It’s amazing watching the world celebrate a season that is basically centered on the Christ Child. There are trees, gifts, decorations, and even some manger scenes. But what are we REALLY celebrating? For Christians, it’s the coming of the Lord Jesus. And as Christians, we should be sharing with others the REAL meaning of this season. Yes, the birth of Jesus is important, but WHY He came is the ultimate reason we celebrate. He came to be the LIGHT of the world, to show every person how they can spend their whole life, now and forever, with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. So as you enter into this time, remember there are those who do not know the real reason He came. It is a time for all of us to let the love of Jesus shine bright!!!
We have had a year of interesting, if not challenging situations. One of the blessings for us was being able to help the poor here in Haiti with the distribution of buckets. Our bucket ministry has become one of our most cherished times here. To be able to help feed those who have no money, no way to purchase food, and with that, to share with them the Word of the Lord, is heartfelt. If you’re interested in helping with that, let us know.
There were sorrows, too. Two of our children lost jobs, but through prayer, both are now working again. And we lost one son-in-law, which was totally unexpected. Please keep our daughter in prayer during this season. It’s a difficult time for her.
And then, our stateside trip and at that point, some happy times. One of our grandsons and one of our granddaughters got married this summer. We are so happy for both of them and pray God will be with both marriages. Our family is expanding with happiness.
One of the huge blessings that came this year, was that Savanah was finally able to go home to her new family. The little we have talked to her, she is so happy and very content. A huge praise!!
Upon our return to Haiti, I, Karen came down with shingles. Not a happy time at all. But once we thought it was about over, I ended up with a heart situation. Again, stateside for testing. But we serve an AWESOME and HEALING God!! To the confusion of doctors, my problem disappeared and I was given a clean bill of health. God worked a miracle and we totally praise and honor Him for it!!
Now we are back to work again. But with things being what they are, Don has had to spend time doing a lot of maintenance work. I praise the Lord that while we were gone, Vero arranged to have many things done here. But then when we returned, vehicles need attention and the house needs work, and yet the ministry continues, and that needs attention, too.
So, you can see we’ve had a lot of changes, a lot of challenges and a whole lot of blessings, both from the Lord and from His people.
As we are looking forward into 2018, there are a lot of things we are hoping to not only accomplish but a lot of Lord directed ways we will be serving.
I, Karen, am heading into doing more work with the IDADEE orphanage. Not physical work, but working toward letting people meet and see what the 40 orphans there are doing and what their interests are. This will be a challenge for me, but I’m looking forward to that.
Don will be working on competing Vero’s house, and getting the vehicles and our house back in good shape. That WILL be a challenge for him. Plus he will continue with the bucket ministry and helping those in desperate need.
Praise and Prayer requests…
Praise ~
¨ For all the Lord has accomplished in and through us here in Haiti this year.
¨ For Savanah’s finished adoption and her new family.
¨ For His touch and healing of Karen’s body.
¨ For the Grandkids marriages.
Prayer ~
¨ For the Lord’s continued guidance and direction for us here.
¨ For the work He has given us to be accomplished in the way He wants.
¨ For health for both Don and Karen.
¨ For energy and strength to do His will.
And we praise God for all of you, who stand by us and with us in all ways.
Rejoice with us and celebrate the REAL REASON for this season, what Jesus has done for you and me and the whole world!!!!
