A Grateful Heart
Author: Eleazar "Ely" De Gracia Jr., Church Treasurer
October 02, 2025
Our family has been reminded in the most powerful way what it truly means to be part of the body of Christ. During my wife’s (Rachel Andrea) recent back surgery and recovery, so many of you reached out with prayers, meals, visits, encouraging words, calls, texts, house cleaning, driving our cars home, and countless acts of kindness. Each gesture—whether big or small—was a reminder of God’s love made visible through our church family.
There was a moment in all of this when we felt like we were alone in the world, with family 3,000 miles away, facing a difficult situation by ourselves. But God gently reminded us that we are never truly alone. Through each of you, He showed us the blessings and safety net He’s woven around us—the gift of friends who step in, lift us up, and walk beside us when we need it most.
I have found that it is the small, daily acts of kindness that add depth to life. I was keenly reminded of Jesus' words: “By this, they should know you are my disciples, that you love one another.”
We are deeply humbled and profoundly grateful for the way you surrounded us with support. In a time that could have felt heavy and overwhelming, your care lightened our load and lifted our spirits. It is a beautiful thing to belong to a church community that not only worships together but also lives out Christ’s love in real and tangible ways.
With heartfelt gratitude from the De Gracia family,
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