Dear Prayer-Partners,
“For God so loved the world that He gave His Son…For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:16,17).  MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all!!!

People are busy here in Jeremie, Haiti, trimming trees & shrubs, sweeping the streets and painting where they can, but not for Christmas and to honor the Lord. Instead, it is in preparation for their independence day which is January 1.  May we all remember just how wonderful it is that God loved us enough to send His Son!

I know this letter comes to you late, and only folks with email will get it before Christmas, because we have had some setbacks since we returned the end of November. When we first arrived, we found that our house had been broken into and we were “cleaned out.” Now, three weeks later, we look for something and can’t find it, then realize that it was stolen too.  From my new Makita drill to Ruby’s hair dryer, from little things like gifts of hair ribbons for little girls to peanut butter for the workers, it was all gone!  It will take some time to restock, and it may take a little longer to recover from the emotional disappointment because folks we trusted just let this happen.  Here in Haiti, if a person don’t actually do the stealing, but let someone else do it, they don’t think they did anything wrong.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE:  Maybe this is a little late but I still like to challenge folks to remember Christ at Christmas.  What would it be like if all your friends celebrated your birthday by giving each other presents and gave nothing to you?  Think about this - is not Christ worth AT LEAST as much as family and friends.  The Christmas challenge is to add up all we spend on gifts, decorations, etc., and then give a gift of that amount to a ministry of our Lord.  Whether you give to missions or your local church, accepting this challenge will help you keep Christ in Christmas!

OUR #1 GRANDSON:  We were thrilled to be able to see our little grandson almost every day for the first two months of his life.  Luke and Anne live just a block from our  house so it was real handy. All you grandparents know what we are talking about! A special event happened as well, as Luke and Anne presented Jarren Daniel to the Lord and grandpa joyfully performed the baby dedication.

YOUR CHANGE CAN CHANGE HAITI:  A pastor in California came up with this slogan and it is spreading.  Just before we came back someone handed us a 2lb coffee can full of coins.  They made the decision to put all their change except pennies into the can every day.  The coins totaled $415.55!  Some have the can sitting out where guests can see it and they end up putting their change in as well.  We thank the Lord for the creative ways folks are supporting the work here.

PRAYER FOR MISSION COMPLEX:  As some of you know, this is the third time that someone has broken into our apartment and stolen most of our stuff, so we have started looking for another place to rent that would have more security.  Places are available but are so expensive (average of $1000 U.S. per month).  We have some land on which to build but we lack the funds.  This weeks financial report from our home church showed that $100 was designated for the mission complex.  That brings the grand total to $100 (smile, yes, true).  We have had encouraging words that others are going to get involved with this project.  Please pray for direction on what we will do in the meantime.

PROJECTS: I guess I did not fully explain why some things are going so slowly.  We have had no gas or diesel for some weeks here, meaning none in the stations. That means you buy it on the street or wherever you can get it.  The price is high so we buy just enough to get by.  I have not had enough gas to run the generator to do any doors, windows or desks. The good news is there is plenty of propane gas for the stove, which means my sweetheart is going full steam baking and cooking!  Our workers and many friends have never eaten so good!

MISSIONS GROUPS:  We have several groups scheduled to come in February, March and April. We  ave plenty of things to get done from painting houses and churches to putting a roof on a school. 

We miss hearing from many of you.  Just an idea - write a little note and give it to someone who uses internet and they will send it to us signed by you.

God bless you all,

Pastor Dave & Ruby

 To Make a tax-deductible gift make your check to:
    Beth’El Baptist Church, Box 437, Green Forest, AR  72638

Contact Information:
204 Arkansas Place, Green Forest, AR  72638, 870-438-4599
870-273-2907 (Cell)