Dear Praying and Giving Family & Friends:

What a joy to be able to greet you this Christmas Season. We wish it was in person—but we are thankful for the opportunity.

As we look out our office window today we are looking at a miracle! The miracle of life which comes with the rains. As I watched the local people rush to plant seeds in their shambas (gardens) when the rains came, I was reminded by the Holy Spirit that in order for us to grow as Christians, we too must plant the seed of God’s Word in our hearts. If no one plants the seeds, all the rain will produce is weeds! I was challenged again to spend time in God’s Word so the Holy Spirit can produce a harvest in my life that is pleasing to God and that others can gain nourishment from.

We are also reminded this time of year that "this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." That baby lying in the manager was God’s perfect lamb sent to die for us at the appointed time. "Amazing love—how can it be that thou my God shouldst die for me!" We pray each of you will experience God’s love in a new way during this Christmas season.

We are grateful that because of His amazing love and grace we are here in Kenya—not because we loved Him, not because of anything we have done—but because He loved us! Thank you for your love and friendship through the years. Your prayers and support have helped to keep us here.

As we look the year 2001 in the face, we want to praise the Lord for:

His faithfulness in sending the rains to Kenya!

That all four of our children and their spouses love and serve the Lord!

That He has given us such wonderful supporters and friends!

For the dedicated staff at the Rift Valley Academy who make this school what it is.

For the students at RVA and their parents who are involved in spreading the gospel in this continent.

For the local people around us who love Jesus and who keep on keeping on in spite of difficult circumstances.

For the safety we have been blessed with through the years.

For the wonderful fellowship we have with the Lord Jesus Christ, God our Father and the precious Holy Spirit as well as His people.

Please pray with us for the following:

That we would be "inspired" anew to serve Jesus in this place.

For wisdom and compassion as Jim interacts with staff, students, and the local people each day.

That we would be able to continue to feed the school children and needy local people until a harvest comes.

That we would be able to help with funds to complete water projects that are going on around us.

That we would bring His lost sheep into the fold.

These past few weeks we have had the wonderful joy of having two couples from our home church come and spend some time with us. What a tremendous blessing and encouragement it was for us to have them be a part of our lives here in Kenya. Each of you is precious to us. We can never repay you for what you have done for us, but we have a Heavenly Father that some day will reward each person for what He has done in this life.

Eternity awaits each of us. We pray that each of us will live our lives in light of eternity. This old world is passing away, but God and His Word as well as His people will live forever. In heaven, there will be no more goodbyes—we certainly look forward to that!

We look forward to introducing you to your brothers and sisters in Christ here in Kenya whom you have helped through your prayers and financial gifts. They are deeply grateful and we want to somehow even now convey their heartfelt thanks to you. Please do not grow weary in well doing.

On behalf of RVA staff, students, and the local people,

Have a blessed Christmas and a joy-filled New Year!

We love you,

Jim and Kathy Long

The 2001 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 38