Dear Faithful Supporters,

Well, it’s that time of the year again.  Christmas is such a busy time for all of us.  But it’s such an exciting time, as we have opportunities to share the gospel.

On Sunday night we went to sleep with the wonderful sound of fireworks which continued throughout the day on Monday.  Yesterday, December 12^th, was a national holiday known as the “Virgin of Guadalupe Day”.  Thousands walk and ride bikes from all over the country to reach the Basilica (the Catholic cathedral in downtown Mexico City) to worship the Virgin.

Christmas preparations are in full swing here.  Saturday we had the Ladies’ Christmas party here at our house.  There were 17 ladies in attendance!  We had hoped for maybe 10.  God works in spite of our lack of faith!  Eight of them were visitors.  We had some games, a craft, food, and a clear presentation of the gospel.  Our neighbor Araseli with whom we are trying to develop a relationship, was one of the visitors.  She told Susan she would like to get together again in a couple of weeks once Christmas vacation starts.  A couple of ladies asked when we will have another meeting, so we’ll see where the Lord leads us with this in the coming year.  We were all so pleased with the response.  To see some pictures, click here.

Next Sunday we will be having our Christmas program, complete with a skit, puppets and a drama reenacting the Christmas Story.  It is meant to be an evangelistic outreach to the community.  We will also be having a full meal, with turkey and all that goes with it here.  So far we have 50 people coming for sure, with another 20 possibly coming.  The men removed a wooden wall from the church to make more room for everyone.  Even so it will be tight with all the tables!  But what a great problem to have!  We are pleased with all the hard work everyone is putting into practicing and preparing for this event.  We look forward to seeing what God is going to do!

We have been encouraged by the spiritual growth in some of the families.  On Wednesday nights Bryan is doing a Bible study with Gregorio, Marisela and their daughter, Alejandra.  It is going well.  Gregorio put his trust in Christ a few weeks ago.  Marisela and Magdalena continue to come faithfully to church with Marisela’s children.  However, Sofia and her daughter, who we mentioned in the previous letter, have not been coming to church because of the pressure they have been receiving from Sofia’s mother for attending a Christian (not Catholic) church. 

Bryan had hoped to get in to a couple of universities to tutor English, with the hope of developing relationships and starting Bible studies.  But neither one has worked out.  Both turned him down once they found out that he is a Christian. 

This will probably be the last time we mention Arturo.  As you know, he’s had a difficult year, with his wife leaving him and the death of his brother and sister.  Just recently his mother also passed away.  His oldest son has become a drunk, and his youngest son isn’t allowed to see him, nor does he want to.  Since his wife moved in with a man across the street from where he was living, he decided to move into his mom’s house in Mexico City.  He got away from the Lord for awhile, but he’s gotten right with the Lord now, and is attending another church that is a lot closer to where he is now living.  Please continue to pray for him and his family.

Please also pray for the Romero family.  This past summer, we wrote that they were growing.  Unfortunately, they haven’t been coming to church now for awhile. 

In other news, Joshua celebrated his 6^th birthday this past month.  He enjoyed his Spiderman party.  Josh is learning more and more Spanish.  It’s fun to listen to him talking with his friend from church.  As Josh is learning Spanish, Caleb is learning English, and he’s speaking more every day.  Here are some photos of the boys.

Also, this past month we were able to go to the EBM Mexican field retreat.  It was a refreshing and enjoyable time.  It was fun to see the other EBM missionaries here in Mexico and be ministered to spiritually by a couple from the home office.

Thank you so much for all of your prayers and financial support throughout the past year.  We are so glad to have you all as part of our team!  May God bless each of you, your families, and your ministries.  Merry Christmas!

Praises

1. Salvation of Gregorio
2. Growth of some of the families in the church.
3. Good attendance at the ladies meeting
4. With the lowering of health insurance, we are close to 100% of our support level.