Merry Christmas!!

Dear Friends and Family,

This Christmas has been filled with friends and family (my Mom is here visiting!,) great food and fun times of fellowship. The most prevalent though, has been the constant, intentional worship of Jesus as his birth is celebrated. It has been difficult without the "spirit of Christmas" happening all around us, but it has been more joyful and so much more meaningful as we worship as worship was meant to be, in joyful sacrifice.

My friends, Tara and Seng and I spent this month sharing the season of advent together. The three of us lit the candles, read of the coming King and sang joyfully as we remembered His promises. It was such a special time. Then, with the arrival of my mom and our travel to spend Christmas with our larger team we have shared worship and carols, fellowship and fun. Christmas does not "happen" here, but the joy of the Lord has penetrated every tradition and made it so special.

Thank you to those who are praying for me and for the Fulani! I am seeing God's hand at work and marveling at what He is doing.

A few prayer requests:

1) Two people in village D have chosen to follow Jesus but want to know more about the truth. Pray that their questions would be answered and that the Holy Spirit would fill their hearts and minds.

2) The Chief of village D has asked me to begin sharing Bible stories twice a week. Please pray that these meetings would happen and their eyes would be opened to understand.

3) A very close friend of ours has been imprisoned without a trial. Please pray that he would receive fair treatment and soon reunited with his family.

4) December 27th and 28th we will be hosting a Christmas party to share the stories of Advent, Jesus' birth and resurrection. Please pray that these stories would pierce the hearts of the women and children present, that they would hear our passion for Jesus and respond to the Holy Spirit.

I miss so many of you this Holiday Season. I hope you are having a time filled with family, friends and the true Reason for the season.

Love, Danielle