Thanksgiving

Hey guys,
It’s Thanksgiving morning and my thoughts turn to what we (BRCC) have to be thankful for – and it’s a lot! As I review the year I’m thankful for the new life that over 100 people have received. Just our last baptism with 20 signing up, 40 showing up to the baptism meeting and 48 being baptized. And two of those were my brother and his daughter. Since then, I know of six people who have stepped across the line of faith. Beyond that is the continuing evidence of new life – new followers of Christ who are excitedly following. They’re telling their friends/family/customers/etc. about their new life and inviting them into it. And many are accepting the invitation!

Not that all is “rosy.” A lot of these new followers are working through dark valleys but are doing it God’s way. They’re choosing to stay in marriages that are troubled, to stay in community when they would normally run away, to tithe when they don’t know where it’s coming from, to share Christ with family members, to serve, and the list goes on.

I’m thankful for new truths that God is teaching us – for example, that He will take full responsibility for BRCC if we’ll pray and trust Him to lead us rather than depend on our own strategies and plans. And boy has He done that.

I’m thankful for God’s provision and resources. While the economy (including lots of churches) is contracting, we’ve had all we need to do what God has called us to do.

I’m grateful for the new directions God will be taking us in the next year that are already starting to show. We’ll tell you more as we know more.

Along with that, I’m, grateful for the “dreams and visions” that are appearing as God moves in the hearts of individuals.

I’m grateful for the unity we enjoy, the excitement that pervades BRCC (what people notice when Blue Ridgers talk about God, and that something special that people feel when they walk in). That’s God!

I’m thankful that God called me to do this with Himself, His Son, His Spirit, and with you.

I love you,
w