As you are sitting here reading this does your belly still feel full from that sumptuous meal that you had? I try very hard to associate our rituals with the actual meaning of the Holiday we celebrate. Take Thanksgiving for instance. Are you thankful? Those that own nice houses and new cars. Those who send their children to good schools and get to shop for all the needs of the house. Those who have good jobs and good health and a wonderful life. However, what do you thank God for when you are poor? I thank God because my focus is not on the things of life but on the things of heaven. Mat 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: Mat 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. For me, the blessing of having, is being able to help others. As I sit here with less than $20 to my name, and so far , with only two weeks to go, we only have $50 in donations for the Children’s Christmas Celebration that we have every year, my focus is not on what I don’t have. My focus is on what others do not have. We just lost another supporter who gave us $200 a month and if I were to say that we don’t notice the loss, I would be lying but what really bothers me is this person is such a loyal and Godly supporter who loved our work and his heart was to give. His financial situation kept him from continuing support. I am thankful for all the Lord provides for us. Our food, (Yesterday we enjoyed a Turkey dinner at our good friends house) our clothes, mostly our beautiful family as well as my wonderful Church family. God is Great! If you give me more money, I promise to give it away to help more people to see Jesus! Don’t forget! Jesus suffered and died for us. Not for his problems did He suffer but ours. Can you say that you SUFFER for others? CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION FOR 100 PAYATAS KIDS We don’t know what God will do. We do know that 100 kids will show up to the Church on December 14th at 9am We will have Bible quizzes, a Christian play, Christian music played by our own PBC musicians. As far as the Christmas meal, it may be reduced from a hot meal to koolaid and a cookie. Their may be no clothes or prizes and a toy but we will give everything we have to give these kids a nice christmas. Will you help? SALVATION SUNDAY! Instead of having our Seventh Anniversary we decided to celebrate our salvation instead. Each one brought a pot luck dish. Our artisans used recycled paper goods to create decorations and we had a great time of fellowship with music and testimonies. It was so wonderful to hear the praises of our people as they testified to their own personal growth and development and that of their families. OUR EDUCATION PROGRAM IS WORKING! Our Church children brought in their report cards and they were all up in their grades. We are thankful that God has allowed us to be a part of their developing skills that will take them away from this poverty. The one thing they all have learned proficiently is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ to their neighbors. What a rush to walk down the street with 65 people who then spread out to witness to the community. I am so thankful! BABY BLESSINGS Our own Pastor and Mrs Bong Velasquez decided to add to the growth of the Church their own way so on the 21st of November, little Othniel was born into the church. See, some say into the world but we won’t have any of that! A VERY SPECIAL NEW MEMBER I say very special because Pastor Jerry Anota was the first one to come and help start PBC back in 2006. He has moved to the area and wanted to come back to the place he first loved. Welcome Pastor Anota. WILSON FAMILY & CHURCH NEEDS As we approach Christmas we wonder, will be able to buy our own children a gift. In America we never had that problem but here, without enough support, it is a real problem. We also need to get the school books for Laura and Linda. With shipping and all, it comes to about $500. We have a car that is repaired every single week. Our Church needs supporters also. To be able to have things such as the Christmas Celebration and Camp and VBS and our Music programs and so much more. Mostly we need you. Not just your money but drop us an email, ask a question, see how we are doing. I once said that most people would forget us six months after we leave to go on the field. I was wrong. Most forgot in two months. They say (whoever they are) Out of sight, out of mind. So for that reason, here ya go!  We pray that you are so blessed as you bless others.  |