A Wisconsin Winter

Our family had the opportunity to spend Christmas in Wisconsin. It was as you would expect it to be with snow and cold conditions but isn't that what winter is all about? I have been asked about Peru weather conditions many of times while on deputation. Peru has three different geographical areas in which each produce unique qualities. The desert Pacific coast on sea level is continually dry and hot, the Andes Mountains has many different elevations with heights reaching over 22,000 feet with snow peaks, and the Amazon Rainforest has rainy and dry seasons. As a family we like to play a game called "which region in Peru would you most likely find__?" (animals, houses, jobs, hobbies, people, etc.). While playing the game I mentioned where would Christmas most likely be celebrated? One of my children said in the Andes Mountains because it is the only region which has snow. Growing up in Michigan one would associate Christmas with the snow. The sad fact is that many in Peru don’t celebrate Christmas simply because they have never heard of the birth of the Son of God. Even sadder are those who have heard and don’t worship Christ as the Son of God.
It is encouraging to gather with believing family members to celebrate Christmas for its true reason. Jon’s oldest brother lives in Northern Wisconsin where some of the family decided to meet for Christmas. Twenty two people stayed in one house for a week, playing table games, recalling memories, and enjoying the many activities that the farm provides. Our children had the opportunity to milk dairy goats and than taste the difference between goat’s milk and cow’s milk. They enjoyed time with the cows, cats, dogs, and even hearing the chickens in the mornings. Our daughter Becca had a shocking experience when she fell into the electric fence while playing with the dogs.
As the anticipation of Christmas morning approached the fourteen children looked forward to all that would come, even as Christians anticipate the return of Christ Jesus. The eight adults reminisced in the joy that Christmas brings and related to the Joy of sharing the Good News with others. As the gifts were opened, we were reminded of God’s gift of sending His Son Jesus that whosoever would believe that He is the Son of God would be given life as He was able to conquer death and be raised from the dead on the third day.
Our family was encouraged by your prayers, encouraging cards, and love gifts this Christmas. It is a blessing to a Missionary to be reminded that they are never alone in ministry but that they have their God with them and other believers in prayer for them.