Abundance
John 10:10— I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
In just a few days, we will celebrate a special American holiday, Thanksgiving. Like many of you, I will spend hours preparing, cooking, serving, storing and cleaning up food. My memories of Thanksgiving have always included lots of food, family and traditions. The Thanksgiving table represents the bounty that we enjoy together with family and friends.
The history of this celebration began in 1621 when the first Plymouth colonists, together with the Wampanoag Indians, shared a feast to commemorate their new home, new friendships and a successful harvest. This cele- bration followed a year of harsh realities and challenging circumstances for the colonists. The feast was noted as a time of plenty, but the previous year had been anything but abundant. Yet, they celebrated. I wonder if it was because many of them came in search of a land where they could freely practice their faith. Despite the deep hardships they endured, the real abundance they possessed was in that freedom.
Today, many, many Americans live with a sufficiency that is not experienced by most people in the world and especially those early settlers, so it is difficult to relate to their experiences. But the abundance God provides is not found in earthly trimmings, possessions or our own sufficiency– it is found through faith in Christ. I pray that as you celebrate Thanksgiving this week, that you will know the abundant life that comes only through the harsh reality of the cross, and that you will share that feast with all whom you meet.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Lisa V Yerrick
Praises
For the 1,600+ volunteers serving weekly to share the Gospel with children.
For those who answer the call to be on mission with God in the Upstate through giving of resources and time.
For spiritual growth of the 312 children in GNCs who have made salvation decisions this Fall
Prayer Requests
For more children to choose a life of abundance through Jesus.
A time of rest and refocus for staff & volunteers.
That God provides church partnerships for the remaining schools which are in need of volunteers in order to conduct GNC.
