Over the past few days I've been pondering the reality in Cagayan de Oro, where many families are reeling from their losses. Hundreds of people died in the recent flash floods and many more have lost their homes and belongings. In fact, many estimate over 1000 people died when a flash flood enveloped communities and parts of the city. One of our friends was traveling when the flood happened and got a call that 5 from her household had died, among them her 11-year-old son. Pray with us for her and for the many other families who have lost loved ones, homes, and businesses.

This tragedy, this pain, is part of living in a fallen world. We are living in the world that Jesus came as a baby to save. He experienced life as we do with its pain and hardship. He came into the pain to redeem us. He lived totally dependent on the Father, seeing beyond the pain to an eternity with the Father and knowing the Father’s joy and provision.

This hope of eternity compels us to seek Him and to know Him. It drives us into His arms and causes us to follow where He leads. We are blessed beyond measure to be His kids this Christmas season and throughout the year. We are privileged beyond our wildest dreams to be part of what He is doing here in the Philippines. Thank you for being part of what He is doing. Thanks for your friendship and prayers.