¡Feliz Navidad!

December News from James & Christel

A few notes from LCMS Missionaries, James & Christel

Christmas greetings from Puerto Rico! Christ is born! What joy we have that God sent His only Son to the world, to become one of us, to die for us, and to rise again all so that we may be with Him one day. True joy!

2020 has been a year. I am sure much of it will continue into 2021, but as Christians, we hold fast to the Christmas message everyday, knowing that we are never alone, God is with us, and one day the suffering, sin, and death will be no more.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support over a very intense year. This year has not been easy for anyone, so your prayers, letters, emails, and financial support means so much us.

God’s blessings to you in this new year.

After months of virtual art classes, missionary Ruth Maita and I hosted two in-person craft Saturdays (one in Ponce and one in Mayaguez), taught by a dear member from Principe de Paz. We were blessed to receive some ladies whom we have been connected with over Facebook for the past several months!

A big thank you to our Frontline Workers! This year we as a congregation and mission team had the opportunity to purchase and prepare a small gift of appreciation for our firemen, paramedics, and police officers in Ponce.

This month, the congregation and mission team had various opportunities to provide a bag of grocery items for low-income senior independent living centers. Right before the earthquake, we had the opportunity to reach out to two centers with Bible study and activities, but both closed due to earthquake damage. All of the residents were dispersed all over Ponce as well as outside of Ponce.

We pray that this new opportunity might lead to a further relationship with the congregation in serving our senior neighbors. Right now everything is shut down because of COVID19, but we hope in the new year everything will open back up.

Keeping traditions! The last Sunday before Christmas, Fuente de Vida hosts a Christmas meal after service. This year was no different (except for the gloves, masks, and social distancing). After several months of moving locations, having online services, having short services with no fellowship after, to now moving back to our church building, these fellowship times are very meaningful. We praise God that the life together of Fuente de Vida is coming back to where we left it almost a whole year ago.

Our meal:
Arroz con guandules
Pernil
Flan
Arroz con Dulce
Salad

Hallacas! Christmastime always brings out the traditional family dishes. This year Pastor Gustavo Maita taught our team how to make a special Christmas Venezuelan dish, Hallacas. If you are interested in trying them out yourself, check out this recipe. Be sure to have at least five people to help you though 🙂

Are you a Mission Sender? Mission Senders committ to praying and supporting missionaries on a monthly or quartely basis. Find out more here.

We are tremendously thankful for our Mission Senders. They give us the blessing of continous encourgament and financal support.

Mission Sender Pamphlet

Prayers:

Thanksgiving for in-person connections of people we have met over Facebook during the pandemic.
Thanksgiving for continuing building repair and remodeling at church (Calle Salud).
Thanksgiving for the opportunity to meet community leaders.

LCMS – Give Now

Mission Central – Give Now

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Neuendorf · 1428 Calle Aloa, Buena Vista · Ponce, PR 00717 · USA