A Tico thanksGIVING...

Costa Ricans normally don't celebrate Thanksgiving. Why would they? What do they care about the first harvest feast between the American Indians and the English settlers? They don't watch much American Football, and they don't eat the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. In Costa Rica it's just another day. However, one man is trying to bring Thanksgiving to Costa Rica.
His name is Rob, and he loves Jesus. Actually, he loves Jesus so much, that he's really starting to look like Him. Not in the physical sense. His strongest resemblance is his love and compassion for the poor.
Rob is the mission director at Mason Community Church. He had a radical idea to raise money to feed the poor of Alajuelita. He explained that in view of God's blessing they have received, they wanted to show their gratitude by sharing part of thier bounty with those in need. Wow, what a concept! Sounds just like something Jesus would do.
Rob presented the idea to the church, and God blessed it. The church was able to raise over $1,200 in only two weeks! Did I mention that Mason Community Church is a chuch body of about 200 people, and that Mason Community Church is in Michigan? One of the states hit hardest by our current economic situation. God is truely awesome!
Rob brought the money that was raised, and God seemed to multiply their offering. They were able to purchase almost half a ton of food. That is a lot of rice and beans!
He systematically divided the food for delivery to some of the poorest of Alajuelita.
As we delivered the food to hungry families, the Ticos were overwhelmed with gratitude and thankfulness. Many smiled though teary eyes, while other were just in shock. God was using Rob to answer many of their prayers!
I'm thankful to God for using Rob to help me understand thanksGIVING in a new way. We are all very thankful for God's blessing and provision. However, rather than just saying thank you, let's show it. I find it a little strange that on the day we set aside to show our gratitude for what we have received, we often aren't compelled to give. We typically say thank you, and then sit around and stuff ourselves!
As your family prepares to celebrate God's blessing this year, maybe you can try something radical in your own neighborhood. This year, let's make it a thanksGIVING. Find someone in need with whom you can share some of your blessings from God. I believe that if we can learn to share what God has given us freely, God will use it to change the world!