I did not expect that I would spend part of my summer dressed like a frog! When I became an intern at ZOE International Ministries this summer, I never expected that I would get the privilege of being Hero the Frog, the official mascot for ZOE’s Kids Helping Kids program. Hero the Frog travels with ZOE staff and volunteers to different church groups to get the kids excited about raising money for the children at the children’s home in Thailand. I say that dressing up as a frog is a “privilege” because the Lord has taught me so much about thankfulness during my time interning here at ZOE.

In Psalm 118:1, the Psalmist says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting.” I wish I knew Hebrew, but I do not, so I turned to my Hebrew lexicon (aka my boyfriend) and I learned that the word here for lovingkindness is hesed. This word is a characteristic often given to God for His love, kindness, and care for His people. It is the strongest word for this attribute. When we realize the gracious kindness of the Lord we cannot help but fall at His feet in thankfulness! As a ZOE intern, I have learned about thankfulness in several ways.

First of all, I am thankful for how the Lord has sovereignly placed each one of us exactly where He wants us. He has given me the opportunity to help out here at ZOE and to learn a lot about trafficking. I have been able to glean a lot about the topic from the women who work here, from researching, and from being able to attend a task force meeting that was working against trafficking. Not only am I thankful because this position is shaping me to become who the Lord wants me to be, but my thankfulness has been renewed for my loving family and home. I am also thankful for the opportunity to make a small difference for some of those who are hurting.

Furthermore, I am thankful for the people who the Lord allows us to come in contact with. I have gotten to spend a lot of time with the women who work here in the office (Betsy, Karen, Lauren, Marji, and Tammy) and I am learning a lot. We have spent time together designing brochures for Fish Fest (an annual Christian concert), on car rides, in the office, and even folding t-shirts to send to Thailand. I have been encouraged by their genuine hearts and am thankful that there are people who are passionately fighting for God’s eternal kingdom! I have also learned from them the art of expressing thankfulness. They are quick to express their appreciation for the slightest thing. I am realizing that this is such a big ministry tool as it encourages people and makes them feel loved.

Every day here at ZOE looks different. Every day God’s mercies are new. Every day there is a unique lesson in thankfulness. I look forward to the new lessons that the Lord has in store for me as I serve Him and strive to make a difference for His kingdom!

By

Courtney Brooks