A Year in Review
I love when a note is tucked into a Christmas card, recalling the highlights of that family’s year that is nearly complete. Before we turn our calendars to 2026, here’s one from me, on behalf of City on a Hill Ministries.
Our monthly board meetings have opened by reading and reflecting on Matthew 5:1-16. A board member reads it through once, holds a moment of pause, and reads it through a second time. We share that which resonates or stands out from that day’s hearing of Jesus’ proclamation of blessings in an upside-down kingdom where the last are first and light conquers darkness.
Here’s me with our City on a Hill Ministries Board Members at our Christmas Dinner.
We’ve used the Message translation on occasion and verse 7 always seems to stick with me:
“You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full’, you find yourselves cared for.”
I have known that to be true too many times to count in this last year at City on a Hill. From my first day on January 6, 2025, and well through this poignant Christmas season, it has often felt as though we were “care-full” and I have seen and felt the care of our God, often through you, fellow image-bearers and children of the King.
I know the care of God through the partners of City on a Hill Ministries. At 51 non-profit/ministry partners, we are nearly full! Tight quarters might not make for friendly neighbors, but I’ve found the opposite to be true here. Here, you fill our space with care and understanding. You are quick to listen and then to encourage and pray. Our common passion to serve the Kingdom of God and bring glory to our King makes for wonderful building neighbors!
I know the care of God as I bear witness to the important work done by my many co-workers and volunteers here at City on a Hill Ministries through the City on a Hill Café, Doors of Hope, and the City on a Hill Health Clinic, as well as our work as host and home to those many partners. You are the hands and feet of a Savior who is full of love and compassion, who brings hope and healing. I see glimpses of the shalom we will one day know in full as I see you at work.
And, honestly, one of the most profound ways I have known the care of God has been through the generosity of many that allows us the privilege to do this work that we love and believe in. I never know what will be waiting for me in the mailbox each afternoon! Well, I do know when to expect the monthly utility bill or the biweekly Zeeland Record, but there seem to be gifts just before our need for resources might make me wonder if we are outpacing God’s generous provisions for them.
We sure haven’t yet.
So, thank you. You have been the care and goodness of God to us and we thank God for you.
As you, too, are surely “care-full”, may God’s care find and cover you as it has us this year.
Our best to you and yours,
Ally Velderman