Missions Trip

For the past 10 years or so our oldest daughter Rachel has wanted to be a missionary and has dreamed of going on a missions trip. While she has been waiting to be old enough and for the right trip, she has been reading everything about missionaries she could get her hands on, going to missions conferences, talking to missionaries and praying. We too have been praying that the Lord would open the doors in His perfect time.

We are so pleased to announce that this is the Lord's time for Rachel, He has opened the doors, she will be going on her first missions trip to South Africa in the summer of 2011! Praise the Lord! Fundraising has begun and it has been a joy for us to help her earn her needed funds and to share in her excitement. To date Rachel has already earned her half of the funds needed, the other half will be raised by the whole group together. The Lord did a mighty work through His generous people; we have all been overwhelmed by the financial support Rachel has received!

Rachel will be going on the 2 week trip with a great group of people from our church ( Cornerstone Baptist in Exeter ). The primary focus of this trip will be evangelism, which is one of the reasons why she chose this trip; she really had her heart set on being able to share her faith. There is a lot to think about and do before she leaves, so I am sure the next couple of months will be very busy, but also very exciting.

Please pray for Rachel to grow spiritually. Pray that she will continue well in the study of the Word and that she will become even more comfortable sharing her faith...simply & clearly.
Please also pray for Rachel to have good health and to use her time wisely, as she has a lot to juggle right now: school, fundraising, planning, odd jobs, family, church etc.
Also please pray for the entire group that is going, that their fundraisers will be successful and that they will all be blessed and reach souls for Christ. Thank you all for your prayers!

We are so thankful to the Lord for tHIS opportunity!! God is good! We praise and thank you Lord!

Christmas

Christmas time is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the music, the decorations, the parties and especially the moments with my family.

We know for many families Christmas is a magical Santa Claus time and for others Christmas is strictly celebrated as the birth of Jesus and He is the reason for the season. For our family we have found that either way Jesus wasn't the main focus, for we weren't giving Him any gifts. Our family has chosen to celebrate the birth of Christ seperate from all other holidays, although we still include Him in our celebration because Jesus is part of everything we do. So on December 25th we give gifts to each other and we thank Him for His bounty and in the spring we set aside a day to honor Him, celebrate His birth and give Him gifts of service. This may seem strange to many but it has worked well for our family.

May you all have a wonderful and joyous Christmas and a very happy new year as you serve the Lord Jesus! May you enjoy all the sights and smells and excitement of Christmas. Lets all thank the Lord that He gives us special times of celebration to look forward to. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!