Celebrating Fall with Thanksgiving and Praise

Listen:

“Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:15 (NRSV)

Reflect:

Thanksgiving holiday is a day for people in the US to give thanks for what they have. Families and friends get together for a meal, which traditionally includes a roast turkey, stuffing, potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce, gravy, and pumpkin pie. This holiday is celebrated for different reasons in other countries at different times such as in Canada, the United Kingdom etc.

In Uganda, thanksgiving does not exist as we know it in the USA and other countries. It is a church occasion marking the harvest season, “the first fruits”, new grains, poultry, animals etc. There are also occasions by the individual members of the church that give thanks for different reasons for example, the birth of a child, healing, or purchase of property.

When Paul was writing to the church in Corinth, he was sharing with them about the privilege of knowing Christ. As the knowledge of Christ spread among them and they realized the treasure that they had in it, they gave thanks as the grace of God abounded in its reaches.

Here in Uganda we are especially thankful for the Lifesprings school that trains women leaders in all aspects of life, as leaders in church and community, and we give thanks as the grace reaches many.

One of the sponsors who partnered with Lifesprings wanted the gospel to reach out to their community of leaders that were successful economically to succeed spiritually too. They have faith that these women will bring Lifesprings training to their communities too.

Questions to Ponder:

1. What are you thankful for during this year?

2. What do you take away from the message of Paul to the Corinthians?

Prayer of Response:

Lord, we give You thanks and praise for Your grace as it is being extended through Lifesprings to the women of Uganda during this season of LSM influence. MayYour grace reach to the farthest corners of the world that others may know and follow You. Amen.

—Submitted by Margaret Okello
Margaret was born in Uganda, a graduate in education at Makerere University, Uganda and Master’s programme in administration at St John’s University, New York, USA. Margaret’s career began in education, then she worked with international organizations including United Nations and World Health Organization as an administrator.  She worked with diverse races from Africa, America, Australia and Europe.Margaret is Co-leading Lifesprings school of ministry/Ecole Formation Zoe and is an author, a coach and a public speaker. Margaret is married and a mother of two adult children.

Feature Photo by Pro Church Media on Unsplash