Christmas Cannot Be Stolen

 


CHRISTMAS CANNOT BE STOLEN!

I have heard politicians lament that they would be remembered as the ‘person who stole Christmas.’ Like in ‘The Grinch who Stole Christmas’ by Dr. Seuss, the perpetrator was able to steal some of the things that surround the day, but not effect the main celebration. In the same way, no politician, disease, or event can rob us of the truth of Christmas, that the true Light became human and dwelt among us so that all that receive Him and believe in Him is given the right to become adopted children of God (see the Gospel of John, Chapter 1).

Please do not misunderstand me, the restrictions that are upon us this year are real and will profoundly change how we celebrate this special day. Many will experience extreme difficulty, loneliness and depression because of the measures that have been taken. During times like this, the Bible calls us to encourage and comfort our family and friends to assist them through this challenging season.

For ourselves, while many of our wonderful traditions and activities have been stripped away, we have the opportunity to reflect on the event that changed the world – that God stepped into human history as a baby with the sole purpose of offering Himself on the cross so that all who believe in Him could be saved (see Philippians, Chapter 2).

LOVING THE NORTH 

At the beginning of 2020, LAMP had a wonderful summer program ready to go where many teams from USA and Canada would travel to their respective communities and share the Gospel. However, the virus hit and all team visits were cancelled. However, this did not stop us! The teams found new and innovative ways of communicating with and ministering to their respective community. As for myself, I took several trips up north to encourage the people and clergy of the north, and to bring them love gifts from the teams. The purpose of these trips is to break the extreme isolation, and to remind them that we love them, and that God will never leave them nor forsake them.

My last trip was just a few days ago in mid-December and I connected with clergy in order to transport gifts to seven isolated communities (see picture above). It is my prayer that these gifts will touch many hearts and bring glory to the Lord. While it is a very difficult time for us who live is less remote locations, it is even more difficult and lonely for those up north. If it  pleases the Lord, I will be visiting more communities in January and February.

HAVE A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS

During this complicated time, Kim and I pray that you have a wonderful Christmas full of joy, love and truth. May the Lord use this as an opportunity to draw you even closer to Himself and may He provide you with many ways that you can bring glory to His Name. Have the most blessed Christmas, Gord and Kim.

PRAYER:

Thanks so much for your prayers and support!  Please pray:

  • That the First Nations people of Northern Canada will increasingly draw close to the Lord during these very difficult times.
  • That our Heavenly Father provide them with protection and healing from the virus, and reassure them that He will never leave them nor forsake them.
  • That He provide LAMP missionaries and volunteers innovative ways and means to bring glory to His Name in the Canadian North.



 

THANKSGIVING:

I would like to praise the Lord for His faithfulness in the following:

  • For the opportunity to serve Christ through LAMP. during these challenging times.
  • For strength and encouragement in order to encourage and bring hope to others.
  • For the wonderful donations of quilts and clothing which have arrived or are in transit.  May they bless many of our First Nations friends and demonstrate the Father’s love.
  • For the many people who are praying and providing financial support enabling LAMP and myself to serve the Lord in Northern Canada. 

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

gord@lampministry.org
toll free: 1-800-307-4036 ext 6
cell:            (204) 229-0732

If you would like to partner with LAMP Ministry's work in Northern Manitoba, please send your contribution  (noting Gordon Gilbey) to:
          LAMP
          4966 – 92nd Avenue NW,
          Edmonton AB  T6B 2V4
          or online at www.lampministry.org

 

 

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