2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 (KJV)  But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

The salvation of a soul is so precious in the sight of God and in the life of the Apostle Paul. It brings utmost delight to his heart to see the power of God saving souls.

God first chose, then He by His Spirit sanctifies, setting His chosen apart from the world through the cleansing that the Holy Spirit brings through the blood of Christ. This is made effectual when the chosen of the Lord comes to faith, that is, belief in the truth when the gospel is preached.

And to be finally partakers of the glory as the Saviour in heaven is indeed worthy of our continual thanksgiving. More so, a loved one even a stranger. Amen.