Thankful Thursday

This program is brought to you in part by the partners and friends of Creflo Dollar Ministries. This is your world, so let's vow to make it ((music playing)) a better place. Let every heart that needs to know >> [singing] >> you love is here to stay. >> ((music playing)) >> It's time we live a new life. >> [singing] >> Let his >> ((music playing)) >> love shine bright in you.

We sleep by his grace, so we embrace your love today. We are changed. ((music playing)) Hello, I'm Creflo Dollar, and thank you for tuning in to today's program. ((music playing)) Now, today we pause for Thankful Thursday. A sacred opportunity set apart each quarter for the body of ((music playing)) Christ to come together in one united act of gratitude, generosity, and love. >> ((music playing)) >> Listen to me carefully.

One of the greatest blessings in the life of a believer is not just receiving from God, >> ((music playing)) >> it's being trusted by God to help meet the needs of somebody else. Now, that's the heart of Thankful Thursday. This is more than a date on the calendar. This is more ((music playing)) than a moment in a service.

This is a opportunity to reflect on the goodness of God ((music playing)) and allow our gratitude to take on visible expression. Because we are not ((music playing)) blessed just for ourselves, we are blessed to be a blessing. We are called ((music playing)) to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the earth. You know, God never ((music playing)) intended for what he placed in your hand to stop with you.

When he blesses you, he gives you an opportunity to ((music playing)) become a channel through which his goodness can reach somebody else. You know, gratitude that never moves never matures. Real Thanksgiving ((music playing)) doesn't stop at words. It rises into action. It it shows up in generosity. It it becomes visible through ((music playing)) love.

This is what makes Thankful Thursday so powerful. It is a gratitude in action. >> ((music playing)) >> It is compassion in motion. It is love on display. Take a look at this. ((music playing)) What you're about to see is what happens when grateful people allow God to use them to make a difference ((music playing)) in the lives of others.

Well, my name ((music playing)) is Archie Collins. I am the administrative pastor here at World Changers Church International, and that ((music playing)) includes overseeing our international affairs, which includes our local and global missions. ((music playing)) I began to get involved with our international offices, uh which are in Australia, at that point ((music playing)) Nigeria, South Africa, the United Kingdom, as well as ((music playing)) Canada.

I sat down in a conversation with Dr. Dollar, and he asked me would I take over the global missions program. >> ((music playing)) >> He said something very clear. He said, "Archie, we want to go where no one else will go, and ((music playing)) we want to do what no one else would do."

And then he said he wanted to minister to the fatherless, the widow, ((music playing)) and the stranger. And those words still echo uh with purpose ((music playing)) and vision. I want to do more. I want to do more. Uh but I want to do ((music playing)) the right kind of more. And and I think that's going to be in training people ((music playing)) where they can continue it on, and we we see a perpetual impact.

One day, >> ((music playing)) >> every season, a world of difference. Thankful Thursday is a ((music playing)) quarterly movement of gratitude in action. A call for believers everywhere to pause, give thanks, and turn their gratitude ((music playing)) into generosity. Join the movement. Scan the QR code or text Thankful and the dollar amount to 744-83 ((music playing)) to donate, or visit cdmthankful.org. >> ((music playing)) >> In the heart of ((music playing)) Secunderabad, India, God's love was shared in a powerful way.

Creflo Dollar Ministries India launched Project ((music playing)) Virtue, a women's empowerment mission outreach, bringing hope to widows from slum communities. Led by office manager Abraham Tamawar and his family, ((music playing)) the CDM India team spent hours ministering to women through worship, prayer, and the word of God. Each woman received ((music playing)) a grocery kit filled with essential food items, along with something far greater, the assurance ((music playing)) of God's grace and love.

Praise the Lord. I'm so glad to have you all today. You're going to be a part of this wonderful opportunity that ((music playing)) God has given to us, and so with Creflo Dollar Ministries and serve these wonderful women hearts were healed, ((music playing)) lives were changed. Women rededicated their lives to Christ, and many ((music playing)) testified of peace and restoration after prayer.

Through songs of praise and ((music playing)) personal ministry, God's presence filled the room. This outreach strengthened CDM India's relationship with the local community, ((music playing)) inspired new volunteers, and reminded everyone that no one ((music playing)) is forgotten in God's kingdom. Because of your generous giving, lives are being transformed across ((music playing)) the globe. Together, we spread the gospel of grace. >> ((music playing)) >> World Changers is making such a huge difference ((music playing)) in our community.

And one of the ways in which we're making a huge difference is through ((music playing)) the ministry of Prestige. For over 16 years, we've gone out to local strip ((music playing)) clubs in the city of Atlanta, motels, hotels, all kinds of establishments, ((music playing)) and we've ministered to women who are being prostituted, women in prostitution.

And in essence, we take them flowers, we take them ((music playing)) toiletry kits, we take them food, resources, information, and more importantly, we take them the love of God, because that's what it's all about. It's 8:41 p.m., and I'm about to ((music playing)) reach out to some women in the sex industry online and see how they are doing and to see what ((music playing)) kind of services I can offer them.

Our mission is to help empower women. Our mission is to help empower women. And build their self-esteem. >> And build their self-esteem. >> Their self-worth. Their self-worth. Of those involved in the sex industry. Of those involved in the sex industry. There's people out there. All right. So we can, you know, minister to them, we can pray with them, everything.

Including Including but not limited to but not limited to prostituted prostituted women and exotic and exotic dancers. Our goal is to demonstrate Our goal is to demonstrate >> the love of God the love of God to these precious women to these precious women and reach out to them and reach out to them in a non-judgmental in a non-judgmental and accepting way. and accepting way.

Through your support, impactful programs ((music playing)) like Prestige are able to thrive. Programs that empower women in the adult ((music playing)) industry to rebuild their lives, restoring self-worth, and offering them a path forward ((music playing)) with spiritual and practical resources. >> Our ministry reaches out to them in a non-judgmental way, letting them know that God loves them, period.

((music playing)) Every dollar helps provide housing, educational opportunities, life ((music playing)) skill classes, and spiritual mentorship for these precious women, showing them the unconditional love of Jesus Christ. ((music playing)) >> And so I just want to thank everyone for their support for the ministry of Prestige. It's making a huge difference. We know that ((music playing)) lives will be changed and that we will make a mark that can never be erased.

Thank you for partnering with us to change lives through love ((music playing)) and generosity. >> ((music playing)) >> My most memorable trip, it would have been in Bangkok, Thailand, ((music playing)) when we connected with an organization called Destiny Rescue. Uh this is an organization that we partner with that literally goes and rescues >> ((music playing)) >> young people out of the sex trafficking industry.

Our Project Virtue initiative ((music playing)) takes us all the way to Thailand, one of the many frontline regions in the global fight against ((music playing)) child sexual exploitation. There, we partnered with Destiny Rescue, a Christian non-governmental organization committed to rescuing children from sexual exploitation ((music playing)) and human trafficking. Destiny Rescue's teams operate undercover in some of the darkest places on earth, risking their lives to identify ((music playing)) children in bondage and bring them to safety.

Through rescue operations, ((music playing)) trauma-informed care, and long-term reintegration programs, >> ((music playing)) >> they restore dignity, hope, and the future every child deserves. Creflo Dollar Ministries ((music playing)) joined these brave teams in Thailand, venturing into the underbelly of the sex trade, posing as undercover customers with one mission, to save children trapped in a life they never chose. >> They're often sold by their parents.

They're not all kidnapped. They're often sold by their parents. Um and ((music playing)) then they're put into brothels or strip clubs and things like that uh to work. And Destiny Rescue has come up with uh just a blessed idea to literally go into those places and rescue those young people.

The way they do it is they um will often disguise themselves, go in, they ((music playing)) will purchase time with that young person, and when they get them to the hotel, they'll reveal who they really are and then give that young person a chance to get ((music playing)) out. Um if the young person agrees at that moment, they immediately take them away to a secret place um and get ((music playing)) them out of that.

And this is why your partnership matters. Your giving ((music playing)) fuels rescue missions like these. Missions that pull children out of darkness and lead them into healing, restoration, ((music playing)) and God's unimaginable love. We got to go to one of those secret places ((music playing)) where about I think it was 12 young ladies were at and we got to ((music playing)) spend time with them uh and just to see the joy on their heart from not only just being rescued >> ((music playing)) >> but being able to live a normal life.

These young women um had a almost normal tourist style house that they lived in. They were working jobs. Um they went to church every Sunday with a partner church. Uh we were able to go to that church and worship with them. They laughed, played, had a ((music playing)) great time with us.

All of that I remember it because it was literally what we had talked about. Like >> ((music playing)) >> no one else, you know, as a church that I knew of was willing to go and support something like that. Was willing to get hands-on >> ((music playing)) >> and and do that type of work.

And we appreciate Destiny Rescue and their partnership to this day. Um but it was just amazing to see the virtue of these ((music playing)) young women being protected. Um and for us it wasn't just a project that was ((music playing)) really a purpose. It was getting out there making sure that these young women's lives could be changed and they could be raised in a way that that grace would allow.

Together, we are changing stories. Together, we are saving lives. Together, we will continue to make a difference in the lives of children around the world. >> ((music playing)) >> Project Virtue, powered by grace, fueled by your generosity. >> ((music playing)) >> On this thankful Thursday, we encourage you to scan the QR ((music playing)) code or visit cdmthankful.org for more information or text thankful and the dollar amount to 74483 ((music playing)) to donate now and give what God places on your heart to give.

It's not about the ((music playing)) amount. It's about your obedience to God's instruction to you. >> ((music playing)) >> When you respond in faith, your giving becomes more than a gift. It becomes compassion in motion, love on display, and an answer ((music playing)) to someone else's prayer. Obey God. Respond today. Be the reason someone thanks ((music playing)) God this season.

Now, that's what I'm talking about. You know, when we help meet the needs of others, we are doing more than >> ((music playing)) >> offering assistance. We are becoming vessels through which the love of God can reach people ((music playing)) in real, tangible, life-changing ways. A gift can become ((music playing)) relief in a time of disaster.

An act of compassion can bring care to a child in need. ((music playing)) A seed sown in faith can help restore strength to a woman rebuilding her life. A moment of generosity can become hope for an entire community. ((music playing)) Now, understand this. When you give, you are participating in ministry. You are allowing God to use ((music playing)) what is in your hand as an answer to somebody else's prayer.

Never ((music playing)) underestimate what God can do with a willing heart ((music playing)) and a committed seed. There's a blessing in being able to help meet the needs of others. Why? Because generosity ((music playing)) does not just bless the receiver. Generosity works on the giver, ((music playing)) too. It keeps your heart open. It keeps your faith active. >> ((music playing)) >> It reminds you that everything you have comes from God and can be used for his purpose.

There is a blessing ((music playing)) in being able to help. There's a blessing in being able to serve. ((music playing)) There is a blessing in knowing that what God has placed in your hands can become ((music playing)) an answer to someone else's prayer. Each quarter on one designated ((music playing)) Thursday, believers around the world come together in one united act of faith and love.

What begins ((music playing)) as Thanksgiving overflows into generosity that changes lives ((music playing)) forever. One day, every season, a world of difference. ((music playing)) I believe with all my heart when the people of God move together in faith, there is no limit to the good ((music playing)) that can be done. Watch this. And when we come back, I'm going to challenge ((music playing)) you to take your place in this moment. >> ((music playing)) >> Prostitution is not a choice.

Once someone is drawn in, finding a way out can feel impossible. Fear is one of the strongest forces keeping women trapped, often compounded by shame and a diminished sense of self-worth. Freedom is not instant. It requires time, patience, and consistent support. God and we thank you for the opportunity, Lord God, to go out into a dying world and to bring hope, to bring love, to bring grace, to bring peace, Lord God, because we know that you love them right where they are, Father God.

When the women of Prestige put on their pink shirts, they become a visible sign of hope. They walk into places many turn away from, clubs, motels, >> ((music playing)) >> and broken spaces with one purpose, to remind women they are seen, valued, and not forgotten. Prestige offers more than resources.

They offer dignity. They help women rebuild confidence, rediscover self-worth, and believe in the possibility of a new beginning. >> ((music playing)) >> As one ((music playing)) of our four global initiatives, Project Virtue carried us across the world, into the heart of Kenya, beyond the cities, beyond the paved roads, into the quiet beauty of the bush, where faith is strong ((music playing)) and hope is precious.

Inside two Masai churches, women and young girls ((music playing)) gathered. Some walking miles just to be there. They didn't come for charity. >> ((music playing)) >> They came for dignity, for health, for reassurance that they mattered. They're such sweet people. And they're people that really ((music playing)) have They have needs. And when you come out to a place ((music playing)) like this, especially in a third world country, you really see how much people are in need ((music playing)) just for the basic things.

But one of the things that they really need that we can help them with is understanding grace. Through your partnership and donations, we joined up with Khuru International to place practical resources into their hands, ((music playing)) tools that support wellness, confidence, and opportunity. But what we truly carried was greater than anything physical.

We carried the message of grace. ((music playing)) Grace that says you are not forgotten. Grace that restores confidence. Grace that reminds every woman ((music playing)) and every young girl that God sees them and calls them worthy. Project Virtue is more than outreach. It is compassion in motion. ((music playing)) It is love crossing borders.

And in Kenya, grace spoke louder than ((music playing)) words. >> ((music playing)) >> In the freezing cold of a South African winter at ((music playing)) minus 23° C, our missions team visited the Polo K Go Women's Shelter in Krugersdorp, a refuge for women and children escaping abuse. And we want to thank uh Pastor Taffy and ((music playing)) Pastor Collins for remembering us.

With hearts full of compassion, the team delivered essential food items and personal hygiene kits. Everything from maize meal and vegetables to soap, lotion, and sanitary ((music playing)) supplies. They also shared words of encouragement, prayed, and offered Pastor Taffy study notes on radical ((music playing)) servitude. The impact was immediate. Faces once weighed down by ((music playing)) trauma lit up with renewed hope.

Testimonies poured in. One woman received keys to a brand new home. Another celebrated her daughter's ((music playing)) new job. This was only possible because of you. Through your partnership and your generous giving turned hope into reality. Thank you for continuing to move God's ((music playing)) grace across the globe. >> ((music playing)) >> In the rural village of Botlokwa, South Africa, ((music playing)) a miracle has taken place.

For years, the children of Botlokwa Primary ((music playing)) School had no reliable water, only broken restrooms, pit toilets, ((music playing)) and the hope that one day things would change. As Creflo Dollar Ministries South Africa, we traveled all the way from Johannesburg to the Botlokwa village and we have witnessed ((music playing)) the school they've been in need of water.

What a privilege to be the part of Creflo Dollar Global Mission to witness the ((music playing)) installation of borehole. We say we thank you Creflo Dollar Ministries for this, what you are doing to the communities of South Africa. >> ((music playing)) >> We looking forward also to see this project going also to other provinces and we invite also those who are not the partners of Creflo ((music playing)) Dollar Ministries, please make a decision and be the part of making a mark that cannot be erased.

We thank you partners, God ((music playing)) bless you. From sunrise to sunset, our mission team worked tirelessly drilling deep into the earth. At 32 m, water appeared. By 60 m, it was gushing. Pure, ((music playing)) life-giving water that will sustain this school for the next 20 to 50 years. Today, hundreds of students and ((music playing)) teachers now have clean drinking water, working restrooms, and a kitchen ((music playing)) that can serve meals with dignity.

Attendance will rise, health will improve, and children can go to school without shame or fear. This is more than a borehole. It's a legacy. It's rivers in a dry ((music playing)) wasteland, just as Isaiah 43:20 declares. Now we are able to eat on time. We are able to drink water for more than one day.

Creflo Dollar Ministries that assisted us ((music playing)) all the way from the USA. I'd like to say thank you, Creflo Dollar, for the wonderful gift or present. We've been waiting for water for so many years. Finally, God has answered. I thank very, very, very, very, very, very much to >> ((music playing)) >> to be here with them because they show us love and what they are doing is good for ((music playing)) us.

And the children, they are happy because now they can never go outside to looking water. They will find it here at their heart >> ((music playing)) >> because this way Creflo Dollar is making us for drinking water free. I am so amazed to see people from >> ((music playing)) >> overseas, USA, they come just to drill a borehole for our school here, our needy people here.

I would like to thank Creflo Dollar for the water. ((music playing)) Thank you, Creflo Dollar. We appreciate your effort. I would like to take this moment and thank ((music playing)) Creflo Dollar Ministries for giving us water. Now we are drinking pure and clean water. >> ((music playing)) >> May God bless you and increase you more than thousand times.

This is grace ((music playing)) in action. This was only possible because of you. Your generous ((music playing)) giving turned hope into reality and transformed an entire community. Every ((music playing)) gift helps take this message further to people who need hope now, healing now, freedom now, and the truth ((music playing)) that can rebuild their lives. Scan the QR code now and allow your generosity ((music playing)) continue to make a difference.

Welcome back. >> ((music playing)) >> Thankful Thursday is a reminder that when we let our light shine through good works, people do not just see kindness. They see the goodness of God on display. >> ((music playing)) >> You know, Jesus said in Matthew chapter 5 verse 16, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

Now, let me give you two things to hold on to. Giving and serving are not just natural acts. >> ((music playing)) >> They are spiritual expressions. They point people beyond you and back to God. And when love becomes visible, God becomes ((music playing)) undeniable. Every opportunity to do good carries eternal value.

What you release in faith ((music playing)) today can keep ministering long after this moment is over. One act of obedience, one act of generosity, one seed sown in love can travel farther than you may ever know. Don't let this moment pass you by. When God places an opportunity to give before you, it is never casual.

It is consequential. >> ((music playing)) >> What do you do in this moment? And what you do in this moment can become hope for a woman who has been broken, ((music playing)) strength for a woman who has been wounded, and encouragement for a woman who needs to know that her life still matters.

((music playing)) I pray the initiatives we shared with you today have touched your heart and stirred in you a desire to become part of this ((music playing)) great opportunity to bless others. Today, your generosity can help restore hope, rebuild strength, and remind someone that their ((music playing)) story is not over. I'm asking you to respond right now.

Give with intention. >> ((music playing)) >> Give with compassion. Give knowing that your seed is becoming somebody else's answered ((music playing)) prayer. Don't just be thankful in word. Be thankful ((music playing)) indeed. Let your gratitude move. Let your compassion speak and let your love become visible. Be the reason ((music playing)) someone thanks God this season.

Give, serve, love. ((music playing)) And as we go to this next break, I want you to think about this. What God ((music playing)) has placed in your hands today may be the very thing he wants to use to bring hope to ((music playing)) someone else tomorrow. Stay tuned for some very important instructions from our announcer >> ((music playing)) >> on how you can be a part.

On this Thankful Thursday, we encourage you to scan ((music playing)) the QR code or visit cdmthankful.org for more information or text Thankful and the dollar amount to ((music playing)) 74483 to donate now and give what God places on your ((music playing)) heart to give. It's not about the amount. It's about your obedience to God's instruction to ((music playing)) you.

When you respond in faith, your giving becomes more than a gift. It becomes compassion ((music playing)) in motion, love on display, and an answer to someone else's prayer. Obey God. ((music playing)) Respond today. Be the reason someone thanks God this season. Because of you, Creflo Dollar Ministries is providing a new understanding of grace and empowering change in the lives of millions of people every day.

Thank you, partners and friends. ((music playing)) Your love and financial support makes it possible to bring this message into millions of homes all across the globe. The preceding program ((music playing)) was brought to you in part by the partners and friends of Creflo Dollar Ministries.