CHRISTMAS 2009
Dear Ones in Him,
At Christmas time, we look forward to giving gifts to our loved ones and opening gifts, as well. Hopefully, is a time when we reflect on the Gift God sent, His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ's purpose in leaving His glory in heaven was to die for our sins. Jesus said, “for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name...” (John 12:27:28). This Christmas, as we tear away the wrapping paper to reveal a gift, may it remind us of the Savior's sacrifice on the cross so that we can receive eternal life, the greatest gift of all.
Church News
We are so thankful that, though the flu and cold bugs have been making their way around the reservation, most of our regular attenders are back, and we continue to see new folk in services.
Ida, one of the dear ladies in our church, received the tragic news in October that her twin sister had been murdered in Albuquerque. Please uphold Ida in your prayers during this difficult time.
We always look forward to the various Christmas activities during the month. Bev will be having the annual ladies Christmas party at our home on the 17th, and the children's Christmas play on the 20th.
Update on Church Property
The tribe has agreed to allow us to build a church on the reservation, but as always, the wheels of government turn slowly. They have not yet made a decision as to which property will be made available to us.
Family News
It was with great joy we attended the final adoption proceedings for our newest grandchild, Kirt and Elida's baby, on November 21. Joseph Sterling is now six months old. Our five grandchildren are a tremendous blessing to us (and so are their parents!).
We are looking forward to JD & Jenny and the four grandkids coming here from Kansas in January for a short visit, so we will have our family Christmas at that time.
Prayer Requests
- This past January the Lord provided a 2006 van for church use. Many of you had a part in helping with funds for that need. It has been a tremendous blessing in picking up adults and children who would not otherwise have transportation. It is a concern that the van has to sit out in the hot Arizona sun. We would like to be able to purchase a metal carport to help protect it. We are so thankful that a gift of $500.00 has been sent toward this need.
- We would appreciate you praying with us concerning replacement of our 1986 Ford pickup. It has 250,000 miles on it and is no longer road-worthy for long trips. Gary still uses it for handyman work. Because of other expenses, we have not been able to set aside funds for this. If anyone would like to help financially with the carport or truck, the funds sent to IBIMI need to be designated as to how they are to be used. (Please send funds to the IBIMI main office.)
- Please pray for the salvation of adults: Teresa, Kenny, Sam, Ed; and for children: Chelsey, Lily, Eva, Harmony, Neeva, Haley, Isabel and Rosa.
- Comfort for Ida and family.
- Church property.
We thank the Lord for each one of you who continues to pray for us and the dear folk at Yavapai-Apache Baptist Church. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and blessed 2010.
In His Service,
Gary & Beverly Messick
