These are busy weeks for us.  We apologize that last week’s update did not get sent out.  We trust that you have not forgotten to pray for us.

Last Saturday, our house was filled with happiness as children attended the Weekend Happy Camp activity.  In addition to singing songs, playing games, and hearing the Christmas Story, everyone wrapped dumplings together.  These were then boiled and eaten.  They tasted good!  It was a great fun activity for everybody.  We appreciate the team of workers who came from Simpson Alliance Church in Taichung that made this happen.

That evening a number of youth joined us to prepare the Christmas candy bags that will be given away in the schools and at the various church activities.  This year more than 1300 bags are ready, each one with candies and a tract.  Please pray that receiving this small treat will be an “experiencing God” moment for at least one recipient.

This week began with a Monday morning prayer meeting with as many of the C&MA international workers as possible attending.  Lorne made what was to be a quick stop on the way home, but it took a little longer because of a burst water pipe at the home of a friend.  Thankfully the water had been turned off so no major flooding occurred.  It was easily repaired and the house is ready to be short term team lodging next weekend.

Plans for the rest of the week include

• Inviting, inviting, and more inviting of people to come to next weekend’s Celebrating Christmas events.
• Prayer walking and visiting with people we meet.
• Preparing our home to host those who will stay over after Friday evening’s caroling.
• Preparing and teaching English classes on Thursday and Friday afternoons.
• Telling the Christmas Story to four classes of third graders on Friday morning.
• Christmas carolling on Friday evening.  We will be joined by a few Songshan Alliance Church members.  Albert will be leading the singing, using his guitar and the new portable sound system.  We want the local residents to hear the good news about Jesus loving us all.  We are hoping that some of the children from the community who are excited about the event will be permitted to attend. (See additional request below.)
• Saturday morning the team from Songshan Alliance Church will visit in the market, talking with and blessing people.
• Saturday afternoon we will be providing support for the Christmas celebrations happening at Amazing Grace Alliance Church in Yuanchang.  We will be encouraging the youth that we know to be involved in the program being led by the Alliance Church from Taitung.
• Sunday morning we will have our church’s Christmas Celebration. We are hoping that more Taiwanese can be used during the singing and sharing.  We have invited a local Taiwanese pastor, Rev. Simon Chang, to assist us that morning.

Please pray for strength and endurance for the above and the many other small things that happen throughout the week.  According to the weather forecast, Monday is supposed to be the warmest day of the week.  A cold front is moving in and the temperature is supposed to hover between 12 and 16 degrees Celsius.  (Temperatures in the low teens and below are considered to be extremely cold by Taiwan standards because people do not have heaters in their homes.)  We ask that you join us in praying that the weather will not be too cold and windy for carolling.

Kathy-Lu continues to struggle with cold symptoms.  At the moment she whispers more than she talks.  We would love for her to be healed of this persistent cold and also to have enough voice to be able to participate in the carolling activities.  Please pray that God will heal her.