Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

To God be the glory for all that He has done for us and let us give thanks to Him for his love endures forever. God is good and He will be always good to us!

Several years ago my American missionaries introduced us to Thanksgiving in South Sudan. That November, we had a disciple-making conference, but on Thursday of that week we did something very different from what we normally do. We woke up early from our mud hut “tokuls” and went to collect firewood. Some of us went to get water and some remained behind to clean the compound. I will not forget that day and the excitement that all of us had.

In South Sudan our daily life is thanksgiving, we do not need to wait for November to come so that we will be thankful. The reason is simple - we are just asking God for this day and if you make it, then you will be thankful. Every morning we wake up and the first thing we do is worship and ask God for protection for the day. Indeed God protects and he cares for us every time. Seeing my American friends coming and preparing an African meal with us meant a lot to everyone in the village.

That November we collected the okra, sweet potatoes, and goat for Thanksgiving. Yeah, goat not turkey! We had goat and chicken, which made it a complete South Sudanese meal and very unique American Thanksgiving. We prepared the food all day. Those of you who have been to South Sudan know what I am talking about, you have to go and collect water from a far distance and firewood as well. Cooking is not something that African men do. We have division of labor and men are not supposed to cook (Ladies, bear with me as this is not American culture). I found myself working hard with other guys preparing food and I was excited and nervous at the same time.

We sent the invitation for Thanksgiving to the all government officials, pastors, and local leaders in the village. They began to show up at 4:00 pm for the Thanksgiving dinner and about 55 people came. Pastor Jeffery’s lead us in the thanksgiving song in moru “Aro’boya miri Lu,” meaning thank you God for all that you have given to us. After the song he prayed and the meal was shared among brothers and sisters in Christ.

This was my first picture of South Sudan/American thanksgiving in 2003. I am so thankful for my family and friends in South Sudan in this time of thanksgiving and above all I am so thankful for you all, my partners whom by the grace of God have committed to support me while in school. May the God of universe keep you and bless you in all.

Our God Reigns,