Who would you invite to Thanksgiving dinner?

This Thanksgiving, if you could invite anyone from history (with the exception of Jesus) to come to dinner, simply for the purpose of saying thank you for their impact on your life . . . who would be eating turkey with your family this year??

A lot of names come to mind, but as a self professed "mama's boy" I have to pick my mother.  My mom was delivered into the loving arms of Jesus thirty-three years ago. Before she left, she showed me the real love of God and although she suffered with arthritis, she loved to cook a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for our family.  This year I would love to pass the pumpkin pie to a mom that has been healed of arthritis and can slice the turkey without an ounce of pain!
--Teri Billiter, WCHP radio


The first person who comes to mind is Rich Mullins. I'd ask him about his ministry to the Native American community, how evangelicals and Catholics can see eye-to-eye, and why he shied away from certain aspects of Christian culture. His songs are still so real and moving.
--Josh Shepherd, The Heritage Foundation


I would enjoy spending an evening with Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain).  As an observer of the human condition and a gifted writer, he understood people, which is key to understanding life.  I've gained something from everything I've read of his.  I think the conversation could be wide-ranging, fun and informative.
--Cecil Van Houten, Family Life Network


If I could invite someone from history to Thanksgiving dinner to thank them for their impact on my life, it would be Isaac Watts.  The theology and imagery of hymns he wrote help fill my mind with wonder about our great God.  What an encourgaing meal it would be to have him lead us in giving thanks in song.

Was it for crimes that I had done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!
--Bill Fickett, Grace to You^®

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