God on earth

Two millennia ago our world experienced a dramatic collision of seismic proportion. Heaven met earth; eternity met time and space; the Creator became the created; God became man. In a humble stable, the Lord of the cosmos invaded our planet. The “radiance of God’s glory and the exact image of His character” was born by woman and laid in a trough. Son of God now Son of man. The fullness of God wrapped in swaddling cloths.

For centuries, the prophets had foretold his arrival and for as long the people had waited. Born to be a King, heir of David’s throne, his coming brought freedom for the captives, hope for the hopeless, and the promise of a kingdom without end. The impact of the incarnation cannot be measured. No man has moved feeling or influenced thought like this God/Man – Jesus. And when he returns, the full impact of God on earth will be realized.

During this holiday season, we pray that the “radiance of God’s glory” will fill your hearts with joy. May the wonderful reality of “Immanuel - God with us” impact you like never before. Thank you SO much for your ongoing prayers and support on behalf of GMM-Impact Europe. Please pray that the good news of our blessed Messiah will continue to impact the hearts of men, women, and children throughout Central and Eastern Europe.

From our family to yours ... Merry Christmas!!!

ENGAGED!!

Dave and I are SO happy to announce that our son, Josiah, is engaged to Jorjette Heid!! From the early days of Josiah's life, we have prayed that God would provide a godly wife to love and encourage him ... and God has answered our prayers. Jorjette is a beautiful young woman with a servant's heart. Graduates of Taylor University, they both are currently in leadership positions on campus while Josiah finishes the "MAHE" program (master of higher education). They will be married in May of 2011!! WOO-HOO!! God is good.

Happy Hanukkah

As we approach the Christmas season, we are reminded not only of the birth of Jesus, the Light of the world, but also of another festival of lights -- Hanukkah (“Chanukah”). Although Hanukkah is often mistakenly viewed as a “Christmas alternative for Jewish people,” it is a holiday of much deeper significance.

Travel in your mind to Jerusalem, 160-some years before the birth of Jesus. Antiochus IV, a Greco-Syrian king, has invaded the land, looted the Temple, massacred Jews, and forbidden worship of the God of Israel. He even goes so far as to erect an altar to Zeus in the Temple, itself! Mattathias, a Jewish priest, and his five sons (including Judah, the Maccabee), rise up and lead a rebellion against Antiochus. After three years of fighting, Judah and a handful of men and their followers successfully defeat the armies of Antiochus, liberate the Temple, and rededicate it to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (164 B.C.). It is an amazing testimony of God’s mighty hand at work to protect His people and to preserve the honor of His Name. This defining moment in Israel’s history is remembered during the “Feast of Dedication” (“Chanukah” means “dedication”) -- and has been celebrated ever since on the 25th day of the month of Kislev (see John 10:22-23 -- the feast during the time of Jesus).

According to Jewish tradition, when the Temple was rededicated and the lights of the lampstand were to be rekindled, there was only enough consecrated olive oil to last for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days and the light filled the Temple. Accordingly, candles are lit each of the eight nights of Hanukkah. It is a special time to remember the faithfulness and holiness of our God and that His light endures and triumphs over the darkness of evil. It is a reminder for each of us, as “temples” of the most high God, to get rid of any “idols” in our hearts and to re-dedicate ourselves to purity and holiness before God.

So, to all of you, our dear friends and family ... Happy Hanukkah! May the Light of the world, Jesus the Messiah, shine His face upon you and fill your hearts with peace. May His light shine forth into all the nations of the earth, dispelling darkness and establishing His glorious kingdom!