Goodness gracious! We are grateful!

As I sat down to write to you my first thought was, “Lord, I need help!” I immediately realized that this has been my prayer most days since the birth of Beacon People in March of 2015. Yes! Can you believe it? Beacon People is just barely 1 1/2 years old. I have seen how God has helped us and has done amazing things in our midst and I want to share some of these things with you.

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect back on His goodness and provision for Beacon People, as well as extend gratefulness to YOU. If you are receiving this email that means you have been a part of this movement of inspiring people to find their higher God-given purpose in life - thank you.

Here’s what’s happened with Beacon People in a nutshell…

Beacon People has a presence in 5 cities all over the southeast. These include Birmingham, Chattanooga, Montgomery, Tupelo and Nashville. What does this mean? This means that there is a representative of Beacon People in that city to lead Beacon Gatherings or answer questions and be the “go to” person for those who are interested in Beacon People or pathFinder groups.

pathFinder has gone global! Thankfully we have been able to get an eBook version of the book to make it available to people all over the world! Right now, we know of people in the following countries who are finding higher purpose through pathFinder - Italy, Australia, France, Netherlands, Myanmar. I am in close touch with these people to encourage them and assist with any cultural differences that may bring challenges. We have a world map and there are pins stuck in each of these countries. Looking forward to seeing what pins will go in next!

Big news from Beacon People Italy! Did you know there was such a thing? They now have their own logo and a weekly Skype meeting of 19 women who are praying together for their country. They are shining and believing that God is going to bring revival in their country. We have a team of state side women who are there for Beacon People Italy. They encourage with Scripture, prayers and words through email and texts. Wow! Just wow! You will want to watch this one!

For those creatives in Birmingham who have missional dreams and purposes for their artwork/business we held our first Pop Up for Purpose Shop in October. Over 300 people came and shopped but more importantly they witnessed inspiring stories in the flesh of these vendors. Another Pop Up for Purpose is planned for this spring. I dream of these in other cities to help these vendors keep costs down without having to sell retail. Their amazing products represent a platform they have for kingdom building.

The new pathFinder book was released in September ’16. There have been over 200 hundred books sold all over the US. As fall groups are finishing up we are getting such positive feedback of people who are connecting their God-given passions and gifting with the kingdom of God on earth. Their passion has been ignited and they are now out there making a difference in the world and in their everyday life. Discussion Guide now available as well!

Our Beacon People merchandise line has been a huge success. There are people walking around everywhere with #befree t-shirts on. Many have had people stop and ask them what this means. It’s a perfect opportunity to share the gospel. (John 8:36 - If the Son has set you free you will be free indeed!) We now have shirts for kids that say “Be the Beacon”. You can’t start ‘em too early with the message of, “Shine your light!”

Beacon People has had a presence at many events as we have been invited to share our vision of how to encourage people to make a difference in the world right where they are. I have had opportunity to share a message of purposeful living and we have a cool set up of a Beacon People table with volunteers who are beaming with purpose. We sell pathFinders and shirts and hand out pens that say “Be Free!” Thank you to those who have volunteered to stand behind tables with a contagious smile representing us!

Beacon People is releasing another book spring ’17 called Second Stories. It is a collaborative project with a ministry here in Birmingham called Second Story. This will be a coffee table book with very short stories of 50 women who are finding hope in God’s redemptive plan for their lives. Its a collective of visual images and words representing each woman. You won’t want to miss this! God willing this will be available for Mother’s Day for gifts. Dawn Curtis and Michaela Quan (our intern) have done a fantastic job on this book. It's so cool watching gifts come together on a project. This will make a wonderful gift for all the favorite women in your life!

Lastly Beacon People is out there cheering others on in their callings. This might be my favorite thing of all! As city leaders we are able to encourage those who have heard a call and are pursuing big things for God and His kingdom. It’s so cool to be able to watch on social media as they progress and grow. We love sharing a cup of coffee or a meal together to hear about what God is doing and spur them on to complete dependence on Him for the amazing work He has given them to do. We call this Team Beacon. Truly, 2 are better than one!

So, what’s ahead you might be asking? My answer? I have no idea. No, really! Many times you get a newsletter like this and you see well laid out plans for the future. Well, I told someone last night that I just take one day at a time asking God to show us where the need is for the hope that He has given us. One day at a time, one soul at a time, one city at a time and nothing more. God can change the world through each one of us reaching just one more. May that be our continued vision at Beacon People. If God has given you a light then shine it for all to see, but first we must help people find that light…Jesus. This message of higher purpose seems to be a longing that so many have. May we at Beacon People be a conduit of hope and purpose.

Now you clearly see how much we at Beacon People have to be grateful for this year. You are on our list of things for which we are thankful this year.

Keep shining,

Anna Nash

God has graciously provided for the day to day operations of Beacon People and we trust that He will be faithful and will continue. This time of year people are looking for places to give. If you have been blessed by Beacon People or if you believe in the call, would you be willing to contribute to the cause of Beacon People in the coming year? With the rapid growth, there is rapid need. Thankfully we are a 501(c)(3) and are able to get you a receipt for any donation. Humbled and grateful for any who give, please click the banner below.