THOUGHTS FOR THANKSGIVING

Carol and I returned Saturday from a wonderful trip to Brazil.  We had a chance to see the youth ministry of the Joy Foundation and get some quality time with friends.   It was good to back in the land I love as my second home.  Speaking Portuguese was fun but I have to admit I’m rusty!

As I reflect on that time I see so many things to be thankful for at this Thanksgiving time.  First, I’m thankful for friends, both old and new.  This has been a good year for me as I’ve developed new friendship at the church.  I’m thankful for those relationships that have encouraged me to grow in love with my Lord and with His people.  Second, I’m thankful for joy!  I told Carol the other day, “I’m really happy to be home.”  My friend Walter has been through a rough three years financially there in Brazil.  He shared with me one of the things he’s learned through this trial is, in Christ there is joy no matter what the circumstances.  Third, I’m thankful for answers to prayer.  Our missioner friends, Edgie and Kathy, came home for a retirement celebration with Kathy’s father who had served for many years as Canadian director for Young Life.  The activity was to take place in Vancouver, Canada, and Edgie, as a Brazilian couldn’t get a visa in time.  We prayed while we were together in Brazil and believed by faith, Edgie would get his visa.  It wasn’t issued in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and it wasn’t issued in Seattle, Washington although applications were complete and all in order.  However, the day before the celebration, a Canadian board agent had compassion on Edgie and gave him a visa not just for the day but for the entire time he would be staying in the USA!  Thus he was able to go back and forth and help with the move from the office in Canada.

I trust as you read this you’ll be encouraged to count your blessings and give thanks to Him.  There are opportunities for you to celebrate this special season with us at the church so don’t miss the community Thanksgiving service at the Eagle Rock Baptist Church tonight and be with us Thursday night as we celebrate with our needy friends who come to the church for their Thanksgiving meal.   I’ll look forward to seeing you then.          Pastor Marv