WRITTEN BY KASSI ROEDDING
EASTERN PA DISTRICT TEAM
“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” - John 1:9
Around the world, Christmas provides an opportunity to share about our Savior and the hope of the Gospel more openly and freely. As a district, let’s commit to pray together for the special Christmas events our international workers have planned this December.
Eastern Europe
January 7 is Christmas in this region of the world. Pray that many will respond to the Gospel through an outreach J and H will be hosting on that day. Pray too for those attending an English conversation group on December 13 as they hear the Christmas message perhaps for the first time.
In another region, Diane will participate in an outreach that involves donating groceries to marginalized families, some families they know personally and others they recently learned about through social services. They will also deliver small gifts and treats to children in schools and orphanages. Pray for enough church volunteers and for boldness in sharing the hope behind the gifts. “Pray too that the hearts of the recipients would be drawn to the Giver,” Diane writes.
Envision Atlanta
Matt and Stephanie will be helping Envision Atlanta host Christmas parties in several different apartment complexes in Clarkston, Georgia. It is an opportunity for children to eat great food, play games, receive gifts, and hear the story of Jesus! Please pray that these parties will be safe and fun for refugees of all ages and pray that the love of Jesus will be evident!
Gabon
Pray for Alace as she plans several Christmas events for Alliance international workers to get together, have fun, rest, and celebrate Jesus.
Zachary and Jennifer are holding an annual New Year’s party with the Bongolo Hospital’s surgery staff. Pray that this event will promote unity with their African friends, colleagues, and trainees.
Middle East
Josh and Rachel have plans for a Christmas Eve service at their house and will be inviting many of their local-seeking friends. “For the past several years we have found this event to be a great opportunity to share,” Josh writes.
Taiwan
In Taiwan, the Alliance church tends to be very evangelistic during the Christmas season. Taiwanese are curious and interested in Christmas, so there is a wide-open door to share about Jesus. Nathan and Laura ask that we pray that people’s hearts would be responsive to the Good News that God is with us!
Thailand
Michael and Elsie with Remember Nhu will be hosting a celebration on Christmas day with their children’s homes. Please pray that COVID-19 cases will remain low so the celebration can take place and that visitors can hear and clearly understand the Christmas message.
Ed and Sue will be having a Christmas celebration on December 19 at Mahapawn Baan Paeo Church to welcome everyone back to the “physical” church. The church had to stop in-person worship for seven months because of Covid-19 restrictions. In November, they finally opened back up and members are slowly returning. Pray that God will use the outreach to reconnect the church family and that visitors will put their faith in Jesus.
The other Christmas event for Ed and Sue will be on the evenings of December 24-26. The Director of the Baan Paeo, a district with a population of 93,000 people, has invited the Mahapawn Baan Paeo church to have a booth at their annual fair.
At the event, the church will be free to pass out literature about their services and Christmas. They will also be given 15 minutes each night on the stage to explain the meaning of Christmas and to sing Christmas carols! Please pray that God will use this amazing opportunity to expand His Kingdom for His glory.
West Africa
R and E have two December events planned in their region. Their first is the start of the thirteen-week course Al Massira on December 21. Students who follow the majority religion are invited to discover together the answers to life's big questions including, “Who is the Messiah?” Second, they will show the new Christmas special of The Chosen on December 22!
Another way to care for our workers is through The Alliance Year-End Offering. Year-end gifts are vital to keeping these workers in their regions of the world and vital to sending out more workers in 2022. Let your church know and give today.