Thankful Thursday 2017
Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him; sing praises to him, tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!
1 Chronicles 16:8–10
Every year for Thanksgiving we would read Barbara Rainey’s book, Thanksgiving: A Time to Remember, and then spend some time writing down and sharing what each of us was thankful for over the last year. We have a folder filled with these written blessings back in the States. If you’ve never done this I would encourage you to make it part of your celebration today.
Kenya doesn’t celebrate our American holiday. Nor do our fellow staff members from Canada, England, Brazil and other parts of the world. So Thursday is another day of school here – in fact, it’s the last day of Final Exams before departure day on Saturday. But it’s not like the holiday goes by completely unnoticed – RVA is an American school after all. Lunch in the Cafo after the baptism service last Sunday consisted of turkey, potatoes and gravy, stuffing, and pumpkin pie for dessert! I’m sure a few American families will gather together today for small celebrations. And yes, a few will be up late watching NFL football – even here in Africa! Kenya kickoff for the Vikings and Lions is at 8:30 pm.
We left our Thanksgiving book in the States, but we can carry on our tradition of reflecting on God’s character and provision for us over the last year. Here are a few from our family we’ll leave with you as we pray you have a very blessed Thanksgiving!
We Thank God for:
- Not treating us as our sins deserve
- His provision through so many of you to be able to serve here in Kenya
- Fabulous family and friends
- Jesus Christ
- Christmas music
- Coffee
- Ministry as chaplain and nurse and the team we work with
- RVA – has helped me to grow in my relationship with God and more
- The Cross
- The Bible
- Piano
- Basketball
- Praying people
- Beauty of creation
- You!