A thank you list for 2024
I have so much to be thankful for this year.
Despite many work challenges associated with helping to manage through and communicate about six oceanfront house collapses and a contaminated beach, I can confidently say that 2024 was the best year of my life. I have so much to be thankful for this year.
My Thank You List for 2024
Jesus Christ
Thank you, Jesus. You did not give up on trying to get my attention. After 48 years at an arm’s length, I am all in for You. Looking forward to many more years of learning through prayer, church, books, and a weekly study group.
Nags Head Church
When I entered Nags Head Church for the first time this February, it was like a dark cloud over me had lifted. Since that time, I have attended regularly and met a lot of wonderful Christians. Additionally, my five-year-old daughter thoroughly enjoys the children’s ministry program on Sunday mornings.
Nathanael Stevens, Lead Pastor, Nags Head Church
Thank you, Pastor Nathanael, for checking on my spiritual health while I was in the midst of dealing with a total of three house collapses in four days. It was needed and appreciated. Also, thank you for performing my ocean baptism this summer. Your sermons consistently hit home and challenge listeners to become better people by aspiring to be like Jesus.
Ramon Sanchez, Youth Pastor, Nags Head Church
Thank you, Pastor Ramon, for leading a parenting class earlier this year, and for baptizing my wife in the ocean this summer. When you have led sermons, they have been upbeat and inspiring.
Luke Culley, Music Leader, Nags Head Church
While I don’t know if “Music Leader” is Luke’s official title at Nags Head Church, I do know that God has given him incredible talents which he shares each Sunday with appreciative church attendees.
Scott and Lori Williams, Northeast North Carolina AD & Operations Director, Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Scott and Lori are difference makers for their work to engage, equip, and empower the next generation of Christians through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes ministry.
Wanchese Christian Academy
My daughter is thriving while learning the Abeka school curriculum and lifted up by encouraging students of all ages at the school.
Ioane Timoteo
You can spot “Timo” carrying the Team Jesus flag in various locations on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Usually, my daughter and I see him at the corner of a somewhat busy intersection on the way to her school. When we’re lucky enough to be stopped at the traffic light, we open the windows and speak to him. His primary message to my daughter is simple: Jesus loves you.
My full-time job
I wouldn’t be able to help pay the family bills without my full-time job as a public communicator. The year has been challenging and rewarding. Staying busy makes the day seem to go by faster, so it’s a good fit.
My part-time job
My part-time job as a tennis instructor has helped me raise funds for various donations throughout the year. You can find out which organizations I have donated to by visiting my personal website at www.mikebarber.life.
Positivity Place
I created Positivity Place several months ago in an effort to counteract all the negativity that we see on social media and other places. Money that is earned through paid subscriptions to the Positivity Place newsletter and through my tennis lessons are almost entirely donated to Christian non-profit organizations. In 2025, I have plans to grow Positivity Place’s positive impact.
While it will be hard to top 2024, I look forward to what’s to come in 2025.
Happy New Year!
—Mike Barber
You thrill me, LORD, with all You have done for me! I sing for joy because of what You have done.
Psalm 92:4