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  New International Version

Every Thanksgiving Day we join with other Americans in giving thanks. But, as followers of Jesus, our thanksgiving is centered in Him and we are exhorted to always give thanks.

Myra and I have so much for which we are thankful. We begin by giving thanks for Jesus. Too often we allow the love of Christ to become commonplace in our lives. Perhaps the most amazing passage concerning Jesus’ love for us is John 15:9: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” We will never exhaust the depths of this one verse.

From the love of Jesus flows an abundance of blessings.

     Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every
     spiritual blessing in Christ.  Ephesians 1:3 New International Version

Over the last month Myra and I have experienced some of these blessings as we shared the vision of Rwanda Challenge in Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia; including seven churches, three mission classes, and four days at the National Missionary Convention. God blessed us with some wonderful contacts, churches and individuals who desire to partner with Rwanda Challenge, and some new teaching models for equipping church leaders in Rwanda.

One of the most encouraging blessings over the last month was the numerous affirmations that Rwanda Challenge is a healthy approach at advancing God’s Church in Rwanda. Truly, one of our greatest blessings in Christ is to be used to advance His kingdom.

“Thank you, Jesus.”

Yesterday Myra and I shared the vision of Rwanda Challenge for a third mission class at Mid-Atlantic Christian University. The last two days have been a great blessing. As one of the women working in the cafeteria at MacU expressed: "You have been blessed by God. And when God blesses you, you've been blessed by the best."

The response to the vision of Rwanda Challenge has been extremely positive.
Churches in both Virginia and North Carolina have expressed their intent to partner financially with Rwanda Challenge. Many individuals have been very supportive. It has been especially encouraging to have the strategy of Rwanda Challenge affirmed by Dr. Robert Reese, Associate Professor of Cross-Cultural Ministry at MacU.

We can honestly say that we feel blessed -- because,
"We have been blessed by the best."

Two weeks, two cancellations, seven vision presentations, and one golf tournament…

A trip that began October 29th in a historic snow storm in Connecticut has been transformed into 75 degree weather in North Carolina. After the first two cancellations, Myra and I have now experienced seven very positive responses to sharing the vision of Rwanda Challenge.

The proposed budget for the first twelve months of Rwanda Challenge is $100,000 (ministry implementation and salary). Approximately 30% of that has been committed. I am reminded that the first thirty is easier than the last thirty. Many individuals and couples have expressed a desire to support us in this new journey of faith.

Tomorrow I (Frank) will begin two days of sharing in mission classes at Mid-Atlantic Christian University. Then we leave for the National Missionary Convention in Atlanta, Georgia.

Thank you for your interest and prayers,

Frank and Myra