Dear friends!
Every year, thousands of tourists from all around the globe flock into Bethlehem to visit the site of Jesus’ birth. It is a very special experience for them to enter the ancient and venerable church in the place where the stable is said to have once been.
A few days ago, when our nursery school went there on a day trip the children were ever so excited. “Where’s the stable? Where’s the manger? And where’s baby Jesus?“ they kept asking all at the same time. Shortly before they had visited the Shepherds’ Fields in Beit Sahour. There, in a small chapel, they had seen a painting depicting the angels bearing the good tidings of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds. They had followed the footsteps of the shepherds but to their disappointment did not find the Christ child. “I’ve told you. Jesus is no longer in the manger!” Jimmy, our staff member, reminded them and went on to explain to them again why. Read the rest of this entry »
We at Calvary Chapel Rio pray that this newsletter finds you blessed and encourages you in Christ. As always, we invite you to take part in our ministry through your continued prayers and support. In addition to this request, we want to thank you for your faithfulness to do so. Glory to God in the highest that He hears our prayers and petitions and answers them according to His perfect knowledge and understanding of our circumstances. Romans 8 tells us of the aiding and interceding of the Holy Spirit when we pray. This scripture assures us that the Lord helps our weakness (v.26), searches our hearts (v.27), “And we know that God causes all things to work together for the good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Kim and Laura Stilwell and family are missionaries that Calvary Chapel Kendall has recently begun to support. They are serving the Lord in Quepos, Costa Rica. Here is their most recent newsletter.
We have had a many things happen since we last wrote. So let’s get started. We had two people come and help with the homeless/drug rehab center. They taught English and the Bible. They also taught English classes in our neighborhood to the children as well as play games and have various activities aimed at pointing them to Christ. The kids came everyday looking for them. 
December has been a blur of surgeries, clinics, endoscopes, interviews for surgery residency, and call amidst meetings, celebrations and the anticipation by our Kenyan colleagues of the presidential election here. Highlights for me included: 
