A part of our year end observances includes our annual staff Christmas party. This year, the Hope Community Fellowship Church of Loganville, GA sponsored the catered event. The conference room was transformed into a grand dining space accented with the seasonal appointments including a Christmas tree. The warm glow of the room was provided by our crackling fire which was projected on our big screen television. Our president and pastor of the Hope Community Fellowship Rev. Brent Ross joined with us for an evening of celebration and fellowship.

Jesus Loves the Little Children…all the Children
It was exciting to hear Pastor Miguel relay the news that in the Tijuana church, Nuestro Refugio, the children’s breakfast program has grown to 100 children each Sunday morning. The church has found an American that is helping to sponsor the program. My mind raced back to the days when the church had a strong children’s program called “Enlace Infantil”. I was excited back then at the 40 or 50 that would show up for a Saturday program. This community desperately needs a positive and safe program for families to cling to in this less than ideal neighborhood. Pastor Leon and his church are taking advantage of a beautiful opportunity to reach out to not only the children, but their families.

CAMP WILDERNESS
A new website has been launched for Camp Wilderness. You can find camp dates and information for their summer camp programs. The address is www.campwilderness4u.com. 

CHURCH PEWS
The Savannah Advent Christian Church in Bishopville, S.C., has two  24.5 ft. church pews to offer any church that wants them. They are in excellent shape and look great. If you are interested, please contact Rev. Ryan Riley at (843)332-0632. The pair will be for sale to an individual for $150 if no church wants them.

NORTH CAROLINA
On December 12th, Longs Grove Church in Monroe, NC delivered Christmas baskets to about 40 individuals and families around the community. The Christmas baskets were given due to a variety of circumstances, just to encourage and bless those around us in need this Christmas season. Each basket was catered to the specific family or individual, and contained everything from fruit to hygiene items, as well as other small gifts. This was a "no strings attached ministry," done with the simple intention of sharing Christ's love during a season where we focus so much attention on the coming of the one who was "God with us!" After the delivery of the baskets, the church got together for a Christmas party to celebrate, as well as to share stories of some of the blessings of delivering the baskets. (Rev. Matt Larkin)

 I don’t know about you, but I think people are nicer to each other during the holiday season, especially around Christmas and New Year. Interestingly, the other day I heard about the results of a recent survey that revealed that people say “thank you” hundreds of times more during this time of the year than at any other time.