A Global Christmas

I have for sure had an unforgettable Christmas this year! And I praise God for His abundant blessings. I am engaged to marry the man I love and whom the Lord has prepared for me to serve alongside, I have amazing parents and a brother who love me and are sharing in this new excitement with me, I have like-minded friends who challenge me as we try to pursue the heart of God together...the list goes on. And while this is certainly a Christmas I will not forget, and I know the Lord provides good gifts to His children to enjoy, I want to be sure that I don't lose focus on the bigger story. There are so many things the Lord is accomplishing this Christmas, so many things outside of my own little bubble of exciting news. I just wanted to highlight a few that are close to my heart...

Gospel for Asia
If you remember Christmas last year, the Lord began speaking to my heart about a number of different things. In particular, I was really challenged to rethink Christmas, to rethink how my time and money were spent around the holidays. I made the decision to continue that conviction, as did my my sweet friend Laura. This year I received this precious gift:

How adorable are these sweet faces?!?! As part of my Christmas gift, kids in Asia received the following:

• 2 pairs of chickens
• 2 VBS scholarships
• 3 Bibles
• 3 Blankets

This gift was made through Gospel for Asia, which is the ministry through which I sponsor my little boy Yusuf. This just makes my heart happy! I will take these smiles for Christmas over anything else any day :) 

Christmas Hope India
My friend Clint is currently traveling around India using his talent to photograph the Christmas parties sponsored by Neighbor Hope Ministries. They are dedicated to training, encouraging, and mobilizing Christians to love their neighbors by sharing the gospel, praying for them, and caring for their needs. My church- Woodcreek- was actually started by a Christmas party. One couple decided to reach out to their neighbors and share the gospel by inviting them to a Christmas party...and this same idea has grown into a ministry in India. How cool (and simple) is that? Last year they had 32,000 Christmas parties across India. This year the goal is 50,000 Christmas parties! Think about it...even if only 1 person came to Christ at each party...I love this! And what a challenge...

Pray for India. Pray for the Christmas parties. Pray for the power of the gospel to be proclaimed. Pray for Clint as he documents the Lord's work. You can follow Clint's travels here! :)

The Refuge Project
I have mentioned this more than once already, but it's worth mentioning again :) They are inching closer to their goal but are still in need of funds to purchase and fix up the house they need to provide a safe place for the sweet little ones they rescue from abuse and human trafficking.

There are SO many needs across the world and even next door. Let us give all glory and praise to the Father of abundant blessings, but may we not forget the need for the gospel of those around us. Let us enjoy our time with friends and family, but may we remember the reason we celebrate the coming of our King!

"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." 

~ Isaiah 9:6