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ANNIVERSARY & CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

On December 22nd we had our yearly anniversary and Christmas celebration. This was the first time I was not there for it in the 15 years since we started the church, and it's our biggest event of the year. Paul told me how much he missed me, but he did just fine without me. About 500 people came and 8 were baptized. I'm so proud of my son and told him he really didn't need me, which he vehemently protested. What fruit he is of this ministry, and what joy to know that the work continues whether we are there or not!

Paul led everyone in a time of Bambara praise and then told the history of the ministry which is usually what I do. We had more baptism candidates than ever, and there were even more that were indisposed that day. What a joy to baptize our own Jonathan (11) who was born and has grown up in our center. After the baptism our French helper Ivan prayed and prophesied over them together with Paul. Then it was time for the preaching. We are so blessed that Ivan recently arrived from France to stay with us for a few months, and he did a great job preaching. Paul then invited everyone to start following Jesus and many responded. After praying for some people, and seeing some healings, it was time for the special meal of couscous with mutton.

What a great celebration!

Click here to see more pictures of that day.

(STREET) KID CHRISTMAS PARTY

On the 27th we put on our Kids Christmas Party. Last Christmas we set new record when 350 children came. This Christmas 573 showed up!!! Every child gets a number when coming onto our base that they later exchange for a gift in the order they came in. Where do all these kids come from? Paul said they had come from greater distances than ever.

It's challenging to play games with that many children, but Paul did it. First they played "Simon says" (we call it "Jesus says"), and then they had to balance marbles on a spoon in their mouths across a bench. They had lots of fun! Then came the big challenge of cramming that many children into our dining hall. Once done, Paul led them in Bambara praise, before explaining the gospel from beginning to end. He then did a Q & A time to see who listened and gave out candy for correct answers. Finally he invited everyone to pray a prayer to start following Jesus with him.

We had not been prepared for that many children, so neither the food nor the gifts were sufficient. We had 200 pairs of shoes, as well as clothes to give away, and they were all gone. In the future, we really need to prepare for a lot more children, and simply trust the Lord for the funds to come in. This year - I guess because of our absence - we've had less donations than ever come in at Christmas, while we have not had any less expenses. We're thankful that He takes care of us, and that you listen to Him and give as He leads you so we can do these events.

Click here to see more pictures of that day.

FAMILY CHRISTMAS

On the 24th we celebrate as a family which includes all our sponsored kids and workers. It's always a very special time, and I was really sad to not be there with my Malian children for the first time ever. That meant no advent calendars, no Christmas tree and decorations, and the celebration in the dining hall instead of our living room.

As always everyone went to the restaurant for a meal of chicken and fries with a drink. For most that's the only time a year that they are in a restaurant, and one of very few times to get a soda. Paul called me per video-chat and went around so I could see all the children, and so they could see the triplets. It was so wonderful to at least see them that way! It was also great to see our friend Ivan.

From the restaurant they returned to the base where they gathered in the dining hall. They talked about the meaning of Christmas, lit candles to remember Jesus the light of the world, and then finally exchanged gifts with each other. It wasn't the same, but they still had a great time. Once we get there, we will bring a whole lot more gifts to hand out.

Click here to see more pictures of that day.

THE WILSON FIVE IN VIENNA/MALI

We had planned to be in Mali for Christmas and New Year's and had even found a few people who wanted to come with us to help with the babies. However, I discovered that tickets cost twice as much during Christmas season and were therefore not affordable, so I had to abandon that plan with a heavy heart.

I tried to make the best of being in Austria during this special time of year, celebrating Christmas for the first time as a family. My Mom and her husband came by one day, and my brother and his family another, and we had lunch with friends on Christmas Day. I put up a Christmas tree to make it more special, and the babies wore the cutest clothes.

Life is still the same as it was last month, as we spend most of our time feeding and changing diapers, doing house work and office work in between. They smile back at us now, and weigh between 4.2 and 4.6 kilos (9.3-10.1 lbs). Connect with us on Facebook to see lots of baby pictures.

Unfortunately we could not find anyone available to travel to Mali with us in January, so it will be the two of us with three babies. We leave very early in the morning on January 21st, first flying to Paris, and then rushing to our connecting flight to Mali. We will both have a baby on our laps (they pay 10% of the ticket price each) and had to buy a third seat for the third baby (paying 75% of the ticket price). We will have 8 suitcases of 23 kilos each (50 lbs) and 2 with 10 kilos each plus carry-on. Please pray for us for this greatly challenging travel day! Pray also for our time in Mali, for health, protection, grace, wisdom, and everything to work out just fine. We will be there for two weeks, as the babies have doctors' appointments, and Samuel weekly physiotherapy to make up for his motor skill challenges (two of three cysts in his brain have dissolved).

       Samuel day 125              Tamara day 125              Emmanuel day 126

Come or watch online next Saturday!

QUICK NEWS

•        School - We pay for the schooling of over 30 children which is our biggest expense, from school fees to supplies and uniforms. We've barely recovered from those, when it's already time to pay the second installment of school fees. Thank you for helping us with all these expenses.

•        Building Permit - Paul is still working on getting a building permit so we can continue construction, but to this date we have not received it. Please pray we get it soon.

•        Ivan from France - For years Ivan has been telling us of his desire to come to Mali to help. In December he contacted me, and a few days later he already arrived, even though we were not there. It's been a little challenging for him health-wise etc., so please pray for him. Pray he'll be a blessing and be blessed.

•        First-Grade Teacher - We are still looking for a French-speaking first grade teacher to join our team. There is such a need for a good, Christian school where the children are treated with dignity and learn something. Many of our Muslim neighbors would send their children to our school. Please pray we'll find a teacher!

•        Malian Director Paul - Paul has been leading the ministry in Mali by himself for quite some time now and he's tired. Please pray for him!

•        Security Situation - Mali is becoming more and more radicalized by jihadists. Also, the population is rising up against the government, still not accepting the president's election. Please pray for peace, and for protection from jihadists.

•       Web Designer - We desperately need someone to redesign our website since it was accidentally deleted quite some time ago. It will have to be multi-lingual. Please pray God leads the right person to us to do it.

•       Volunteers - Do you want to come change an orphan's life? Do you want to heal the sick? Preach the gospel to those who've never heard? Come to Mali for a season and let God change your life. No language skills needed, but French skills are helpful.

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11)

Trusting HIM,

Claudia (& Randy)