Donations:

Construction has stopped for lack of finances

CHRISTMAS FOR THE LEAST OF THESE

Tomorrow we are going into the highways and byways to invite those in who nobody cares about. The children that have no one who cares or who loves them are invited to come to the house of the Lord for a good meal, candy, fun, the good news, prayer, and loving arms to hug them. Jesus came to this earth for these forgotten children, and we want to be His extended hands to them.

We'll be playing games, worship together, eat together, watch a Christmas movie together, and we'll be telling them the good news of Jesus. At the end of the program, each child will receive a pair of shoes or clothing. Already kids have asked us for shoes, as they walk around on the streets all day.

Please pray for our Christmas party tomorrow, and give towards the costs if you can.

On Thursday, we are celebrating as a family - i.e. all 33 or so of us. First we are going to a hotel to go swimming - my kids' favorite activity! In the meantime our ladies will be preparing a special meal of Western chicken - my kids never get to eat chicken. Back from the swimming pool, we'll be having a great meal together before having our own family celebration. Every child and adult will receive a gift.

If anyone would like to contribute to the costs for the swimming pool ($7 per person) and the special meal, we'd be most grateful.

Our Christmas service takes place at our regular time Saturday afternoon.

QUICK TRIP TO AUSTRIA

Using my frequent flyer miles I jumped on a plane to Austria with severe toothache to be there for just one week for a visit to the dentist's and whatever else could be fit in. It was great to see my family again - especially my little nephew Maximilian. I was most excited about the opportunity to preach at VCC on Saturday night. I preached on the fire of God, and we had a great time in His presence.

The pain continued after the dentist visits, but after 3 weeks of constant pain and painkillers, it finally stopped. My short little trip had been very much worth it, for many reasons. Thank You, Lord!

QUICK NEWS

•        School for Hama - Once a week Hama goes to an NGO working with handicapped children where they spend a few hours doing exercises with him. So far we are pretty happy with that. The challenge is the extreme distance to our place, and that it's only once a week.

•        Augustin - Our relatively new driver Augustin wants to bring his family up from Togo to join him on our base. We have some reservations about that. Please pray for the right decisions to be taken.

•        Helpers on the way - I've been amazed at the recent interest from people to come help us in Mali. Of course, most don't work out, but we do have a few serious prospects right now. Our first visitor is Eva who is arriving in February and staying for 6 months. Praise God! What we really need now is more money to keep building to have room for staff and visitors.

•        US Trip - I'm going to be in California and Nashville Jan 22-Feb 8. More details on my CALENDAR page.

WE WISH ALL OUR FAITHFUL SUPPORTERS A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS SEASON IN THE PRESENCE OF OUR BEAUTIFUL LORD JESUS!

All HIS,

Claudia