Today, September 20th, is my birthday. I remember growing up and LOVING birthdays, when people gushed all over me and sang, ate lots of cake, gave me presents, etc. Now, as an adult, I still get all of those things (2 cakes before my actual birthday arrived!), but it’s totally different. I realize now – from ministry and being a dad – “it’s not about me!”
I’m overwhelmed by your generous well wishes and thankful for the love, prayers, and support you’ve given me personally and our ministry over the years. On days like today, I’m reminded of how amazing life is when we stop to look around.
You all have given me one of the greatest gifts a man can receive – friendship. Some of you I don’t know, but you write to me as if we’ve known each other our whole lives. Others of you I see all the time. Some of you may even wish you saw me less. No matter how or where I know you from, thanks for allowing me to walk a few steps with you on the roads of life. When I joined others in Africa to start Forgotten Voices, I never imagined how the ministry of living life together would create so many new friendships & expand my understanding of God. Today, on my birthday, I honor you.
Your friendship – in whatever form it takes – is deeply encouraging to me. It helps me believe and see hope, fellowship, and community are possible in the midst of dark situations we are facing around the world. Many of you have demonstrated the love of God to me and the children & churches we love to serve. Today, on my birthday, I’m thankful for you!
I’m really thankful for the incredible opportunity you have given me to lead many of you into a relationship with the African churches we love to serve, bravely & lovingly caring for children orphaned by AIDS in their communities. My life is as rich and full as it is because of you and because of them. The longer I live, the more I see that life is not about an individual, but about us as a people learning to love and serve each other and our God.
Last summer, our precious daughter, Avery Joy, was born on a day that will forever be imprinted on my heart. To mark her birth and to fulfill an assignment for one of my last classes in graduate school, I wrote a letter that I share here with you now. So, today, for my birthday, I share what my life aspirations are for my daughter, as I reflect on what I aspire to with my own life. May these words not be about me, but about us. May you find encouragement in them, as we celebrate the life we are living together. Avery, like you all, has helped me see & experience that life is not about me. It’s about us – together.
Thanks for allowing me to know you.
-Ryan
Ryan Keith, President of Forgotten Voices
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