The week between Christmas and New Year's is always a fun week in the town of Passe-bois-d'orme.  Former students and other 'exiles' come back into town for a visit.  It's a great time to catch up with people and hear news about their lives.  This year I'm missing it.  :(

The concert is being planned for JANUARY 29th @ 3:00 in the afternoon...at CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH, Dallastown.  The concert will be in the Worship Center, and there will be auction items in the fellowship hall.  I'm excited about some of the music.  I think it could be pretty special.  The point of the concert is to focus (for 90 minutes) on the ministry in Haiti...pictures, sounds, auction items, and even food will all point to ASAPH Teaching Ministry.  Hope you can be there!

Follow God! 

The shortest day of the year.  Boy, do I miss sunshine!  This latitude is so gloomy and dark in December.  I sometimes feel like I should turn on more lights!  Today, it was dark as we ate supper...at 5:00! 

BUT, it's always special to be 'home for Christmas'.  I'm looking forward to special services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  And also great big family get-togethers.  Always a reason to smile wide.  

If you're involved in charity work, read TOXIC CHARITY.  It's a powerful book about how charity can be damaging.  I just started last night and read late into the night.   Oh!  The things we do thinking we're helping someone.  I say often, "It's hard to help people."   It's easy to give, and to do.  But to really help?  Really requires understanding.  

 

May you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ this Christmas season.   

In an attempt to raise awareness for the ministry in Haiti, we are planning a concert in January at Christ Lutheran Church.  Songs and images (and refreshments) will all point to the folks in Haiti and the ministry there.  There will also be a silent auction including a few Haitian paintings, dulcimer made by Don Smyser, and a few other items.  

If you know of anyone who might be interested in sponsoring the work in Haiti, have them get in touch with me.   They can do that at  andyclairstump@yahoo.com.    THANKS! 

We're more than seven months from the official launch of ASAPH Teaching Ministry.  There are several big decisions being made this month...by me and by others...regarding the work.  If you are a prayer, put ATM before God in your prayer time.  May His will be done.