“Children, it is the last hour.” Wherever we are right now as we read this last Reflection of the year, we realize that the time has come, in these last hours, to gather all that we did and said during the previous 12 months and offer this as our gift to God for all the hours He gave us. No doubt, there will be memories of some wonderful highlights and some painful setbacks, and the temptation will be only to remember the low moments and let them overshadow the necessary gratitude to keep going, to be creative, to be innovative, and to think differently and positively: “Sing to the LORD a new song.” On this New Year’s Eve, we must remember the newness of life and the strength we receive that comes from the Lord Jesus and the Gospel that cries out for life-long and complete acceptance: “But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name.”
In just a few hours, we will begin again. We must begin again. The New Year of 2022 will undoubtedly be similar in at least two ways to the year we will soon put to rest. There will be the absolute best and most marvelous moment and the most terrifying and sad one. The good news is Jesus is already there, waiting for us to find Him and love Him, holding on and never letting go. May the Lord God strengthen all of us in the New Year, and may His love and tenderness shower mercy and grace over each month, each week, each day, each hour, each minute, and yes, each second of our new year’s adventure. Light awaits us in every opportunity and challenge of the next 12 months. There will be darkness and dark days, no doubt, but patience will reveal a victory of light and hope. This is promised, and should we find ourselves wondering what the future will bring, we already have a definite clue and cue: “What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice. To make an end is to make a beginning.” T.S. Eliot
Secretary/Treasurer
Janice is not only meticulous in reviewing records and requests for Scriptures, but her eyes well-up with joyful tears when you ask her about all the letters she has received from the thousands of Bible recipients over the years. She loves gardening and listening to the earth; her life is like a long stroll through an intriguing and engaging nature center.
Board Member
Grateful for an amazing group of friends and a life that has been blessed and enriched by so many, Andrea brings a deep joy and dedication to the mission of CityOfAgape. She is detail-oriented and uses her experience and foresight to proactively address the needs of those around her. When you speak with Andrea, you feel like you’re the only one in the room.
Secretary/Treasurer
Every day, for nine months, an intermittent light rain falls in Seattle, Washington. Those days are brightened by the warm smile and hopeful outlook on life that Angelyn brings to every encounter. Her financial expertise and engaging conversation has ensured great things ahead for CityOfAgape. Her life is filled with a constant welcome that is focused and friendly.
President
Jacqueline’s life epitomizes hard work, creative service and complete dedication, not only to CityOfAgape, but also to her husband, Joshua, and her beautiful children. Her smile, even when things are difficult, is refreshing and comforting. In most currently used English dictionaries, under the word “energy,” you will find Jacqueline’s picture.
Board Member
Everyone needs to have a Ray “Redfish” for a friend or at least to meet one like him before you leave the planet. He has never been known to interrupt a single person, say an unkind thing, although he did come close during the last Dallas Cowboy game, or leave any food on his plate. Ray wants to live in a world where Jesus is Lord, life is sacred, and blessings never end.
Board Member
Father David comes from the land of Iowa where you can get sunburn and frostbite all in the same week. He has the mind of an architect and the soul of a musician. Father David has given his heart to Jesus and truly lives in the Kingdom. An accomplished guitarist, drummer, phenomenal preacher, he has the voice of a baritone angel. His prayers are powerful and his humor, well… it’s Iowan.
Board Member
Father James’ priestly service has taken him to four different countries, many parish settings, and in contact with more friends that rivals most politicians. One of his favorite quotes is by G.K. Chesterton, “Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.” If there are sounds of a lively discussion, mixed with hearty laughter and the aroma of a good cigar, Father James can’t be too far way.
Founder and President Emeritus
The minute John walks through the door, your IQ goes up. He embodies the remarkable talent of grasping the bigger picture while juggling multiple points of view, in a world where many are very one-sided. Always happy, even when he is sad, John is ready to challenge and comfort all in the same breath. Where some only see problems, John sees the bright promise of tomorrow. His inspiration and memory will outlast his years on earth. John always says, “there are always miracles where there is great love.”