In and Out for Christmas

Sue says: No snow this Christmas, but there was plenty of rejoicing in God's goodness to us. We took Metro (the rapid transit train) into Washington, DC, to see what was going on in the city.  

 You can tell from our being bundled up that it was pretty cold.

The National Christmas tree with the Washington Monument in the background made a pretty shot.

 We decorated our apartment to remind ourselves to make room for Christ in our hearts.

Have a Joyous Christmas 2011!

As Christmas 2011 rolls around, our family wishes you and yours a joyous Christmas. These are some of the three generations of us that gathered last week-end to exchange gifts and visit. Hope the presence of the Lord is real for you at this time of remembering God's many gifts to us.

Mission Movie Night

Sue says: How glad we were to see a dozen students from the Bible college and seminary turn up last week to watch a video about how God is making Himself known among those around the world who don't know Him. We had a discussion about the video together and then some snacks. And then the group wanted to see another similar video! They were well enough received that we want to have more regular events like this one next term when classes begin again.

This is finals week. Lots of pressure on students to finish papers and do well on exams. We are students as well as instructors. Jeff is laboring to finish a paper for his Hebrew Readings course on the Psalms. I finished the Guidance Counseling class I was taking.

Our missions class concluded with speakers who minister in a country which harshly treats Christians. It's quite a sobering position they are in. We pray God will use them to make His love known.    

College Halls Decked for Christmas

Sue says: It was time to decorate the Bible college for a Christmas gathering of alumni and donors. We started several weeks ago by washing and sorting literally dozens of boxes of decorations saved from years past. Once gathering everything in the student lounge, our director pointed us in all directions with projects.

 Students and other volunteers donated time to help...

 ...and the effects were lovely.

 The choir was to sing in the chapel, so it was fixed up too.

 Gifts were prepared and hidden.

 A few friendships were renewed,

 

 and bannisters and the lounge made more attractive.

 The entry had to look welcoming ...

and the halls too. It turned out to be a fun time of renewing friendships and praising the Lord in song. We welcome this time to remember the Lord's coming to earth.

Missions Bulletin Boards Revived

Sue says: Jeff had a great idea recently. He wanted to mount a bulletin board in the seminary and another in the Bible college as ways to stir up interest in what God is doing to make Himself known among the nations. Jeff found posters and decorative borders, and a student (above) set up attractive displays.There are lots more posters that can be rotated up on there. We're happy this way of communicating can be revived.