As we come to this time of year the PTA and Admin of ACA always work together to prepare a celebration that follows the timing of the traditional United States Thanksgiving holiday. This celebration is a historical remembering of the celebration of thanks to God expressed by the early Christian Pilgrim settlers in North America. It is now that time of year!
As Christians, we always want to have an attitude of thanksgiving, no matter what hardships come our way. We know from Christian history that believers have suffered many trials and tribulations that have molded and shaped their faith. All around the world today, from China to India, to Africa to North America and on our continent in South America we know that there are places where Christians are harassed, persecuted, and even killed for their faith. Christianity has not only survived in the face of such obstacles, it has flourished. The church has historically grown stronger and Christians more determined to live out their faith in such circumstances.
As Christians, we always want to have an attitude of thanksgiving, no matter what hardships come our way
Why? Because God gives us instruction to do just that. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians he gave instruction on how to live consistently with our focus on God, especially by “giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Eph. 5:20) Also, in his letter, James, “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ”, told believers to “count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” This truth has been born out in Christians throughout the ages as the Church not only survived, but grew and expanded, during times of persecution.
I believe that, ultimately, this pandemic will make us stronger. We are having time to realize many things about ourselves and to grow in our knowledge and practice of walking with God. We have had to learn perseverance. We have again been reminded, as human beings, that we are not in charge, that there are things we do not control and cannot control. We have been humbled, or at least we should be.
So, at this time I ask you to join me in giving thanks to God for His continued blessing upon ACA, its students, their families, and our staff as we continue to strive together to build up God’s Kingdom one student at a time by fulfilling God’s mandate given in Deuteronomy to “teach (our) children the ways of God from the time they rise up in the morning until they go to bed at night.” Showing an active attitude of thanks to God, and giving public thanks to Him, is modeling what we teach.
I also want to invite you to join together as the ACA family in a group celebration of Thanksgiving at the Costanera Drive-in Theatre on Friday evening, November 13, from 7:45-9:30 PM. The PTA and ACA admin are planning a wonderful evening of music and special expressions of praise from several of the ACA family. Please make attendance at this event a priority.
To God be the glory, now and forevermore.
Mr. Retzer
