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Overflowing with Gratitude
Recently, I asked my students to list five things they are thankful for. Having just passed the Thanksgiving holiday (and my last one in the States for probably five years), I decided I would do the same!
- God. I know this might seem cliché, but I am SO thankful that He has chosen me, redeemed me, and used me. I am thankful that He made it possible for me to have a relationship with Him. I am thankful for who He is and for what He is doing.
- My family. I am so thankful that God placed me in a family that taught me about Him. As I have shared about going to the Philippines, I am always reminded how my dad was the one who always told me that God might call me into missions someday. I’m thankful for my parents, brothers, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew. They are all blessings to me in ways they will never truly know.
- My friends. I know God has brought me some great friends that have sharpened me and encouraged me. I love the church family God has given me and the support group I have here in Eagle Butte and beyond.
- My supporters. A year ago I had no idea that I would be where I am now. I thought it would be at least another year before I would return to the Philippines. God knew otherwise. It has been such a blessing to see how God has brought together my prayer team and financial team and how He continues to do so. I would not be able to follow the call of God without each of you!
- My current ministry. I am SO grateful that God brought me to Eagle Butte. God continues to show me more and more reasons why He brought me here. The intricacies of His plan never cease to amaze me. He has been weaving together all of the pieces of the story so that I might minister right where He has me as I prepare to minister in the Philippines in the future.
What are you thankful for this holiday season? I’d love to hear your answers!
And They Know...
When I was officially invited to go to training this summer with SEND, I talked to my principal and e-mailed my staff to let them know that I would be in Eagle Butte for one more year. I didn’t, however, share this with my students. I hadn’t shared it with them this year, either. I wasn’t trying to hide it from them, but I figured they would know when the time was right. I wanted them to know I am still focusing on being their teacher this year.
A couple weeks ago, they found out I was leaving, and they couldn’t believe it. They said I had to stay and teach their siblings. They wondered why I would want to leave. I tried to explain it to them, but they didn’t understand. Last week, a student said, “Miss Benson, give us one good reason why you would want to go to the Philippines.” It is encouraging to know that my students love me as much as I love them, but it also makes it hard to leave. I am praying that God uses these conversations as open doors to share the gospel with them. Will you pray with me for boldness to share the Truth with them, and that God would bring them to salvation?
Support Update
God has done some amazing things in the support realm. I have been so blessed to see God answer prayers as He has brought in support. If you didn't get the last update about how God brought in almost 30% of my outgoing support in one day, read my November 1 and November 2 updates here. Please continue to pray with me for God’s provision and blessing! I am mailing out a newsletter this week, so pray that many will respond to this invitation to join my team!
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