In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, this week’s This Week in the BRN Family is highlighting what some of our BRN pastors and ministry leaders are thankful for as well as some of their favorite Scripture verses for this season:
What I’m Thankful for…
“I am grateful for God’s grace, that not only saved us, but keeps us. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. God’s grace for the people of God returning, God’s grace for challenging pastors to preach differently, God’s grace for calling both people and pastor to reimagine ministry, and the room His grace is giving us to do so!” – Dr. Jerome Coleman, Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church of Crestmont
Verse for the Season:
“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.” – Isaiah 43:19-21
What I’m Thankful for…
“I’m thankful for my co-pastor, Zakk Roberts. Knowing that the burnout rate and feelings of isolation for pastors are extremely high, having a partner in ministry, a brother, to pick me up, challenge me, and encourage me each and every day is priceless. Zakk challenges me daily, just as Paul challenged Timothy.” – Pastor Chris Richards, Senior Pastor at Steel City Church
Verse for the Season:
““I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction…[and] you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” – 2 Timothy 4:1-2 & 5
What I’m Thankful for…
“Summer 2022 has been especially trying for me and my family. We suffered the loss of my nephew Olivier in the prime of his life. We went through such agony and pain that we never thought were possible. This tragic event has, nonetheless, reinforced every inclination that I had in my soul to praise God for my family around me.
I am grateful to know that my children still live under my roof. I am grateful to pick up my wife from work late at night, even when I dread the cold weather outside. All in all, I am grateful that I still have the privilege to cherish my wife and my children.” – Rev. Noelson Chery, BRN Ethnic Church Consultant/Senior Pastor at First Haitian Metanoia Baptist Church
Verse for the Season:
“Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: Thy children like olive plants round about thy table.” – Psalm 128:3
What I’m Thankful for…
“I am thankful for my students this semester, specifically our student leadership team. They have given so much of their time and energy to our work on campus this fall. Each week they disciple students and live out their faith in Christ on campus, all the while with an amazing attitude. I am blessed to work with such young people.” – Eric Reiber, Campus Missionary at Penn State University
Verse for the Season:
“I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:3-6
What I’m Thankful for…
“Every morning when I open my eyes and look out the window at God’s beautiful creation, I raise my arms and recite Psalm 118:24 – even before I lift my head from the pillow. My heart is filled with gratitude for my (our) salvation and for Abba Papa who has the best plan for each of our lives.
I praise Jehovah for the honor of being His vessel in the everyday. And oh, how I’m filled with thanksgiving for the incredible people He’s blessed me with: First and foremost, my loving husband, children, children-in-love, and now two grandchildren. I’m an abundantly blessed woman!” – Debbie Knowles, Woven Women Assistant
Verse for the Season:
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24
What I’m Thankful for…
“After 35+ years of church-ministry, I’m thankful that my kids still love Jesus and that they don’t hate the church. I’m thankful for a wife who still loves me. I’m thankful for a family that has gone through shaking times but still dive into God’s unshakeable Kingdom.” – Pastor Dan Nold, Senior Pastor at Calvary Church Harvest Fields
Verse for the Season:
“Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.” – Hebrews 12:28
Be a part of This Week in the BRN Family
Have exciting things happening in your church!? Let us know so we can celebrate with you and share the good news with our BRN Family. Submit stories of your church accelerating Kingdom movement, loving their neighbors or celebrating baptisms on our News Tips page. We can’t wait to hear from you!
