Thanksgiving weekend found me feeling well, thankful. Even though we miss our brothers and sisters in Costa Rica, it was good to enjoy the holiday here in Port Angeles with some good friends. Our tradition is that everyone makes his or her own placemat. Placemats are decorated as a way of giving thanks for the blessings of the past year. Bible verses, autumn leaves, soccer balls, volleyballs, and family photos are among some of the featured items. Baptist autonomy or soul freedom doesn't enter into the process at all; making a placemat is required, mandated, and the disobedient are denied dinner, or sent to a fast food restaurant. Being artistically challenged, my placemat usually (actually always) features a hand turkey. When all are finished, we pray over the turkey and the trimmings and enjoy.

Living in a third world country can make you question such a feast. Can we enjoy such a spread when so many in the world don't have that chance? I should add that the turkey cost less than some fast food combos, and that we enjoyed the leftovers for three days. I believe that as Christians we are called to simple lifestyles; "living simply so others can simply live" is how someone put it. With that in mind, Bracelets of Hope (a ministry started by Jamie, Micah, and their friend David Wiegner) donated proceeds to the Salvation Army here in town to help with their feeding ministry. In other ways throughout the year we looked for ways to help a hurting world and share blessing with those who get left out of the global economy. The parables of Jesus remind us that this kind of sharing is not optional. The Hebrew prophets remind us that occasional charity is not enough and that God desires compassion and justice of his people. The biblical vision is one of shalom, and of abundance. It is not the abundance offered by TV preachers who promise personal prosperity through some manipulation of God. Rather, it is the extension of that shared banqueting table to the ends of the earth. It's more than a bowl of broth and a cracker for each person; it's feast for all.

Part of why we are in missions is that we want to see God's table extended. We're convinced that God's grace never runs out and that God's resources are abundant. We have been blessed this summer and fall to be in several churches on the west coast and in the Midwest. We have seen dramatic increases in giving to the World Mission Offering (and some are still giving!) that have caused us to rejoice. Churches and individuals who have broken out of a scarcity mentality and become conduits of blessing have inspired us. To those of you who have given and continue to give faithfully, we thank you. You help us to extend the table. Now, get working on those placemats!


We thank God for:

" The most recent Great Rivers Region work group and their ministry to the Baptist Church in Alajuelita, Costa Rica.

" Your faithful giving

" A chance to be with extended family for the Christmas holiday.


Please pray for:

" Our missionary colleagues in Costa Rica: Ruth Mooney, Jim and Sara Wiegner, Ingrid Roldan

" Our family members who are undergoing surgery soon.

" Charles Jones and his leadership as our Executive Director.

With Gratitude,

Gary Baits