Grateful to Be Part of God’s Story
This November, we’re slowing down to reflect on what it really means to cultivate gratitude. Scripture tells us to “give thanks in all circumstances,” but that kind of gratitude isn’t a one-time event–it’s a rhythm. A way of seeing God’s hand in the everyday.
Throughout this week, we’re sharing personal reflections from members of the ACO family–board members, pastors, and ministry partners who have seen God’s goodness in unexpected ways. From quiet moments of worship in Kenya to the curveballs of everyday life, their stories remind us that gratitude isn’t based on what we have, but on who God is.
Join us as we walk through these stories and rediscover the daily rhythm of giving thanks.
Devotional
I’ve had the privilege of serving with Tom Stickney, Executive Director of ACO for 20 years—five when he was our student pastor at VRBC, and the last fifteen as mission partners with ACO. When I think about Tom and gratitude, I think about moments from two of the many mission trips we have taken together. The first was when we accidentally drove our rented PT Cruiser the wrong way down a one-way street in New Orleans (past a police car), and I was just grateful we survived and didn’t get a ticket! The other was when I got to go to Kenya a few years ago to see the amazing work God is doing through ACO firsthand. As I heard the stories of the moms served by the New Beginnings Crisis Pregnancy Center, prayed with staff doing ministry in remote areas of the country, and saw the joy of Christ on the faces of the students and staff whose lives have been changed by Jesus, I couldn’t help but think of Ephesians 3:20–21:
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Closing Reflection:
May we be quick to see God’s immeasurable work, and give thanks for the privilege of being part of His story.
This reflection is shared by John Hewlett, Senior Pastor at VRBC and a long-time ACO mission partner. John’s story reminds us that gratitude grows when we realize God’s work stretches far beyond our imagination.