Thank God for Titus!

Happy Thanksgiving! Canadian Thanksgiving, that is. Over the 20 Thanksgivings I’ve spent in the U.S., people have often asked me:

Are Canadian Thanksgivings the same as American?

Yes and no.  Yes, we eat turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings. Yes, we gather together. But it’s not the same time of year. Canadian Thanksgiving is this coming Monday, what Americans call “Columbus Day.” American Thanksgiving is at the end of November and kicks off the holiday season. And Americans celebrate the Mayflower voyage and pioneer entrance to America, while Canadians celebrate the harvest.

But one thing we definitely have in common when it comes to Thanksgiving is that we give thanks.

This year I’m giving thanks for the people God has put around me in ministry. I’m just learning a bit of what the Apostle Paul experienced when he wrote,

“Thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative.” - 2 Corinthians 8:16,17

Paul commended Titus to the Corinthians. In fact, Titus was so important to Paul that earlier in this same letter he wrote,

“Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me, I still had no peace of mind, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia.” - 2 Corinthians 2:12,13

 Now that’s partnership in ministry and in life.

So for the men and women who’ve worked beside me over the last four years in building this ministry, I give thanks. They’ve challenged me. Prayed with me. Guided and worked alongside me. They, like Titus and Paul, responded to what God put on their hearts. They’ve cared about women here and around the world. They, like Titus, have enthusiasm and take initiative and jump in with both feet.

I, like Paul, understand that if I didn’t have these incredible people, I may as well pack it in and move on. I’m thankful beyond measure for God’s provision in His people.

I’m real because God is so real.

~ Nancy

CALLING:

What about you? Who are your partners in whatever God has called you to? Whatever you do, make sure you have some. And then whatever you do, make sure they know you love them and couldn’t do it without them. Give thanks to God for them!

Happy Thanksgiving to all my family and friends back home in Canada.