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Happy Thanksgiving!

This past year, we've faced difficult political challenges battling for our values and have had some discouraging news. But we encourage you to take this holiday to remember that our God still sits on the throne. He does things exceedingly beyond what we can ask or think. He has already won the battle! Let us be thankful for the bounty he has given us as citizens of the most free nation in the world.

Giving Thanks in Hard Times

Most of us know how Thanksgiving originated. But did you know that the history of Thanksgiving as a national holiday was wrought in times of hardship?

In 1777, the Continental Congress declared the first national American Thanksgiving following the victory at Saratoga, the turning point of the Revolutionary War. There were over 300 casualties and many families lost their loved ones. But in the midst of the conflict and bloodshed, a time was set aside to give thanks.

George Washington declared a Thanksgiving holiday in 1789. But it wasn't until President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving as the last Thursday of November in 1863 that the holiday was celebrated annually.

In his proclamation, Lincoln urged Americans "In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity" to count their blessings as "gracious gifts of the Most High God, who while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy." He encouraged them to pray and ask God to "heal the wounds of the nation, and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union."

Even when it seems like everything is falling apart, we do not despair. Let us join with fellow believers in thanking God for His mercy in providing for our needs through hard times.

Below we wanted to share a "win" for our values with you—this battle is being fought around the world. Take heart!

Finland Parliament Member Acquitted Over "Hate Speech" for Sharing Bible Verses

A Finnish parliamentarian and a Protestant church leader have been acquitted over charges of “hate speech” and violating the nation’s statute against “War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity” by sharing Bible verses and traditional Christian teachings about sexuality. Click here to read the whole article.