Sunday, January 8, 2012

January 2012 prayer letter

January 2012

Dear Praying Friends,

As the time for the service arrived, no one had come.  All the labor that Michele and the boys had put into the bell choir, all the invitations that had gone out, all the doors that we had knocked on, all the prayers that had been offered now seemed in vain.  This morning, the church sat empty except for our family. 

I stepped out onto the front walk, squinting into the distance, hoping to see someone who was coming, but the streets remained devoid of movement.  “Well Father, it is in your hands” I prayed, feeling a wave of sadness engulf me.  Then in the distance I saw them coming.  My heart began beating wildly; we were actually going to be able to share the good news of Christ’s birth to people here in Lagos, Portugal!!

We had eight in our services that morning, two adults for the first time!  Not only did they enjoy the Christmas bell choir, but they listened intently to the message I preached.  All of them stayed for the time of fellowship after the services and thanked us when they left.

We were thrilled that these folks had come and were humbled by the faithful prayers that so many of you had offered.  We truly count it our privilege to be your representatives to the Portuguese people and be able to share with them the hope we have in Jesus Christ.

Proclaiming the Savior,


Mark Hale