The Joy of Expressing Gratitude

​This past Sunday as I was picking up my Bible from the front row to head out of the sanctuary, I noticed a folded up piece of lined paper with

written on the top. Since I was in a conversation I placed the note in my pocket and continued to say “good-bye” to the precious people from First Baptist Church at Lake Placid who had hosted us the preceding five days. Cindy and I had a tremendous experience with this Body of Believers who welcomed us so warmly.
 
Later that day, when I had turned the driving over to Cindy, I pulled out this folded, hand written letter. It was from a young college student who only attended about an hour of the training. She is working full-time and is also enrolled with an online University for her bachelor’s degree, specializing in Life Coaching.
 
She wanted to thank me for the encouragement I had given her regarding her field of study. It couldn’t have been more than a few moments, but it apparently breathed some life into her soul. She explained that when she tells people about her degree most people ask, “Well what are you going to do?” or  “What does that get you in life?”
 
She went on to share how much she appreciated Cindy and me investing in the people of her church, for the love we displayed and the teachings we shared with them. Needless to say,
 
I was stunned that a twenty-something would take the time to write a note to a complete stranger and pour out her gratitude for our brief words of encouragement to her and for our investment of time and resources in her church.
 
During the last three and a half years, Cindy and I have had the privilege of traveling around the world, sharing with a kaleidoscope of God’s people what it means to be a disciple and, as a result, a disciple-maker.
 
It is a humbling experience to hear their stories of trials and sacrifice as they seek to expand God’s Kingdom among some of the least reached people in the world. It seems we always head home with our hearts overwhelmed with gratitude for our experiences.
 
So, in light of this Thanksgiving season, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who are reading this letter.

• We thank you for believing in us.

• We thank you for believing in the mission to which God has invited us to join Him.

• And we are filled to overflowing with gratitude for all of you who have kept us in your prayers and who have sacrificed financially to allow us to fulfill this role of ministry.

 
It is quite a humbling experience to be completely dependent upon the gifts and offerings of God’s people. Each month we lift our heads in gratitude for all of you who have considered us in your Kingdom investments.
 
So, on this day that we pause to give thanks to God for all of His blessings, we especially give thanks for each of you who have invested in us during these last three and a half years.
 
Whether it was through an encouraging note like the college student above, or through your prayers, your spoken words, your finances, a gift bag left on our front porch, or simply a heartwarming smile.
 
We are so grateful!
 
Wishing You Our Father's Bountiful Blessings,
 
Denny & Cindy
 
    “Every time we think of you, we give thanks to our God!”  Philippians 1:3
 
P.S. Speaking of Gratitude...

Even our little Miss June is grateful for you!!!