I remember as a kid, going with my father and brother to pick out the Christmas tree. I want to say it was on Christmas Eve but my memory fails me. I do know it was always as late as possible so that we could get the tree as cheaply as possible. I remember my father being upset because the tree cost $5. Imagine that? We had a poor people’s Christmas with some presents and a special dinner but none of the great festivities of the middle and upper class who had constant parties and company and dinners along with all kinds of treats. Now, some 50 plus years later, here I am awaiting my 62nd Christmas. I find myself praying for a special turkey dinner and maybe a few presents. It seems we have come, full circle. I read about others on the internet that are hoping for a new car or an ipad/ipod? ( I really don’t know the difference. Kids getting $500 computers and electronic games that cost more than my rent. Yet here, (not the Philippines) but here in Payatas, one of the most destitute areas in this land, most people will wake up on the 25th to just another day, wondering how they will feed their family. There will be no special foods , no presents of any kind, not even a card. All over the Philippines people celebrate, sing, eat, exchange presents, but not here. There will be none of that. There is however, one little Church which every year gives a Christmas Celebration for 100 poor kids.PBC! We tell them about the Christ of Christmas, we give them a nice meal and dessert; they get a pair of pants or a skirt according to their gender. Also, they receive a shirt, footwear and a toy. We have games and contests and everyone wins prizes and when it’s time to go home, they bring a small bag of food so their family can enjoy a Christmas meal. For eight years we have done that but for whatever reason, we only have $400 of the $2000 needed. I see on the internet all the preparations for many glorious Christmases in other places so I don’t think it’s the money. Perhaps it is the very cold weather that has caused hearts to become cold? Our celebration is on the 13th and we will watch to see what God will do. As the poor Christmases past, we are not so used to frivolity and such blessings are extra to us so we will continue to experience the love of the Saints and faith in Jesus Christ. My larger concern is for them who have heard the Holy Spirit prodding them, reminiscent of Scrooge being disturbed while he slept and crying leave me alone. My concern is that your time of trouble may come and none will hear you. As I heard from a man one time, those who have little, when they fall, their fall is cushioned as it is not too far but those who have much suffer a great crash when they fall because they have much to lose. Please think on the poor of Payatas this time of the year and always. OUR INCOME It seems we have lost another supporter of $100 per month. There has been no reason given, just stopped. I believe God will sustain us but the sad part is we do not hear anything as to why. We pray for all our supporters and if there is a problem we would like to know. So now our ministry operates on somewhere around $1100 per month for all expenses of Church and home yet the people of Payatas still look to us to present them with the word of God. To give them hope and peace through Jesus and to encourage them in their salvation. More People – More Help Even with all the problems, new people are coming to our Church each week. The two little girls who live with their disabled grandfather are continuing to learn their studies at the church. Malou was able to get their birth certificates (a most difficult process) and the girls should start school in June. Pray that we are able to continue to help these children. We have two in college, one of which is in her last year. Our children at Church have brought their report cards to our education leader and their grades have improved tremendously. Praise God! Laura just finished the 8th grade and Linda the 4th. Now they will need another $500 to get their books for the New Year. YOUTH RALLY Our youth had a great time out at the youth Rally at Community Baptist Bible Church. It is so good to see all the different Churches getting together to learn, fellowship and worship together. We need to GET OUT We still need to move by next month. The landlord is selling the house. Houses are cheap if you have the money. A relatively nice house is $50,000. That may as well be a million for us. We do have property that we own in SC. It is about 26 acres. It is up for sale at $80,000. If it sells, we could by a house easy. The market is slow. God also knows this. Pray that God will show us what He will do. OUR VISION Our vision is to reach the 240,000 people here in Payatas. Please pray that we will be able to reach every home! For our supporters who read this newsletter and see the need. This will also allow you to see how you have been used by God to continue this ministry. We will not give up, we will not give in. we will continue to fight the good fight! Thank you so much and may God bless your every need. Pastor Jack, Malou, Laura and Linda |