Christmas greetings from Lesotho,

Tradition- 1: an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior. 2: the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instructions.

Tradition- Christmas: Visiting family and friends, decorating a real tree, wishing for snow, putting up lights, Christmas cantatas, Christmas music on the radio, shopping, wrapping gifts, turkey and ham, football games, sending cards, baking cookies, candlelight services, riding around at night to see the decorations, celebration of the birth of Christ…

As we celebrate Christmas this year in Lesotho, we will be without most of the traditions which have always accompanied this blessed time of the year. Our family and friends are far away, our tree is plastic, it’s summer, there are no outside lights or decorations, no Christmas music on the radio, one turkey, no ham, no shopping, no candlelight services, no cantatas. As I (Cindi) sat asking the Lord to give me some great new revelation so I could get into the Christmas spirit, He showed me that I had allowed the traditions of Christmas to become Christmas. Now that all the traditions are missing, God has reminded me that Jesus really is the only Reason for the Season and all that’s needed in my life is found in Him.

And so it is with the Basotho. Traditions handed down from generation to generation….ancestors to appease, witch doctors to consult, rituals that must be practiced, beads for protection, religious duties to perform. Shouldn’t the Basotho also be told that all of life is found in the Christ of Christmas?

Along with much needed prayer for the truth of the gospel to penetrate the hearts of the Basotho, we ask that you consider the possibility of coming to Lesotho yourself to share the message and love of Christ with the Basotho. Our home church, Ironbridge Baptist, is presently organizing a volunteer trip to Lesotho from June 21 – July 6, 2008. Be part of what God is doing among the Basotho of the lowlands of Lesotho. (You can contact us for more details.) If you are unable to come, please pray that God would move in the hearts of those ready and willing to respond to a call to volunteer missions. Pray for the Basotho and that the stronghold of traditions might weaken so that the Savior can be born in their hearts. Remember too that our ministry here is greatly supported by sacrificial giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. The 2007 national goal is $165,000,000. Help us continue to tell the stories of Jesus to those who still need to hear. Our newest work is in a small village called Thabana Mohlomi about a 2hr. drive from the mission house. Work was done there in the late nineties but due to the lack of follow-up the believers scattered. After a successful survey trip in November, we have now begun teaching a small group the first session of Training for Trainers called Sharing Jesus. The group seems hungry for the Word and a leader who is anxious for the teaching has emerged.

Praises:

 New work in Thabana Mohlomi,

New believers ready to be baptized,

New True Love Waits teaching opportunity,

Health, safety,

Boys finishing their first term at the International school.

Prayer Requests: