There are many memories in my mind from the past year concerning how Grace House has touched the world through its giving like like helping street children in Thailand to be loved and told about Jesus and digging a bore well to provide fresh water to a village in India. We have sown into ministries and touched nations in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean. Regularly, we have also sown into other ministries who give their lives to God's call to touch our nation and our world.
Locally, on a very regular basis throughout 2012, we have helped people in need in our own community. We have done this many times to people in our own congregation and many many times to people hurting in our own community. You have helped people with their electric/gas/water bills. You have helped people to pay for medical attention or get the medicine they needed. You have helped provide food and clothing to families. You have helped people who were stranded to be able to return home. You have helped people without lodging to have a warm night in a hotel. You have bought bus tickets, tanks of gas, and much more to many more. Just last night, on behalf of our congregation, I was able to help a lady in distress who had no where else to turn. Behind each of these acts of giving, there is a story and an opportunity seized to share the love of God. If only you could see the faces of the men, women, boys and girls whom you have helped, your hearts would overflow with joy.
This is in addition to the ongoing expenses that are part of a community of believers like the electric bill, supplies, salaries, new construction, equipment, rent, and so forth. On a personal note, you provide income for my family to be able to do what we do. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for believing in us, supporting us, and sowing into our lives.
When our Elders meet we are always amazed at how the Lord provides for the things we need. He is so good, and He uses you to bring in the provisions for those needs. So thank you again for your faithfulness.
YEAR END CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS
Please make note that the gifts which are dated on or before December 31, 2012 will be reflected in your 2012 contribution statement. Anything you give dated on January 1, 2013 or after will go on next year's (2013) statement.
You should be receiving your statements shortly after the second week in January. Let me also say "Thank You!" to Sandra Harper and the team who help in counting, posting, and depositing all of our contributions week by week throughout the year. This group does such an incredible job and does it with integrity and confidentiality.
If you have had a change of address in 2012, please message and notify Sandra Harper at: rwh69au@comcast.net
As the end of 2012 draws near, let me also thank you for any year end gifts the Lord lays on your heart to give. I am excited about 2013 and what the Lord has in store for us. I see many new small groups and ministries launched and functioning in kingdom love and power, more growth and development within our own congregation, more opportunities to touch our city, region, and world. And....most importantly, all of us being more and more conformed into the image of Jesus Christ. Reflecting who He is, knowing who we are in Him, and sharing that with others through the love of God and the Spirit's empowerment is the way Heaven's plans are lived out here on Earth.
I love you all. Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to each of you.
