Feliz Navidad!

SHANNON’S CORNER

Merry Christmas!

As I have been preparing my heart, mind, and body for this advent season I have been studying two hymns, “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” and “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” How interesting that our prayers today often sound just like that of Israel’s in wait of a savior, ‘How long O’ Lord?’ The paradox of this prayer is that it seems a cry of despair, and it is an age-old prayer of hope. In the paradox of waiting for His birth, Jesus meets us in the wonder, silence, traditions, service, and grief of the season. How is Jesus meeting you in this Christmas/Advent season?

I enjoyed the road trip I made with Bethann as we traveled to New Castle, PA to do a three-hour training for those folks who serve at City Rescue Mission. Connecting with these folks, hearing some of their stories, and even meeting some who know my family, a cousin and my aunt was wonderful. Plus getting to spend time with Bethann and for her to get to meet my Dad and Maureen as we stayed overnight with them.

Christmas season is also a time of fun…parties!!! I got to party with some of the staff and volunteers with Interaction International. I enjoyed getting to meet them and to laugh with them and we were all given Elves’ hats to wear for the party. I also partied with the staff with Safe Place Ministry and we had a visit from ‘Ghost of Christmas Past’, ‘Ghost of Christmas Present’, and ‘Ghost of Christmas Future’ as we shared photos of ourselves from years past, guessed what gifts we have bought to give others, and drew on the whiteboard what a goal is for 2023. Our last TCK Connect with had a great time with the teens as we shared our virtual gifts we got for our Secret Santa. It was a lot of laughter, fun, and playfulness and so glad that I got to participate.

God’s goodness and provision has been so evident throughout this season of moving to a new place and community. I am so grateful to Rachel and Brenda and their families as they helped to do the heavy lifting and moving my things from my old apartment to my new apartment and the girls even set up my new place and decorated. Rachel was the one who organized the move day and for me it went so smoothly. I am still settling in as the smaller things with moving…changing my address on all things—financial documents, licenses, etc., closing my old apartment, turning on utilities and turning off services has mostly gone smoothly. The unexpected and surprising financial gifts that I received to help cover moving expenses has been overwhelming to see God’s faithfulness.

Donate Online! (Follow the prompts)
www.WorldOutreach.org/783

Mail Checks:

World Outreach Ministries, Inc.

P.O. Box B

Marietta, GA 30061

(Make a check out to WOM & in memo or in a note write Shannon Eaton #783)

Bill Pay: free option via your online banking

(Use the same information for checks)

My financial budget goal for 2023 is to raise $36,000. I have raised thus far - $34,000 with monthly, quarterly, and one-time gifts. God is so good. I am in awe of God’s abundance that has come in this past month and recall the story of the widow in Luke 21 as I praise God because like the widow you also reach past your surplus to give to the Lord.

Please be praying for how God wants to use you. Would you consider increasing your gift? Would you refer me to friends, groups, and churches who would consider supporting this ministry? Would you consider becoming a monthly donor at $30, $50, $100, $200 or ________. You can check out the blue box for how you’d like to give. I am in anticipation to see how God is going to use His Body to provide for this financial need and how we will both grow in our faith and trust in Him.

May the Lord fill your hearts with joy as you live with fortitude (hope) and compassion (love) while standing firm (joy) with confident assurance (peace) because Christ (Emmanuel) is with you.

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.