2007 Thank You!
In the spirit of “thanks” and “gift” giving, I thought it appropriate to share the gifts Bethany is thankful for this year. I have never been a fan of generic or general letters, mass emails and the like; I have always felt they lacked the true gratitude in which they were sent. However, I remember that God’s word is a love letter to the masses, to all God’s children and to me personally. And although it doesn’t start out “Dear Michelle”, I know that those words were written specifically with me in mind. While I don’t profess that any of the following words or sentiments will mirror the significance of God’s word, it is in the spirit of truth, humility and gratitude with which I address each of you…
I first want to express my deepest thanks to each of you who have made 2007 what it was for Bethany Christian Services…it is with my deepest gratitude that I thank you for your support. I have been called to serve as Director for Bethany and that responsibility often overwhelms me. I am overwhelmed that God allows me to lead, nurture, and fulfill His will for so many families and children. Who am I to do so? When I reflect on that thought, I thank God for you! It is through your prayer, encouragement, wise counsel, example and support that I am able to fulfill God’s command to serve orphans and widows. It is in these instances that you and I together fulfill God’s will in serving the families and children of Bethany and what a privilege it is to be a part of that. Many of you might be thinking you didn’t do much this year, but you have! You have done so much…Maybe you listened to me talk about Bethany’s programs, maybe you prayed for donors to come forward with financial support, maybe you prayed for a specific child we were having difficulty placing, maybe you golfed in our golf event, maybe you shared a piece of wisdom with me, maybe you introduced me to someone who has a heart/passion for adoption or maybe you simply read my emails and letters. In any and all instances listed, you became a part of our Bethany family, a family that is committed to God’s call to “care for orphans and widows in their distress”. A family that seeks God’s will in all that we do. A family that loves and appreciates each other’s unique gifts and talents.
I want to share with you a brief list of some of the things that Bethany Christian Services is thankful for this year…
- Selfless, sacrificing birthparents that place the needs of their babies above their own.
- Loving, nurturing, patient adoptive families who wait to welcome or who have welcomed precious babies and children into their homes this year.
- Obedient, gracious donors who financially support our ministry monthly, annually and in specific times of need.
- For health and safe travel of Bethany counselors who travel the state of Florida to serve birthparents and families.
- For a successful golf event (84 golfers - up from 33 in 2006; $24k raised - up from $16k in 2006) and a wonderful, first class venue – ChampionsGate.
- For increased interest in families willing to adopt bi-racial and full African-American babies.
- For the welcoming spirit of many Crisis Pregnancy Centers who allowed us to provide training to them and share our “Adoption as a Positive Option” message.
- For the faithful volunteers who helped make our Golf Event a success, as well as, our Fall Rummage Sale and Open House.
- For a fun-filled day with Bethany Families at our First Bethany Family Reunion/Picnic.For a God who is all-knowing, all-powerful and who always provides for the needs of His children…
It would be impossible to list everything we are thankful for, but I wanted to share my heart and gratitude for all that you do to make Bethany Christian Services a ministry that can truly reach widows and orphans with God’s love and grace.
Thank you for your support…it is making an eternal impact!
In His Service,
R. Michelle Barrett, MSW
Director - Bethany Christian Services of Florida