Happy Thanksgiving!

The original Pilgrim Thanksgiving commemorated by most Americans today occurred 400 years ago in 1621, at the end of a difficult year. After enduring a rough ocean crossing in late 1620, these settlers lost about half of their number during that winter, struggling to obtain enough food for the members of the colony. Ashbel Steele explained these difficulties and outlined how they attempted to procure food through:

fishing [and] hunting, procuring, among other game, water fowl, wild turkey, and venison. Of meal, or Indian corn, one peck [about two gallons, or one-fourth bushel] a week for each person was the apportioned supply. Of other meal or wheat, they had none; nor had they any mill for grinding; therefore their corn must be pounded or mashed by their own hands.

However, after that difficult winter, the Pilgrims learned planting and harvesting methods through natives such as Squanto. They were even able to gather sufficient provisions for Plymouth during their first harvest in 1621. With this improved situation, they set aside a time of thanksgiving, described by Edward Winslow:

Our harvest being gotten in, our Governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might, after a special manner, rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors....many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest king, Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted....And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plenty.

As we continue the tradition of Thanksgiving celebrations, and especially as this is the 400th anniversary year of the Pilgrims' Thanksgiving, take time today to acknowledge God's many blessings not only for our families but also for our nation. From all of us at WallBuilders, Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Day Special!

What: David and Tim Barton teach about the history of Thanksgiving!

When: TODAY @ 7PM CST

Where: TBN (Find your channel or stream live.)

New Product from WallBuilders!

 Pilgrims' Legacy MP4

Unfortunately, too few Americans know the true story of the Pilgrims. Join us on a journey to learn the Pilgrims story and why their legacy should be celebrated.