I have been a lifelong, thus the 56, member of Grace, but when God called me to be a part of disciplining His and your youth, I did not expect to be here for 10 years and counting. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences for me and I thank God for that.
Being your Director of Student Ministry has been way more than a job. It is an awakening that has allowed me to grow in my faith and walk beside youth, volunteers, people in need, members of Grace, and groups in our community in their faith journeys. The relationships with youth have been life altering. The partnerships with your Youth Ministry Team volunteers has generated amazing friendships. WYLDlife/Younglife has allowed us as a church to expand your youth programs exponentially beyond our walls in reaching youth and helped us create a stronger community with Robinson Middle School. Mission trips have grown us all. Working with this staff lets you see everyday God working.
So, I want to say thank you for allowing me to be a part of this amazing community from my baptism to now. Without you all I would not be in this position or be the person I am today. Thank you as well for the many cards. Each one was so special and meant the world to me. The gift was also much appreciated and will go to good use in my BBQing. I would be remiss in not also thanking my amazing wife who has been a partner in this as well. There is a special sacrifice that spouses give to allow one to be in ministry and it is something I cherish daily.
The future is not yet here, and the past is done, but for now we are all here together in God’s amazing kingdom, may we look at each day as the gift that it is.
In Christ and Love,
Kirk Anderson
SEP