Latest news from Neil and Lynn - December 2008

"Christmas is not a time or a season but a state of mind. To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. If we think on these things, there will be born in us a Savior and over us will shine a star sending its gleam of hope to the world." (Calvin Coolidge in his presidential address to the US nation, December 25th 1927.)

Feedback

• The leadership conference and time afterwards was a ton of work, but very positive.
• Laura came with me to Portugal, which was fun, and we both enjoyed the church there - I think she found the dancing slightly more interesting than my speaking...
  

• Kids' club - Christmas club on 12th December, for it to be a fun time for the kids, but also for us to be able to transmit something of the Christmas message to them too.
• The kids are preparing a play which we hope to be able to do in the two old peoples' homes in town; promises to be fun...
• Christmas dinner, service, general church events over Christmas... for it to be a positive time for us, building and enjoying our identity as church together.
  
• Pray we may be able to give a clear witness to those we are with over the "festive season", families, friends and neighbours.
• For our leadership team, for grace, peace and protection on each one and their families.
  

• As an international office, we are looking to develop good working rhythm and relationships as a virtual team, building on our few days together last month.
  
• Follow-up from the leadership time - there is always something that needs attention...
• I will be in UK briefly next week - meetings for international directors which I personally find very helpful and stimulating, peer group relating, and then meeting with another charity looking to invest in micro-enterprise development work in Ethiopia. Pray for a positive contact with them, and something concrete to come from this to benefit our partners in Ethiopia (and potentially other places).
  
• Please also pray for some of our workers in a Central Asian country who have been under a lot of governmental pressure and will potentially have to leave - not an easy ride for them.
  

• Lynn's voice has not been good for a couple of months now. (Not solely due to talking too much, honest...) She saw a specialist today who said there is nothing serious, just inflamed vocal chords and tense muscles, so anti-inflammatories and she needs to rest, both her voice and generally. Resting her voice is not easy with kids' dramas and stuff in general, acting, and general life with people. Pray for her full recovery. She is doing a play on 28th, one in which she has lead role, so could do with having full voice for that.
  
• David is going to a "WHKidz" camp in Morocco over New Year, flying by himself for the first time (including changing planes in Casablanca). Pray for him in this, for him to get loads out of the camp, for all the kids who will be there, and for those leading the camp.

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