Dear ElijahStreams Family,
Many of you know I had heart surgery in September. The surgery went well, and I'm recovering nicely. But I have to tell you, I was a little startled at how long it takes to get your energy back! Thankfully, it's getting better day by day.
AND I have to say... thank you, thank you, thank you for your many prayers and heartfelt messages! Derene and I are so grateful for each one.
You know, I've had some time to think these past few weeks, and I keep coming back to something the Lord spoke to me.
Some of you may have seen me share it on Facebook. It was one of the MOST important words I've ever received from the Lord!
I was praying and began telling God everything I wanted Him to do, and I detailed HOW HE should do it and in what order.
His response?
"STEPHEN, STOP DIRECTING TRAFFIC IN HEAVEN! Simple petitions are all I need, NOT LOTS OF WORDS!"
Now when the Lord uses your FULL NAME, you know He means business.
And I'll tell you, this surgery and recovery have been another reminder that God really DOESN'T need my help directing traffic in Heaven! He's better at details than I ever could be.
Because... wouldn't you know it? He already had everything lined up! The right doctors, the right nurses and therapists, and of course, my wonderful Derene right there beside me through it all.
I'm SO grateful!
And that brings me to Thanksgiving! We have SO MUCH to thank God for, don't we?
I love this time of year. Many of us will enjoy the crisp fall air, gather with family and friends, feast, and remember all the ways God has blessed us.
And you know what else I'm REALLY thankful for? YOU!
I wish you could see with your own eyes what your giving is doing in Uganda.
You've heard me talk a lot about the
water wells you're helping drill. But you're doing a whole lot more than drilling wells!
Right now, you're helping support nearly 1,000 orphans and vulnerable children in Uganda!
Your giving is what makes it possible for them to go to school, receive meals while they're there, and get the care they need. And I just want to say THANK YOU for caring!
Some of these kids have lost their mom, their dad, or in some cases, both. Many are being raised by elderly grandmothers who stepped in to care for them. Can you imagine already struggling to provide for your family, and now you're raising your grandchildren, too? That's a BIG responsibility!
And when you help care for one of these kids, you're helping that grandmother, too.
As we gather around our tables and thank God for all He's given us, I want these kids and their families to
have something to be joyous and thankful to the Lord for, too!
So, I'm coming to you today to make a special appeal this Thanksgiving season. Would you consider sending YOUR BEST THANKSGIVING gift to help us continue caring for these children?
We want to keep these kids in school, keep making sure they're fed and cared for, and help even more children and families as the Lord enables us.
Whatever the Lord puts on your heart to give, I want you to know how much Derene and I appreciate you. Not just for your giving, but for your prayers, your friendship, and for trusting us to help these families in Uganda.
God bless you, and Happy Thanksgiving!
P.S.
Whatever you're facing today, remember what the Lord told me. You don't have to direct traffic in Heaven! He ALREADY has the details figured out! And if the Lord puts it on your heart to 
