New Year Greetings: From Brooke (McDowell) Nearman

Dear Friend,

Though we entered this new year with bright hopes and aspirations, we really didn’t make it far without some of those being challenged. Your heart may already be inundated with feelings and thoughts like, “I’m afraid.” Perhaps it’s, “I’m overwhelmed.” It could be, “I’m so weary.”

I understand. Sometimes, my heart says those things, too. But lately, I asked myself this question, and, by God’s grace, my heart’s answer was: “I’m so grateful.”

Acts 11:23 says: “When he saw the grace of God, he was glad…” The context is the inception of a new church in Antioch. God was doing great and unprecedented things. Barnabas recognized His grace, and it made him glad.

This same God is still at work centuries later in 2020. Today. Here in Philadelphia. Even closer to home, He’s at work at AlphaCare — in our clients’ lives and in ours.

I see His grace in His provision for AlphaCare, ensuring in advance of the pandemic that we had transitioned to a primarily paperless system with upgraded laptop computers for the staff. Due to the providence of His timing, when the shut-down order came, we were literally able to switch from in-person services one day to remote services the next. I see His grace, and I am glad.

God’s grace is abundantly evident in you, our partners. At a time when many were thinking only of themselves, you continued to care for our moms, their babies and this ministry. Through your selfless giving, God provided the funds we needed to continue offering our services while fully staffed. Through special gifts, extra material donations and even a matching gift from a generous donor, God sustained us in a remarkable way. Some of you were involved in providing food as we partnered with Easter Outreach to feed the hungry in our own neighborhood and beyond, while others continue to drive many miles and many hours to deliver much-needed maternity and baby supplies. The list continues on. I see God’s grace. And I am glad.

I also want to share with you that I see God’s grace in my own personal life. Kevin Nearman and I were married during this tumultuous year. I’m so grateful God brought us together and look forward to serving God, side by side with Kevin. We eagerly anticipate the birth of our first baby in 2021. My heart overflows. I see God’s grace, and I am glad.

Lastly, I see God’s grace in sending His Son to us. We are afraid, overwhelmed and weary, yet God’s grace to us in Jesus gives us hope. What a privilege to share the Good News of the Gospel this year through AlphaCare, with each other, the community and our mothers.

May you start this new year with moments of quiet reflection to see God’s grace in your own life – and be glad. May your heart be grateful with mine.

Blessings,

Brooke (McDowell) Nearman