Thanksgiving In India

 


Thanksgiving In India

It was November 25th, 2010, and the Tesseneers (our missionary friends to India) and our Indian friend were wonderful hosts!

Thanksgiving looked different for us that year.

->We weren’t around blood family (and we missed them), but we were around God’s family!

->We didn’t have turkey, but we had food!

->We weren’t in America, but we were in India!

I am reminded of 3 points to chew on as I think about that Thanksgiving Day 8 years ago:

I. To REJOICE!

We rejoiced to see the mission-field of India where God was and still is doing a great work. We were honored to rejoice in God's goodness with our missionary friends and newly found Indian friends. We enjoyed BBQ-ed Chicken roasted over the fire. We prayed together, sang together and enjoyed great fellowship in the Bible College's Living Quarters.



->Take a moment to look around at all that you have-your friends and family, your material possessions and even the money you may have in your pocket. God has been good!

Now, take a moment and think about the greatest gift you ever received - salvation through Jesus Christ! Rejoice in eternal life, and if you can’t, please reach out for more information about Jesus Christ and eternal life.

II. To REST!

In India, pace slowed down. We called it "India Time." You may know it as, "Island Time" etc, but and either way, you can allow for some "India Time" in your life right now...in fact, it may be really good for you!

Many of you have been laboring extremely hard to provide for your family. You've been swamped. Take this holiday weekend to kick back and rest, enjoy each other and take in all the blessings. Remember, God created rest for a purpose. Take it. Having been the hard worker you are-enjoy it. I completely understand how hard it may be to slow down from the normal schedule (and especially since we tend to be busy in different ways during AMERICAN holidays), but you must rest!

The greatest rest we can ever have is the rest we find in Jesus Christ! Remember this rest, take your cares to Him and accept the peace only He can deliver during chaos.

III. To RENEW!

We came home from India shortly after Thanksgiving that year. Though we were extremely tired and completely impacted by jet lag, we were renewed with desire to live for God and encouraged by friends. The welcome our family gave to us was very sweet.

I believe you can find renewal through the rejoicing and rest of this Thanksgiving season. Please determine to kick next Monday off with a renewed state of mind...desire...and love for all things God, your family and friends, and last-life in general!

God bless you, and always remember-we are Blessed Beyond Measure because of Christ!

You are loved and prayed for,

Pastor Justyn Smith

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