Life Advice Part 2: You Were Made to Serve

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: 

You were made to serve 

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. 

Read Part 3: Let God’s Will Come to You

child sponsorship

How to Be a Child Advocate

What is Child Advocacy and how do I do it? “Child Advocacy”… such an official sounding term, isn’t it? Miriam Webster defines advocacy as “the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal”, and when broken down that way, it’s a pretty simple concept. Many of us are child

Go to Blog »
community

Picadillo from Cuba

Picadillo has its origins in Spain, but it has been adapted and modified over the years by Cuban cooks to suit local tastes and ingredients. Picadillo is a versatile dish that can be made with various ingredients depending on regional preferences and what’s available. The base typically consists of ground

Go to Blog »
From our CEO

Life Advice Part 3: Let God’s Will Come to You

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

Go to Blog »
child sponsorship

Small Notes, Big Impact

Someone Thought of Me? Did you know that a simple note can change the trajectory of a child’s life? It’s true! For children living in poverty, life is challenging and filled with hardships. They may feel overlooked, forgotten, and alone. But when they receive a note, it shows that they

Go to Blog »
Transform a Child's Life Through Sponsorship

Gyebaleki (hello), my name is Albert

  • location

    Uganda

  • 9 yrs. old

    08-10-2016

Entered the program: May 2024

Albert lives with his mother and three siblings in a single room dwelling loaned to them by a kind neighbor in their village. It has electricity and they use firewood to prepare meals. Water is collected from a well. Albert shares a bed with his siblings. Albert’s father is deceased and his mother is the sole provider for the family. The family usually has one meal a day.

Sponsorship Level What's this?

Three $38 sponsorships are needed to cover the complete holistic care of one child. Cover one, two, or three sponsorships.