As Thanksgiving draws near, our hearts ought to overflow with gratitude for all the blessings that our Heavenly Father bestows on us. The month of November is an opportune time for families and communities to gather and express thanks to God for His goodness and grace, both big and small. And, I hope we can resume our tradition of festivity on the last Friday leading up to Thanksgiving break.
I would like to sincerely thank each and every one of you–students, teachers, admins, parents, and supporters. I am inspired by your unwavering faith, kindness, effort, and commitment to make NCA a healthy and vibrant community for the past 25 years. NCA is the loving and encouraging environment it is today because we are free to grow spiritually and draw strength from our common values and beliefs rooted in God.
When much of the world is focused on indulging in food and revelry, let's not forget that the true meaning of Thanksgiving is to – first and foremost – express appreciation to God for all that He has done for us. That awareness naturally leads us to thank those whom God has placed in our lives – friends, family, and fellow believers. Our shared faith in Jesus Christ gives us a special and potent bond that reminds us how incredibly fortunate it is to have one another.
It is my prayer that NCA will continue to shine in our community and beyond this season of gratitude, offering assistance to those in need and spreading the good news of Christ's love. From collecting canned foods for the hungry to collecting funds to send goats/sheep to neglected people in remote parts of the world, we can tell others about Jesus through our actions. And, let us not forget to extend our prayer for those who are less fortunate than us.
I pray that this Thanksgiving will be a time of introspection and redoubled dedication to the One who loves us deeply. Let us thank God for all of His blessings and pray for His continuous guidance and direction in the final days of 2023.
I wish Thanksgiving joy and heart-warming blessings for you and your family. May God's love and grace shine upon you, and may your hearts overflow with appreciation.