Nothing

But Thanks!

I still remember my dad, a lay evangelist, speaking to a group of pastors and leaders in our region about the miracle of the healing of the ten lepers. I was not even fourteen at the time, yet that moment has stayed with me. His devotional emphasis was not on the miracle itself, but on the attitude of the two men who returned to Jesus to say, “Thank You.” Such a small word, yet it carries profound meaning. Such a simple expression, yet it reflects the heart of one who has truly surrendered in gratitude.

Time has passed, and my dad is now with the Lord, but I still carry his reflection on those two men in my heart. The more I think about it, the more I remember people who crossed my path and, at some point, simply said, “Thank you.” Too often, my instinctive reply was, “Oh, that’s not necessary!”

In doing so, I now realize that I may have robbed them of the privilege of expressing gratitude—an act that often carries deep meaning, signaling growth, maturity, and a heart being shaped by grace and love. By not fully acknowledging their words, I may have unintentionally failed to honor the value of their gratitude and the dignity of the one expressing it.

There are so many people in my life to whom I owe a deep debt of gratitude—for their generosity, their influence, their gracious words and actions, for welcoming me as a stranger and a foreigner, and for showing love and grace even when I was neither lovable nor gracious. Some of them have already gone “home” to be with the Lord. Others, as life has led us on different paths, I have sadly lost contact with. Yet I still remember them with affection and carry within me a deep longing to reconnect, if only to express the thankfulness that remains in my heart.

Here in Africa, I’ve come to understand the true meaning of thankfulness. Whenever someone expresses gratitude for the ministry’s impact, I think of local churches, faithful friends, generous supporters, and those who continually sow seeds along my journey.

I think of you—and my heart is filled with gratitude. Grateful to the Lord of the harvest for the privilege of crossing paths with you, and grateful to you for blessing us in so many ways. So today, from the bottom of my heart, I simply say: Thank you.

May the One who brought us together fill your heart with His joy and remind you that nothing can compare to a heart that loves Him and longs to make a difference—whether in your own city or across the world—through ordinary people who serve faithfully in His vineyard. Happy Thanksgiving, dear friend!

With a grateful heart,

Barbosa & Sinara