Why Did You Do That? – How God Answer That Question

Why did you do that?

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesian 2:10

“Look at that mess! Why did you do that?”

How many times did you hear that as a child? If you parented a child, how many times have you asked that? The answer is almost universal: “I dunno”, accompanied by a shoulder shrug.

What if the angels in Heaven pointed to you as they looked to our Creator and said, “Look at that mess! Why did you do that?”

God would say something like, “I created them to have a loving relationship between them and Me. ‘They will be my people, and I will be their God'” (Jeremiah 32:38).

Even though we mess up our lives and our relationship with God through our sin, God loves us. Just a few verses before we read that we are His workmanship and that we were created for the good works He had already planned, the Apostle Paul points out that God is so rich in mercy because His love for us is so great. This is an amazing truth that we should all dwell on.

Over the years, The Tide ministry has shared the Good News of God’s love, ie, the Gospel, with countless people. If you asked us, “Why did you do that?” we would say, “Because people deserve to hear about Jesus’ love and mercy, and He deserves to receive their worship”.

Executive Director Don Shenk gave us a powerful illustration using hubcaps.

A hubcap is simply a cover which conceals everything that is required to keep the wheel attached to the vehicle, behind are essential parts needed to keep the vehicle rolling forward. The Tide ministry is the hubcap. Behind it s a multitude of people all working together to build His Kingdom in the hearts of people around the world. board members and staff are part of the inner workings. But they are not the only parts. They are donors who give generously to fund ministry, volunteers who serve in a variety of capacities, prayer partners who diligently lift the ministry up, and indigenous partners.

As we prepare for our 80th Anniversary Celebration Dinner and our milestone vision, The Tide Forward, we want to invite you once again to be part of it. The event isn’t just about looking back. It’s about acknowledging you and the crucial role you play in The Tide ministry, and then looking to God for how and where we share the life-transforming message of the Gospel to as many people as possible. Whether your contribution is finances, prayer, participation in events and fundraisers, volunteering, or sharing about The Tide with others,  you keep The Tide moving forward. We are grateful for you, and for you choosing The Tide ministry as the vehicle through which you build God’s Kingdom around the world.

One line from our namesake hymn is “let the Gospel tide roll in.” Thank you for the important part you play in keeping the gospel message rolling forward through The Tide ministry.

Register to attend in person.

Register to watch the livestream.

80th Anniversary Celebration FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does it cost?
A: The event and meal are free.

Q: Will I be forced or guilted into signing up for anything or giving money?
A: Absolutely not. There will be a free-will offering with an invitation to give a gift to the work of the ministry. We trust God to fund the ministry through cheerful givers.

Q: Will I be asked to purchase anything?
A: There will be no opportunity to purchase anything. The Tide ministry does not sell anything.

Q: Do we have to RSVP or can we drop in?
A: Reservations are necessary so that we can plan for seating and for the meal.

Q: When do I need to RSVP by?
A: Ideally, October 6. We need to submit a headcount to the caterer by the end of the week.

Q: How should we dress?
A: Most will be wearing their Sunday best or business casual. Some will wear a suit and tie/dress. It is a “dress up” event. But we are not going to turn anyone away or shame them. We do ask that no recreational clothes such as leggings, shorts, joggers, tank tops, etc. be worn.

Q: Can we choose who we sit with?
A: Just let us know who you want to sit with, and we will do our very best to sit you with your family or friends.

Q: Are children welcome?
A: Children are welcome! Please keep in mind that there is not a separate space to take them if they become restless throughout the evening. Please include the child(ren)’s age(s) in the registration so we can inform the caterers.

Q: Is this like a church service?
A: It’s not, but it will be focused on God. There will be a quartet, a meal, and a historical look at what God has done, and a look to the future of The Tide ministry. 

Q: Will this be “preachy”?
A: There won’t be a sermon or a long speech. We will celebrate God and the amazing love He has for everyone.

Q: If I can’t come, do I just miss out on this?
A: We will also livestream the event. You can sign up to get the link for the livestream by clicking here.