Milan's Musings
by Milan Dekich, State Pastor

     Who is on your list?  What list?  Your thankful list.  Who has influenced you, helped you, supported you, prayed for you?  I was in a tight spot.  My truck was stuck in mud on a back road in a place that would look very suspicious to suspicious minds.  The gossip that could be generated if my predicament became public knowledge would be an embarrassment to me and the small church I pastored.  

    Who could I call on to help but not be judgmental and keep it quiet. There was person I could trust; Noel Hardin, a man with a heart of gold, a servant’s heart and a friend.  He came to my rescue, pulled me out of a muddy mess and did not tell a soul.  We would laugh about the situation later but at that time I was desperate for a friend.  

    I am also thankful for Barbara, Chris, Wanda, Sue, Lavon, Eddie, Maggie, Texie, Lois, and so many others who helped me along life’s journey.  Thanksgiving season is here.  Sit down and take a moment to make a list of people who mean something to you and be thankful.  You are blessed.  

    In Romans 16 Paul makes a list of people who have supported him.  Here is a just a sampling of these people:  Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus.  They risked their lives for me.  Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me.  They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.  Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.

    So, before you get all caught up in the next holiday, take a moment to be thankful, have a thanks giving season.  Then, If you are fortunate enough that they are still present, write a letter, make a phone call, and, even better, go viit them to express your gratitude.  Not only will you be blessed but you will be a blessing to them.  They will also experience a thanksgiving moment.

In His Service,

-Milan