December 1, 2007
Dear Friends and Family,
Since our prayer letters are written several weeks before they are sent out, I am working on my December prayer letter in mid-November.
I'm about to head home for Thanksgiving. And I can't wait! Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. Who can have a problem with Thanksgiving? And yet, it seems like every year it is eclipsed by the rising popularity of Halloween (Booh!) and the holiday arc between Halloween and Christmas (Christmas music and gifts are all available right after Halloween).
Thanksgiving is a time both for giving thanks to God and for remembering those who suffer…from loneliness, alienation, poverty, etc. We see Christians and non-Christians alike sharing together in this spirit…sharing meals together, volunteering at local soup kitchens, and providing free Thanksgiving meals to take home to be enjoyed with family. Many of you have probably invited neighbors to your home, church goers you knew were apart from their families and refugees from other countries to share in Thanksgiving.
Remembering the poor is important, because otherwise our thanks can come across as thanksgiving for what we have, but for what others don't have.
We give thanks because everything is already God's. We are but stewards and caretakers of His resources. We are thankful for His provision. I even believe that a lot of what we have is meant for others. We are given gifts (education, resources) to share with others.
I remember a simulation game my sister Brage was introduced to at Bethel College. In every student was asked to take steps forward or backwards depending on how they answered. Students took steps forward who could answer affirmatively to the following types of questions, steps backwards if answering negatively.
Do you have safe drinking water?Are you able to drink water from the tap?Are you able to read?Do you have more 5 books in your house?Do you have three meals a day?Do you have more than 2 pairs of clothes?Does your house or apartment have heat?Do you have access to a physician?Are both your parents still living (as a college-aged student)?
Everyone there was able to take several steps forward, which made them be part of the “wealthiest” people in the world. It's not just the Gates and the Buffetts who are rich. We are all rich. Giving thanks for what we have has to be shared with remembering those who do not have.
Christmas is only a few weeks away. I am excited about this time as well. I am incredibly thankful to God because everything about Christ's time on Earth was purposeful. He could have come as an earthly king, but was born as a child vulnerable to the elements, to sickness, and especially being born among animals in a manger. Jesus' presence demonstrates climbing down the socio-economic ladder (not up) and placing Himself with the lowliest people in order to demonstrate His love and His compassion.
In both of these Seasons, I am incredibly thankful for you and us ministering hand in hand together in this important work. I have found fulfillment in this ministry and hope that your participation also brings you fulfillment. I think God's heart is with the poor and downtrodden and that we participate in His good work when we pursue this kind of justice and righteousness.
Since my last couple prayer letters, I have seen an increase in giving towards my support. Thank you SO much. However, I am still $350 short EACH month. Please prayerfully consider partnering with me in this ministry.
I am grateful for you and incredibly thankful for your presence in my life.
I love you,
Brent