Our annual Patient Celebration Service was a triumphant return to normalcy. Even through precautionary masks and social distancing, there was a palpable feeling of much-needed fellowship and celebration of faith.
W. Marvin Hardy, Mission Director and Pediatric Medical Director, opened the event with the featured verse John 1:16: “Out of his fullness, we have all received grace in place of grace already given.”
Turning the corner after such an arduous year of perseverance, a new hope was fully manifested through song, worship, patient testimonials, and a thoughtful, very personal message about relentless grace by Pastor David Outing.
Following the familiar and beautiful notes of How Great Thou Art and Lord I Lift Your Name on High in both Spanish and English, patient testimonials lifted our spirits and touched our hearts.
“As I came to Grace, Grace came to me. Thank you to all the doctors and staff for taking care of me,” a grateful patient shared. Another patient voiced that “I’ll bless you as big as your heart is,” referring to the impact of Grace’s inclusion of those that needed help the most.
Pastor Outing expressed that there is no certainty to physical healing, or a solution to all pain. There is in fact, a certainty of community and faith, which seemed to be the most fitting message for an evening centered around shared gratitude and grace.
With the words “Se vida eres tu.” (You are life.) still ringing in the air after the worship service, this event was healing and as nourishing as the boxed supper provided to attendees.
We can’t thank Keator Construction enough for sponsoring this inspirational evening!
