group fundraising ideas!
