BUSH'S VISIT TO IRAQ AND HIS THANKSGIVING MESSAGE     
Thursday , December 04, 2003

The unannounced visit of President’s Bush’s flight to Iraq under extraordinary secrecy to spend Thanksgiving with U.S. troops warmed my heart and
I’m sure it did yours. The nation was stunned and the cheers from the troops spending Thanksgiving away from home was exhilarating for the country as we continue in our very real war on terrorism.

Even the President’s parents had planned to see him at the Thanksgiving table in Crawford, Texas. The surprise visit was a successful and heart warming venture for the President. His hugs and pats on the backs for our service men and women showed genuine concern that brought tears to the eyes of many.

George W. Bush is the first U. S. President to visit Iraq. He had a mission. He wanted to visit our young men and women who are battle-worn and he wanted to make the promise that those loyal to the former dictatorship who are testing America’s commitment will never see the U.S. retreat.

And I loved it when he said: “We did not charge hundreds of miles into the heart of Iraq, pay a bitter cost of casualties, defeat a ruthless dictator and liberate 25 million people only to retreat before a band of thugs and assassins.”

Amen, Mr. President!

In President Bush’s Thanksgiving speech to the nation, he thanked God for His many blessings and asked God to continue to guide and watch over our country.

He made clear in his message that liberties do not come without cost. He stated: “Throughout history, many have sacrificed to preserve our freedom and
to defend peace around the world… the brave men and women of our military continue this noble tradition.”

Then the President closed with these words: “This Thanksgiving, we again
give thanks for all our blessings and for the freedoms we enjoy…our Founders thanked the Almighty and humbly sought His wisdom and blessing them.” He
closed by encouraging all Americans to reinforce ties of family and community.

How grateful I am for President Bush’s acknowledgement of God openly and publicly. Pray for him constantly, for his safety, and for his wisdom. Pray
for his family. Ask God to protect him from anyone who might seek to steer
him off course.

May he who began a good work in him perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.