Thursday, November 28, 2013

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

- WE HAVE SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR -

GTD wants to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

We know that everyday is a day to give thanks to the Lord, but it's wonderful to have a holiday that serves as a reminder to emphasize a thankful spirit. In fact, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says that giving thanks is God's will for our lives... no matter what our circumstances may be.

Sometimes thankfulness naturally erupts from a heart overwhelmed by the goodness of God, and sometimes thankfulness is an act of faith when our hearts are overwhelmed by difficult circumstances. In either case, we are pleasing God and living right in the center of His will for our lives when we give thanks.

Do you know that Webster's Dictionary defines thankfulness as "the consciousness of benefits received"? I know that sounds a little boring, but don't miss the impact of that definition. It's saying that it's possible to have already received benefits (blessings, favor, good things from God) and not be conscious of it. In other words, if you struggle with being thankful, it's probably not because you don't have something to be thankful for, but rather you are not noticing it... you are not conscious of it. For this reason we want to encourage you today to write down 10 things that you are thankful for. Hey, unless you are a turkey today then you have a lot to be thankful for =). As you become aware of all the benefits you have already received thanksgiving will naturally begin to flow from your heart and mind. Many times our emotions follow our thought patterns. Once you are conscious of the blessings in your life your heart just wants to say, "Thank You Jesus!"

And one more thing. Don't forget to convert those blessings into expressions of thanksgiving. It's easy to forget to say, "Thanks!". In Luke 17:11-19 Jesus heals 10 men of Leprosy, a dreaded disease that causes skin lesions, muscle weakness, numbness and often led to bodily disfigurements. Can you imagine the benefit received by those 10 men?!?! They were healed from Leprosy! It is easy to picture these men falling at Jesus' feet while expressing joy, praise and thanksgiving. But, do you know how many men actually returned to give thanks? Only one. And Jesus noticed. He said, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?" Jesus notices not only those who return to give thanks, but also those who don't.

Make time today and everyday to take an inventory of the benefits you have received. Then take a moment to go before the Lord and give thanks.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM DUG, LAURIE, & GTD!



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Thursday, November 21, 2013

IGNITE (Dec 6-8, 2013)


IGNITE CAMPING RETREAT is in 2 weeks!!! It's going to be RAGING!! Check out this quick promo video for Ignite with Kevin Starner =)

<> Dec 6-8 (Fri night - Sun afternoon)
<> Word of Life Camp in Hudson, FL
<> $49/person


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Wednesday, November 20, 2013

JAG AWARD 1: Forte's Inboard & Auto Connection

JAG AWARD 1 of 3: Forte's Inboard & Auto Connection (Dom & Clide Forte)

Our first JAG Award went out to Forte's Inboard & Auto Connection owned by husband & wife team, Dom & Clide (pronounced Clee-day) Forte. The Forte's contribution to our ministry has been monumental! Since 2006 the Forte's have supplied GTD with a 1000 square foot office and tons of storage space for our vehicles, equipment, and trailers for only $500/month. The GTD office is on the 2nd floor and is actually more like an apartment. It has 3 "bedrooms", 1 living room, 1 bathroom, and a kitchen. It serves as the GTD Headquarters where we plan out all of the GTD events. It is also the place where I (Doug) live along with the "GTD Dogz" and 4 cats (the cats belong to Laurie - our Costa Rica Missions Director - who lives at my parent's house in Largo in an extra bedroom). One of the 3 rooms serves as my work office, the 2nd room serves as Laurie's work office, and the 3rd room serves as our fitness room.

We can't thank the Forte's enough for all that they do to bless our ministry. GTD runs on a very lean budget and the Forte's significantly help us reduce our annual expenses by thousands of dollars. Think of how much money GTD saves each year because the Forte's supply us with free storage, free trailer parking, free housing for me, no fuel or vehicle usage commuting to & from work, and on-and-on. All of this is included for the $500/month office rent. In addition, the Forte's are automobile mechanics and keep our vehicles running strong all year long at a discounted rate. It's priceless to have an expert mechanic that you can trust. The rest of their staff (Beth, Chris Forte, & Tony Forte) are always helping & encouraging us in our ministry.

It is with great honor and deep appreciation that we present FORTE'S INBOARD & AUTO CONNECTION with a 2013 JAG Award for the profound impact they make, and have made, in our ministry each year since 2006. Thank you Forte's!! God bless you!!

PS: In addition to being outstanding mechanics, the Forte's also sell high-end Tige Wakeboarding Boats as well as pre-owned ski boats. So, if you are looking for a great trustworthy mechanic or a great sport's boat check out Forte's Inboard & Auto Connection on their website here: http://www.inboardconnection.com/

(ABOUT THE JAG AWARD: At our Annual Banquet each year GTD presents the JAG Award to the person and/or the organization that has significantly enabled our ministry to accomplish our mission. It is the highest award we present. JAG stands for "Jerry & Ann Garner" - the parents of Doug Garner whose love, support, sacrifice, and generosity enabled the establishment & growth of Going The Distance Adventure Ministry. This year 3 JAG Awards were given out at our Annual Banquet to 3 amazing recipients.)


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Tuesday, November 19, 2013

NHS Retreat Was GREAT!

We had a great team building retreat with the girl's basketball team from Naples High School this past weekend. Our thanks to Coach Daniella Rosset & Coach Monty Richards for the honor of hosting their team!! We loved watching their team work together & overcome challenges together. 


We had several first-time campers on the retreat. They learned how to set-up tents, assemble cots, and sleep in the great outdoors. We feel very honored & love being able to introduce people to outdoor adventures =)


Special thanks to some special people who did a FANTASTIC JOB working on our retreat this past weekend!! Ministry is a team event. Thank you Laurie Finger, Chris Korte, and Jessica Butler for your hard work, leadership, and servant-hood that made the NHS retreat a great success!!


Goooooooo Golden Eagles!!


You can check out over 500 pics from the retreat on the GTD Online Photo Album here


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Unleashing The Updates!

We still have several updates & announcements related to last week's Annual Banquet that we had to "put on the back burner" until we returned from our weekend retreat with Naples High School... we will be posting more about the newest JAG & MAD Award winners, new & free T-shirts, the poster board phrase winner, upcoming calendar of events, details about the funds raised, table sponsors & donor recognition, and more. Keep your eyes open for all of these updates over the next couple of days. We are so excited about what the Lord is doing. =)


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Monday, November 18, 2013

More Updates Coming This Week

We still have several updates & announcements related to last week's Annual Banquet that we had to "put on the back burner" until we returned from our weekend retreat with Naples High School... we will be posting more about the newest JAG & MAD Award winners, new & free T-shirts, the poster board phrase winner, upcoming calendar of events, details about the funds raised, table sponsors & donor recognition, and more. Keep your eyes open for all of these updates over the next couple of days. We are so excited about what the Lord is doing :)


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Sunday, November 17, 2013

NHS Retreat

We are hosting a retreat for Naples High School's girl's basketball team in Hudson. Another God-awesome time!!

Friday, November 15, 2013

Whirlwind Week!

Laurie Finger & I have a whirlwind week. Banquet a few days ago followed by a weekend team building retreat for the varsity girl's basketball team from Naples High School this weekend and I'm officiating the wedding for some dear friends while the retreat is going on... so we will be driving back & forth about an hour away. Pray for us to have good weather & that I don't mess up the wedding - LOL! Praise God for awesome volunteers!



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Yahoooooo!

Yahoooooo! Praise The Lord!! We did it!!! We raised just over $30,000!!! We surpassed our goal by $5000!!! Thank you generous donors, hard working volunteers, and wonderful guest speakers!! It was a special night! More info to come. Glory to God!!

Great job Laurie Finger at last night's banquet!! Thanks to her leadership GTD raised $30,000!! That's the most since 2007 and the 3rd most ever raised by GTD!! Glory to God!!


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Check Out The 2013 Highlight Videos!! (2 of 2)


This is our 2013 Costa Rica Missions Highlight Video that we showed at our Annual Banquet. Laurie did a GREAT job at making this video! Check out what God is doing down in CR thru GTD!! Enjoy =)


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Check Out The 2013 Highlight Videos!! (1 of 2)


WARNING! THIS VIDEO MAY MAKE YOU WANT TO JUMP OFF A BRIDGE!! In case you weren't able to make it to our banquet, here is 1 of 2 highlight videos we showed. This is what we do on GTD trips =).

You may recognize some familiar faces doing some crazy things =). Enjoy!


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FILL IN THE BLANK...

WHAT SHOULD THIS POSTER BOARD SAY???

Fill in the poster board with the best comment & win a free GTD T-Shirt!!

Rules: Keep it clean!

Contest ended Nov 12th at 6:30pm.

We will announce the winner very shortly.

Doug & Laurie picked the winner based on whatever criteria they wanted to!! LOL!

This picture was posted on the GTD Facebook Page, GTD Facebook Groups, and our personal Facebook accounts.

Thanks for playing =)

WHO WON THE GTD AWARDS?

Who received GTD's highest award this year????

Each year GTD hands out the JAG Award to the person or organization that has significantly enabled our ministry to accomplish our mission.

This year 3 JAG Awards were given out at our Annual Banquet to 3 amazing recipients.

Do you know who these wonderful people are? We will be posting their names very soon!

(JAG stands for Jerry & Ann Garner - the parents of Doug Garner whose love, support, sacrifice, and generosity enabled the establishment & growth of Going The Distance Adventure Ministry)


WHO WAS AWARDED GTD's "MAKING A DIFFERENCE" AWARD???

3 people were recognized this past Tues night for going above & beyond the call of duty to significantly assist GTD in the accomplishment of our mission.

It's a very small way for us to express our thanks to people who profoundly bless our ministry =). We will be posting their names very soon!


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SEVERAL TABLE SPONSOR & DONOR RECAPS!

We want to thank Mr & the future Mrs Dennis McCormick (Lindsay Galloway) for generously sponsoring a table at our upcoming Annual Banquet!! We are so excited about your upcoming wedding and so touched that you sponsored a table just days before your ceremony. Thank you so much!! We love you guys =)

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Thank you JC & Janessa Jannarone for your generous sponsorship of our Annual Banquet! Your friendship & faithful support of GTD over the years means so much to us! God bless you =)

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It's with great appreciation that we announce that the Kiwanis Club of Pinellas Park ALSO sponsored a table at our Annual Banquet!! This is the 5th consecutive year that they have sponsored a table. Thank you Kiwanis for your consistent, thoughtful, & generous support of GTD! God bless you!!

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Thank you Adam & Heather Zima of Quick Close Mortgage Services for sponsoring a table at the GTD Annual Banquet!! Thank you for your many years of volunteering and faithful support of this ministry. We love you guys! God bless you =)

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We are touched and honored to announce that we had another anonymous table sponsor for our fundraiser banquet. Thank you Mr & Mrs Anonymous for your generosity & support of GTD. We love you guys! God bless you <><

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Humbled, thankful, and excited to announce that GTD received a $500 donation (to go towards the $3500 Matching Gift Donation) from a donor who would like to stay anonymous. Thank you so much Anonymous Donor!! God bless you =)

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AND.... HERE'S A GREAT WAY TO SUPPORT GTD: Check with your company to see if they will match your donation to non-profit organizations. A few years ago we had a generous donor who donated $5000 to GTD and his company matched it so that the donation was doubled to $10,000!! That's powerful! Over 15,000 companies match donations... does yours?? It's a great way to support GTD!!


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HOW MUCH MONEY DOES IT TAKE TO RUN GTD???

WHY IS GTD TRYING TO RAISE $25,000???

Did you know that it takes $175,000 to run GTD each year?

We are happy to report that although GTD is a 501(c)(3) non-profit outdoor adventure ministry we DO NOT need to fund-raise for 100% of our annual budgetary needs like a lot of non-profit organizations have to do.

In fact, we don't need to fund-raise for 80%... or 60%... or 40% ...or 30%... or even 20%. The reality is that of the $175,000 it takes to run GTD each year we only need to fund-raise for about $30,000 of that. THAT IS A MERE 17% OF OUR ANNUAL BUDGET. The remaining 83% ($145,000) of our annual budget comes through all the hard work that goes into running 25-30 events each year.

We believe that the Lord has led us to be a program supported ministry instead of a donation dependent ministry. There is absolutely nothing wrong with any non-profit that is 100% donation dependent, but GTD is a unique non-profit that is able to generate humble revenues through our programs. In fact, our goal over the next few years is to be 100% program supported. That's not to say that we won't still need to receive donations, but rather that those donations will then be able to go towards the growth & expansion of GTD instead of simply sustaining us year-to-year. That's our goal, but we're not quite there yet. We still need to raise $30,000 each year.

Our goal for this year's Annual Banquet was to raise $25,000 of the $30,000 we need to raise over one year. We pray throughout the year for God to prompt the hearts of donors to sporadically donate the remaining $5,000.

We basically try to do all of our annual fund raising at one event, our Annual Banquet in November. That's why every October & November you see us asking people to support GTD by sponsoring banquet tables, making donations, and becoming monthly partners. And that's what we are asking you to consider doing as well.

We invite you to help support the work of GTD. You can still make a donation, and/or become a monthly partner by clicking on this link.

To learn more about GTD click here.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for your thoughtful consideration of donating to our cause. God bless you!


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Meet Ron & Brooke Cooney


Meet Brooke Cooney. She was one of our guest speakers at GTD's Annual Banquet. She is a mother and a foster parent with her husband Ron, a writer, leader, a Pastor's wife and good friend. Both her and her husband are great supporters of GTD and recently helped us to run GTD's annual trip to the Grand Canyon. Be sure to check out her blog by following this link! She is also a contributor to crosswalk.com and ibelieve.com.

I also want to introduce you to her husband Pastor Ron Conney who is also a great friend and supporter of GTD. He was our second guest speaker at the GTD Banquet. They are a dynamic team together. Both Ron and Brooke are recently published authors in a book called #criticalIssue, #absoluteAnswers (A Solution For Students). This link will take you to the blog Raise The Risk where both Ron and Brooke are contributors. Ron is the Adult Discipleship Pastor at Calvary Baptist in Clearwater, FL where he also has served as the Student Pastor prior to his current position.


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GTD GOES TRIBAL!

GTD GOES TRIBAL!! ...RANK THE LOGOS FROM BEST TO WORST!

Can you find the "G" "t" "D" in each logo below?? This year's "Limited Edition" GTD Logo revolves around the tribal artwork theme.

We want to hear from you! Tell us which one(s) you like and which one(s) you don't. Rank all 4 choices is order from your favorite to your least favorite (ex: 1,4,2,3).

You may just influence the next GTD T-Shirt =)


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TESTIMONIAL FROM A GTD PARTICIPANT...

The trip of a lifetime! ... I dont even know where to start. The trip was an adventure to say the least. We were on the go from daylight till past dark every day. We did everything from rock climbing, to rapelling, to backpacking, to sleeping in cocoons, to cooking over an open fire, to sliding down a waterfall, to cliff diving, to paintballing, to bathing in the river, to being totally swept away by the presence of God. There was never a dull moment. I was stretched in almost every way possible. There were moments of physical exertion, emotional pain, mental exhaustion, and spiritual growth. I was totally challenged in my walk with God. I guess you could say that the adventure trip is the new beginning of no end. Looking back the whole trip almost seems surreal. I overcame so much, experienced God in such a manner that I cant find words to explain it, and bonded with 20 amazing people I never knew existed before last week. I've never felt so alive before. For the first time in a long time I actually felt as though I was right where I was suppose to be! - Lindsey


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Alligator Farm Banquet Gift

Doug and I are so grateful to friends of GTD who helped donate items to our banquet! Our friends at The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park donated two awesome items. One was an Admission for (4) to the Alligator Farm (Valued at $91.80) and the second was (2) passes to go Zip Lining over all the Alligator Ponds (Valued at $60.00). Thanks John & Jen!!


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Monday, November 4, 2013

IGNITE SCHEDULED FOR DEC 6-8


IT'S OFFICIAL - IGNITE RETREAT SCHEDULED FOR DEC 6-8 AT WORD OF LIFE!!

Come join us for our annual fall camping retreat next month at Word of Life Camp in Hudson, FL.

Campfire, smores, outdoor activities, daily devotions, fellowship, and more. Great times with great people!!

Set aside the weekend for a God-awesome adventure!! ...more info to come.


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$1000 DONOR!!!

WE HAVE A $1000 ANONYMOUS DONOR!!! Special thanks goes out to the generous secret contributor who just made a $1000 donation towards GTD's Annual Fundraising Banquet!! God bless you for your support of this ministry!!

AND WITH OUR $3500 MATCHING GIFT FROM ANOTHER ANONYMOUS DONOR that $1000 gift instantly becomes $2000!!!

We are blessed beyond words to receive such generous donations from wonderful people!! Thank You Lord for moving the hearts of awesome people to support GTD!!

Our goal is $25,000. Click here for details & donation information.


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Our New Oven In Costa Rica

This oven is one of the items I was so thankful to have received this summer while being in Costa Rica....thanks Chris Atkins for delivering it to me!

It's a simple thing, but simple things tend to make things better.

Now I can bake food instead of frying it!

- Laurie


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Thank You Dana & Martha!!

TABLE SPONSOR ALERT!!

From the bottom of our hearts we want to thank Dana & Martha Ward for their table sponsorship at our upcoming Annual Banquet!!

We can't thank you enough for your support of GTD and and your constant encouragement!!

We love you!!

Thank you so much!

God bless you =)


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BIG NEWS ALERT!!!


BIG NEWS ALERT!!! 

WE HAVE AN ANONYMOUS DONOR THAT WILL MATCH DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR ALL DONATIONS TO GTD UP TO A TOTAL OF $3500!!!

THAT MEANS THAT FOR EVERY DOLLAR YOU DONATE THEY WILL MATCH IT UNTIL NOV 12th OR UNTIL WE HIT $3500!!!

IF YOU DONATE $50 THEN IT BECOMES $100!! IF YOU DONATE $1000 THEN IT BECOMES $2000!!

IN ADDITION, WE ARE SENDING OUT OUR NEW GTD T-SHIRTS WITH OUR "LIMITED EDITION" LOGO TO BE PRINTED. ANYONE DONATING $100 OR MORE WILL RECEIVE A FREE GTD T-SHIRT... OR ANYONE WHO PLEDGES $10 OR MORE PER MONTH FOR THE NEXT 12 MONTHS WILL ALSO RECEIVE OUR NEW GTD T-SHIRT!!

JUMP ON THE GTD DONATION BANDWAGON AND DOUBLE YOUR DONATION TODAY!! 

OUR GOAL IS TO RAISE $25,000 BY MIDNIGHT NOV 12, 2013. 

ALL DONATIONS WILL GO TO SUPPORTING THE MISSION OF GTD. 

GTD IS A NON-PROFIT 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATION SO YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE!!



WE WANT TO PROFOUNDLY THANK OUR ANONYMOUS DONOR FOR THEIR INCREDIBLE GENEROSITY & SUPPORT OF THIS MINISTRY!! GOD BLESS YOU!!


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Finalized!!


Just finalized the details for the GTD Banquet at the NEW VENUE LOCATION in LARGO!

Don't forget to RSVP (Nov 12th)! -Laurie


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CATERED BY CARRABBA'S


CATERED BY CARRABBA'S!!! ...DINNER FOR 8!!

That's one more reason to be a part of GTD's most important event of the year!!

Sponsor a table at our Annual Banquet and you'll get 8 seats at your personal table so you and your family & friends can enjoy an amazing Carrabba's dinner of 
- Chicken Marsala
- Penne Pasta w/ Pomodoro Sauce
- Salad
- Focaccia Bread



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Do I Hear $40???

We will auction off to this delicious Lizano's Salsa from Costa Rica to the highest bidder!!!

All proceeds will go to the GTD fundraiser banquet...those who have been to Costa Rica know exactly what this is.

We've got a big of $30....do I hear $40???


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TABLE SPONSOR ALERT!!

We have another Table Sponsor for GTD's Annual Banquet!!

Our deep appreciation and thanks goes out to the Williamson/Salgado family for their generosity and support of this ministry!!

God bless them!!


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DUG Starts 60 Day Workout

Up at 5am this morning knocking out Day 7 of my workout followed by some great time with God in prayer.

Started reading the book of Luke... looking fwd to focusing on the life of Christ as we head into the holidays.

"train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things" - 1 Timothy 4:7-8


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ANOTHER TABLE SPONSOR!!

Thank you so much JAG (Jerry & Ann Garner) for sponsoring 2 tables at this year's GTD Annual Banquet!!

Your constant support of this ministry blesses us beyond words.

We love you!!

Thank you!!


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Meet The Cooney's!!


Come be a part of GTD's Annual Banquet on Nov 12th at the Largo Cultural Center and get challenged by Pastor Ron & Brooke Cooney to raise the risk and live on the edge as you follow Christ.



(Nov 12; 6:30p-9p)


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Grand Canyon 2014


Grand Canyon 2014 sign-ups begin in November.


"Start Training For The Grand Canyon" 


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WHO IS JESUS?

WHO IS JESUS?

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross." - Colossians 1:15-20

HE'S... MY SAVIOR. MY LORD. MY BEST FRIEND. MY HERO.


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You're Invited!!



Please contact us to RSVP, to buy tickets, to donate, or to sponsor a table!



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TABLE SPONSOR ALERT!!


GTD wants to thank the Family Center on Deafness for being a Bronze Table Sponsor for this year's GTD Annual Banquet!! God bless you for your ongoing support of GTD!!

Interested In Sponsoring A Table This Year? Click here for details.


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