Dear friends, dear brothers and sisters in Christ! I want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! God commanded His people to celebrate the Harvest Festival (Exodus 23:16). It carries deep spiritual meaning - a time to reflect and thank God for His care for us. In its spiritual meaning, the Harvest Festival is perhaps one of the most interesting celebrations. Like the rich colors of autumn, the Harvest contains many meanings: it represents the joy of seeing the fruit of our labor; it also reflects the sorrow of repentance for days lived carelessly; it reminds us of concern for perishing sinners, and fills our hearts with joy of God’s redeemed children awaiting Christ’s return. Jesus told His disciples that they should “go and bear fruit… and that your fruit should remain.” Unlike perishable fruit, the fruit that Christ speaks of endures forever! It is amazing that by investing our material resources into God’s work, we receive fruit that remains unto eternal life - saved souls and transformed lives. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ highly valued the sacrifice of Mary, who anointed Him with precious oil. This act was a good deed that prepared the Lord for His burial. Christ said that wherever the Gospel will be preached, what Mary did will also be told in memory of her.
In America, Thanksgiving Day has become a celebration of gratitude and appreciation to God for His abundant blessings. Moved by love for Christ and for others, let us strive to bear fruit that remains unto eternal life!
Once again, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you for your prayers and sacrificial support of the ministry of the Gospel.
May the Lord richly bless you! In Christ,
Rev. Daniel V. Okhotin,
President of REM. | 
