Christmas is a pretty awesome time of year especially when you are in the States with your family and friends. But Christmas always evokes the
question, “What is the real meaning and purpose of Christmas?” Is it merely a time to enjoy spending with those we love while not experiencing the hassle of a work schedule, eating scrumdillyicious meals and treats, being awed by the lights, decorations and smells, or opening presents from Santa? Or is it something more? Of course in Africa you’re going to get an entirely different kind of experience; at least we have so far. Forget all the above items and go for the barebones of Christmas is a more accurate representation of Christmas in Ethiopia and Tanzania. Haven’t seen any Christmas lights or a rush on presents at the outdoor markets. I have seen a lot of people preparing to take time off to stay home with their family and celebrate the King’s birth. The Muslims continue to work at Christmas providing last minute necessities of a Christmas meal or any other needed item, but basically, it’s Jesus most Africans are celebrating. Everywhere Chuck and I go, the people of Africa want to hear about Jesus… even many of the Muslims.
“What can be better than that? Yesterday was marvelous. Practically everyone we talked to said the salvation prayer. It was the way the Holy Spirit put the words in our mouths. There are many more like us who really understand what life is about. There’s nothing as awesome as the gospel,” says Chuck as he glances over at me writing this blog. It’s true, our lives are radically changing from helping the poor with income generating programs to helping the poor by knowing who they are in Christ Jesus. When people have the spirit of Jesus in their hearts they become hot fire brands, unbeatable and unstoppable in anything they attempt to accomplish because the Lord is with them. In the U.S. this sounds implausible, in Africa it’s a reality. In fact anywhere we go in the world it’s a reality, but God is looking for hungry, searching, eager people to know the truth… the real meaning of life.
I’ve been a psychologist, and Chuck a probation officer, we’ve owned houses, raised children, lived the best and fullest lives possible and it wasn’t enough. Enough… Jesus is enough…. God is enough… the Lord is enough.
We’re in Tanzania to begin new travels to touch the lost with the love of Christ. We don’t have to travel far, just right outside our door, but God has a plan for us to go to Sierra Leone and we are on our way. Little by little we are learning the ways of the Kingdom of God: how to reach the Muslim, the lost, the downcast, the broken, the maimed, the sick. God’s the only way. What an adventure. What a celebration of who God is and what He has done! Come with us on our journey. I’ll make a commitment to write in this blog every week, and you may read it and find out what God’s doing over here in this corner of the world. It’ll inspire you, maybe it’ll change you forever.
Have a merry, love-filled Christmas. We’ll write to you next week.
Love, Claire and Chuck
4 comments
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December 18, 2015 at 11:16 pm
Patty Tse
Hi Claire & Chuck, So happy to receive your email and see how you are being use for the Lord. Christmas is a precious time to celebrate God’s love for us and to reach out to others with His love. May God bless you and pour into you as you pour out in the mission field. Love, Patty
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January 24, 2016 at 4:10 pm
seeingallthingsnew
Patty I’m so sorry about our friend Lillian passing, but when he takes away one He provides others to fill the gap of friendship. Jesus cares so much about you and your every need. He hears your prayers before you pray them. I’m glad you had a good Christmas, and Jesus has even greater gifts in store for you this year.
Love you, Claire
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December 30, 2015 at 8:13 pm
kathy kroll
Thank you for so eloquently sharing the work of Jesus in your part of the world! Isnt He.amazing????? Glad you have some tools that are working to help the young men provide and God is giving wisdom on adjusting this program as it goes along.
I appreciate being on yr blog and am praying an anointed and Spirit wind generated path for you today and each day as you share His love.
Would you pray for my husband today? He is seeking God and fasting for some income answers for us.
You prayed for me at New Song church about a breast cancer. I had a surgery to remove the tiny spot…no cancer in the surround or lymph node!! No radiation chemo or herceptin. He has given us a healthy prescription to follow and we believe it is gone for good!
love you…will pray for you at prayer gp on. Thursday mornings with Pastor Brenda and some other warriors.
many blessings fall on you and yours…
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January 24, 2016 at 4:07 pm
seeingallthingsnew
Thank you Kathy, It’s so sweet hearing from you and your thoughts about Jesus. Congratulations about the good report on your lymph node. He is soo good to his children. Your husband will also receive breakthroughs in his finances in Jesus’s name. He loves us so much and will guide your husband on the exact direction He wants him to go.
Love you, Claire
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