Dear Family and Friends:
Recently I heard someone say, “Many would be a god but only God would be a man.” Isn’t it amazing that people intent on celebrating Christmas go through life serving self while overlooking the One called God with Us? Imagine celebrating the birth of the Servant of All while being consumed with self. This Christmas as we exchange gifts, let us not forget the greatest Gift. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich” 2Cor 8:9.
In our last letter we asked you to pray for our church ladies Christmas party. Mrs. Beverly gave a devotional and prepared a wonderful meal, while Naomi organized some games to bring everyone together and smile. Being an informal time, Naomi was able to get to know some of the ladies. This is an important part of the ministry which is often neglected because of the busyness of Sundays. We don’t often get to sit down and talk without children running around!
Thank you for also praying for our Christmas program. What a blessing to offer the Gospel to a full auditorium. Pastor Messick closed with a needed challenge to many of the parents and grandparents on the importance of the Bible in the home and life. Though not a typical Christmas message, the Gospel was clearly presented. Sadly, most of the kid’s families do not come regularly, so Pastor’s heart was burdened for these people and their homes.
As we begin a new year please pray for God’s wisdom. Three to five of the kids that come on the church van are twelve to thirteen years old. When the kids here reach their teen years they often stop coming to church. Without stable homes and a losing interest in Sunday class times for the younger kids, church often isn’t important to them anymore. God is giving us a burden to maintain a ministry to them through their teen years. Please pray that God would show us how to most effectively work with these older ones.
Prayer requests:
Wisdom in teaching and preaching
One complete family to be added to the church
Salvation of our children and the children at church
Wisdom for how best to reach the older kids
Praises:
God’s provision this year!
God’s protection this month
God’s plan is perfect
We praise the Lord for each of you and depend on your faithful prayer for us. Merry Christmas to all of you and have a blessed New Year with Christ first in everything!
All for Jesus,
Paul and Naomi Sondergaard
Ruthanne, Nathan, Hannah, and Aletheia