December 2008

BRRR!  Our temperatures (14 C) remind me that winter holidays are just around the corner. The choir practices of the elementary and high school in turn contribute to a celebratory Advent- and Christmas Spirit.

I (Petra) just returned from Germany, after having visited with my folks over in the old country. However, this trip was only possible due to my mother’s generosity, who financed the airfare, and that of friends and family, who welcomed me with open arms.

During that time, each day was an opportunity to serve and glorify the LORD.

At times this involved sharing about life in Guatemala through photos and real life stories.

At others occasions, the LORD used me in pastoral care, through lending an ear, being a Listening Presence, or speaking words of hope as well as praying with and for individuals.

Now, however, it is good to once again be home in Guatemala and together as a family minister to those around us.

We wish all Friends and Ministry Partners a Joyful Advent and Christmas Season. We thank you for your faithful prayers in the past and want to encourage you to continue supporting us financially, so that through your gifts, we can continue blessing others.

In closing, receive these words of blessing.

May the LORD be before you, in order to show you the right way.
May the LORD be beside you, in order to close you into HIS arms and protect you.
May the LORD be behind you, and around you to protect from the list of bad people.
May the LORD be under you to catch you when you fall, and free you out of the snare.
May the LORD be in you, in order to comfort you when you are downcast.
May the LORD be round about you, in order to defend you from outside attacks.
May the LORD be above you, in order to bless you.
Thus be blessed by the Almighty, Gracious and Loving GOD.

Old Irish Blessing for a Journey