We want to thank you for praying for the G@mbi@n people.  Their election last month was incredible.  The incumbent who has been in power for 22 years, lost the election and called the winner to concede.  Later he recanted and now, is refusing to step down.  Later this month the African Union is to try to implement the results of the election.  Please pray that the change in leadership will actually happen, and take place peacefully.  Please especially pray for believers’ safety, but also that they will have opportunities to point their friends and neighbors to Christ.

We are looking forward to a team from Hunter Street coming near the end of the month.  We appreciate this church family that prays regularly for the Mandinka, and has done so much to help the Mandinka have opportunities to have the Word of God in their language.  The team that will be coming in a few weeks will be working in three villages.  They will be sharing stories from God’s Word, personal testimonies of God’s faithfulness in their lives, and medical skills to treat those with physical ailments.  We are grateful for this team and their willingness to come and share their time and skills with the Mandinka.  Please pray for open hearts as the team shares the Good News.

We want to thank each of you who have raised awareness of the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.  We know that Christ is the answer to all of our problems at home and around the world.  Supporting international missions through Lottie Moon helps us join together to reach lost and hurting people in cities and remote areas with the message of hope and grace.  If you have not already given to this offering, please pray about giving a gift today.

Our family has enjoyed the Christmas season.  We shared cake and cookies with our local phone company, electric company, bank, police station, and neighbors. Our son, Daniel, shared the Christmas story with our helpers that we share gifts with in addition to tasty treats.  We are enjoying cool mornings in the 70’s.  I should use Celsius so it would sound coldJ. Richard and I are soaking up our fun times with Daniel.  It will take a little while to get our internal clocks straight after trying to keep up Daniel.  Our family had a great Christmas gift when Alex and his shipmates arrived home on Christmas Eve! Patrick was able to visit and see Alex receive his promotion.  So happy that Alex, Emily, and Aaron had a sweet reunion.