Dear Friends, Hi! Emie and I pray the Lord will be with you in a special, comforting & encouraging way this Christmas and New Year---& give you victory. This time of the year should be one of increased peace and joy but it seems to be for many people a time of stress and pressure. We need to keep our eyes focused on the Lord and trust in Him and He will fulfill His promise.
ISA. 26:3 “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”
At times I find it frustrating and disappointing that it seems we live in a time when many people reject Christ and mock God. In America when Christmas approaches it is a time of the ACLU trying to drive out nativity scenes from the public square, and atheists attempt to remove reference to God wherever and whenever they can. In Psalms 2:1-5 the Bible asks the question of why do the nations and rulers rage and plot against the Lord? In verses 4-5 it states: “He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall hold them in derision, then He shall speak to them in His wrath, and distress them in His deep displeasure.” God the Father because of His great love---sent His only begotten Son into this world---to be a sacrifice for our sins and pay the price for our salvation. For those who believe in Him and receive that free gift of God by faith, they receive salvation. But the Bible also says in Galatians 6:7 “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” And in Romans 14:12 “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” So I don’t think the proud mockers of today will be mocking very much when they stand alone before God.
In the meantime I believe we need to pray for each person’s salvation ( including the mockers because some of them will become true believers and worshipers of Jesus) and continue to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ wherever He opens the doors to do so.
Jesus said that in this world we would face plenty of problems and difficulties---but Jesus also said in John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Jesus is the light of the world---He is our hope and strength, He is Lord of our past, our present and our future. I am thankful for His birth, His death on the cross for our sins, for His resurrection, and His soon return to rule and reign on this Earth
At the top picture I was the guest speaker to the 2nd Church we pioneered in the Philippines. It is in Culaba and it was their 14th anniversary. On the left is a ministry and feeding outreach to the children in a poor section of Tacloban. To the right Emie and I traveled about 12 hours roundtrip to minister to the congregation in Catarman, Samar. They were having their Christmas party. The people came forward, some to pray to receive Jesus as their Savior & Lord and several to commit their lives to serve the Lord in a greater way. { And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.} ---Jeremiah 29:13
In 2012 we have seen many new people receive Jesus as their Savior and Lord. We have added new churches to Eternal Life Ministries; the radio broadcasts have continued to be an encouragement to many and every month people have been saved; also the poor have been helped in various ways. God has blessed us all and touched the lives of many people. We praise Him for that.
As we move forward to the New Year of 2013 it is our prayer for continued & increased fruitfulness in all the ministry areas. And we pray for God’s special blessings to all of you who are helping us to win people to Jesus. Your friendship, prayers, and financial investments in God’s work here in the Philippines and other areas ---has helped save many souls.
In His love, Gordon & Emie
P.S. PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR US: for the Lord to strengthen, encourage, anoint, protect; & supply ministry needs. Your prayers are important and appreciated. Thank-you. Finances: Please pray: for the Lord to continue to guide and anoint faithful people to invest financially for helping us share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For the Lord to open the windows of heaven financially.
