Before the Thanksgiving turkey is carved, before the rolls are buttered and before the pumpkin pie is sliced, many families in the United States bow their heads and say a prayer of thanks.

A small sample of local pastors was randomly called recently and asked what they were thankful for this year.

"There's so much," said Rev. Robert O'Dell, Church of Jesus Christ, Pierceton. "The one thing I'm thankful for seems to be more of a turning back to God on a national scene. It seems that morals are taking front row again. It seems to be more family-oriented."

Fellowship Baptist Church, Warsaw, Pastor Layne Sumner said, "I'm thankful for the relationship I have with the Lord and the good family God has given me and my church family. And the daily provisions the Lord has provided for me."

Rev. Daniel Haifley, Grace Bible Church, Syracuse, said he was grateful for "lots of things. I'm thankful for my family - my wife and two boys. I'm thankful for my call to the ministry. I'm thankful God called me to minister. I'm thankful for the church."

"(I'm thankful for) Christ and his grace. Just all what he does in my life," said Pastor Galen Wiley, Community Grace Brethren, Warsaw.

Pastor Scott Pattison, Celebration United Methodist Church, Winona Lake, said, "I'm thankful for my family. I'm very thankful for my wife, Anita, and my two sons, Zach and Matt. The heritage that my biological family as well as my in-laws offer. I'm thankful for my congregational family."

Assistant Pastor Todd Wilson, Calvary Baptist Church of Oswego, Leesburg, said, "As an assistant pastor, I'm thankful for my wife, my four kids and the way God makes provisions for us." He said his church is thankful for many of God's blessings, including the church's unity. [[In-content Ad]]