Beach blessings in November and the Light of Life this December

“Can you feel the world is broken?”

We love Andrew Peterson’s music (and his books!) There’s a line from one of his songs “Do you know that all the darkness won’t stop the Light from getting through?” that resonates in our hearts. Doesn’t the world seem like a dark place in many ways these days? Troubles around the globe, and so many that are suffering. Here in AwaLand we do feel that darkness, in hurting families and in aching hearts:

Our neighbor’s 15 year old daughter recently ran away from home; she’s home again but rebellious and defiant.
Another young neighbor recently stood on our porch with tears running down his face, telling us about the ugly words his brother and mother had spoken to him, because they were jealous of his new job.
One young woman who comes to church faithfully each Sunday is dealing with a husband who now has another girl he is also spending time with.
Many of the Awa men are working at the gold mine now, for 21-day shifts, earning a good wage but leaving behind children who miss their fathers.
And so much more…the drunkenness, the broken families, the hopeless faces.

But…Christmas-time is here!

I’ve just begun reading the book of John, and am fascinated anew by verses 4 and 5 of chapter 1: “in Him was Life and the Life was the Light of men. And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it…” (Amplified)

Please pray that we would shine that Light to the Awa this Christmas. How we wish for the hurting to find hope in their darkness! We have programs this coming Sunday the 10^th and the 24^th. Many will come, hoping for candy and cookies; pray that we can offer them the more lasting Light of Life!

We are thankful for your prayers! We had a wonderful visit with our daughter Keilah and family in November, and were able to take some vacation days at the beach with them. Such joy! Our Kichwa friend Angel covered one Sunday for us here in AwaLand, and his heart for ministering to the Awa is also a blessing to us.