While listening to older Christian gospel songs this week, I came across a song recorded by the Statler Brothers. I had never heard it before, but realized how very appropriate it was for not only for this time of year but all year long. "I Believe I'll Live for Him". It was recorded in 1992 - on a CD titled "The Statler Brothers Gospel Favorites. What a simple but powerful message. Because He died for me, I will live for Him. Had not the Lord given His only Son for our salvation,we would be forever doomed to death and not ever know everlasting life with Him. Again, what an important message for us to think about.
When I think of the blessings the Lord has bestowed on Caring Hearts Ministry, I am totally overwhelmed. This past week has been the most amazing one ever - never have we been flooded with donations of all kinds - and an abundance of them. Many things we never received before, many things that we needed and the Lord provided. We now have enough small canned hams for each family to receive one, thanks to Ranchero Village Park.They also donated a huge box of new adult stockings, and another box of brand new children's clothing. We received 500# of black beans, 432 tubes (full size) of toothpaste, two large plastic bags of toiletries ( the kind that you receive from a motel), toys, toys,and more toys,all brand new in the package, boxes of precooked frozen sausage patties (Fred and Ida had to distribute them immediately,but it all worked out perfectly, according to God's plan), as well as the usual Friday vegetables and fruits for the weekly distribution. We are loading and packing for delivery in anticipation of the Christmas distribution on Saturday. The ladies are already making hundreds and hundreds of tamales, and preparing the rice. All of this in addition to our Friday distribution. We have to take notes to make sure we have every thing ready to go.
We traveled to Reynosa, Mexico Thursday for the annual family Christmas party at the refuge.The trip over was comfortable as we took 3 vans, Fred driving one of them. Upon arrival,we were instructed to visit each Casa (house) as there were treats waiting at each one for us, as well as a small gift of a refrigerator magnet with a photo of all those in that particular Casa. The best beverage was sort of a sweet coffee - very good. Even the Mexican hot chocolate was welcome, as it was a pretty cool Day. We then went to the auditorium for a Christmas program and video of the the kids and their activities. After our usual Christmas meal of chicken cordon blu (with a orange type of sauce which was very good, vegetables, a roll, and the ever present green noodles! We then went to the patio area for a bit more singing and short program, then on to the much anticipated present distribution. It was so heart warming to see a few of the kiddos seeing a decorated Christmas tree for the first time and to receive presents - which they never have had in their short lives. The smiles and tears of happiness were everywhere, for the kid as well as us adults. The return trip was a bit longer, aswe had a 1-1/2 hour wait on the bridge, which was not too bad as the Wait had previously been about 3-4 hours. It was a long and exhausting day full of such wonder and peace.
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| cookies and Casa pictures |
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| popcorn at this Casa |
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| Fred and sweet Pati - the girl we have sponsored since she was 10 - she is now 21 |
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| Pati and CHI President, Bob Steele. Pati has one year left in college and she will be a Mexican lawyer! |
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| We were serenaded at this Casa |
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| Some of the kiddos |
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| and the rest of them |
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| Pati giving her powerful testimony |
Tonight is the Christmas parade here in the park, and then the carolers will be going around.
Everyone decorates whatever (even themselves) for this event - we just stay in the nice warm house in our pj's, sipping coffee, and enjoying it all!
We had no sermon this morning in church, just a reminder of the reason for the season. A beautiful cantata was given by Mission Bell Church, including the Christmas hymns we all love and sang along with.
May you all have a very blessed Christmas, full of love and family bonding, remembering that tiny baby born in a manager that holy night over 2000 years ago.
Merry Christmas and a very Happy and prosperous New Year.
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