Genesis 50:19-20 Thanksgiving
In 1605, A Native Tisquantum, also known as Squanto from New England as captured by Englishmen and taken to Spain. In Spain, he was given an education and received some evangelization. He had traveled to England, where he learned the English language. A monk had looked at Squanto and felt pity for him, bought him and took him to his monastery. Squanto learned about Jesus, and eventually, the monk granted Squanto his freedom. Homesick, he made it home but saw his tribe had been killed by a disease that came from the European travelers. When the Mayflower landed in 1620, it took a year later for Squanto to find English settlers, and they were worse off. He used his English skills to teach the immigrants how to work the land they now live in. These people had no experience as farmers or hunters. Within four months, they grew corn by using fish as fertilizer and hunting animals for food. William Bradford, the governor, wrote Squanto was “a special an instrument sent by God for their good beyond their expectation.” The Pilgrims were so thankful they planned a harvest-time celebration and invited Squanto and his native friends. Natives Americans came with their own food and were ready to share and have a harvest time celebration, and they had such an enjoyable time, the harvest celebration became the annual Thanksgiving holiday. In 1622, Squanto became ill with fever. Bradford recounted in his writings and said Squanto died within a few days. He desired “the Governor to pray for him, that he might go to the Englishmen’s God in heaven.” People will complain about their situation, and even more so if they do not know about the same God, Squanto came to learn and love the people who kidnapped him. Squanto is like Joseph, who was taken far from home but used the situation to thank God because the experience helped him save people, even his enemies, from death. God bless you all; the Lord Jesus loves you, and so do I. His humble bondservant, Samuel H.
