As the gaunt and nearly starved Pilgrims at what is now known as "Plymouth Colony" emerged from a devastating winter, there is little question that what was on their minds was their ability to plant, harvest, preserve and stock sufficient food and firewood to survive another Massachusetts winter.  No doubt, they had significant concerns for themselves, the well being of their children, and the future of their colony- not altogether different than Americans in the Fall of 2008 after a near economic collapse, a threat to our ability to provide for our families, and a course changing election leaving Americans with significant questions about America's future and the future of our children. 

 

In spite of their great loss, and the lurking prospect of another life threatening winter, they accepted and followed the practical wisdom and help of Squanto, continued in faith, reaped a bountiful harvest, saw it as the providential provision of God, and gave Him thanks. It is their legacy of faith and giving thanks in the midst of heartbreak, and the very real threat to their hopes and dreams, that we seek to remember, learn from, and teach our children on Thanksgiving Day, November 27th, in the year of our LORD, 2008. 

 

Be encouraged. Continue to trust in the God Who answers prayer, who provides providentially in time of great need as we enter a period of 'winter' in America. Care for each other, make good use of what God places in your hand, seek His face, and prepare to plant in the Spring through faith.  He will bring a great harvest.
 
Rejoice in Him today, and tell the story anew of the first Thanksgiving in America.
 
David & Merrily Crowe and the Restore America Team