January 11, 2012

December Update



 


Christmas greetings,

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord,” (Luke 2:11).  This is undoubtedly the most wonderful and amazing message ever heralded of all time.  After hearing this great news, the Magi began the tradition of giving gifts in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, and as children we looked forward to the gifts we found in our stockings on Christmas morning.  As we grow and mature we realize that the greatest gifts are not those that can be contained within a stocking, but those that are from our Heavenly Father and cannot be contained on this earth.

With the Christmas season upon us, we find ourselves reflecting on this past year and all the wonderful gifts from God regarding the ministry in Belize.  Since the beginning of 2011, He has added two new church developments bringing the total number of churches under GEM to nine.  Not only has God increased the number of churches, but He has also provided a pastor for each of the churches, and most importantly souls are being saved each week. 

We were privileged to host 21 teams this year that helped us with several construction projects, evangelism, discipleship, food distribution, and distribution of clothing and shoes in at least nine different villages. Construction on three church buildings was begun with one of those three being already completed.  Construction on the preschool in More Tomorrow is almost finished including the bathrooms and water tank which will service both the church and the preschool. New bathroom facilities were built on the northern campus and new mattresses for the bunks enable us to rival five-star accommodations (well, maybe not quite).

The Gaither family is also greatly blessed and enjoying this Christmas season.  As tradition would have it, we have made out our Christmas lists and are looking forward to what we might find in our stockings that special morning.  Just to give you a glimpse, Randy has got the fountain of youth at the top of his list while Sheila is hoping for that never-ending buffet that includes lots of chocolate with almonds (hold the rice and beans please).  Brandon is looking for a Dodge Challenger (yep, with a hemi), and Micah would like a real train that he can drive when he is not riding his very own merry-go-round. 
But in all seriousness, we are honored that God allows us to be used by Him in His great plan to expand His Kingdom.  It has truly been an amazing year!  This Christmas season, and for the years to come, may each of you have the gift of faith, the blessing of hope, and the peace of His love.

Merry Christmas!
from Randy, Sheila, Brandon, and Micah