Giving Thanks

What are you thankful for?

God’s grace, my family, friends, a great education, my camera and coffee to name a few… – Jessica B.

I’m really thankful to God for friendships ! This year has been a year of making many new friends and reconnecting with old ones! – Rebecca M.

I’m thankful for God’s faithfulness and his new mercies every morning! – Lillian F.

Pumpkins. Even if they taste differently in America and Asia. – Lizzy G.

Thankful for family, a new bathroom, good health and still having my parents and husband’s parents! – Ann C.

I am thankful for fall colors they make me come alive. – Nicole L.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hosting Your Own Thanksgiving Party

In the most recent issue, there was an article on using Thanksgiving for evangelism. It gave tips on everything from who to invite to what to make. I’m curious, did any of you take a step of faith and decide to host a party after reading it?

 

If weren’t planning on it, there’s still time! Check out the November issue to get lots of ideas and also read this article for even more. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to share Jesus with your friends!

Thankful

Are you thankful for your Christian brothers and sisters? It can be hard to be thankful for them sometimes, especially the ones in your home country because they’re often so different from you. If you struggle to appreciate the Christians you meet when you’re home on furlough in the States (or wherever your home country is), consider the following:

Many of the Christians you’ll meet have not ever left the US. They don’t know what life in another country is like nor can they comprehend what having several different homes is like. One thing that you have in common is Christ. If you can’t find anything else to talk about, tell the person how God is working in your life or how He has in the past.

They’re doing their best to relate to you. Even though they can’t understand what it’s like to be an mk, they want to be a friend. Take time to listen to what they have to say and get to know them a bit. You can share with them some about your experiences as a missionary kid, but remember to listen, too.

The Christians you interact with could be supporters of your family both through prayer and finances. If you get a chance, thank them for their generosity and share with them how God is using their money and time to further His kingdom wherever you work.

Next time you have a hard time being thankful for the people God has placed around you, remember these tips and consider how you can be a blessing to others!

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. -Philippians 1:3-6

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Written by Jessica B.

Responding to God’s Provision

What do you do when God provides for you? If you’re like me, you probably get excited, thank Him, and then forget about it. But that’s not how He wants us to react. Well, then what does He want us to do? Psalm 105 tells exactly what to do.

In the first verse there’s already three things: give thanks, call upon God’s name, and make known His deeds. What next? Verse two says we are to sing praises to Him and, again, tell others about His works. Verse 4 says we are to seek His presence and strength continually. Verse 5 says we are to remember. And finally, verse 45 says we are to praise Him.

Let’s review:

1. Give thanks — write God a letter or a song telling Him how thankful you are

2. Call upon God’s name — continue to tell God about your need and call upon Him in time of need

3. Make known His deeds — tell all your friends and family about what God has done for you.

4. Sing praises to Him — change up your quiet time and think of a special way to praise God

5. Tell others about His works — Share with other MK girls what God has done in your life by writing us at notofthisworld.r2@gmail.com

6. Seek His presence and strength continually — pray all day long and turn to your Bible in time of need. Tell Him when you get a good grade on your test, when your friend hurts you, when you’re thankful for His love, when you need comfort, etc.

7. Remember — don’t forget about what God does for you. Remember how He has been faithful to you and don’t let go of that. the verse also says to remember His judgments. Don’t forget God’s instruction and learn from His loving correction.

8. Praise Him — again, praise God for taking care of you and providing for you. Don’t say thanks and move on; really let Him know how thankful you are!

Take a minute and read Psalm 105. Then, make a list of all the ways God has provided for you this year and thank Him and praise Him for what He has done for you.

 

 

*Reprinted from Not of this World’s Facebook fan page.

I’m thankful…

“…for MKs with a vision to impact their world and they are!” -Donna K.

“….that God is sovereign and that He can help me to be helpless. He makes me feel weak and proud when I feel like I know everything and then I am forced to pray.” -Travis C.

“…that my God is AMAZINGLY powerful and mighty and knows what’s good for me, even when I think I know better.” -Amanda C.

“…for my cousins Josh and Jake who are headed over to fight the war in Iraq to keep me safe!” -Anna Kate

“…for creativity and wild dreams!” -Courtney R.

“…for a baby BOY who’s kicking me all the time!” -Michelle D.

“….for health and family!” -Melissa K.

“…for weekends, family, food, God, promises, school prayer groups, my drama teacher, and my friends.” -Melissa R.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!”            -Psalm 107:1

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving Evangelism

Thanksgiving is a great evangelistic tool! Whether you have lots of friends from your country or just a few take a step of faith and invite them over for a little Thanksgiving party. They’ll love the English practice (or you can do it in their language if you speak it well enough) and you can get into some great discussions. Here are some tips to make it a Thanksgiving they’ll never forget:

Food Make some of your favorite Thanksgiving day foods. Go through each food and explain it to them. Don’t worry if they don’t like it; they’ll still enjoy learning about it and trying it.

Games There are lots of fun games you could play with Thanksgiving words. Try teaching them some words and then play bingo with them. Use candy corn for bingo-markers. Or play pictionary, but instead of using generic words, draw what you’re thankful for this year. The possibilities are endless; get creative!

History Briefly explain the story of where the holiday originated. This could lead to some great discussion!

It might sound kind of scary, but be courageous and take a leap of faith. Just remember to talk slowly (if it’s in English) and have fun! Most importantly, seek God and He’ll bless your efforts!

yum! :)

Thanksgiving is just around the corner! What’s your favorite thanksgiving day food?