A Word from Your Missionary:
We have one more month remaining in 2016. Most of us will spend a good portion of that time getting ready for Christmas. We will practice for cantatas and plays. We will decorate and bake. We will shop (some of us more than we should). If this December is like past Decembers it will go by in a flash, and we will be ringing in the New Year before you know it. If we are not careful, we will rush through it all without taking the time to pause and reflect.
When I think of 2016, I will remember ENCOUNTER and how I saw God renew an urgency for evangelism among our churches. I pray that this continues throughout the coming year. Wouldn’t you love to be able to baptize more new followers of Jesus in 2017 that ever before? I know that would please our Father. Ask yourself what you can do to make this goal a reality.
When I think of 2016, I will probably remember one of the harshest political seasons in my lifetime. If the election taught us anything, it is that our nation is still deeply divided in many ways. Our communities need to see the unity that defines the Church according to Scripture. My prayer for 2017 is that each local church will strive to live in harmony for the sake of God’s renown. As we represent Him, may we dismiss our preferences in favor of proclaiming His clear Gospel message.
When I think of 2016, I will also remember some personal milestones and challenges. Abigail graduated from high school and began college. We lost a dear aunt. My father-in-law had by-pass surgery in July and is still dealing with complications. Our family like many of yours experienced ups and downs this year. I am so thankful for a God who makes His presence known each and every day. We do not serve a God who is distant and unattached to us. I pray that His power and presence will be evident in your lives every moment of this next year.
Thank you for another great year of ministry. The future is bright and full of hope. We still have much to accomplish together. Pray with me that we will finish this year strong and will enter 2017 with a vision that is perfectly aligned with God’s plan. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
In His Name,
Steve Laughman
