For some it is the pies just coming out of the over. For others it may be a home with family gathering. For us in Project Lost Sheep, we gather to remember that years ago God helped us to become a non-profit. There were 4 of us plus our advisor who helped us get non profit status in the room. We met in the library of the First Baptist Church in Menlo Park to sign the papers. Up to the last moment I didn't know I would be "elected" president. It was the only job unclaimed and we had to put someone down.
I would like to say we all felt thankful we had just enough people to start but I really think we were all a bit nervous about the the step of becoming official.
We didn't know that we would have a few years of lean times trying to figure out what we were supposed to be doing but we continued together and started to do small steps of ministry. For those of you in other cities who are wanting to do something I would say: Don't wait until you have enough people or don't wait until you have enough funds. If God is in your midst you will have what you need when you need it, especially if you reach out to the disadvantaged.
We have had some fat years in America but for the last five or so years we have been in a lean position. Some of us have lost homes. Some have seen our businesses decline. We are learning to pray for each other as well as reach out to our community. We are learning to be THANKFUL IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.
This is only possible with God's help. In our own flesh we are very weak and doubtful. This summer we faced a real crisis before camp. We didn't have enough funds to open the camp but we went ahead by faith. Yes, God came through in surprising ways. We are thankful that He has not let us down in our personal lives and He has not let us down in our Project Lost Sheep community.
What has happened could not have been done by one of us. But the few of us God has graciously grown a bit in love and thankfulness. I am thankful to all my Project Lost Sheep friends: you are like family gathering around the table. We will again celebrate thanksgiving together and find more ways to grow in our journeys of faith.