Love Gift … Spring 2017

by Grace Kelly-Neal

Greetings To All,

When I was asked to take on the unexpired term of Love-Gift for the year 2017-2018, I prayed about it, and the Lord spoke to my spirit and said, “all is well.” 

I immediately stepped up to the plate to help out in the name of LOVE!

I am on a journey these days as a mother who has lost her son to gun violence in Syracuse, NY on November 16, 2016. His assailant is still unknown to this day, but this is the love of Jesus that has given me peace.

The Bible says in Philippians 4:7-

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, shall keep your hearts and your minds through Christ Jesus.

This journey is one that is new, still raw, and it is the worst storm I have ever encountered and weathered, with the love of Jesus.  Jesus sent such a surge of humanity my way on a love wave, that I simply felt the courage to go on in his name.  I have the patience of Job, but the determination of Esther, that even though he (The Lord) may slay me, yet will I trust him!  So I’m going on in the name of Jesus, who is my total healer and deliverer.

According to Webster’s Love is:

• [A] to have a strong liking for; to take great pleasure in
• [B] to need or require; to benefit greatly from
• [C] the benevolent affection of God for his creatures, or the reverent affection due from them to God.

The history of Love Gift is a great one. Who knew that back in the year of 1932, when the tough got going that the tradition of Love Gift giving would still be continuing 85 years later by the women of American Baptist Ministries?  So women of God, let us continue to give to Love Gift.

This year’s total Love Gift giving as reported by the NYS Treasurer was $4,020.17.  This is a great amount.

As we move forward into the year 2018, let us try and double that amount in Jesus Name.  Galatians 6:9 says-

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Let us continue to do good and reap all the benefits that the Lord has in store for us as great women of God.

Many Blessings