As we mark another year of the Within Your Gates program, we pause to give thanks for the ways God has worked through His people in 2025. This program exists to respond to needs—large and small—and to encourage acts of service that reflect Christ’s love within our Church family.

Responding in Times of Need

This year, Within Your Gates has tried to help where urgent need arose:

• Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica — When this storm damaged homes and a congregation’s meeting hall, funds were sent to provide basic necessities like clean water, food, tarps, and solar power banks. The response was possible only through the generosity and prayers of Church of God members. Thank you to all the COG organizations who helped identify needs and coordinate getting resources to the proper places!
• California Wildfires — Fires affected families and communities, and multiple Church of God organizations joined together to provide support. Over $127,000 was raised to help brethren recover, showing how small acts of generosity multiply when shared.

These situations reminded us that even the simplest gestures—prayers, donations, or sharing resources—can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Acts of Service in Everyday Life

Service also takes many forms outside of emergencies:

• Playground of Hope in Longview, Texas — Funds supported the creation of a safe space for children at Graciously Broken Ministries, allowing families to experience joy and connection. Small projects like this remind us that service can touch hearts and communities in quiet but lasting ways.

Such acts of service remind us that when Church of God members step in to help their communities, they are reflecting Christ’s love and example in tangible ways.

Prayer and Care

2025 also highlighted the importance of spiritual support:

• Myanmar Brethren Updates — Reports on brethren affected by conflict and displacement encouraged prayer and awareness, showing that service is not only material but also spiritual.

Prayer, concern, and encouragement are at the core of this program, reminding us that even when we cannot be physically present, we can still lift up the needs of our brethren before God.

A Year of Gratitude

As 2025 closes, we are grateful:

• For every prayer on behalf of brethren in need.
• For volunteers, donors, and partners who quietly give of their time and resources.
• For the chance to serve alongside a community that seeks to follow Christ’s example.

As we look ahead to 2026, we give thanks to God for His guidance and to everyone who has served alongside us, and we pray that we will continue coming together in faith and love to meet the needs of our Church family.