Port Angeles, WA
Turning Sadness Into Joy
Tom: This past Christmas we were able to give out food baskets to several families that were struggling financially. They were referred to us, so we didn't have a previous relationship with them, but through the food ministry we have developed several new
ones. The Lord has blessed us in that we were able to gather enough food resources to meet the demand that we had this year.
In early January, we had a couple of house fires and were able to help the families with food, clothing and other household items. Everyone that we have helped has been extremely grateful, but more important, they said the biggest help for them was that we took the time to visit, pray and share the Gospel with them. Yes, we did help with their physical needs but also addressed their Spiritual needs.
Cathy: Many of our Native people experience sadness and melancholy at Christmas. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit we have been working the past couple of years to turn the sadness into joy and to focus on why we celebrate Christmas. We noticed a
significant change in how Christmas is viewed this year. We even had several people say that they were happy to stay home alone to reflect on the birth of Christ and why He came into the world. We are praying that the same effect will take place this Easter.
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The Holy Spirit is moving in the hearts of the Native people on the Olympic Peninsula and bringing people to a saving faith one by one. It is so exciting to be part of God's mission! Please continue to keep us in prayer for God's saving grace to be realized in all of our Native American communities including the Olympic Peninsula of Washington state.