December 2008 Prayer letter-Babs

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.(Luke 2:8-10)

Dear Prayer Partners,

Greetings in the saving name of our Lord Jesus the Christ. This week has been a wonderful one for us. We have worked in Ha Theko (a new area of work), we continue to see growth in Phakoeng (also a fairly new area of work), and we have celebrated Daniel’s 7^th birthday.

Happy Birthday Daniel

As we celebrate the birth of the Savior, we also take a look back and this time of year is very important to us for another reason as well. It was Christmas 2004 that we first met Daniel and Mohau and began the process to bring them into our family. We are so grateful for them and for all that God continues to do in them and through them.

Benediction in Phokoeng

With this week being Christmas, our focus naturally goes to the shepherds. Why? Because many of you have come here to work beside us and you have seen the shepherds firsthand. We interact daily in some or another with shepherds. For those who have not been to the mountains to work with us, let me describe him. He may be from the age of 5 yrs. to 40 yrs. He may be a child who is hired out to another family to tend the flock(s) for the period of one year or more and his only pay is a sheep or a cow (depending on the generosity of the owner of the animals) and if he is an orphan, he may work for only his food. He is always dressed shabbily, often wearing nothing but rubber boots (often worn out, and if he is a young shepherd his boots are usually two sizes too small), shredded pants (if any) and a wool cap if he is fortunate. He is very poor, dirty and malnourished (relying mostly on what little food he is given if anything and the availability of mice and rock rabbits in the fields). Around their shoulders is a very worn and thin and dark colored blanket. This blanket is most often what the Basotho call a night blanket and is more to them than just a blanket. It is what keeps him warm when the winter winds blow strong, what they sleep under at night, what shelters them from the rain, and what hides them when they want privacy. Some wear an almost daunting wool mask that covers their entire head, face and neck and if you were not used to seeing them, it might even frighten you because they all look like terrorists.

Abiding in the fields

When I read this passage in Luke 2, I see our shepherds on the mountainside watching over the sheep, goats, and donkeys entrusted to them. I see their poverty and their rejection. But it was to such a people that God sent His messengers first with some really awesome news! The Christ, the King that was to come, had come at last! That night the messengers of God appeared with joyous tidings to the poor shepherds; shepherds who were the lowest of the low, poorest of the poor, not allowed to have a vote or a say whatsoever, and not even allowed to enter the temple for worship. They were outcasts and forgotten. In God’s glorious mercy He made the humble stable the temple and gave access to those otherwise forbidden the opportunity and privilege to worship face to face with the God child. I am just blown away by this. Isn’t that what He does for us too? He gives us access to the Lord of Lord and King of Kings. We who are lowly given access to the King of all creation. You may be an esteemed diplomat or a highly paid executive, but we are all shepherds really…before we knew Christ, we were poor and without, lost with no possibility for salvation. What we could not reach, God brought within reach through Christ. God is still saying to us today what He said to the shepherds that night so long ago…”I love you and I have sent My salvation to you.” Oh, that we would stop and listen and hear the voice of God shouting: “I have sent Him! Believe!”

This Thursday as you celebrate with your family and friends the birth of the Savior, we pray that we all experience the same joy and excitement that the shepherds on that night so long ago experienced. May we look with excitement upon the reason and the hope of our salvation. We pray you all have a wonderful Christmas and a blessed new year.

On a final note, we realize that as you worship in your churches this week that the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering has been and is yet being presented to you for your consideration and action. Please know that your sacrificial giving takes the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. By giving you are an active participant in the work that is being done by your missionaries all over the world. We represent you where ever it is that God has called and placed us. Yet, there are still so many people who have yet to hear that Good News. God is actively calling many men and women in surprising numbers to “GO” but we need your help. People are responding to God’s call but resources are not available to send them. With rising costs of just about everything, we all have felt the pinch of the times. It is even more important now than ever that we all continue to give and go. Give generously this year to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering so missionaries having shoes shod with the peace of the gospel can go to peoples who are rejected, outcast, and who have not yet heard. We are so grateful that your generosity has allowed us to come to Lesotho…because YOU gave, we came. Every person who receives Christ on this side is a direct impact from your giving and prayers. Thank you, thank you, and thank you.

From our home to yours we wish you the merriest and happiest Christmas. May your new year be one that is blessed, prosperous spiritually, physically, and materially. May God continue to work in your lives to bring you into a more intimate walk with Him.

Thank you for loving us and allowing us to love you.

In His Name,
Alan, Babs, Daniel and Mohau