7 Reasons to Be Thankful: How Global Missions Change Lives (Including Yours)

Ashland Watson
Nov 19
6 min read

There’s something powerful that happens when we take a moment to say thank you. Not just to people, but to God. Gratitude has a way of opening our eyes. It reframes the mundane, softens the hard moments, and draws us back to the heartbeat of our faith: We love because He first loved us.

In the context of global missions, gratitude takes on a whole new dimension. It’s not just about personal blessings; it’s about witnessing God’s redemptive work unfold in villages, communities, and nations worldwide. It's about witnessing how your life and someone else’s on the other side of the globe can be changed by the same powerful, resurrecting God.

7 Reasons to Be Thankful

So, whether you're knee-deep in mission work or simply learning about it, here are seven reasons to be thankful, each rooted in God’s Word and real-world impact.

1. Be Thankful: God Invites Us to Be Part of His Redemptive Story

International missions are not an afterthought; they’re at the center of God’s heart. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reveals a God who pursues the nations.

"Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples." — Psalm 96:3

When we engage in missions, whether by going, giving, praying, or sharing, we get to be part of that divine pursuit. That alone is reason to be thankful: the Creator of the universe invites us to play a role in what He's doing.

2. Be Thankful: Practicing Gratitude Keeps Our Hearts Soft

It’s easy to grow numb. The news cycle is exhausting, our schedules are packed, and compassion fatigue is real. But practicing gratitude keeps our hearts tender. When we thank God daily, perhaps through a gratitude journal or evening prayer, it reminds us of His ongoing provision, even in chaos.

Gratitude resets our posture. It shifts the spotlight off of lack and places it on abundance. And it prepares us to better serve others with humility and joy.

3. Be Thankful: Missions Build Cross-Cultural Friendships

There’s nothing quite like laughing with someone whose language you don’t speak, yet you understand each other perfectly. Missions introduce us to people who are so different from us, yet fully loved by the same God.

These relationships aren’t just a byproduct of missions; they’re part of the gift. Gratitude flows when we realize that someone who was once a stranger is now family.

"There is neither Jew nor Gentile... for you are all one in Christ Jesus." — Galatians 3:28

4. Be Thankful: God Changes Us When We Step Out in Faith

Missions are never one-sided. You may go to serve, but somehow, you’re the one who comes back transformed. A deeper faith. A broader perspective. A greater hunger for justice and mercy.

If you’ve ever journaled during a mission trip, or returned to old entries in your gratitude journal, you’ve likely seen it: the way God stretches, breaks, and rebuilds your heart.

Gratitude is the natural response when you realize He didn’t just use you to impact others, He used it all to draw you closer to Him.

5. Be Thankful: Every Small Act Matters in the Kingdom

Whether it's praying over clean water, sharing a story on social media, or helping fund a school for vulnerable kids, every act of obedience counts.

"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones... that person will certainly not lose their reward." — Matthew 10:42

There’s deep thankfulness in knowing that no effort is wasted. In God’s economy, mustard seeds grow into trees. And your simple ‘yes’ could ripple into generations of change.

6. Be Thankful: Hope Still Has the Final Word

We need this reminder daily: The darkness doesn’t win. God is still moving. There is light in the most unlikely places.

When we read stories from Mosaic’s partners across the globe, stories of food relief, children's ministry, and faith ignited, we remember that hope is alive. And we can be thankful for a global Church that continues to press on, led by the Spirit, fueled by love.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:5

7. Be Thankful: You Were Made for This

You were made to live on mission, whether across the ocean or your street.

You were made to love boldly, to share stories of redemption, to advocate for the vulnerable, to give generously, and to light up the darkness with Christ’s love.

The call to gratitude and global mission aren’t separate; they’re deeply connected. Gratitude keeps you grounded and launched. It reminds you who you are and whose you are.

Ready to Be a Part of Something Bigger?

If these reasons stirred your heart, maybe it’s time to take the next step. The Mosaic Ambassadors program is for people just like you, those who want to live with purpose, spread hope, and make a tangible impact around the world.

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” — 2 Corinthians 5:20

As a Mosaic Ambassador, you will:

Share stories and impact updates on social media
Host small gatherings, fundraisers, or events
Encourage others to pray, give, and take action
Inspire generosity and bring awareness to Mosaic’s mission
Become part of a supportive community of world-changers
Receive branded gear, exclusive updates, and a full toolkit to make an impact

Whether you're a student, professional, church leader, or simply someone with a heart for service, you can use your voice to shine God’s light.

“…Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16

Join the Movement

Being thankful is not just a feeling. It’s a way of living, a way of seeing the world through the lens of grace. And when you live from that place, the ripple effect is unstoppable.

Now’s the time to practice gratitude. Say yes to the invitation. And let your thankfulness become the spark that changes lives, including your own.

Learn More about Mosaic Ambassadors

FAQ: Being Thankful in Faith and Missions

Why should I be thankful even during difficult times?

When we choose to be thankful during challenges, we're acknowledging God's presence and provision even in the hard moments. Scripture encourages us to "give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18) because gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what God has already done. Being thankful doesn't mean ignoring pain; it means trusting that God is working even when we can't see it yet.

How can I practice being thankful daily?

Start with a simple gratitude journal where you write down three things you're thankful for each day. Make it specific—thank God for clean water, a friend's text message, or how He provided in an unexpected way. You can also set reminders to pause and be thankful throughout your day, turning mundane moments into opportunities for praise. The more we practice gratitude, the more natural it becomes to live thankfully.

What does the Bible say about being thankful?

The Bible is filled with calls to be thankful and give thanks to God. Psalm 100:4 says, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." Colossians 3:17 reminds us, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Scripture shows us that thankfulness isn't just a feeling—it's a command and a way of life.

How does being thankful change my perspective on missions?

When you're thankful, you begin to see missions not as an obligation but as a privilege. Gratitude helps us recognize that God invites us into His redemptive work across the globe. Being thankful for what He's already done in your life naturally overflows into wanting others to experience that same transformation. It keeps your heart soft and your eyes open to how God is moving worldwide.

Can being thankful actually make a difference in the world?

Absolutely. When we live thankfully, it changes how we treat others, how generously we give, and how boldly we share hope. A grateful heart is more likely to notice needs and respond with compassion. Being thankful fuels action—whether that's supporting clean water projects, sharing someone's story, or advocating for vulnerable children. Gratitude doesn't just change you; it ripples outward to change communities.

What's the connection between gratitude and serving others?

Gratitude and service are deeply connected. When we're truly thankful for God's grace in our lives, we naturally want to extend that grace to others. Being thankful reminds us that everything we have is a gift, which makes us more willing to share—our time, resources, and love. It's hard to serve with a bitter heart, but when you're grateful, service becomes a joy rather than a burden.

MOSAIC INTERNATIONAL