16th Annual Thanksgiving, Reconnection & Fundraising Dinner
Ghana Fellowship of Evangelical Students
Opening Greeting
Good evening, esteemed guests, cherished friends, and beloved members of the Ghana Fellowship of Evangelical Students. It is an honor to stand before you this evening as the Chairperson of this incredible gathering, where we come together to express our gratitude and to reconnect as a community united in faith and purpose.
Expression of Gratitude
As we gather tonight under the theme “Gratitude & Harmony: Together for a Peaceful Tomorrow,” let us take a moment to reflect on the past year. It has been a year filled with challenges, triumphs, and growth. Each of us has journeyed through personal and collective trials, and yet here we are, together, standing strong in faith and fellowship. For this, I express my deepest gratitude to God for His grace and mercy that have seen us through.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, we are reminded: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I urge each of you to take a moment to acknowledge the blessings you have received and to give thanks for the gift of life, community, and the opportunities we have to make a difference. Gratitude transforms our perspective, reminding us of the abundant goodness of God in our lives.
Call to Civic Responsibility
As we look ahead, we are reminded of our civic duties as Christians, especially in light of the upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections scheduled for December. I want to emphasize that exercising our right to vote is not just a civic responsibility; it is a Christian duty. In Romans 13:1, we read, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” Our participation in governance is a way to honor the structures God has put in place.
Moreover, in Proverbs 29:2, it says, “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.” By voting, we are ensuring that righteous leaders are in place who reflect our values and priorities as a community. I urge each one of you to take this duty seriously. Engage with your community, educate yourselves about the candidates, and most importantly, make your voices heard at the ballot box.
Fundraising Appeal
Finally, as we gather tonight for this fundraising dinner, I invite you to consider how you can contribute to the mission and vision of the Ghana Fellowship of Evangelical Students. Your generous donations tonight will support our programs, outreach initiatives, and the continuous growth of our fellowship. As it is written in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Let us give from a place of joy, knowing that our contributions are a reflection of our commitment to God’s work in our community.
No gift is too small; every contribution makes a significant impact. Together, let us give from the heart, knowing that we are investing in the future of our students, our communities, and our nation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, let us embrace this evening with hearts full of gratitude, minds committed to our civic duties, and hands ready to support one another. Together, we can foster harmony and pave the way for a peaceful tomorrow.
Thank you, and may God bless you all.