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 2013, the number of GEM churches has increased to 18 in Belize
and 2 in Guatemala. Not only has God
increased the number of churches, but He continues to open the doors to many
other villages hungry for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We were privileged to host 13 teams
this year that helped us with several construction projects, evangelism,
discipleship, food distribution, pastor’s training, and medical services.
Construction on three church buildings has continued with two of those three nearing
completion. A well was dug in the
village of More Tomorrow to provide clean drinking water as that project is
still ongoing. Over 2,803 people were
seen by volunteer medical teams working through GEM. Also, 30 students were sponsored to attend
primary school and high school, and a total of 34 students graduated from the
two preschools located in Valley of Peace and More Tomorrow with 42 currently
enrolled. Most importantly, we have seen
over 100 people saved and follow the Lord in baptism.
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 is wishing for his 30-year-old body again while Sheila is still hoping
for that never-ending buffet that includes lots of chocolate with almonds (hold
the rice and beans). Brandon is looking
for 6 credits in chemistry to miraculously appear on his college transcript
without having to take the courses (A’s in both please), and to quote Micah he
would like “every toy they show on TV commercials and have in Walmart!”
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
No comments:
Post a Comment