December 2009

Each year I have looked for interesting examples of the celebration of this season.  This year, as I walked through the downtown area of Guadalajara, I came upon this gentleman cheerfully using his breakfast break to feed the birds.  What doesn´t show in the photo are the blinking lights on his Santa hat.  He reported that he does this every day,  not just during the holiday season.

Amidst the cheers of the congregation Gabriel was baptized.  We were invited to attend and join the celebration of his decision to “make a stand” for Christ.  Gabriel is the young man in the back, standing next to Lynn.  Thirteen years ago, Lynn led his father, Juan, to Christ.  Over the years this family has meant very much to us and we rejoice that they continue to follow Christ.

Saturday, November 28th, we cheered each other up at another “Knit Together” breakfast with the wives of pastors.  The theme for the breakfast was “SHOES”.  It was fun to come up with ice-breakers, decorations,  prayer reminders and a devotional that would follow the theme.  In the devotional we were encouraged to “take off” our shoes to spend time on “holy ground” with God.  Then, as the people of Israel dressed to eat the Passover Lamb, in a hurry and ready to leave, we were challenged to put on our shoes with the expectation that God would set us free from things that hold us back in our relationship with Him.  And finally, we are to “put on” our shoes, the readiness that comes with the gospel of peace, to impact our world for Christ.

And what could be more exciting that the glistening, cheer-filled face of a new believer?  A month ago, Livi came to work (she helps me clean once a week) with eyes filled with sadness.  Lynn and I spoke to her about hope in Christ and the gift of eternal life.  Please pray for her, her daughter Thania and her husband Gustavo.

We pray your lives will be filled with cheer this Christmas season:

Christ-centered days,

Home filled with joy,

Encouraging relationships,

Eats….but not too many,

Remembrances of a year filled with God´s faithfulness.