Celebrate the most precious gift

At this time of year, we take time to celebrate the anticipation of this manger filled with the most precious gift we can imagine. He gave his Son while we sat on earth a mess. Wounded, broken, hurting or self-righteous and not admitting our need for Him. Hard to grasp. I find myself buying gifts out of obligation many years. Buying just a little more to make things even. Ugh. But the most meaningful gifts should be those we consider making to those in need. Matthew 25:36 is the namesake of this blog and in it Jesus says, "I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."  The gifts I am giving this year that are out of THAT place that Jesus has created with that statement mean the most. As Gary and Diane continue to pursue the often forgotten and neglected in the prisons of both Latin America and in our own backyard in this country with the message of TRUE HOPE in Jesus Christ, would you consider a generous gift to their ministry? They won't tell you this but they are leaned into Him in a way they never thought possible because God is moving you to provide where they are not sufficient to do so. Hoping your giving in all areas brings hope to the world, joy to your heart and glory to our amazing God in Heaven. Merry Christmas.

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Hot Seat Questions START UP AGAIN!!!

As you read Gary's question today, take a moment and consider if you might take just a few quick moments and show your support for both Diane and Gary and for the kingdom work that they are doing. You won't likely find many easier or more direct ways to sponsor world missions. Your support goes directly into their account and may ONLY be used on one of their trips. Any amount at all will do so much to encourage them as they obey God and step out where He has required them.

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Question: Why is being an American somehow helpful in this situation?

Gary: I am not sure if I addressed this before or not but here goes and maybe if I did, this gives a new spin.  There is a significant influence by American culture in Honduras.  When it comes to such things as, the television shows, name brands of clothing, automobiles and, restaurants and the like, the American influence is everywhere.  The people seem to have a fondness for all things American and we fall into that category.  The mere fact that two old Americans are showing an interest in these people in prison lends a sort of extra validation to what should already need no further validation.  On initial visits to the prisons, we seem to add credibility and perhaps garner more initial interest, but the materials and particularly the message carry the day in the follow up growth that has occurred in each prison that our team of volunteers is working in.

Freedom in Christ

As we celebrate the freedom we have in this nation this weekend on July 4th, might you consider celebrating that freedom by contributing to Gary and Diane's ministry with OMS? We are able to exercise so many freedoms in this country that we often take for granted. Freedom to worship, freedom to travel freely across this great nation, freedom to speak freely about our convictions. And with this freedom, Gary and Diane are choosing to take the message of freedom in Christ to a country and people that are desperate for it.

This isn't without cost for them. They have literally spent thousands of their own dollars, saved for what they thought was a free and easy retirement to travel to other countries and prepare eager believers to spread the gospel. This is God's desire for them and they have adopted it as their own. I am grateful for all of you who support and encourage with prayer and financial generosity.

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Can you go?

Just a thought for today.  All of us are called to go.  It doesn't say therefore, some of you go and make disciples of all the nations.  It just says go.  So how do you go? For this season of my life, my "going" doesn't look the way I wish it did.  So for now, I go when I participate in those that are going.  Like with Gary and Diane.  When I pray.  When I give what I can.  Please consider joining with Gary and Diane and going with them in prayer and financial support.

Matthew 28:16-20New International Version (NIV)

The Great Commission

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

A little goes a long way

In the course of a given month, most of can easily spend much more than we want to admit on ridiculous things.  $5 coffees a few times a week.  A handful of little stuff that we grab at Target that we don't really need.  A candybar, bags of cookies or snack with zero nutritional value. What would it mean to commit a little of that "lost cash" to the global reach of the gospel?  MUCH MORE THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE.  Participating in Gary and Diane's ministry by even a small gift once a month, is a ministry you can call your own.  Perhaps you aren't called to go.  But in this way, you ARE going.  Please prayerfully consider an easy online gift once a month.  I set a reminder to check out our finances and give twice a month.  Sometimes we can and sometimes not.  But that is the joy of serving with them a God who is full of grace.  He blesses us for whatever we are able to offer.  And it turn it blesses Gary and Diane and many many more. Maybe something else works for you but consider what that means in your life. It means more than you can imagine - on earth and in eternity.

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Gary and Diane - OMS