“We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News, but our own lives, too.” (1 Thessalonians 2:8 NLT) That’s the way the Apostle Paul described his connection with people who made up the church at Thessalonica. It’s part of the aim for anyone involved in serving a local church, and it certainly describes how Malia Grant has influenced our church and community.

Malia has accepted the role of Executive Director for the Southern Appalachian Ronald McDonald House. While we are sad to see Malia leave our staff team, we are very excited for her as she takes this next step and also confident that God has a plan for other people who will help fill the gap she leaves behind.

Malia helped us become a more welcoming and externally focused church. Her desire to partner with parents to guide children toward life-long faith represents an investment that will return dividends for many years to come. Through developing relationships with volunteers, she has also motivated our church to “own” the work of the ministry by empowering and equipping leaders to shepherd children in small groups, to teach biblical truth in engaging ways, and to reach out to people outside our church with compassion.

On a personal note, when my family and I moved to Johnson City, Malia was one of the people who helped make this place feel like home. My children have benefited from her influence, and I have seen firsthand how she has often “gone the extra mile” to care for families within our church. Her life demonstrates how the “joy of the Lord” really is our strength.

As she begins to lead the Ronald McDonald House to care for families who have a child facing hospitalization and illness, I know she will continue to help people who are broken and vulnerable find the life that only Jesus offers. I’m grateful that she and her family will continue to be part of our church family, participating in our shared vision. Malia’s final day in her GFC role will be Sunday, October 13. Join me in thanking Malia for her work here and congratulating her on her next assignment.

Sharing life with you,

Titus