Thanksgiving

Amsterdam was such a great time for our family. It was a great change of scenery, and fun to see a new culture. We had a fantastic time, and even had the chance shared Christ with people on the local trains. Touring Corrie Ten Boom's home was a highlight, climbing into the hiding place and seeing the sign in the window that was to warn of Nazis, it was just like being there 60 almost 70 years ago. Then we went to Anne Frank's house, which was an experience. We even managed to go to Hard Rock Cafe, and Burger King (neither exist in Belgium) while there fun little reminders of home. Man, was that Whopper GOOD!!! Plus, food prices were FANTASTIC compared with Belgium, half price, even when eating out. What an unexpected blessing!!!

We jumped right back into ministry in Brussels, when we returned, which was terrific. One of the mom's from the kid's school that Heather and Brian have been getting to know and praying for is interested in starting a weekly get together time. We are planning to get this off the ground, Lord willing. But it looks like we'll be able to take turns hosting this small group. So this is a fantastic opportunity to have real time with these ladies. Pray that this might turn into an opportunity to share and live Christ with these ladies, as well as becoming a whole family thing with their husbands and children joining in.

After that great news, this past Monday we got devistating news. The daughter of our boss was killed in a house fire in Mississippi. A few hours later, it was discovered that she was murdered, by two acquaintences. Super Super Sad!! We tell you so that you can pray, and just know that all of us "Ms" are feeling this deeply with Ron and Renee, and it's not an easy time. The perpetrators have been put in custody and are having a quick trial. Her husband, Kenneth, is struggling with all of this. Pray for him, her sister, Karen, and all of the family and all of her friends. She was a well loved, respected, out-going 2nd grade public school teacher. Ron is going to be speaking at her memorial service on Sunday which is sure to be super difficult for him. Please lift him up, and all those that come. Pray that the Lord would work in the hearts of those present and draw them to themselves.

The rest of our team will be having a Thanksgiving meal together tomorrow night, orginally thought to be a time of great celebrating together will be significantly altered now. Pray that we can still rejoice for all of the many, many blessing the Lord has given to all of us this past year and throughout our lives.

In his 1863 Thanksgivng Day Proclamation speech, Abraham Lincoln said,

"The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God...
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.
I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens."

This Thanksgiving, may none of us forget where these many blessings come, and may our hearts be turned to praise again!


Happy Thanksgiving!