From Gratitude to Action
November often brings with it the language of Thanksgiving. While it’s not a holiday we tend to celebrate in the UK, the practice of pausing to give thanks is deeply biblical and profoundly relevant for those of us involved in student mission. Gratitude is not just a seasonal exercise—it’s a spiritual discipline that shapes our perspective, strengthens our resilience, and propels us into action.
As a Coaching Team at Fusion, we’ve been reflecting on what we’re thankful for this year. The list is long, but a few things stand out. We’re thankful for the student workers who have carved out time to join our coaching cohorts, sharing challenges they’re facing and committing to encourage one another and grow in all seasons of ministry. We’re thankful for stories of students who have grown in boldness to share their faith with friends—sometimes for the very first time. We’re thankful for churches who are opening their doors and their hearts to students, ready to welcome them into community and discipleship. And we’re thankful for new team members who have joined Fusion, bringing fresh energy and vision to the work.
Each of these moments of gratitude is more than a nice memory. They are reminders that God is at work in and through students and churches across the UK. They are signposts of His faithfulness. And they are fuel for mission.
Gratitude has a way of shifting our focus. Instead of being consumed by what feels hard or what hasn’t yet happened, thankfulness helps us see what God is doing. It reframes our perspective: mission is not about striving to achieve results, but about joining in with what God is already doing. When we give thanks, we move from scarcity to abundance, from anxiety to trust, from passivity to action.
That’s why gratitude is not just reflective—it’s catalytic. When we recognise what we’ve received, we’re compelled to share it. When we see God’s faithfulness in the past, we’re emboldened to step into the future with courage. Thankfulness doesn’t end with words; it leads us to mission.
So as you read this—whether you’re a student worker, a church leader, or a student yourself—I want to invite you to pause and reflect.
- What are you thankful for in your context?
- Who has God placed around you that you can celebrate?
- Where have you seen His faithfulness this term?
And then, let that gratitude move you to action. Encourage the student who is quietly growing in faith. Thank the church leader who has made space for students. Share your story of God’s goodness with a friend who doesn’t yet know Him. Gratitude is not the end of the story—it’s the beginning of mission.
This November, let’s not just talk about thankfulness. Let’s live it out, allowing gratitude to propel us into deeper faith, bolder witness, and greater love for the students and communities around us.
