On Christmas –Jesus Left Home
The word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only son. . . From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. (John 1:14, 16 NLT)
Jesus’ sacrifice in leaving heaven for our sakes brought mankind “one gracious blessing after another.” We thank God for His grace that enabled us to live away from home for the past thirty years. Today, we are thankful for His mercy in allowing us to go back and be nearer our family. God also used many of you to bless us. Special thanks and Merry Christmas to those who have written encouraging emails to us recently.
Home in Less than 2 weeks:
On December 15, Allene and I plan to travel from the Philippines to the United States to begin our new ministry in our home country: “Crossing Cultures without Crossing Borders.”
We had a garage sale last week, to sell the possessions that survived Typhoon Haiyan. It was encouraging to see fellow pastors and their wives at the sale. We have worked closely with these brothers and sisters for many years, and it was good to have them in our home again one last time.
Pedaling to Church
4 pedicabs were distributed to men who needed jobs at New Life Baptist Church of San Jose. Part of their rent-to-own agreement is to come to church weekly. All 4 drivers attended church with their families last Sunday. Some of the wives are already believers.
Jesus Finds a Lonely Man:
We are happy to hear how God continues to soften people’s hearts on the islands of Leyte and Samar in the Philippines. I received this text message yesterday:
My name is Benjamin. I live two kilometers from the church [Fundamental Baptist Church of Lawaan, Samar]. I am married, but have been separated for five years. I have one son who lives with me. My life was a mess and I did not have joy or peace. Two times, I tried to commit suicide, because I thought this to be the best solution.
Then I came to know the Lord thru Pastor Jun [Romawac]’s house-to-house visitation ministry. He introduced me to Jesus and told me that He is the only One who can give true joy and peace. I listened to Pastor Jun expounded God’s word. I came to understand that God loves me so much that He sent His only Son to die on the cross for me. I repented of my sins and praise God for his forgiveness through Jesus Christ. I have found that real joy in life is in Christ alone. After one month of baptismal class, I followed the Lord in water baptism. Right now I am actively attending Sunday services.
Answers to Prayer:
• Believers donated $2,000 to assist Pastor Allan Concepcion in rebuilding his home. Walls are already starting to go up.
Prayer Requests
• Pray for believers here in the Philippines to not grow tired in demonstrating compassion to those still suffering the effects of the typhoon, almost 1 year later.
• Pray that God moves in the hearts of the pedicab drivers to trust Jesus as their Savior.
• Pray for our safe travel to the United States, despite difficult weather conditions.
• We are so grateful to all of you who have helped us to carry the light of Jesus to the Philippines. Pray for us now as we help you to shine your light in the United States.
Still Carrying the Light,
Jim and Allene Latzko
