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.
There is a word—or at least a series of decisions—that determine to a very great extent the story of our lives. In fact, if we fail to use this word and make those decisions, we will never experience the fullness of God’s plans for us. The word is “Yes.” One
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
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
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
16 yrs. old
Entered the program: September 2023
Theo lives with his mother and sister in a one-bedroom apartment that they own. The family lived for many years in a rented apartment but the owner was always threatening to evict them as they couldn’t pay the rent regularly. Theo’s uncles and some cousins gathered enough money together to buy them the apartment they’re in now. Theo’s mom sleeps in the kitchen and he and his sister share the bedroom.
Theo's parents are divorced. His dad visits sometimes and tries to bring food to help out. Theo’s mom tries to make some money sewing traditional clothing in the summer when there are tourists. She receives government assistance but it doesn’t even cover the utilities; her siblings try to help with money for food and firewood, and hand-me-down clothes for Theo and his sister.
Theo's sister, Leona, is also in the Corner Stone program.
Plus bonus group fundraising ideas!
