Dear Friends,
It is my prayer that this finds all of you well. Besides a little virus that has been going around, we are all fine. We continue to praise God for His faithfulness and His provisions each day. Often, I will look back, at the end of the day, and think of all that He has brought me through, and how He miraculously met needs when I did not think there was any way that I could keep going. He is always MORE than faithful!
In the devotion with the kids this morning, I was sharing with them about how we treat each other, and those we come into contact with each day. As they asked me questions, one of the questions was, “But how can I be nice to them if they are not being nice to me?” I told them that it is at that moment that we have the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the love of Jesus. I also told them that it is not easy and does not come natural, but only with the Holy Spirit working in and through us to demonstrate that love. Well, I have to tell you—they sure were not demonstrating it in the van, on the way to school! But the Bible teaches that His word will not return void, and we can only try to be faithful to teach them both in word and deed.
In our years of working abroad, it has always been our prayer that the Lord will direct us into areas where, often, others do not want to go, and where the needs are the greatest.
Just before Christmas, I received an email from a young lady in Craiova, Romania, who volunteers in an orphanage for handicapped children. Our coworkers in Arad were able to send a few toys there, but we are praying to help much more, if the Lord is willing. It is a very needy area. Attached, you will see a few pictures of some of the children there. I can tell you that they will soon have one of the spacewalks that so many of you had a part in shipping in the November container. This is also the orphanage that is badly in need of good playground equipment.
In the past week we have been given 8 more spacewalks to ship, and also 1300 new winter shirts. We praise the Lord for this, and all of the other supplies that He has provided. We are ready to ship again as soon as the Lord provides the funds. The shipping, plus the taxes for clearing customs, will cost us about $10,300. Please be praying with us that He will send the funds soon.
Thank you all, again, for all of your prayers and your support. Please continue to pray that wherever Fairhaven has the opportunity to serve, only Jesus Christ will be glorified and His unconditional love demonstrated.
In His Service,
Johnny
