As the 2023 Christmas season approached, I started thinking about how I could respond to the inevitable onslaught of "Merry Christmas" messages that I knew I would be receiving. The idea to wish people a "Jesus Christmas" came to mind and I loved it, because it pointed to how I would be celebrating: by sharing the significance of God coming to earth in human form at every opportunity we got.
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| Loved this display of Jesus' coming to earth at Compassion Outreach Ministries |
The first opportunity was at the Closing Program for Bible Club at the beginning of December. As we sang songs about Jesus' coming to earth, we shared about how the news came to ordinary people in society first rather than to the leaders, demonstrating how a relationship with God is available to every person. The guest speaker challenged the children to use the armour of God when responding to triggering scenarios in the home and at school, rather than fighting; he had no clue that this was an issue we had been addressing with these children for the past month! God clearly spoke through Him, and we pray that the children received the message.
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| Using the children to act out the scenarios |
For the past twenty years, ITNAC has journeyed to Sobo Village in Palo Seco to be a blessing to the residents of that community during Christmas time. We usually distribute hampers and toys, along with a meal. This year, we found out 3 days before the outreach that the corporate sponsor who had been engaged with us about the project since October would no longer be able to cover the expenses. Thankfully, God is our source, and He miraculously moved on the hearts of His people to contribute financially towards this venture, so we were still able to execute! We thank God for the opportunity we had to share the gospel clearly with the residents, and to challenge them to surrender control of their lives to Christ as their response to the gift of His Son.
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| The attendance was so huge we had to use the carpark rather than inside the community center |
For the first time since the pandemic, our church was able to put on a live Christmas production that included our children and young people. Friends and family members were invited to the dramatic presentation in song of Jesus' coming to earth. What was incredible to me was seeing the transformation of the young people who portrayed Mary and Joseph. Four months prior to this presentation, they could barely go up on the stage for Talent night with their teams at ISCF camp to perform, and now they had to act out these key roles in front of more than 100 persons - they were phenomenal! I told them afterwards that I was so proud of them overcoming their shyness and stepping out of their comfort zones. I thank God for those from church who worked with them and pushed them to be more bold and self confident, and also to be used by God for ministry in this way!
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| They all did so well! |
The highlight for me was our Christmas morning outreach, an ITNAC initiative where we visit the homes of families we have assisted during the year to bring the message of Jesus' coming to earth, along with a breakfast box and gifts for the children. A couple friends from church joined for the first time this year, and it was great having them along to help wrap presents the night before, and wake up a few hours later to pack the breakfast boxes (lovingly provided by Mummy) followed by spending seven hours on the road visiting these families.
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| We came bearing gifts :) |
At each home, we sang songs about the good news of Jesus' coming, and shared about why He came. As a result of this sharing, two children surrendered control of their lives to the Lordship of Christ! We were blessed to bring so much joy and hope to families who had experienced huge challenges and loss in 2023, and they were very grateful for what they received. We could not have done all this without your generous support, so thank you to all who gave so we could be a blessing to these precious souls for whom Christ came.
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