Across the Miles

As Thanksgiving approaches, we often take inventory of all of the many blessings He has bestowed upon us. Though we should do it daily, this time of year usually inspires and motivates us to evaluate what is important and what isn't. What is of significance and what isn't. What is eternal and what isn't. We give glory to the One to whom we have many things to be thankful for.

There are many soldiers and military servicemen that are counting their blessings this year, too, but aren't doing it from the comfort of their own homes. Instead of bowing their heads and holding hands with their loved ones to pray before the turkey is served, they are miles away in the Middle East serving besides a family of comrades and bowing inside a tent. They are thankful to be alive. They are thankful that they have someone standing next to them that is risking their lives for their own. They are thankful that the land they will one day go back home to is a land of peace. They are thankful that they will get to return to a land of religious freedom.

I am thankful that despite what one feels about the war or the direction of the war, that these brave men and women are doing something of significance. I am thankful that they are making a difference.

One of these men is Michael's brother, David. Please pray for David as well as his wife, Jody, and children, Cameron and Ryan. He left for his deployment to "the Middle East" this past week and we know the journey has only just begun. Many of you have been joining us in prayer for Ryan, our precious nephew with TS. A few days before David's deployment, they found out that Ryan will need two immediate surgeries. I can't imagine leaving for the other side of the globe under those conditions, let alone the conditions that face him on the ground over there.

Please pray for David's safety. Please pray for his peace of mind and spirit while he is away. Please pray for comrades who will speak truth and words of encouragement into his life. Please pray for Jody and their children...that they will feel God's presence as He continues to protect and watch over them. Pray for strength and stamina for Jody to juggle all the roles that she needs to fill while David is away. Pray for Ryan's health...that he will do well in surgery, his development will continue to improve, and that his seizures will subside. Pray that Cameron will continue to blossom in school and that the time will pass quickly as he waits for his dad to come back home.

David, if you happen to be reading this from your home away from home, we love you. We know that you are making a huge sacrifice on our behalf. We pray for your safe return. We are proud of you. We know you can do this in His strength. You are one of the blessings that we are counting this Thanksgiving season...and always!