Over the last few years I was thinking about how Christmas is such a huge holiday with such a big meaning for us, but many times the focus is not really on the core of it. The focus is often on gifts, decorations, family time, warm feelings and good food. None of this is bad, but it is a side product and it is important to keep our focus on the true reason for Christmas, the birth of Jesus! Just think about it this way, you plan this amazing birthday party with great food and such a fun time. All the guests celebrate and have a wonderful time but not even one of them talked to you or wished you a happy birthday. How would that feel?

For the next 4 weeks we want to challenge all of us to bring the focus back on Jesus and also show others who He is in a non-conventional way.

Week 1: Start reading the Christmas story and start thinking about what it means to you personally. How did it affect your life when you became a follower of Jesus? Who was the person or what was the moment that led you to Him and how did it happen? Also start thinking about who in your neighborhood doesn’t have anywhere to go for Christmas and would love to have a family or a place to celebrate at. Maybe invite them to your Christmas celebration and show them just by inviting them the love of a loving father who wants them and that piece of the Christmas story! Also when you figured out who that person is, start praying for them too!!

Ok I think this is enough of a challenge for week 1!! Have a good start with it!!

Hey our friend

Thanksgiving went by and we had 14 people celebrating with us. We maxed out our apartment and ended up borrowing tables and chairs from a neighbor. But it was an amazing time. You can start joining us in Prayer for a house on this hill since we are really running out of space. It will definitely be a miracle since houses are hard to find and very expensive here. But guess what God is in the miracle business, just remember back how it looked impossible to get an apartment here and God provided for that! We want to challenge all of us to extend our faith and believe in a way that we need God to show up!

Jen and I got over a cold during the beginning of last week but we got better by the time the big Thanksgiving celebration came around.

Thank you for praying with us for people in our community as well as in yours!! Keep praying and asking God specifically how to pray!

Have a blessed week!

Markus and Jen