I find it hard to believe that Christmas is two weeks from Sunday. Seems like last week we were celebrating Thanksgiving. And 2016…well…the year has gone by quickly. I have to say the most awesome, fulfilling experience for me was the mission trip to the Philippines. The time with the pastors and their wives, visiting the children in Squatter’s village, visiting in the pastor’s homes, visiting in members homes, speaking in two church services, speaking at a graduation ceremony, helping a man with his roof, providing medicine for families, and just making new friends combined for an awesome trip. Many Filipinos friended me before I even got there and many more after I left.
My goal for 2016 was to take two mission trips--to the Philippines and to Haiti. There were not enough funds for Haiti. I am still hopeful that the two trips will materialize next year. The missionaries from Haiti (Terry/Carolyn Routon) will be stateside January thru March. While in Haiti, they lead a Ladies Bible study on Monday and I think the church leadership teams meet on Wednesday while the children meet on Thursday. The pastors meet on Friday.
While Terry/Carolyn are stateside, several people will fill in the training spots. They have asked if I would Skype/train the church leadership teams while they are away. This will be a great way for me to stay in touch with the people. While I was there in 2014-15, I saw how much they desired to learn and to be more effective in their God called positions. I saw human sponges soaking up every little bit of instruction and encouragement.
So, that is a little synopsis of this year and a prayerful desire for the coming year. I trust that your families will have a festive and joyful Christmas and you will be uplifted as you celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
No comments:
Post a Comment