Hello Friends,

Merry Christmas! What a wonderful time of the year, for enjoying family & friends and especially celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus. This year in Honduras we focused on "how we can proclaim the greatest gift ever, just like the angels did". Read on to see how they have been making angelic announcements of the birth of Jesus.

Unlike last year when political unrest shut down travel and Christmas events for the whole country, this year our groups enjoyed performing their Christmas programs! We held our first and largest meeting in La Esperanza. After practicing for 2 months, we brought 30 people from our town of Siguatepeque to present solo and duet songs as well a drama presentation. Additionally, our La Esperanza class also practiced diligently and presented 3 songs, both groups doing great. Another group came in from a remote area in the mountains to watch and meet Deaf folks with more advanced language abilities. We also enjoyed crafts, the Nativity movie and of course tamales and cake.

In La Paz we presented the same program again. I had encouraged our Deaf students and church members to avoid staying within their own group, but rather go and befriend the Deaf from other areas. Those Deaf folks are typically shy and need to be encouraged to converse. They are quite self-conscience in the unusual circumstance of being in a large group that uses their own language so prolifically. I was very proud of the patience displayed to those with low language skills, as our Deaf signed slowly and carried the conversations, drawing those other Deaf into a comfortable place and developing relationships. That was so cool to watch. What a growing experience for all, to the glory of God.

One of our "sub" goals in making disciples among the Deaf in Honduras is to integrate them into their larger society, connecting them with their family and community where they can grow together in Christ. These programs are huge steps, where Deaf people speak and perform publicly to mixed audiences both near and far from home. Lastly Martha and I planned a surprise party for our Deaf church but we got the surprise: the coffee shop where we meet each week in a conference room for church volunteered to throw a party for us. All of these things encourage us: the special public performances, watching the Honduran hearing Christians help with our classes and programs, and this instance of the Christian business owners wanting to bless our Deaf church with a special party. Praise God for these cooperative efforts and relationships which honor God.

How hard to put into words the feelings we have, watching the performances and the various efforts of all involved. The Deaf folks we've known since they began learning language, having grown into public speakers and singers, breaking the stigmas of what they can't do and embracing "they can do all things through Christ who gives them strength." Seeing them live out the Golden Rule, taken from Jesus' words in Matthew 7:12, is amazing. "So in everything, do for others what you would have them do for you, for this sums up the law and the prophets". As we visit with people and remember the greatest gift ever, Jesus to the world, let's all try to do for others what we'd like and well use our opportunities for repeating the angelic announcement of peace on earth and good will to all. Feliz Navidad a todos!

Thanks to all that support this work with your prayers and financial support. If you would like join with us in making disciples by participating financially, just click this link to JOYFULLY DONATE online or mail a check to the address below. Thanks again and may God continue to bless you!