“Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1)
As we crossed from the year 2025 into 2026, the Emmaus community gathered with grateful hearts to thank God for His faithfulness, mercy, and unfailing love. The End of Year Thanksgiving Retreat was a sacred moment of reflection, surrender, and renewed trust in the Lord who walks with His people through every season.
Grateful Even Amid Challenges
The year 2025 was not without its challenges and struggles. Many carried personal burdens, unanswered questions, and moments of uncertainty. Yet, in all things, God proved Himself gracious. He sustained us, strengthened us, and carried us through moments we could not have faced on our own.
This retreat became a space to look back—not only at what we lacked, but at how faithfully God showed up. In gratitude, we acknowledged that every step of the journey was held in His loving hands.
A Powerful Time of Prayer and Encounter
The retreat was marked by a deep prayer ministry, where many encountered God’s healing, comfort, and reassurance. Hearts were lifted, tears were shed, and lives were gently renewed as participants placed their stories before the Lord.
The highlight of the night was the Eucharistic celebration, where we crossed into the New Year in the presence of Christ Himself. As the clock marked a new beginning, the community stood united in worship—offering praise, thanksgiving, and trust to God.
Offering Gifts of Thanksgiving
In a moving expression of gratitude, many came forward with special gifts, offering them to the Lord as a sign of appreciation for His great mercy and love. These offerings symbolized thankful hearts acknowledging that all we have and all we are comes from God.
Committing 2026 into God’s Hands
As we stepped into 2026, we did so with renewed hope. Together, we committed the coming year into God’s very able and loving hands—trusting Him with our families, ministries, plans, and future. With faith, we declared that the same God who brought us through 2025 will lead us forward in grace and victory.
Walking Forward with Hope
The End of Year Thanksgiving Retreat reminded us that gratitude is not dependent on perfect circumstances—it is a response to a faithful God. As a community, we move forward encouraged, strengthened, and confident that God goes before us.
May our hearts remain thankful.
May our trust remain firm.
And may the year 2026 be a year of deeper encounter, faithful service, and burning hearts for the Gospel.
