December 1999

Dear Friends and Family,

Sambatra Krisimasy! Tratra ny taona! Christmas greetings from Madagascar! Advent season is here and Christmas is around the corner. Why does this newsletter feature Robert and Frances on their "moto" and with friends, Noma and Mampionona? We wanted you to see how Robert and Frances have grown and to highlight that this year has been one of great travel. Most of 1999 we have been on the road doing trainings or shuttling between the capital city, Antananarivo, and our home in Ambositra, 250 kilometers to the south. We will spend Christmas in Ambositra with friends and neighbors from the Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar( FJKM). Then we will pack up and move to a house at the FJKM seminary in Antananarivo. This move will allow the family to stay in one place, although Dan will still travel monthly next year.

Reflecting back on this year of travel, several things come to mind. I often longed for a place to call home, a place of peace and calm where things were in order. I wonder if that is not what most people want as well: a place of peace and calm to call home where the most important things matter.

Two thoughts on this yearning: First, Jesus said that we are to be in the world but not of it. In one sense, we have no home. A very unsettling thought, but I believe a true one. How can we truly be at peace in a world where people kill each other over their nationality or ethnic affiliation, where children sleep on the street, where many are so rich they don't know what to do with their money and others are so poor that they must watch their children die?

Yet Jesus also said in my Father's house are many mansions and I go to prepare a place for you. So we are assured of a home more glorious than we can imagine, one that will never change. And Jesus said if any man hears me and lets me in, I will sup with him and he with me. In other words, Jesus will come and set up house in our hearts. We can carry within our very being a home where Jesus is and He will help make it a place of order and peace.

These two situations are a paradox: We have no true home here on earth, and yet with Christ in our hearts, we have access to an eternal home of unending peace that exists now. I must admit that there are times when I simply feel that I have no home or peace. I forget Jesus's promise to come and sup with me. I realize this Advent that if I want the peace that Jesus brings I have to allow Him in to sup with me and to turn over to Him the things that rob me of peace.

His promises are true:

"Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest" (Matt 11:28).

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives" (John 14:27).

We are happy to be sharing in the ministry of the FJKM church as it reaches out to those in spiritual and physical need. Many thanks to those of you who join us in prayer and financial support of the FJKM church's work among the Malagasy people. We appreciate your letters and e-mails. Please note our new mailing address below. Our e-mail address is the same.

We would like to have an e-mail contact for each supporting church so we can better communicate with you.

Please pray for:

• FJKM church leaders as they prepare for general elections in the year 2000.
• The FJKM development department, that the programs established might truly serve the needy and serve as a witness of God's love.
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• he FJKM development workers and their families, many of whom live and serve faithfully in remote areas under difficult conditions (e.g. no electricity or running water, poor educational opportunities for their children).
• A smooth adjustment to a new home and living situation for us.

Peace be with you,