Tokens of appreciation

Dear Friends,

Where I live in Eastern Europe, gift giving is a refined art. Small tokens of appreciation are the oil of relationships, and people take them very seriously. In my office I have all sorts of candles, coffee cups, pictures, and handmade curios given in thanks for speaking at a retreat or reaching out to a friend.

Here you would never think of visiting someone without bringing a gift for the host. This week a dear friend of ours, Jana, showed up for an evening of counseling and prayer, and brought a small pumpkin with her. That one didn’t end up in my office – my 16 year old daughter Claire baked it in the oven and turned it into an amazing meal of pumpkin soup. I wish you all could have had a taste!

November is the month of Thanksgiving, and also a time when most of us start to think about Christmas and special gifts we want to give at the year’s end. Since you are giving to a JV missionary, you might want to consider some special ways you can bless them during this season. Here are a few ideas for you:

1. Write a handwritten note of appreciation for their faithful service to the Lord.
2. Send a special care package during the Christmas season with something you know they will enjoy.
3. Give an extra gift toward their ministry at the end of the year.
4. Bless them with a personal gift during the Christmas season. These gifts are not tax-deductible, but will be passed on to them in full as a gift toward their personal needs. Just make a note with donation indicating that it is a personal gift.

As you are thinking about your year-end giving, also consider a special gift toward the 2X3 Campaign. These donations are used for key projects designed to double the fruitfulness of the JV ministry during a period of three years. Already this initiative is bearing much fruit, and we believe that will continue to grow as we enter the final year of the campaign.

Jana’s pumpkin warmed our hearts, and filled our home with the aroma of goodness and love. I’m sure your acts of kindness will do the same!

Thankful for each of you,