Giving thanks is obviously not a seasonal thing, but Thanksgiving only comes once a year. And in light of this Thanksgiving, I want to offer thanks for a couple of things for which I am especially thankful.
First of all, I am very thankful for the trip to the holy land you gave me and Marilyn for fifty years of ministry at CCC. As I’ve said before, it was an absolutely amazing trip. I don’t know how it could have been any better, and I trust I’ll be sharing our experiences and the insights we gained for years to come. But as thankful as I am for the opportunity to go there, I am even more thankful that we got home when we did. Jesus said we shouldn’t be frightened when hearing of wars and rumors of wars, but I am certainly grateful we weren’t there when the current war broke out.
The next thing for which I am especially thankful is your giving that has made it possible for us to send special gifts to the missions we support. It has long been our desire to send 25% of the tithes and offerings we receive to missions, and we plan our financial projections accordingly. Your giving, however, has exceeded our expectations for the past several years.
In 2020 we were able to send an additional $10,000 to Haiti to help build a septic system for the school. In 2021 we sent $5,000 to Ati for water treatment systems after learning she was continuing the work of Asian Christian Mission, and an extra $5,000 to Haiti for earthquake relief. Last year we sent Ati $8,000 so she could send fifty students for extensive training to evangelize in their home villages. And just last month we sent Ati $10,000 for more water treatment systems, to provide for more evangelists in Jerwang villages, and to secure teaching material needed for Sunday Schools and youth programs. And we sent $5,000 to Casas por Cristo to help build a facility that will enable them to more efficiently build homes for poor Christians in Guatemala.
As I said, I am very thankful. I am thankful for you, and I am thankful for the privilege of serving in such a loving and giving congregation.
God Bless, Rick
Chatham Christian Church 