The Official Newsletter of Kingdom Builders of Central New York
Dec 13, 2025 5:40 pm
Mission Statement:
Kingdom Builders ministry exists to serve homeowners in the greater Oneonta area by providing quality labor to address construction needs that they are unable to accomplish by their own means. Although the practical focus is on construction, the spiritual focus is on building relationships with those served, with the end goal of demonstrating the love of Christ through ministry.
December 2025
Embracing God's Will: A Season of Gratitude and Service
1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Wow! In all circumstances? Isn't that a challenging scripture as we face all of life's journeys? But I know that scripture is true, and I do believe doing so is God's will for me. This is the season that reminds us of all the blessings we have, as well as all the struggles. And through it all, we are to be thankful. The Apostle Paul reminds us in this letter and others to be thankful and count it pure joy when we face struggles. I know I need to be reminded of this, and I praise the Lord for it all, because I know that through it all I can grow and learn. I am so thankful for His grace and mercy for me and His relentless love for me. Without it, I would be just dust in the wind, floating around aimlessly.
We at Kingdom Builders are very thankful. This has been a VERY busy year full of blessings. We were able to bless many people and perform much-needed work to make their homes safe and comfortable. I wish you all could have "boots on the ground" in our projects. It is such a blessing to see our clients' relief as we finish up the work. We are honored to serve the Lord this way and surely give THANKS.
After over five years, we are now able to better plan, prioritize, and estimate our annual work. We have realized an average contribution flow monthly and annually, which allows us to commit to approximately six projects per year. We are booked, prioritized, and awaiting funding for 2026, and as we communicate schedules, we are accepting applications for 2027 and beyond, the Lord willing.
We finished part of a project for a man with physical challenges. His kitchen and dining room floor was in bad shape due to much dry rot to the floor joists and subfloor. We tore out the existing kitchen cabinets to repair the compromised subfloor and floor joists. We then installed all new subfloor and flooring. He was very thankful to be able to stand at his sink and at his refrigerator without fear of falling through the floor—a pleasure that most of us would not even think about.
We have other work to complete on this job, but due to weather, we are unable to complete it. In His time, it will all come together.
Andy Deforest and Bill Rogers
I Thessalonians 5:17 says “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” We have just come through the celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday. As we reflect on this passage of scripture, giving thanks is God’s will for our lives. While we live this life God has given us in Christ, we certainly have much to be thankful for. We all have opportunities ahead to share the goodness of God in our message, through our giftings and with our resources. I thank God for Kingdom Builders ministry and the giving hearts of all those involved. I think of the ten lepers in Luke 17 who were healed and only one came back to Jesus to give thanks! May we be as that one and not like the other nine.
Now as we look forward to celebrating Christmas and the birth of Christ, may we be thankful to God for giving us His Son. This time of year we give because of God’s gift of redemption. When I think of giving, it’s not giving because I have to…it’s because I want to. It’s not like we just pay the God “bill” like we have to pay the utility bill. It is so much more than that. We know that God blesses the giver and yet we don’t give just to get, but we give because of God’s great love for us and to extend that love to mankind. We are called to be a vessel for His blessings to flow through. Romans 12 speaks of different spiritual gifts of people in the church and one of those is the gift of giving. As we reflect on giving this time of year, remember we give because He gave. It is an honor to bless Him and to bless others.
II Corinthians 9:6-8 “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.” When we give to ministries like Kingdom Builders, we are blessing people in need. Be abundantly blessed and thankful to God for His love for us all.
Pastor Frank Mccracken, Board Member
PRAISE AND PRAYERS
Praise:
- Praise God for the profound gratitude and His relentless love.
- Praise God for Kingdom Builders' impactful work, bringing safety and relief.
- Praise God for Kingdom Builders' wise planning and future vision.
Prayers:
- Pray for sustained gratitude and growth through all challenges.
- Pray for Kingdom Builders' continued success, funding, and divine timing.
- Pray for God's guidance, provision, and strengthened partnerships for Kingdom Builders' future.
Applications Completed and in Process