Merry Christmas 2010

As I (Delilah)walked into the house I was warned with what I would see in the next room. But I was not prepared to see this woman, bruises all over her face and arms. As I quickly caught my breath, I started praying furiously, please Lord please show me how to share Your story with this lady. As I talked to her the next couple hours, I was happy to see her smile. I am also happy to share that she is open to hearing about God's Word. Instead of asking what we are getting for Christmas, maybe we should ask ourselves what we are giving. We serve a God that came into this broken world in a barnyard, gave all of His time and resources for others, and loves us so much that when we were/are at our absolute WORST He gave all (Romans 5:8). All of us have heard the Christmas story and all of us ponder it for about 5 minutes as we reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, but do we really? As soon as the story is over (depending on your personal tradition) we're off to open the things we get. Here's the reality of what we, as believers, get. We get eternal happiness, we get to walk on streets of gold, we get everything rightly belonging to a son or daughter of God because we are heirs with Christ (Romans 8:14-17). So what does that mean for unbelievers? It means that whether they know it or not, they are absolutely desperate for what only we, as believers can give. Are we giving to a lost and dying world or are we constantly seeking what we can get? Well many of you knew Joel and I were interested in going to the Philippines, it seems as if that door may be closing for us. But we are so excited to share the new direction we feel God is leading us,southeast Africa. We have 6 more days of classes, then our 1st semester is over!! Wow, that was fast. Joel's Mom will be here for Christmas this year with us. The boys will be taking part in the Christmas program at the church we are attending. Aiden will be a wise man and Alton a sheep! The girls have been keeping busy with school and friends and creating doll clothes :) Joel in his free time has enjoyed learning how to trap. So far he has "trapped" three raccoons, 6 possums, and 1 red squirrel and a turkey vulture toe!! Can you believe 2010 is coming to a close?? It has been a busy year for us, gradating from Bible school and now in training to be missionaries. God has blessed us so much this year. We are so thankful for those who have spent so much time encouraging,praying and giving financially to us. If you have anything you'd like us to pray for let us know. We love hearing from you, and our family would love to pray for your needs too. Enjoy your Christmas!! Joel, Delilah, Alexis, Alyssa, Aiden, Alton
SUPPORT/ INFO Partnership gifts can be sent to: New Tribes Mission 1000 E. 1st St. Sanford, FL 32771 **please include a memo indicating gift is for Joel & Delilah Spears CONTACT INFO Joel & Delilah Spears 134 Main Drive Roach, MO 65787 Joel's cell 630-608-3379 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 630-608-3379 end_of_the_skype_highlighting Delilah's cell 630-608-3245 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 630-608-3245 end_of_the_skype_highlighting	OUR CLASS!!	Prayer request Future people who will want to partner with us. For the lady Delilah is sharing God's love with, pray that she will want to have a relationship with Jesus. Joel will be preaching at a church here in MO on Sunday the 26th and Jan. 16, pray for him that he will speak clearly what God has laid on his heart to share. For continued opportunities to share God's love with people in our ministry outreaches.