This Christmas more than any other I am very aware of the gift of family. For so many, this is a season of great joy; but for many others it can be the most difficult time of the year. The amazing miracle of Jesus birth and ministry is that all of us who know Him as Savior and Lord are grafted into the family of God. I marvel at the blessing of my own children and how much I love them and am thankful for them, this year especially. I praise God daily for my wife and children. Some evenings, I stay up late and just look at the Christmas tree, the gifts, the stockings, and am reminded to pray for my precious family. I rejoice that I have a hope within me that is not based on my circumstances, but on a savior, Jesus Christ, who is the hope of the world.
One of my dearest friends and brothers in Christ is currently going through a very difficult time financially to start a company in this upside down economy. His soul desire in starting this company is to be able to give more money to ministries. He feels like telling the nay sayers who tell him to quit, “I am sorry, but I have decided to be hopeful.” He is not hopeful in banks or investors, but in a God who loves him and desires to accomplish great things through him for His glory. This man that I call my brother has placed everything he has on the altar to fund his new business so he can give more to ministries. He loves the poor, the orphans, and the widows and calls them God’s POWs. They are his family and he is my brother and Velma’s brother as well. God has knit our hearts together.
Each Saturday, as my family and many others go to the inner city from north Dallas and have lunch with Velma while doing Bible studies for the community, it is just like the book of Acts. We are gathering house to house, praying, breaking bread, and sharing the Word and there is not a need among the body. Whether it is a former welfare mom, Velma, or a north Dallas millionare, we are all family. I am thankful that we can each do our part to bring the Gospel to the cities in which we live. Amazingly, God has allowed this movement to foster many new relationships between diverse segments of the body of Christ, to demonstrate His love to a lost and dying world. Recently, I received a copy of an incredible video testimony about the “power of family” sharing the relationship that has developed through our ministry between the Murphs and the Yarbroughs. This video was done for us by the Heritage Foundation and we are thankful for this incredible testimony of the power of the gospel to save us and reconcile us to God and each other. You may view this video by going to the following link:
I pray this is an encouragement to all of us, to reach out to those around us and expect great things from a great God this coming year.
Medically, I continue to feel very good and am thankful for your continued prayers. We are planning to go to Germany for medical treatment in early January that will work in conjunction with the Tarceva. By God’s grace and His provision, a family at Prestonwood has provided for our flights and accommodations to allow Michael and Jonathan to go with me. In addition, to going to Germany for treatment, we will be going to Romania to minister with Bogdon, who leads our ministry there, to some of the poorest people in Europe. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity that we have to go and serve God’s family in Romania. We will be leaving January 7th. I will give you further information in our next blog regarding this treatment. We love you and praise God that you are forever part of our eternal family.
P.S. We have already received $13,800 towards our $25,000 matching grant, we are humbled by God’s continued goodness and grace.
