It’s Time To Say Thank You.
It’s Time To Say Thank You.
The old gentleman was a little unsteady on his feet. He had every right to be. He was no longer young. He was in his early 90’s and with the help of his faithful cane; he came over and asked permission to sit by me. I was in Atlanta, seated near gate 16. I welcomed the company during my long layover. I glanced again at him and this time saw that his cap said World War II Veteran.
“Thank you for serving our country.” I said smiling at him. The old guy favored his arthritis as he eased into the seat.
“You’re so very welcome,” he said as he found a place to rest his cane. “It was the greatest honor of my life. Some of my buddies didn’t make it back.” He said as he shook his white hair.
I saw his tired looking eyes get a little wet, and then he held me spellbound for the next 40 minutes with stories of his life during the war. His mind was sharp. His voice strong and animated. I was mesmerized.
As he talked, the wrinkles in his weathered face seem to enhance his looks. He had a distinguished air about him as he named events and recalled names. Although I forgot to ask his name I will never forget his stories, his love for America.
Over the years, some members of my own immediate family have proudly served in the armed forces of the United States of America.
- My brother-in-law, Eric Marxer – Marines.
- My father, Carl Ballestero – Army.
- My father-in-law, William Starr – Army Air Force.
- My step father-in-law, Howard Davis – Navy.
Each of them has my deepest respect and appreciation for putting their life on the line… for me. I owe my freedom to them and others who served with them. I cannot take that lightly; I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
I’ve had thanked hundreds of uniformed men and women. Every veteran that wears a cap or jacket announcing his past service gets my thanks as well.
After the airplane landed at my final destination this week, the flight attendant announced the fact that a young uniformed soldier was on board. The entire crew, as well as the passengers, applauded their thanks to him, as well we should have.
I have seen many others thank our servicemen and women over the years. I too am thankful for those that serve.
What about those soldiers in the greatest war of all? You know, those that help fight the battle for the souls of men and women? What about those other warriors, like the Missionaries, and even our own Pastor? How come they seldom receive our thanks?
When’s the last time you ever saw someone walk up to a Missionary and say, “Thank you for serving the Lord”, or “Thank you for giving your life to the work of God”?
When is the last time you walked up to your Pastor and said something like, “Thank you for your service to God” or “Thank you for giving your life and your time to the ministry”?
Aren’t we to give honor to whom honor is due?
There are unsung heroes among us who have faithfully labored for years in the service of the King. Maybe they’ve never seemed to be well-known outside of their immediate area. Or maybe they’ve never preached a conference.
They might not even have famous relatives. They’ve sure never gotten a hand clap or maybe even much of a thank you. They have just silently preformed their duties. They have been faithful and heaven could not have required anymore.
Most have spent their life doing without. One thing shouldn’t have to do without is our thanks and appreciation.
Of all people, those who are fighting for the souls of men and women in this wicked generation, they need our thanks and our prayers.
Now, go say something nice to one of them.
Apostolic Expository Series
Christy Ballestero (My Beautiful DIL)
http://marciaballestero.com/
Pastor Anthony & Kim Ballestero, New Destiny Worship Center, Clearwater, FL (My Son)
Pastor Bryan & Christy Ballestero, Temple Of Pentecost, Raleigh, NC (My Son)
James Groce Blog – "Toward The Mark"
Kenneth Bow Blog
Kingdom Speak Podcast
Philip Harrelson – "The Barnabas Blog"
Verbal Bean Ministries
Holy Ghost Radio
The Ballestero Blog 
I Loved reading this today. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking of all those who have sacrificed in both natural and Spiritual war for me. Im honored to know them.
So , I want to say thanks to you today for not only being my daddy, but my pastor. Because you never were ashamed or afraid to stand up for Gods word , it has been instilled in my heart. Love you lots!!
Marisa Hartzell
April 8, 2011 at 9:15 am
Thank you very much. And Thank You my Dearest for giving your life to the work of God. Thank you for being such a wonderful example in an ungodly world, as well. I am grateful to God and ‘sanctified proud’ that He has chosen you and your husband to serve on the front lines beside me! I Love You too!
mballestero
April 8, 2011 at 9:37 am
Bro. Ballestero,
This comment is for you personally…you don’t need to post it. How wonderful that you have a daughter that is living for God! I think the devil makes a special project out of trying to draw Pastor’s families away from the church. I have known three pastor’s whose daughters were backslid—and these are wonderful, faithful men of God. Thankfully, one of those daughters has come back to church. It makes my heart ache for these men who have given so much to the Church and have to live with this pain. What a blessing your daughter is for you! May the Lord continue to bless you and your family!
Bonney Thompson
April 8, 2011 at 12:05 pm
Thank you very much. I too have no greater joy than to know my children walk in Truth.
mballestero
April 8, 2011 at 12:39 pm
Thank you for all your blogs!!! They are such an inspiration to all of us! Just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate your sacrifices you have made to spread the Gospel with so many over the years! We love and appreciate you and your family so much!! We are looking forward to you coming back in our area to be a blessing to our church again (as always!)
God’s Blessings !!!!!! Bro. & Sis Luke
paula
April 8, 2011 at 1:18 pm
Bro. Ballestero, I owe you and your father a great deal of thanks for the stand you both took. It was because of your dedication and service that my father is the man he is today. And in turn, because of that I am serving God under another wonderful, strong man of God! God bless you for your service in the work of the Lord.
Crystal Smith (Morris)
April 8, 2011 at 1:52 pm
Very needfully said, in this unthankful generation. I want to thank you, for your whirlwind service, to the Churches. June and I wonder at times, “where is Marty, to-night?” We know that you will be at some Church, preaching the Word of the Lord, Literally giving your life helping some Pastor, and his people. It is our hope that they are thankful for your sacrfice. We know IT is really using-up your life, and energy, to keep up the pace. We pray for you, and are happy when we get to see you, now and then. Our home is YOUR HOME, …………anytime.
We Love you.
Howard H Davis
April 9, 2011 at 10:16 pm
You made my eyes water up as I read your beautiful words. Thank you! I love you both and miss you dearly! I too keep you both in my prayers! Marcia and I both love you very much.
mballestero
April 10, 2011 at 1:39 am
You are so right Bro. Ballestero. I don’t ever want to be ungrateful for the great man of God that He has placed in my life. Thank you so much for this reminder.
Miriam G.
April 11, 2011 at 5:09 pm