#33: Gratitude to Bible Baptist Church of Puyallup WA

Thank you. I do not know if I can say it enough. Like Christ, you were there for me, without judgment and with open arms. You saw me at my worst, yet I always felt loved and accepted. My faith is strong to this day because of you. 
 
You did not criticize me for being broken or coming from a broken family. I fell–many times–but you offered a hand to lift me up every time I was ready to stand again. This is the first place I felt I could be my authentic self (and I felt comfortable enough to be vulnerable). I was never asked to pretend to be someone I wasn’t. 
 
The phrase “it takes a village” comes to mind. The community at Bible Baptist Church embodies integrity, kindness, and love. Their deeds changed me and memories of what this community did for me live happily in my mind even now, so many years later. 
 
One such memory was spending time with Ed and Tammie Sundquist with the bus ministry. We would go out every Saturday to ensure the children would come Sunday and we’d wake early to pick them up Sunday morning. I remember singing songs together and getting to know each child on our way to church. I also enjoyed the youth group with the Boyers. They always went out of their way with their hospitality, seeing that my needs were met. They even opened their home to me for a nap or a meal (which truly helped me so much). I, too, value the friendships I made at youth group and was able to feel like a “normal” kid among my peers. I even made friends with those older than me, like Laurie Orozco; we laughed and cried together. 
 
Then Pastor and Mrs. Nolan allowed me to live with them in their home when I had nowhere to go. I can tell you they truly practice what they preach. When I went off to college and had nothing, the church helped prepare me. They ensured I had a flight, school supplies, and a job and place to live on campus. The church community, too, tried to reach out to my family, going above and beyond in their efforts. I had always been so protective of my siblings, and I felt peace knowing the church family would be there for my siblings when I left for California at seventeen. 
 
I know without a doubt that if I showed up on the doorstep of The Bible Baptist Church today, that I would be met with love and open arms. This community gave without ever expecting anything in return. Some of my fondest memories include worshiping together in service. These memories and more fill my heart and inspire me to be a better person and to help others in any way I am able. 
 
To this whole community I say: I don’t know where I would be without your guidance and support. Always, you stuck by me and reminded me of His unconditional love. Because of you, I have kept the faith. Because of you, I have trusted God’s plan for my life (even when it was so challenging, and I thought my suffering would never cease). Because of you, I had a cathartic place to feel, break down, and cry. 
 
So, thank you for everything you have done for me: the memories, the friendships, the support, and the love. I can only hope I’ve been able to give back a fraction of what you have given me. 
 
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another.  And so much more as you see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25.