Pray for Those in Need this Christmastime

Advent blessings to you and yours! 

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, (1 Timothy 2:1)

Please remember our brothers and sisters in Christ in the area of Mbulu, Tanzania. The north part of the country has been inundated with torrential rains, flooding, and mudslides. This has caused many deaths (see the news story HERE). We are thankful that none of our church members there have died. There are some, however, who have lost property and are in temporary shelters. Pastor Jeremia will be going there soon to help distribute relief to our affected TCLC members. 

This comes at a time when other natural disasters and emergencies are challenging our fellow Christians in a number of our foreign mission fields. The recent earthquake in Nepal, political unrest and persecution in Myanmar, and the severe typhoon in India are all heavy burdens for the people in our sister churches. Please look for announcements from our Board of Missions about how to help, and pray for our LORD's care in their time of need.

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (Hebrews 13:16)

Paula and I are in the U.S. for Christmas. I'll be returning to Tanzania in early January for the start of the next school year, and Paula will follow in early February. Paula's Tanzania Journal entry, with all the latest news and photos for November, is HERE. I preached an Advent/missions sermon at Messiah, Hales Corners on December 3; the video is HERE. 

Meanwhile, please ask our LORD for His blessings on upcoming events:

• Pray that He will grant safe and uneventful travel back to Arusha for Paula and me.
• Pray that He will grant the safe arrival of the students for the start of the next school year at Wittenberg Seminary, starting on January 15.
• Pray that He will grant a successful TCLC pastoral conference, involving about 35 clergy and students, from January 23-25 in Moshi (about 50 miles east of Arusha).
• Pray that He will grant mutual growth and encouragement as Pastor Jeremia, Teacher Ted Quade, and I visit our brothers and sisters in Kenya and Uganda during our travels to Etago, Iganga, and Moi's Bridge from January 26 to February 4.
• Pray that He will grant safe travel and rewarding work for Pastor Paul Nolting, who will be teaching at Wittenberg Seminary while I am away in Kenya and Uganda.

May our LORD richly bless you and yours as we prepare to welcome, once again, our newborn Savior this Christmas!