Celebrating Thanksgiving in beautiful Thailand has reminded me how extraordinary the United States of America is and how blessed I am to have been raised in a Christian land where the gospel shines brightly. Thailand is lovely, but the spiritual darkness here is so evident in this Buddhist land. I’m deeply grateful for my spiritual heritage—grandparents who took me to church, Brother Jed preaching the gospel to me at UF, and the freedom to worship with my grandchildren. Despite our nation’s flaws, God’s mercy abounds, and we’re privileged to share the light of Christ freely. This Thanksgiving, I renew my commitment to use that freedom to reach as many as I can—especially college students—with the gospel. Thank you to all who partner with me in this mission. May God bless America, and may we carry His light to the darkest corners of the world, including Thailand. Happy Thanksgiving and much love to all! Sis. Cindy Great God, to thee my voice I raise, To thee my youngest hours belong: I would begin my life with praise, Till growing years improve the song. ’Tis to thy sovereign grace I owe That I was born on Christian ground; Where streams of heavenly mercy flow, And words of sweet salvation sound. I would not change my native land For rich Peru, with all her gold: A nobler prize lies in my hand Than east or western Indies hold. How do I pity those that dwell Where ignorance and darkness reign! They know no heaven—they fear no hell— That endless joy—that endless pain. Thy glorious promises, O Lord, Kindle my hopes and my desire: While all the preachers of thy word Warn me t’ escape eternal fire. Thy praise shall still employ my breath, Since thou hast mark’d my way to heaven, Nor will I run the road to death, And waste the blessings thou hast given. Isaac Watts, 1715 Divine and Moral Songs For Children Song 5