Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

The last week has been more productive for my team and I. We spent a few days rapping journals with verses in them and delivering them to the director’s neighborhood. We gave away book marks that had scripture and information about the house church that the base runs. We pray that people would contact Samuel (the director) and that the books would be a blessing and the scripture in the books would change people and help us gain understanding of God. Its really fun giving things away! On Christmas eve we went to the mall (which was crazy) and handed out chocolate with Luke 2; 13-14 Fear not, for I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a savior, which is Christ the Lord. Then on Christmas Eve we received a huge blessing… Two weeks ago my team lead a church service and while we were mingling with people afterward, my friend Tam mentioned to one man that she really loved pineapple. So on Christmas Eve this nice man had no one to spend the Holiday with, so he came over with five large pineapples and a Christmas ham. We were going to have cold pizza, but he blessed us with a feast and we blessed him with fellowship. It was so kind and thoughtful. I don’t know why he and Tam were discussing pineapple two weeks earlier, but God used it to bless. I was so privileged to encourage this man and to give him company. After we ate, we decorated our meeting room and made a lovely Christmas setting we had a giant palm Christmas tree and fun balloons and posters. We made a Christmas living room in about 20 minutes; we read part of the Christmas story, and shared songs. We really like singing in a round so we sang “God rest ye merry Gentlemen” in two groups and it didn’t sound that bad! Later we exchanged favorite Christmas memories. One of my favorite Christmas memories was when my brother and I got a huge Trampoline and my dad set in up on Christmas morning in the snow so we could jump on it that day. He was really sick with a high fever and he still went out, for hours, and built it for us. I also loved the Christmas Eve dinners at Grandma Ethel’s old house. All of my family would be there eating and exchanging gifts. My brother and I would wear our matching pajamas and spend time with the family. It was always so loud and busy and right after we ate we all were itching to run down stairs and start opening gifts. It was such an exciting night. I also love when my mom would bake cookies with us all day, we’d set up the tree and dance to Christmas music1 My friends shared some of there Christmas bests and then we headed off to bed.
The next morning we cooked a large breakfast, sang songs, and finished the Christmas story! We opened our secret Santa gifts and prayed together! It really felt like Christmas. Even though I was sweating to death and sun burnt, the Christmas/Holy spirit was upon us. Later we had an interpretive dance party. Tam and I danced to; “Have a holy Jolly Christmas” we did pretty well. Its on video, maybe I’ll be brave enough to post it on facebook… We cleaned and packed thirty dinners. Later in the evening we went into the city and handed out the meals to the homeless. I had been feeling sad about missing Christmas at home, but when we were serving food I was overwhelmed with Gods peace. I knew I was where he wanted me and I was so happy to be there. We talked and prayed with a few men and just gave food. While we were driving we practically threw a sandwich at guy standing on a corner, he took the meal and smiled. Making someone smile does something crazy in my heart, mind, and spirit. I was crying because this man was blessed, how much happier did that make God? Not only was that man blessed by the meal, I was also. God loves to see us Joyful and we experience true joy when we bring it to others. I was so blessed to celebrate Christmas in this way and I want giving like this to be a tradition for Christmas, and more of a daily practice. We may not speak the language, but people are smiling in Guadeloupe because of Jesus.

As I was thinking about giving, and it made me remember all the times I was given to; my car, my trip, my friendships, my mentors, my church… All those who have supported me, prayed for me, and loved me are receiving the blessing of this ministry. I’m seeing people fed and giving because people gave to me. Jesus gave up his rights and his life so that I could be given freedom. I’m so blessed and so humbled. Thank you to those behind me, enjoy the fruits of this labor, God wants to bless you!!!



I’m not sure when I will be able to have internet access again. Someone on my team is really struggling and because of that my team will be taking a break from ministry and because of this particular struggle we are no longer allowed internet, until the issues is brought forward. We can all get online together but the time is limited. Please pray that God would convict people and our team would be able to move on from this. I can not disclose anymore information, but trust that this problem is serious and is having a strong affect on my team. We are all seeking and waiting. Thank you for your prayers.