The 2008 version of the Christian inspirational project “ConGRADulations” is out, and this year’s DVD includes a message from Bethany Hamilton, a surfing wunderkind whose arm was bitten off by a shark in 2003.
Hamilton continues to surf competitively (she’s currently ranked in the top 10 in the World Qualifying Series) and graduated from high school this May. She talks about the importance of perseverance and setting goals, and she gives kudos to her youth pastor for the example he set for her.
“I use my gift of surfing to show people you can do anything if you set your mind to it,” says Hamilton. As for the future, she says, “I plan to travel the world and compete in surfing; for now, I’m going to play it day by day and see what God brings to me.”
The full package also includes a documentary of Hamilton’s life, called Heart of a Soul Surfer. The DVD includes video reports from past ConGRADulations projects, and the CD boasts music from Switchfoot, TobyMac, Relient K, Flyleaf, Leeland, Family Force 5, Stellar Kart and others.
The 2008 ConGRADulations gift pack also includes a 48-page booklet filled with song lyrics, quotes from featured graduates and a customizable space for personal notes and gift cards. Recipients also are encouraged to log on to grad2008.com, which has an online devotional journal, Bible and links to several college and young adult ministries.
“We believe this is more than a gift,” says Allen Weed, president of Interlinc, which produces ConGRADulations. “It serves as a tool to celebrate an important life milestone and to provide a lifeline as grads jump into this pivotal transition.”
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