“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17
The late Thomas Collis Jr., a.k.a. Uncle Tom, was a first generation American whose parents were Greek immigrants. Born in 1904 in Newark, New Jersey, he was brought up with the work ethic and hard-knock attitude of parents who knew struggle and survival. He started Uncle Tom’s Newport School Candies in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin.
I still vividly remember meeting Tom way back in the early 1980’s. Wearing his baker’s hat with his name written across the top, he greeted everyone who entered his candy store with a bag of popcorn (my favorite!) and a huge smile. His joyful, energetic greeting of “Son, don’t ever forget, Gratitude is Attitude!” lit up his face and has stayed with me for years. To be thankful, truly is an attitude.
What are the things that you are thankful for this Thanksgiving season?
2020 has turned out to be a pretty tough year for many. The apostle Paul would exhort us to “Rejoice always,pray without ceasing and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (I Thes. 5:16-17) Indeed, when we pause and adjust our attitude towards gratitude, we realize that God is still very much at work and there are many reasons to be thankful.
You are invited!
Join us on Sunday, December 6 at 2:00 pm CST (San Antonio time) via Zoom for a special hour of thanksgiving. Meet three of our SSI partners from Belarus, Zambia and Peru and hear from them what God has been doing in and through their ministries. Rick will also share some of our anticipated plans for 2021
Shepherds’ Support International Ministry Update
Time: Sunday, December 6 at 2:00 PM Central Time
Join the Zoom Meeting by clicking: https://zoom.us/j/91813616296
Teaching Team Leader Gathering
Last week seven couples who form part of the Shepherds’ Support Teaching Team met together to learn from one another, pray and continue to plan for the future. This was the first time we had all been together, and the Lord blessed us with great unity, new insights and a strong commitment to continue to encourage, equip and engage pastoral couples in under-resourced areas of the world.
How you can be praying
- Pray for Rick and Diana as they teach online during the next Peruvian Pastoral Couples meeting on Tuesday, November 24th. May the Lord bless this time of equipping and encouragement with His presence in each participant’s life!
- Please continue to pray for SSI and God’s leading as we continue to develop future plans with open hands.
We look forward to seeing y’all on December 6th! Thank you for praying for us and our partners. Your faithful support is a great blessing.
May the Lord fill you with gratitude and thanksgiving as you remember that all good things come from Him!
