My family and I arrived in the US from South Africa in January 1996. We were pursuing studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary on our way to the mission field. We had no clue about the joy and festivity of Thanksgiving. That first Thanksgiving would have been a normal day for us, going about the usual routine. We would have seen some commercials and decorations but not understood the meaning if not for a family at seminary who invited us to be a part of their Thanksgiving. They realized that we would miss out and so went out of their way to include us and help us to understand the significance.
This left a lasting impression on us as we realized what a wonderful time Thanksgiving is and how as Christians we can make it a time of thanks and worship to the Lord. It seemed to us that every country could have a time of thanksgiving and that it would be good to export this kind of holiday to the rest of the world rather than Halloween. We determined that if we ever had the opportunity, we would do what this family had done for us and show international students how special Thanksgiving is.
A Holiday for Those Far from Home
This will be our thirteenth Thanksgiving at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS), and since the first one we have followed up on our commitment. We try to send a message to all international students inviting them to celebrate Thanksgiving at our home. Most of them come with no idea of what Thanksgiving is all about and so we take time to explain it to everyone as a part of the time together. The first year we had two students, from Madagascar and Japan. In 2024 we stopped counting at 50 students from over 20 nations. Early on we also decided not to exclude students from the U.S. and so we try to spread the word that anyone who does not have a place to go is welcome to attend. This event has become a team effort with other faculty and staff as their families have helped us and joined in. We prepare at least two turkeys and an array of traditional Thanksgiving sides and fixings, as well as several dishes indigenous to the countries the international students come from. After the meal, we have a time of worship and thanks where we ask students to share something for which they are thankful. This is always a blessing as so many answers to prayer and thanks to the Lord are shared.
Celebration as Missions
This idea of being hospitable and broadening our circles of friendship is something we have always been convicted of, and it was emphasized when we were on the mission field. There is something special about inviting people into your home that leads to natural spiritual conversations. People of another faith are hesitant and even hostile in a public setting but open up in the private setting of a home. The home is our most personal space, and so when we invite others into that space it communicates a strong message. It says that you are more than a stranger but someone that I value enough to have you come into the special place I call my home. We have had significant ministry that has happened in our home and saw Muslims come to faith and be discipled at our kitchen table and in the living room. It does take a lot of work and resources, but the Kingdom results are far beyond any effort.
Both Challenging and Biblical
Hospitality does not seem to be a high virtue in our Western way of thinking. In our Fort Worth neighborhood, where we lived for the first 11 years of our time at SWBTS, we invited the neighbors around us over for a meal and had some great interactions, but not once were we invited into any of their homes for a meal. We were blessed by a family that took us out for a meal to a restaurant, and they are special friends, but it was interesting to us that for most people their home seemed to be a fortress to keep people out. Another issue seemed to be that people wanted the house to be clean and spotless to create a good impression. We wondered how much of this was pride getting in the way of hospitality. Certainly, the home needs to be as clean and tidy as possible, but not where this stops us from welcoming people in.
The idea of hospitality has a strong basis in the Bible. Romans 12:13 says, “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” 1 Peter 4:9 says, “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” 1 Timothy 3:2 says, “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.” These and other verses throughout the Bible show how important it is that we welcome others into our lives and homes. This is a part of what it means to be Christlike and Grace Filled.
How to Get Started
Practically then, be on the lookout for someone who needs hospitality. Lonely people are everywhere, and we just need to see them. Start with one person and then as your circumstances allow, increase this to where you are able to practice hospitality on a regular basis. Don’t make a big fuss where everything has to be perfect – you will not be able to sustain this; the people are more important than perfect food or surroundings. Use special events such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, 4th of July, etc. How about setting a goal for the next year that you will invite at least one other person/ family to these events? Someone who would not normally be there. Most people want to help when invited, so let them bring something to share – even if it is not the traditional food. If it seems like a lot of people are coming, then ask another family to help you host. As far as possible, include the gospel, prayer, thanks, and the Bible.
Hospitality is a wonderful way to show love practically. It creates warmth in a relationship that can lead to evangelism and discipleship. It does take effort if it is to be done well, but it also brings a deep conviction that this is what the Christian life is about. Jesus and His disciples experienced it in the upper room the night before He died, Peter experienced it with Cornelius, as did Paul with Ananias and the disciples in Damascus. We get to join in this practical expression of our faith as we embrace hospitality.
