November, 2009

Dear Friends,
          As a colleague and I sat across the table from a new acquaintance, we listened as he explained his religious belief system. He was very intellectual and knowledgeable about his religion. He quoted from his holy book and passionately portrayed its gospel to us. At the end of a lengthy discussion his summarization saddened us when we asked him if he was going to heaven. He explained if he was good enough in this life, strived never to offend anyone and if he did, immediately seek forgiveness from the offended person and God, then he could “hope” to gain entrance into heaven.
         I am thankful my eternal fate does not rest on what I do or don’t do in this life. I am thankful my eternal destiny is not contingent upon me never offending another living soul. I am thankful that I have the possibility to “know” I will gain Heaven based on “The” Holy Book. We attempted with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and my praying wife to explain the Truth to a very committed religious gentleman. I pray that something we said caused this man to further seek the Truth. I pray that I will be as committed to sharing the true Gospel as he is about sharing a gospel which offers no guarantees or security.
         It is with this thankful heart we enter this season of Thanksgiving. May we be truly thankful that we have the opportunity to possess the Truth in God’s Word. May we be thankful that we have the opportunity to be forgiven by a loving God. May we be truly committed to sharing these promises with others with whom we come into contact.
          From our family to yours: May God bless you during this Thanksgiving and Christmas season!

Partners in His Service,
Curt & Melinda