Christmas is changing the world.... God's Word, released throughout China. Water, and salvation, springing up from the ground in Africa. Missionaries, over 5500+ who have given their lives to other nations and people groups, supported financially and practically. It's been an amazing Christmas in the life of Emmanuel. I love this place. I love that God has placed me in the midst of a fellowship that is intensely in love with His life; His Word; and the full-bore manifestation of the living Word found in the person of Jesus Christ.

The advent has truly been a conspiracy....

Our goal was to distribute 835 bibles to the persecuted church in China ($5K)... We actually gave 1875 bibles to fellow Christ-followers in China ($11,250)

Our goal was to provide clean drinking water to 5000 africans (approx 2 wells) in sub-saharan Africa ($5K)... We actually gave $13K+ and we are able to place 4 well in villages in Uganda/ Zimbabwe/ Kenya/ and a village in a nation TBD.

Our goal was to support our full-time missionaries with a $10K offering. I cannot wait to share, this weekend, what God did through the life of our fellowship. Keep your fork.

Christmas is changing the world and the impact of our faithfulness will carry on for years and years to come. The Word is living and active. It has feet and gives chase to you; it has hands and grabs hold of you. You and I have distributed the living Word all over China. The water is physical, but the water of Life in Christ is spiritual. May thousands in Africa drink deeply and find satisfaction, physically and spiritually, in Christ alone. Finally, may our missionaries, who give their lives daily for the glory of the cross, sense our support, love, and passion for the fame of Christ as we partner with them in a tangible, financial way.

We have worshipped more; spent less; given SO much more; and loved all! Thank you.

Then, Sunday evening, we stood with a crowd of folks and broke ground on our new building. In the very near future, we will teach 250 preschoolers that they are loved by God; He is their friend; and He made them for His great glory! For generations, this building will display the awe and wonder of our God. It was a good night for many reasons....one of which is, we paid IN FULL our Field House. We enter our new building phase debt free on all other buildings. That is good stewardship. That is Emmanuel. God is glorified.

I love being on journey with you. I hope that your Christmas is amazing. Behold His glory. Behold His grace. Be transformed by His power, presence, majesty, wonder, and glory. He is good. His love endures forever.

Feel free to comment. Feel free to have a glorious Christmas.

By Grace... For Glory,

Mark