BIG Gratitude

700 people from 12 states descended upon the Uptown Theater Saturday night. The energy, anticipation, and expectation leading up to The BIG Event was almost palpable.

Two days later, we are grateful. Grateful for the work of 90 volunteers. Grateful for the generosity of hundreds who gave that evening, and for thousands more who have done so this year. Grateful for close to 8,000 children in third world countries who will receive education and school lunches via their new uniforms. Grateful for the dozens of jobs the work itself will provide, but as we reflect on The BIG Event, we re most grateful God used two men to bring a message from Him. Peter Maseko and Moise Vaval serve one Lord and challenged all of us.

The lives of these humble servants are foreign. The call of God led one to raise his eight children in poverty. The other walked with Jesus through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Similar sacrifices in varying circumstances leading to the same, unmistakable conclusion: God is faithful.

Haiti and Malawi are a long way from the Uptown Theater; farther if one measures in means instead of miles. The differences are stark. The sacrifices of these men, the details of their lives, and the power of their testimonies can make us uncomfortable. For that, again, we are grateful. Discomfort can be a catalyst for action and for transformation. May it be so for us!

Thank you for having the courage and humility to care for His kids.