The Season of Advent

Love.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life,

neither angels nor demons,

neither the present nor the future,

nor any powers,

neither height nor depth,

nor anything else in all creation,

will be able to separate us

from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 8:38-39

Here in the Dominican Republic we do not sing the Christmas hymns on Sunday mornings during this Christmas season. But the songs we are singing are about God's love especially what Jesus did on the cross and His resurrection. When you look at the manger and see baby Jesus, remember also the cross and the stone as well. This is the true meaning of Christmas and the precious gift that God has given us so we will never be separated from His unconditional, agape love.

Song: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

Joy.

"And again, Isaiah says,

'The Root of Jesse will spring up,

one who will arise to rule over the nations;

the Gentiles will hope in him.'

May the God of hope

fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,

so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Romans 15:12-13

Here in the Dominican Republic Christmas is not celebrated with presents as much as presence. The giving of presents in more reserved for January 6th known as Kings' Day, when the magi of the east came and visited Jesus bringing with them gold, frankincense and myrrh. The magi of the far east were not God's chosen people, Israel yet God guided them, foreigners to Christ to worship him. What joy we have that Jesus came for all peoples, all nations. Not just the Jewish nation, God's chosen people.

This joy is for you, my dear reader. I pray that you are filled with joy each and every day.

Song: O Come All Ye Faithful

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October Newsletter

SHANNON’S CORNER The Saga Continues… The trip to Malaysia consisted of a two-day spiritual retreat with the theme of ‘Come Away With Me’ and a six-day conference with about 230 missionaries who serve in some aspect of translating the Scriptures. One of the many people who I met was a missionary who served in Cameroon for many years and now is in a new role. As he was sharing, most his words were very negative and depressive. I encouraged him to sign up for a time of prayer and care. At the end of the retreat, this missionary shared with me that he did have a session and I could see that his whole countenance changed, and he was hopeful. His new word he used to describe where he was now is ‘delightful.’ Our time there was creating a safe space for these missionaries to have a place to share what they are struggling with and to connect with Jesus. One missionary is at a crossroads in her life. Another finds himself in the midst of betrayal. A missionary is in a new role as a caregi...

August Newsletter

SHANNON’S CORNER Camp News! Cherry Run Camp is my green pasture and quiet waters where the Lord continuously restores my soul. This camp was even more special as I was invited to be the missionary in residence for the nine days of camp. Sharing with all age groups about missions and how as believers and followers of Christ we are all called to go and make disciples by sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. It was a week that was fulfilling to be with my family and the family of God as we fellowshipped one with another. As missionaries, we first need to make connections and build relationships with people before sharing the Good News. The youth were given the mission to level up: 1) make connection by introducing themselves to people and making them feel welcomed; 2) ask the person what they need prayer for; 3) the youth to pray with the person on the spot; 4) the youth to share their testimony; and 5) the person is asked to share their testimony. The yo...

September Newsletter

SHANNON’S CORNER I will be joining my team with Refresh & Resound International as we will be in Penang, Malaysia. Some of the team will be doing worship and the rest of us will be providing care and prayer for the spiritual leaders’ retreat and conference for around 220 global workers who work in translating the Scriptures in SE Asia. Please be in prayer for my team as well as for everyone at these events. I will share with you more next month so stay tuned. I have so enjoyed the slower pace this month and the opportunity to finish all of my nursing continuing education classes as well as some life coaching continuing education. The slower pace has also given me time to be able to pause and reflect on this past summer and check-in with myself. There have been some things that surfaced to the top of some transition losses that I needed to acknowledge, process, and grieve them. God gently reminding me that I am still in the season of re-entr...

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