Nov 2009
Dear Friends and Family,
As Thanksgiving approaches we want to make sure that each one of you know how thankful we are for your support. We are so grateful to you that we reached our financial goal (100%) for the year, which allows us to continue the work we feel God has called us to do here in Haiti. We realize in this time of economic hardship that many of you have given even as you struggled to make ends meet. We feel so blessed and humbled by your response of giving.
Steve and I are thankful to be here in Haiti with the tasks (and challenges) set before us each day. We are thankful for health, but do not take it for granted. We are thankful for so many Haitian friends and co-workers that make life rich and full. We are thankful that our grown children have jobs and live meaningful lives of service to others. We are especially thankful for our three delightful grandchildren: Skyah Rule (5 ½) Eily June Rule (2 ½) and Jericho Rudi Swinger (8 months) of whom we never get to see enough! We are thankful that our youngest son Micah (15 ½) is having a wonderful experience going to school at Maple Ridge Community in New York and enjoying living with the Wiser family of seven. How special it will be to welcome Micah (and Steve’s dad, Lloyd James) home here in Haiti for Christmas this year. That will be our best gift! I could go on and on with thankfulness but I want you know that our hearts are full and you are a part of our rejoicing!
Here in northern Haiti, there are subtle signs of a change of seasons occurring but nothing like what many of you are experiencing. No blustery cold weather or barren trees or nippy air requiring layers of clothes. You wouldn’t know that Christmas is around the corner since we have no Christmas lights, decorations, commercials or shopping malls to remind us. But yes, from living in Haiti all these years, there are gentle reminders we have learned to detect that Christmas is coming. Shorter days and less humidity in the air and the nights are cooler. We can finally sleep with a sheet over us! Poinsettias bushes are in bloom with their bright red and green leaves. Delicious oranges and grapefruits are hanging like decorations on the trees in our area. We can hear choirs practicing in the distance familiar carols we’ve come to love at this time of year. Most Haitians don’t exchange gifts at Christmas so much of the pressure is taken off to celebrate Christmas in a non-materialistic way. We look forward to a traditional pageant presented at the local Baptist church each Christmas eve that lasts long into the evening, with many participants, costumes and props including Mary coming down the aisle of the church on the back of a real live donkey. Hundreds of children and adults squeeze together on hard benches to eagerly watch the story of the birth of Jesus unfold on-stage. Although we miss being with family, we feel blessed to spend the holidays in Haiti as Christmas is much more “low key” here. The simplicity of a Haitian Christmas helps us welcome Jesus into our hearts ever more deeply with His message of vulnerable love.
We are thankful for each of you and for how God is using you to help
God’s kingdom to come here on earth, in your communities and around the world. We pray earnestly for the wars to end in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for all of us to” love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us.”
With truly grateful hearts,
Steve & Nancy James
Matching Funds Grant
International Ministries has received a challenge gift of $45,000 to match up to
$45,000 in contributions from new donors who designate to support Steve and
Nancy James, or give to Haiti Medical Clinics. Gifts between $200 and $2,000 will
be matched dollar-for-dollar if received by International Ministries by December 31,
2009.
Current Donors. Your gifts stand with the James’ ministry and help families not
only survive, but begin to thrive. Please introduce the matching gift opportunity to
new donors.
New Donors. Please indicate “New Donor for James’ Support’” or “New
Donor for Haiti Medical Clinics” on your contribution and mail today or donate
online, www.internationalministries.org.
Make checks payable to International Ministries, Development Office, PO Box
851, Valley Forge, PA 19482