Staff, family members and friends from the Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region gathered to take part in a "Giving Thanks" prayer breakfast hosted by the JFHQ-NCR Chaplain's Office at the Fort McNair Officers' Club Nov. 25, 2014.
Command Chaplain (Col.) Gary Studniewski, during his remarks at the event, reflected on the arrival of the Pilgrims and the miserable conditions they endured. Upon arriving at their new colony, they faced starvation, death from diseases, and severe weather.
"The real test for the Pilgrims was remembering the troubles from their past and still being thankful," Studniewski said. "They learned that despite their troubles, they were rich because of God's provisions."
In 1623, William Bradford, the first governor of the colony, wrote a proclamation containing the spirit of the first Thanksgiving. He announced a feast to give thanks for God's blessings, an abundant harvest, being spared from disease, and freedom to worship God according to the dictates of one's conscience.
"Governor Bradford was inspired by the Israelites who celebrated their deliverance from Egypt," said Studniewski. "And after surviving years in the desert, they finally entered the land God had promised them."
Studniewski said the prayer breakfast gave those attending an opportunity to express thanks outside of the normal daily duties and come together as a command to reflect and give thanks for all the positive aspects of our lives.
"We are rich because all we have is from God," said Studniewski. "Thanksgiving is to give thanks to the giver, more than just the gifts. Gifts are transient, but the giver is everlasting."
The next prayer breakfast planned by the JFHQ-NCR Chaplains will be in 2015 to commemorate the National Prayer Breakfast held on the first Thursday of February each year.
Related Links:
Learn more about the Joint Force Headquarters - National Capital Region
Learn more about the JFHQ-NCR/MDW Chaplains
Learn more about the U.S. Army Military District of Washington
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