On December 11, 1620 the pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock. The winter that they were about to enter proved to be a brutal one. One year later, 46 of the original 102 had died. But Governor William Bradford saw God’s providential hand of blessing through an abundant harvest and declared a Thanksgiving feast.

There were several other days of Thanksgiving by those early settlers, but it wasn’t until 1789 that George Washington mandated a national holiday of Thanksgiving. Ever since, we Americans have observed a special day of thanksgiving and prayer to God.

Why the history lesson? Because just as those early pilgrims and colonists recognized God’s sovereign hand in the midst of both blessing and hardship, we too must recognized God’s work. God is always at work and always doing amazing things. Consider today for example:

Today, we drove over to the Day’s Inn in town where evacuees and relief workers are living. We had free reign of the kitchen and all of the supplies. Turkeys and hams were cooked, mashed potatoes made, and pies cut ready to be served. In all, 60-70 people were served Thanksgiving dinner – some the first holiday since they lost everything in the hurricanes. The gospel was given to them both in “preaching” form and in gospel literature. Bibles were handed out as well. Oh, and today we were able to announce that we would be starting a Bible Study this Sunday in using the Day’s Inn conference room.

How is all of this possible? Because God is at work! Anouk and I are constantly amazed at how God is working and putting all the details into place. We are thankful that we can be down here in Louisiana on Thanksgiving Day (partly because it is 75 degrees outside!). We want all of our supporters to know that we are thankful for their prayers and financial support as we serve here.

Praise be to God . . . He is good.