“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Thanksgiving is so important in our walk with the Lord. It’s how we enter His courts (Ps 104). It’s referred to as an offering to the Lord (Lev 7:15). It’s how we glorify Him (Ps 69:30). It’s a sign of God’s restoration (Isiah 51:3). It’s a participation in the blood of Christ (For 10:16). It’s the heart of a converted believer (2 For 4:15. It’s a response to the generosity of God (2 For 9:11). It’s how we avoid obscenity, foolish talk and coarse joking (Eph 5:4). It’s how we stand against anxiety (Phil 4:6). And as you can see from 1 Thessalonians, it’s even to be practiced in the midst of extreme pain.
Thanksgiving is so important! Here, at AFM, we are so, so thankful! We are thankful for:
Our ministry partners, Mary Kate Richardson and Michael Ngumbao Yaa who are serving underprivileged children in Mombasa, Kenya by providing education to those who cannot afford it. For Bruce and Sue Douglas who sacrafice their home and family to train and mobilize local church as well as AFM leaders for Kingdom work and who minister to the community of Lions Den, Zimbabwe. For Alex Mwilambwe and Laban Mwelwa, who serve the local church in Lusaka and are pursuing a vision to build an orphanage and training facility for youth in Chongwe. And for Noah Nkugwa, who serves the community of Mukono, Uganda by providing education to many different children.
Our staff and volunteers who give of themselves for the sake of the ministry. For Kaylee Johnson, Hannah Rogers, Carly Orcutt, Trey Stoudemayer, Jacey Voris, Mary Rippetoe, Kam Kelley, Austin Panter, Caleb Roberts, Lucas Glover, and Taylor Suggs. You guys rock!
Our Leadership Team, for Dave Crossland, Clay Hughey, Kris Allison and Stephanie Lerohl. We’re so thankful for the wisdom and experience that they bring to this ministry as we seek to follow the Lord’s leading in Africa.
Our trials and tribulations, because they are testing our faith, and through testing and perseverance are pushing us towards maturity and a deeper love for one another.
And last, but not least, our teams, to big of a list to give a specific shoutout, but thank you to all of you who have already signed up this summer to serve with us in Africa. You are our thanksgiving offering to the Lord for His faithfulness!
From the bottom of our hearts, Africa Freedom Mission wishes you the happiest of thanksgivings this year 2019. We pray that you would “be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Blessings,
The AFM Team!