November 2021 Rick McPherson
As a child, growing up in Canada, I was subjected to my second language in High School. Memorizing vocabulary, conjugating verbs and learning masculine and feminine nouns in the French language overwhelmed me. My only saving grace was that my teacher was also the hockey coach. That really helped. I could score goals easier than translate a sentence. So, to pretend that I am bi-lingual, is preposterous. But, I do remember, “merci beaucoup.”
Years later, Charlote and I moved to San Antonio, then Corpus Christi, Texas. The church population of Hispanics in both locations exceeded fifty percent and the cities were more. In everyday life, the Spanish language surrounded us. We embraced it and loved the people, culture and the food! Tacos, enchiladas, tortillas, burritos and sopapillas became our favorites. We also learned, “muchas gracias.”
While directing the church school in Texas, a generous couple provided a trip for Charlote to an Educators’ Seminar, sponsored by Youth with A Mission, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Because the dates coincided with our tenth wedding anniversary, I got packed in her luggage and delivered to the airport as well. Together we were introduced to paradise in the Pacific. Weather, water, scenery, food and people affected our lives like no other experience. We found ourselves constantly saying, “mahalo.”
Now, I find myself writing to you today with gratitude in my heart for the past year of your support. I want to say, thank you! I will say, thank you and mean it sincerely. Your faithful and generous financial support enables us to do this important ministry, helping Native Americans both spiritually and physically. We could not do this without people like you! Period.
It’s no secret; we are living in unprecedented times. The news bombards us with shortages, supply chain bottlenecks, hyper-inflation, staggering debt, open borders, military threats, pandemics, mandates, vaccinations, education interruptions and on, ad infinitum. Being flummoxed is understandable.
However…in the midst of it all, we carry on. We’re thankful that His grace is sufficient. His love is unconditional. His mercy is new, every morning. He is forever, faithful.
So, to each of you…MERCI BEAUCOUP… MUCHAS GRACIAS…MAHALO….
THANK YOU FOR YOUR FAITHFULNESS AND YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT!
*****