Merry Christmas from the Rices in Vanga

Dear Friends,

We hope this Advent season finds you reflecting on the Biblical truths of love, joy, peace, and hope that was brought into human form with the arrival of Jesus in Bethlehem.   What a wonderful Savior who would come into a world filled with so much sin and suffering.

This morning in Vanga we got to experience a little of the impact of the baby Jesus, who is now our risen Savior.  We watched probably over 100 people from the Vanga region being baptized in water in groups of 5 at a time.  Where else in the world do you get to experience the joy of so many people making professions of faith all together during this holiday season?

May your next year be filled with the love, joy, peace, and hope that comes from working together with our risen Savior to bring His kingdom goodness wherever He has placed you.

Children watch the hand repair of the eroded road to the hospital through downtown Vanga. Pray that the road to the hospital, blocked by massive erosion, will be reopened by the Congo government and the hospital neighbors would be willing to open a second route so patients and medications can arrive at the hospital.

PRAISE God for a donation of maternity materials and equipment worth $24,000 from the local telecommunications company!

Please pray that in the worldwide financial crisis, the hospital’s finances would be stabilized.

Pray that God would raise up additional financial support so we can continue to train the next generation of doctors, nurses, and health administrators here in Vanga. We have a couple of missionary families planning to visit Vanga this winter to see if this is a place God would have them serve.

Pray that there is clear direction from the Holy Spirit for all.

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 15:13 NIV

From the banks of the Kwilu river, Tim and Kathy Rice

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