Happy Thanksgiving

Kay and I were on a flight from Dallas to Atlanta as we returned to Orlando. I sat next to Matt.

Matt was returning to Charleston from a medical mission project in Mexico. He was very excited and deeply touched by the things he had witnessed. He told me story after story of suffering and deprivation . One thing I’ve learned is to never assume people have made a personal decision to accept Christ. As I talked with Matt, I asked him one of my favorite questions, “How would you describe your spiritual journey? Where are you in your journey?” His response surprised me. “I’m wandering.”

The Delta Airlines seat assignment system had been used by God to make a divine appointment. Kay and I are people who truly follow Jesus. And Matt needs to know people who truly follow Jesus.

Matt lives off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. He told me proudly that he lives in the 62nd most prosperous zip code in the U.S. He is the son of a pastor. But he was hurt deeply as a young man by “people in the church”, as he put it. He does attends a church with his wife and children “because it’s good to be exposed to church stuff as long as the people are nice.”

But Matt doesn’t know Jesus. Matt is growing in his awareness that there is more to life than owning a home in the 62nd most prosperous zip code. God used the medical mission trip in surprising ways that touched Matt deeply.

As we parted in the airport , I gave Matt a booklet that speaks to young professionals. The booklet begins, “You invest in yourself daily — education, relationships, career. But have you ever considered the value of investing in the spiritual aspect of your life? The following four principles will help you succeed spiritually through a personal relationship with God.” I encouraged Matt to seek out a small Bible study group of similar young professionals to explore the spiritual aspect of his life.

So in this season of giving thanks, Kay and I are so very thankful for God’s faithfulness in our lives. We are thankful for His allowing us to serve as His ambassadors helping people find purpose and meaning in life. We are thankful for friends and partners who pray and give so that we can work around the world, and also so that we can speak to the guy sitting in the next airplane seat.