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Superintendents Corner

Note From Alan

Archived Newsletters

Cover Article

Two Special Days in December

If giving and serving embody the Christmas ideal, then two days last December were very much “Christmas” here at PRM. Each was a Monday - December 17 was the day we put together over 250 bags of toys and clothes for needy children. Each child was to receive two bags for their Christmas - one bag had all new clothes picked out just for them; the other bag had new toys, also selected with the child’s age and sex in mind.

A host of volunteers arrived to assist in this mammoth task. Toys and games were sorted in the chapel, and clothing items were organized in the dining hall. Several folks also worked in the office, attaching to the bags a paper with the child’s name, age, sex, and sizes. This was invaluable in the next step of filling the bags with the donated items. At the end of the process, several ladies checked the bags to see which ones still needed things placed in them. They made a list of the needed items, and then there was the shopping trip.

Two days later, mothers came for a chapel service during which we shared the gospel. Then we passed out the bags so carefully and lovingly prepared for their children. It was a special time, indeed!

A week later, on Christmas Eve, twenty-one willing sets of hands showed up at PRM to prepare, serve, and clean up from a wonderful Christmas dinner! Several of them also participated in a Christmas Eve service in our chapel. We fed about a hundred people a wonderful meal of shrimp, scallops, ham, ranch potatoes, green beans, cornbread, and an assortment of pies. Everything was cooked, served with a smile, and cleaned up from by this terrific crew. They even set up the tables and chairs, placed the table covering, and all the rest.

The service that followed included music, Scripture reading, gift exchange, passing out of special gift bags for all Mission residents, and a time of precious testimonies from the men. All in all, it was a grand afternoon and evening. We praise the Lord for the opportunity to bring some very special Christmas love to folks who need it most. And we are grateful for the many hands that made the tasks come off better than we could ever do alone. We eagerly anticipate a repeat of these two special December days.

Superintendent's Corner

Christmas by the Generation

It is interesting to reflect on Christmas as one passes from generation to generation. First there was the child who celebrated Christmas with his parents before going to grandparents’ homes for more festivities. Christmas for a child and grandchild is a magical time. Things that are in short supply throughout the year suddenly seem to abound! There are new toys and clothes (though what boy gets excited about clothes?!), all kinds of candy, and seemingly no rules about when and how much you can eat, cakes and pies, and of course, two weeks off from school! What a time for a little boy!

As life progresses, the boy becomes a man, takes a wife, and starts a family of his own. Then he gets to see Christmas through the eyes of a parent - how different that is! Now the emphasis shifts outside yourself, and you focus on making other people happy with your resources and efforts. What a joy to watch the little ones on Christmas morning - eyes all aglow, with excitement abounding! To share with your wife the joy of making your children happy is a blessed thing.

Time passes, and another generation arrives. Two children turn into five grandchildren, and the joy just grows and grows. There is Christmas dinner at Gram and Poppy’s house, a celebration that has no equal (at least for Gram and Poppy). Glowing faces, loving embraces, “thank-you’s” all around. Children being excited about the gifts received by their siblings and cousins, not just concerned with their own “stuff.” Parents who have taught their children well make it such a blessing to be around them.

Then there is the fact that ministry to others outside their own families is such a big part of our children’s and grandchildren’s lives. Somewhere along the way, God stepped into these lives and turned us, who are naturally selfish, into people who genuinely care about the needs of others. Thank you grandparents, parents, kids, and especially thank you, Lord, for the blessings of “Christmas by the Generation.” Merry Christmas to all our kind and generous friends.

A Note From Alan

Gifts for the Needy

It’s that time of year again! If your family, Sunday school class, office, or civic group would like to help make Christmas special for some needy children in our community, here is your chance! Begin NOW collecting NEW toys and NEW clothes! The last day to bring the items to us is December 11. (Call if you can’t transport the items and we will schedule a pick-up). Please help us make Christmas special for these children.

The following are gift ideas for those who would like to shop for someone in need:

socks, work gloves, candy, stocking caps, handkerchiefs, underwear, belts, disposable razors, deodorant, baseball caps

clothes, toys (fun & educational), sporting goods, MP3 players, candy, Bibles

Perhaps your family, or your class, or your civic group, or your office, or any other folks you might be associated with would like to help with these worthy projects. Call us if you need more information.