Dear Friends,
If you live in Germany Thanksgiving was celebrated on October 4 this year. If you live in Canada Thanksgiving was celebrated on October 12. And if you live in the USA you will be celebrating on November 26! Over the years our Thanksgiving observance has evolved from a day of celebration to a SEASON OF CELEBRATION, which is probably more in line with the biblical mandate of “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything”. (Eph. 5:20) ALWAYS. REALLY! “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (2 Thess. 5:16-18) Most of us are probably struggling with that this year – 2020 - marked by the ongoing threat of a dangerous pandemic, political unrest, and all the various ways we have been personally affected by current events. As difficult as it may be, giving thanks is one of the most effective practices we can exercise in the face of fear, uncertainty and hardship.
Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most
High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you
and you will honor me…He who sacrifices thank offerings
honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show
him the salvation of God. Psalm 50:14,15,23
Practicing mindful and willful thanksgiving takes our eyes off of the fear, uncertainty and hardship that consume our minds and hearts, to focus on our abundance, blessings and hope – and the One who is the faithful source of all that we are and have.
We asked you to pray for an exciting location possibility for our church in Cologne. As promising as it looked, it didn’t work out. However, we are thankful for the ongoing use of the location we presently meet in. We are thankful for our wonderful church family during this ongoing time of uncertainty and restrictions – for their faithfulness, encouragement and fellowship. We are thankful for God’s protection from harm and sickness as we traveled extensively, internationally and domestically. We are thankful for precious time with family that we haven’t seen for years. We are thankful for encouraging meetings with supporters and churches in New Jersey, Illinois and Wisconsin.
We are thankful for three people who put their trust in Christ. While in Chicago visiting dear German friends, we took part in a Thursday evening Alpha course that they were hosting on Zoom. It was a joyful and exciting experience. We prayed for them as they met on the following Saturday over an extended time, where participants were challenged to put their trust in Christ. What a joy it was for us to hear later that 3 people accepted the Lord. We are thankful that God continues to work, undertake and provide.
And so, we are thankful for you, dear friends – for your witness, your example, your encouragement in word and deed, for your prayers of petition, and for your financial support. Let us know what sacrifices of thanksgiving you are offering up to the Lord!
Thankfully,
Jason and Sue
PS: SAVE THE DATE! December 5, 2020 at 12:00 EST (11 central, 10 mountain, 9 pacific) live zoom with Jason and Sue! All our supporters and friends are invited to hear what God is up to in our lives and ministry in Germany. We'll have some short interviews with those we minister to/with. Q&A, prayer requests and points of praise. Please join us! Here is the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81916449657
