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| December 2019 Serving In Iowa |
| Merry Christmas Years ago we were given The Advent Book. This is a very unique book containing 25 doors that open and reveal part of the Christmas story directly from scripture each day. As I was reflecting this week on Gabriel announcing the news to Mary that she would give birth to the Messiah I was struck by her response.   Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High….“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin? The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:29-38   Like many of us, Mary asks a question, but once Gabriel answers, she stops questioning and acknowledges that she is the Lords servant. Such a faithful and mature response for a young teenage girl! There have been many times in 2020 when I wish I would have responded like that to God when difficult or trying times came my way. As we move forward through the advent season, let us pause and reflect on the goodness of God. Let us dwell on His grace, His sovereignty and His oversight. As we do these things, let us also take the posture of being the Lords servant in all things that come our way. We have so much to be thankful for as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior!As we reflect on 2020 we wanted to share a few things we are truly thankful for. *A deeper reliance on prayer. God has continually nudged Liz and I to continually bring everything before Him. *There were 3 new Young Life areas started in the Heartland Region in 2020. What a praise during this year! *God has brought 2 local organizations into our life that have connections with teen moms who also are willing to partner with YoungLives. *There are currently 4 women that have gone through the mentor training to be YoungLives mentor moms.  We are thankful that our Young Life staff have been able to meet in person all fall as we strategize how to reach students for Jesus in the Heartland region. This is a picture of some of our staff from our November meeting.Financial Update: |
Sislers in Iowa 