Greetings from Front Step of Philly!

The start of each day has the sense of a clean slate to be written. So much more so with the start of a new year. What does it hold? What lies ahead? How will life be different by the end of this year?
Life always provides surprises--some delightful and some, almost unbearably tragic. I am so thankful that a brief reading of Romans 8:28 reminds me that whatever happens, in God's hands there can be meaning, purpose and even good. With God, the clouds do have a silver lining and so much more. This is the 10th year I've had the privilege of serving at Front Step of Philadelphia. My prayer is that I may be a blessing to the community through this ministry. The reality is that I am blessed, perhaps much more, than I am bringing blessing to others. I am able to see so much of God's goodness in people: those who volunteer, those who give from their resources, those who desire to learn and grow, those who earnestly desire God to make big changes in their lives. Every direction I look I see God's grace, Christ's presence and the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Some would look at our inner-city community and just see poverty, violence, generational dysfunctions and defeat. But God is working as yeast or salt works through the whole batch, bringing change and divine flavor. What lies ahead this year? I know not. But as the song says, "Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand. But I know who holds tomorrow And I know who holds my hand." Whatever comes, we can have true shalom! Whatever will be written on the slate of 2025, thank you, Jesus! Pastor Wes Tink, Front Step.