God With Us!

That’s the summary of Christmas - “They shall call his name Immanuel, which being interpreted is God with us” Matthew 1:23.  Just think of that!  That cute little baby that we see lying in nativity scenes is not just another baby - it was God in the flesh!  No wonder there is so much controversy surrounding nativity scenes!  No wonder a tiny, little child could stir such debate and emotion - it’s God in a manger, God in flesh, God who came to die for the sins of the world.  No wonder we give gifts to each other, celebrating the greatest gift ever given.  No wonder the world is decked in bright colors and dazzle.  The creator, God came to earth to save us from our sins.  No wonder it’s the biggest celebration of the year!  It’s God with us!  The world may forget that - but we must continue to proclaim it!

Gifts

Christmas is synonymous with gifts and we are so grateful for the wonderful gifts that God has given to CrossPower Ministries - all of YOU!
Our supporting family is such a wonderful gift from God to us.  Your prayers and sacrificial gifts have sustained us now for over 10 years.  We have traveled thousands of miles and presented the liberating message of the cross to hundreds of churches and thousands of people.  You have rejoiced with us in the blessings, you have wept with us in the trials - you have stood with us through times of abundance and need.  What a precious gift.  Thank you!

Another wonderful gift to CrossPower is the blessing of simply doing what God has called us to do.  As you know, we had a very difficult summer with Bob’s illness, surgery, loss of voice, loss of ministry opportunities, loss of income.  It was one of the most trying times Cross­Power has experienced and yet God was faithful and we just finished one of the busiest and most fruitful Falls we have ever had.   God has marvelously blessed Revivals, Marriage Conferences, a Pastor’s Conference, a Bible Conference and pulpit supplies.   We’ve hardly had time to catch our breath, but we’re so grateful for a packed calendar of opportunities.  The comments of how God used CrossPower have blessed and encouraged us.  Every meeting has been uniquely blessed of God and touched by His Spirit.   We saw people saved, families and marriages healed, pastors encouraged, churches revived.  We witnessed first hand that the message of the Cross truly is “to us which are saved… the power of God’! (I Cor. 1:18).   Every where we ministered, the Cross was proclaimed and the power of God came down.

Bob has felt led of God for many years to write some books.  An unexpected gift during his time of illness and recuperation was the oppor­tunity to begin one of those books.  He hopes to finish “Remember Whose You Are” soon and send it to a publisher.  This will be a devotion­al commentary on the first 9 verses of I Corinthians.  It will encompass the foundational teaching of a CrossPower Weekend and the theo­logical basis for CrossPower Ministries.  We are so excited that this dream of many, many years will soon become a reality.  You will be the first to know when it’s ready!

Family is such a wonderful gift and we are so thankful for our family.  We recently had a wonderful time with Joy’s extended family -  her Brother, Sister, their spouses and a Cousin.  Family Reunions are awesome!  Over the Thanksgiving holiday we were privileged to have all 16 of our immediately family at our home!   It seems like yesterday when it was just “the two of us” - and now with children, spouses and grandchildren it’s 16!  It was a precious time for our miracle family.  A sad note, Bob’s Sister passed away this past Spring - Heaven is sweeter.   On the positive - We will celebrate our 43rd Anniversary Dec. 21.

Gratitude

We are filled with gratitude to God for sustaining us these 10 years!  He has used so many of you in such wonderful ways.  Would you pray about committing to being a partner with CrossPower Ministries for 2012?  We very much need more people to come along side us for this coming year!  We appreciate those of you who have been so faithful in your support.  Without you this ministry would cease to exist.  God has used you to allow the powerful message of the Cross to go forward.  We are so blessed to have you with us.  Thank you to those of you have already sent “end of the year” gifts.  If not, would YOU consider a special year end gift?  January is always a hard month and your extra gift would help to give us the boost we need to begin our 11th year of CrossPower Ministry.

You have our love and prayers… thank you so much for yours!!

                                                  Have a Blessed Christmas and a Wonderful New Year!