Spreading Christmas Joy

The Christmas season has come and gone and it is now 2011. I hope your holidays were Christ-filled with lots of fellowship with family and friends.

Christmas in Zambia is much different from that in North America. In the cities, yes, there is the growing commercialization of the holiday, but in rural places that is not the case. On Christmas day, generally speaking, gifts are not given and people are in one of two places: the bar or church. Each church has their own program for the day which includes a service in the morning, followed by a meal and activities. It is a full day of celebration and fellowship.

On Christmas Eve, however, a gift is given to those not necessarily in the church. It is called candle lighting. There are a few different kind of churches in Zimba. The hospital is divided amongst them and they prepare gifts and a candle light service. In the evening, they meet at the hospital to share the message of Christ's birth, give gifts, and pray for the patients in the wards.

The singing and dancing began before ever entering the wards. Each church proceeded in the direction of their ward where they lit the candles. Inside, the singing continued for a while. Then there was a brief message about the Christmas story and what Christ came to do for us by coming as a baby. People then gathered around each patient to pray; praying at the same time, each person out loud. Near the end, but while people were still praying, someone started a song which people joined in singing as they finished praying. After the last amen and as the singing continued, the pastors passed out the small gifts the churches had prepared for the patients.

Singing and praying could be heard all through the hospital that night, both inside and outside the wards. In the peaceful evening, I'm sure it could be heard for miles. The goal is to share the good news and bring a little joy to those in the hospital during Christmas. We pray that lives have been touched through this gift.

Please pray for the many patients at the hospital; that they will not only find physical healing, but spiritual healing as well.

Also pray for all the missionaries. No matter how long you live somewhere, there is always things to be learning about the language and culture and also new struggles to face. Some days we need all the grace and perseverance we can get to set aside our own culture and way of thinking and work in this "strange land".

Thank you so much to those who have sent packages of used clothing, eye glasses, rolled bandages, and other things. During the candle lighting, the mission was able to give gifts of clothing to the adult patients and toys to the children. Although they were sick, it brought smiles to their faces. The special treats from home brought big smiles to our faces as well. :)

A big thank you also for your constant prayers and giving. We could not function here without either and we thank God for you and your willingness to be part of this team!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!