Thanksgiving of the goodness of God
Transformed –
I am a living story of generations transformed by the hand of God. The journey begins in 1780’s when the Queen Ann of England built the first Chapel for the indigenous peoples of Canada known as “The Mohawk Chapel.” It was there that my great, great grandfather “Split the Skies” embraced God’s gift through His Son, Jesus Christ. He was a Chief among his people. God gave him wisdom and favor and directed his steps in life. God transformed his life and community among the Mohawk people.
As a young boy, I heard how my grandpa and grandma survived the struggles in Native life. Like many other stories, they told of their experience going to residential schools, family and friends battling pestilence and diseases such as Tuberculosis, grandpa working in the coal mines of New York to provide for their family living with humble means. Yet one day, they were preparing for a traditional Native celebration bringing in the New Year. As they were preparing the gifts to be given to those who would come during the celebration, they heard of a special radio presentation New Year’s night. God transformed the lives and the home of the Claus Indian Family that night. They accepted God’s greatest gift to His creation, eternal life in Christ Jesus.
I can remember my father telling me stories of God’s love and faithfulness among the generations of our family. How often they would seek God and His direction in their times of need. He shared with me the blessings and favor given to those He loves. He then would take a Bible and open it. Dad would say, “Son, this is not just a book. It is not just words on paper. This is God’s Words. This is God’s way of showing His creation who He is, what He is like, and how he works with his creation. Every time you open his book you are literally opening up God’s mouth. Son, I want you to go to your room. Take time and talk with God, (prayer). Then ask God to speak to you. Read His Word. Hear His Voice.” What a picture my father drew for me as a young boy. He would then say, “Son, I want you to come back to me and tell me, what did God say to you today?” God transformed my life, my time with Him, and my leadership in life.
The good news of the Gospel has impacted my Mohawk native family for five generations! My children have embraced Jesus Christ and now my grandchildren, which are the seventh generation in the Claus family. From our Native First Nations family to yours, have a blessed Thanksgiving as we focus on the faithfulness and goodness of our God!!
