Our Christmas Blessing

I want to share this story with you not to brag on us but to brag on God. To let you know how God has gone above and beyond what we could have ever asked for.

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

On Friday morning, December 4, 2009, the assistant principal of the school I work for came into the classroom and said, "Santa left this for you in the office." I turned to see him drop a card on my work area in front of me. I picked up the card and began to open it. To my surprise, I saw gift cards, and cash falling out. I looked at him and then the teacher I work with. Both were looking at me with smiles. I closed the card and began to cry. I could not believe that someone, or so many someones would think about our family and give to us. I looked around, and asked, "Why? Why us?" And the answer I got was this, "We (the teachers at the school) don't understand why you and your family would want to give up everything to go to another country, just to tell them about Jesus. We don't know why you would give up holidays with your extended family, give up Christmas as we know it, give up what is normal for these people you don't even know. We knew we had to do something to say thanks for all you do here and to let you know we care about you and your family." As he spoke these words to me I just sat down and cried. This man does not attend church regularly and I fear is not saved. And most of the teachers I work with are the same way. But God use them to be a blessing to us. God used us to be a witness to them. I have had so many teachers come and talk to me about missions and why we are going. I have had the opportunity to share the Gospel with them, in my words and by my actions. On this "normal" Friday, a few weeks before Christmas I was given one of the best blessings. We have been able to give our kids gifts of toys and clothes. We have been able to fill our pantry with food. We have been able to relax a little more this Christmas knowing that God has filled our basket with a great blessing that is of "good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over." I have told the school that there is no way I could ever repay them for what they have done for me and my family. I can only hope that they know God has used them to be a blessing to us. Please take this Christmas Blessing and Praise the Lord with us. Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Sometimes he supplies your needs before you ever even know you needed it!!

PS - In a few days I will be posting our Christmas photos. I can't wait to share this morning with all of you. I know I will cry again when I see the surprise on the kids faces!!