We recently returned from a trip to spend quality time with Elizabeth and Febien in Ethiopia and visit the dear ones on their care list. We were very moved by the countless displaced homeless women with children begging on the streets of Addis.

'The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.' Matthew 4:16'The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it !' The true light that gives light to everyone has come into the world!' John 1:5.9 And His name is JESUS!

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world...' (Colossians 1:3-6)

Three peaks Challenge - last week a few of us spent Saturday climbing the peaks of Yorkshire to raise funds for houses  - praise God we raised enough for 5 houses! It was a good day and we especially thank God for the Lincoln group, led by Raymond, who bravely conquered the challenge at night, when unfortunately the rain made it somewhat more challenging! Thank you for all who took part and contributed in any way. 

'Make this valley full of ditches. For the Lord says: You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain; yet this valley shall be filled with water..' (2 Kings 3:16-17)

The bible tells us: always be ready! To be ready to give a reason for the hope we have in Jesus. To be ready to help anyone we come across in need. To be ready to hear and obey God's voice. To be ready to resist when temptation comes. To be ready for Jesus' return.

Recently God has been whispering these words into our hearts and into our context: Get ready. Be prepared. Dig ditches that I will fill.

And so this year we want to get ready for God to pour out His Spirit among us in greater measure.

I love the Christmas season. It is a chance to reflect again on the amazing fact that God came down in human form, as a little baby, to the world He created to bring us back to himself. He came close because He loved us. As John says:

'That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched - this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.' God made His home among us that we might see and believe! And this is what we proclaim every day of our lives - JESUS is alive and our purpose is to make Him known by shining His light - His love, mercy, kindness, truth and justice wherever we are - in our families, in our communities, in our nations - wherever He sends us. It is why we are alive - it is our