"The angel said to them, "Don't be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10 & 11
There was much laughter and sounds of joy as we gathered in Matain to celebrate the birth of Christ last week. A big thanks to Sierra Pines Church who sponsored the Christmas party and gift giving and helped us reach out in spiritual and practical ways to this village!
Over 300 meals were served to the hungry men, women and children, and 200 toys distributed to the kids. We were also able to give 64 families bags of groceries.
A jeep helped transport food, gifts and chairs to an area near the event then volunteers carried everything down the beachfront to the village. (No roads going to that place, we hike in every week).
Music was provided by the youth group and childrens ministry leaders and kids. Then Anthony read the Christmas story from the bible. For most of the guests this was the first time they had ever heard about the birth of Christ! Then Leslie spoke about "The Greatest Gift" and an invitation was given to accept this gift. Most of the crowd responded and were led in prayer to receive Christ. Our ministry leaders spent time encouraging and praying with the people of Matain.
After that everyone had a special Spaghetti dinner (spaghetti with sweet sauce is the traditional Christmas food here!) and the kids lined up to receive a toy. Sixty-four families received groceries including all the Christmas Day dinner items for their families to take home and have a wonderful Christmas together!
The next day, PACTEC, Phil gifted Project Life so we could buy shoes for the kids. It's so important for the children here to wear shoes and help prevent infection of parasites. (check out our previous post about the worms!)
Our biggest thanks is to God. He continues to open doors for ministry and brings others alongside us to help make all this possible! "Glory to God in the Highest, and Merry Christmas to all!"
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