It's Christmas...nearly

We're almost there and we have no doubt that you are too busy to be reading lengthy blog posts so we'll be really brief.

What a joy this week to get together with all the missionaries, church planters, pastors and their families. Andrew and I led the carol singing and games and we had a blast. There is a great spirit of unity and we are trusting God for great things as new house churches open all over the place and these workers tirelessly work to see His kingdom extended here in Mexico.
Spot the confident missionary kids! Tabitha and Ethan MacKinnon were happy to enjoy the view from the platform in front of everyone. It won't be long before they are looking for the mics!
The MOPS girls all have a list of things that need to be done in each area before we have our next meeting in January. There has been a lot of planning and we need to see some fruit as we move towards the start date. We won't start until we are ready so please pray that the girls will find time and energy to get to work.

There has been a little set-back at the drop-in centre. We found out today that one of the pipes in the boys bathroom is too high and will need to be re-positioned. It's not a major job but every day is precious as we keep moving into the next phase. Alex and Paty's sister-in-law passed away this week (Alex's brother's wife) leaving her husband (who is blind) and two teenage kids. We're sure they would appreciate prayer as they grieve with their family.

Praise God with us for a new 'family' member. A man responded to the gospel message at the special event down in Chalco tonight. We're also praising God for the 50 people who attended. Thanks as always for your prayers!

Well, if you have kids around you no doubt this is a very exciting and busy time. We certainly have a very excited little girl! We hope to spend Christmas morning opening presents and joining with our families (in N. Ireland, England and Canada) through Skype. In the afternoon we will get together with our missionary family for food and fun D.V. Not only is there Christmas Day to look forward to but we are also hoping to get out of the city for a few days break. Everything goes quiet here over Christmas time unlike at home. We're so grateful for the chance for a rest, some sun (sorry if it's freezing where you are!) and time to be together. We want to wish you a wonderful holiday and times of happy memories. Let us leave you with this amazing video as a reminder of what it's all about.


Moppets

We think that prayer might have been answered. We have been needing someone to take the responsibility of the kids while the MOPS meetings are in progress but no one seemed to be obvious for the task. I didn't want someone who wasn't called and dedicated to the task to take it on. I also really wanted someone young who could come to the house for further planning as it is a big responsibility.

There is a girl who seems to be available and keen to help. She is a great girl but she is also very busy. Please continue to pray that God will make it clear to her if this is something He wants her to do. I will need to speak with her soon to get a final answer and if she says yes then we will get to work on planning and will hopefully be on target to start in the New Year as planned.

This is God's ministry and we are excited to move forward in His time and with the people He has called to the job.

Family

Here they are looking like they are up to something... and that's probably not wrong! We are so blessed to have such great kids. They certainly keep us on our toes. Tabitha loves to chat with us about anything really. She certainly feels very grown up and frequently struggles when what she wants to do is not what mummy and daddy want her to do. She could probably watch TV all day if we let her but she also loves to be kept busy, loves reading and singing.

On Wednesday this week she seemed off form. A high temperature gave some explanation. The temperature finally came down yesterday when we were at the point of phoning the doctor. We're not sure what caused it but apart from getting tired more easily and being a little grumpy at times she seemed fine and wanted to be flying around as usual. At the moment she is trying to decide if she wants to go and see Santa at a nearby mall. She swithers between wanting to see him and being too scared. Whatever happens she'll be hoping that he makes it down our chimney in a couple of week time!

Oscar is an explorer. There can't be many nooks that he hasn't investigated. And wherever he finds something small enough it goes into his mouth for further exploration! He seems to have lost some of his drive to get walking now that he can speed about on his knees. He loves his big sister to bits but doesn't always get a warm reception to his attempts at affection. When he does get a positive response he makes the most of it! Like his big sister at this stage he will go to anyone. He is learning the meaning of the word 'no' but at the moment he seems to like to push the boundaries and usually gives his biggest, cutest smile when he is being told not to do something. He loves books, the remote control, leads and the telephone and music always gets his attention and has him rocking back and forward or bouncing up and down. We're thankful that he has enjoyed good health this winter.

Thank you for your prayers and interest in our little family. We so appreciate you standing with us and realise that without you it would not be possible for us to be here serving as we do. We especially appreciate your prayers as we seek to guide our kids in a God honouring way and we desperately want them to make their own decisions to love and follow Him early in their lives.

Marriage counselling

Thank you for your prayers for the couple we mentioned recently. We had a good time together. It was very introductory and really trying to figure out where the two individuals were with regard to the marriage. We agreed to meet weekly for as long as was necessary.

This couple really need our prayers. We phoned on Wednesday night and he told us they weren't coming as she has had enough of the marriage. Please pray for her and ask God to give her the strength to fight. Pray that this marriage will be saved and for their two children who must be aware that something is going on.

Christmas presents

We were asked if we could help to give Christmas presents to the kids who attend the church down in Chalco. This is an incredibly poor area where the kids will receive very little this year. It is such a joy to be able to help. It is an extra special joy to be able to use gifts that have been brought out by teams or sent to us. Perhaps you may see something that you donated...
Here are the gifts ready to go. Please pray that the kids will get some enjoyment out of these presents. Pray that above all they will know they are loved by the church team and by God as well and that they will grow in their love of Him. We probably won't be able to get a photo of the kids receiving their gifts as we won't be at the service and no one there has a camera.
Last week it was a joy to go down to the mother church of the Chalco congregation and to help with music there. In some ways it reminded us of home with the warmth of the people and the tone of the service. It is a long way to get to the church (and Margaret once again looked after the kids to allow us both to go) but it is always an enjoyable experience when we get there.

Andrew hopes to go back to Chalco next Sunday evening to help with a special evangelistic service in connection with Mex-i-Kids. He will do a mime and teach some new songs. Please pray that new people will have the courage and openness to attend and that God will speak through all that is said and done.