As we gather around tables across the country to give thanks, we at Lutheran World Relief are giving thanks for you. Neighbors around the world are also giving thanks — for nourishing food and the knowledge to grow it, access to critical health care and comforting quilts and kits.
As we reflect on our own abundance this Thanksgiving, we also celebrate the abundance you make possible for our neighbors. Thank you!
The below story and reflection is part of Sowing Seeds of Gratitude: A 30-Day Devotional of Thanks. You can download your own free version here.
In Luke 10, Jesus gathers his disciples, sending them out into the world — to dwell with their neighbors, accept what is offered and trust that the seeds they plant in faith will one day bear fruit.
That kind of faithful sending is not just something that happened long ago. It’s something that continues today — through people like Halimata Compaore in the village of Boore in Burkina Faso.
Halimata is 51 years old, a mother of four. Like many women in her community, she has carried a heavy load. She left school early because her family couldn’t afford the fees. She married young. Her husband is now away in the city while she raises their children at home.
To support her family, Halimata worked as a local language teacher and sold steamed rice.
But the income wasn’t enough. Every school fee, every trip to the doctor, every meal came with stress and sacrifice.
Then something changed.
Halimata became part of a market-gardening cooperative. With the help of faithful Lutherans like you, she received training in gardening skills, access to a plot of land, seedlings and fertilizer.
Growing abundance; harvesting peace
Now she grows onions, tomatoes, cabbage, eggplant, peppers — not just for survival, but for abundance.
And through this new work, something deeper has grown too: peace. The very peace Jesus speaks of in Luke 10.
Halimata no longer has to leave her family for months at a time. Her household is more stable. The misunderstandings that once strained her relationships have given way to shared purpose. Because we walked alongside Halimata and others in the cooperative long-term, they have transitioned from surviving to thriving.
This is what it means to be a laborer in the harvest — not just to bring food, but to grow dignity. Not just to teach, but to learn. Not just to go, but to stay. To walk with others until the seeds of change take root.
A movement of laborers in God’s abundant harvest
When you support the global work of Lutheran World Relief — when you give, pray, advocate and tell these stories — you are part of that movement. You are one of the laborers in God’s abundant harvest.
As Jesus says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”
There’s still work to do. Still households in need of peace. Still women like Halimata, full of strength and potential, waiting for someone to come alongside them — with supportive solidarity.
So today, let us hear Jesus’ call — not as an ancient command, but as our living invitation.
Go, where God sends you.
Go, with peace, not judgment.
Go, with openness, not control.
Go, and plant.
Go, and trust that in God’s time, what is planted in faith will grow into a harvest of healing, dignity and peace.
He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Our neighbors like Halimata are praying for your response.
If you enjoyed this reflection, we invite you to download our free gift to you, Sowing Seeds of Gratitude. This 30-day devotional includes:
- Weekly stories of gratitude from around the world
- Scripture passages for reflection
- Thoughtful questions and guided prayers for each day
- Real glimpses of daily blessings created through your compassion — families able to stand on their own, communities better prepared for future disasters, healthier neighbors because of access to clean water and sanitation, and more.
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE DEVOTIONAL HERE
We hope you use it to guide your daily reflections — and to spark conversations about gratitude and hope.
And please share it with your congregation, small group, friends, family and any others that you think will benefit.
Thank you for your unceasing love and generosity.
Together, we will not stop until war ceases, disasters calm and suffering ends.
Until your love reaches
every neighbor.
Want to expand the reach of your generosity?
Why? Because reoccurring gifts are investments in real, sustainable change. They also enable us to plan and steward our resources efficiently. Through monthly giving, your compassion can travel farther and stay longer — enabling lasting change for neighbors in need.
Our Faithful Neighbors also have front row access to exclusive conversations with in-country staff about their incredible impact, as well as special communications — like this 30-day devotional! Learn more here.