I am sure you have heard of ‘Happy Turkey Day’,
but this year we had a huge feast with a ton of chicken to enjoy! It was such a blessing to host a large number
of our mission family on the island at our house this year. We had quite a feast & we were all able
to reflect on God’s many blessings in our lives. We definitely missed our family & friends
in America, but we cannot help but see how God is so faithful to fulfill the
promises from His Word. In Mark 10:29-30a
it says, "Jesus
said, 'Truly, I say
to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or
father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who
will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and
sisters and mothers and children and lands.' "
I can’t believe that Christmas is right around the corner! And yet, we are wearing shorts, enjoying some
hot weather & seeing no Santa Clauses.
I am so thankful that we were able to buy a small fake Christmas tree at
our grocery store. Most places we go even
play English Christmas music. The kids
really enjoyed getting to help put up the tree & decorate it this year
(even if it does look lopsided).
We hope to make this Christmas a special one since it will be our first
in Mada. We are also looking forward to
celebrating it with 2 other mission families that live here in Antsirabe. We hope to do some special things together as a
family to spread Christmas cheer to the Malagasy.
When I reflect on the first Christmas, I often think of the 3 gifts
that the wise men brought to baby Jesus and I ask myself what 3 gifts can I
give to Jesus? Well, the first most important gift I can
give Him is myself completely. Yes, I
gave my heart to Him many years ago… but I know that many times my heart is not
fully surrendered to Him daily like He desires.
Secondly, the gift that I was
given in Jesus Christ I should not keep to myself because frankly, it is not
just for me. It is a gift for all
people-- I must proclaim it on the mountaintops! Lastly,
we all, as Christians, eagerly await Christ’s return. The Bible clearly states that He will not
return until all peoples have had the chance to hear about Him. Won’t you pray about giving to Lottie Moon (http://www.imb.org/main/give/page.asp?StoryID=5725&LanguageID=1709)
so that people who have never heard may have the chance to hear about the One
that we sing about at Christmas time?
Please pray fervently about what God would have you give to further His
Kingdom.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
