We pray this newsletter finds you renewed after a beautiful season of celebrating our wonderful Savior’s birth and looking towards new beginnings in the start of a new year!
It is a joy for me to write and share some of the blessings God has granted us. Sometimes, especially during times that should be full of joy, we can be overwhelmed by the sorrow and brokenness of the world around us. It can be encouraging to be reminded that God’s Goodness prevails.
Our November ended with our “Fall Ball,” a time of celebration for our high-schoolers. While it was an evening to dress up and have fun, it was also a reminder to Mike and I of the amazing group of young adults we have at SAM Academy. We have watched most of the these young men and women “grow-up” and have been witness to their spiritual journeys. We are so proud of each of them and are excited to see the paths God will lead them on. Please pray with us, that as these students leave SAM Academy when they reach their senior years, that their faith will be cemented and their love for the Lord will be firm and unshakeable.
Our December threatened to be overshadowed by a heated political climate as Peru’s president attempted unsuccessfully to lead a coup. The aftermath, however, has led to protests and violence around the country. Though Pucallpa remained quiet, road blockages on the main highway limited supplies coming into the city, leading to gas and food shortages. While worry could have prevailed, it was actually a good reminder at Christmas that Christ really is all we need! Thankfully a Christmas truce brought relief for families and stores are restocked. We pray when protests begin again later this week, they are peaceful and people are able to continue with daily life unhindered.
Experimenting to make snow in the jungle!
During this time of uncertainty, one of the special things that carried us through was the results of our Christmas Outreach. The first weekend in December, our school joined with the Iglesia Esmirna in the community of Manantay just outside of Pucallpa to share Christmas with the youth of their church. Many of these children come to church from the community without family members and almost none of these children have their own Bible in their possession. Our high school students presented the Life of Christ through a musical drama while our middle schoolers shared His Birth through a fun song and dance and our elementary students sang Jesus es Navidad, a song that shows Jesus is the reason for Christmas. It was a super fun morning of interacting with the kids. After sharing hot chocolate and panetón, our students presented each child a special gift purchased especially for them. Even more, thanks to a donation from Renovation Church in Rome, GA, every one of the 50 children received their very own Bible. Though Satan likes to use conflicts in the world and sadness to darken our Christmas joy, how GOOD it is that God’s Light shines through!
Make sure to click the slide show above and check out the video below for the middle schoolers’ performance. They interrupt singing a fun song, to instead tell the story of Jesus’s birth. I know the quality isn’t super and of course it is in Spanish but I love how the kids in the crowd interact with them…oh, and Liam is half of the donkey which was a crowd favorite.
Our own family Christmas was small and quiet, just what we needed this year. As we look toward the New Year, we pray that our own hearts, as well as yours, are rejuvenated and strengthened with the joy of Christ and filled that we may all pour out on those around us! May your year ahead be blessed and full of opportunities to share Christ’s amazing love!
Feliz Año Nuevo from your friends in Pucallpa, Peru!
Family of 4 Serving 1 