Joe Manafo

a thank-you is in order

it is the eve of the ‘public launch’ of theStory. we’ve downplayed this moment, choosing rather to ease into this new chapter rather than fill it with forced fanfare and hollow hype. good move? we’ll see at some point i suppose…

regardless, the journey thus far would not have been possible without much love, support, cold phone calls and a bunch of people willing to take a risk (in many ways) on God’s behalf.

Here’s the shortlist:

Sarah: My wife, my partner, my bestest friend. how you put up with my antics I’ll never know. I’m so glad we’re in this together - I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Nathan & Darryl: My co-conspirators. The gifts and talents you bring to the table are only superseded by the quality of character you both posses. Isn’t it crazy how God works things out?

theStory: Mark, Corrie, Barry, Natalie, Talia, Avery, Parker, Pete, Amanda, Noah, Ava, Dave, Steph, Ken, Val, Stephen, Beth, Ron, Adrienne, JJ, Rachael, John, Nora, Calvin, Alyssa, Shaelynn, Chris, Rita, Natalie, Ethan, Ella and the others who’ve randomly poked their heads in - thanks for opening your minds, hearts and lives. What could be better than this?

Our Families: You’ve all been a tremendous support. Special thanks to my sister for the encouraging words. Don’t forget to send us money.

Jared & my FMC brethren: Thanks for taking the risk on an unknown and for believing in what God is asking us to do. Together we will make John Wesley proud!

Dom: Your friendship is a gift. Thanks for challenging me intellectually and theologically over the last 6 years. “Ici, le stucco, c’est jaune…”

Jeremy: I’m glad that even though our offices are no longer 2.5 feet from each other that we can still work together…and have fun. May thinkerlabs.ca one day make us millions!

Robb: You’re a good friend. Thanks for tracking with me even though, at times, I sound like a crazy man.

Chris: Thanks for being a consistent fixture in my life. More than anyone, I know that you’ll always be there to chat and listen. It means more than you know.

Phil: My longest ministry friend and partner. You’ve been on the receiving end of so much venting…thanks. You’re a great listener, and your words have always carried so much weight with me.

Royce: You’re twice the man I am. I’m proud of who you are and to be counted as your friend.

Pernell: Thanks for sharing your journey with me. Your encouragement way back at the beginning was a pinnacle moment for me, and the FRWY has been a burst of fresh air in so many ways.

Dejordy: The fact that you and I are friends is sometimes a mystery to me…but you’ll never know how much our friendship has taught me and how much I value you as a person, and as a peer.

Bob: Thanks for the mentorship, guidance and recommended reads. You’re my walking resource library!

The WKC Family: There are too many of you to mention here in this small space, but please know your hand in shaping me as a person and minister will never be forgotten. There’s a big piece of WKC in me and in theStory.

Tom: Thanks for investing in me. I love ya so much and I hope someday soon you get better.

Ralph: Thanks for opening the doors of the Annex for us! I hope this partnership continues to bloom in ways that will make God proud.

The Ladies of the Coffee Lodge: Thanks for making my second office a great place to work. A special shout out to Leetha for the conversations and experimental beverages!

and finally…

Father, I’m yours. May I tell your story accurately in all that I am and in all that I do…for your glory, and for the benefit of others. Thank you for e v e r y t h i n g .

Filed by Joe at January 6th, 2007 under People