Vinga Church Christmas Programme and Gift Distribution

Last week Pastor Jackie was blessed with a new Dacia 4 X 4 which she was just getting used to.   Her American sponsors had wanted her to go for a better make of vehicle and had provided appropriate funds - however Jackie was happy to stick with Dacia which is a much cheaper make.  I do hope she made the right decision because this afternoon between her village and the city it broke down and she had to have it towed back to the garage - so she did not make it to the Church.  Also both her grandaughters have chicken pox.   The capable elders came to the rescue and ran the service including the lighting of the last advent candle which symbolises "Love".  There was  a time of sharing and Wayne and I spoke separately on God's Love and what it means to us.

This was followed by the Children's programme including a Nativity Play and a simple stable scene.  The children were excited and performed well - we give thanks for Delia and Ligia, the Sunday School teachers.  This was followed by shoebox distribution by the elders and teachers.  Over 90 boxes were handed to the children and it really was loaves and fishes provision because every year several new children arrive when they hear about Christmas boxes.   All the families were handed a monetary donation (calculated by the size of the family) so they could buy their Christmas groceries.  Pastor Jackie felt stongly this year that they should be given this responsibility themselves.   

There has been a real move of the Holy Spirit in the Church in the past 2 years and there is talk of a further extension!!  Due to Jackie's absence we missed on the Widow's Christmas Gift distribution in Vinga today which I assume will now be done by the Church elders.  I was sad to say goodbye to everyone but I hope to be back in May. 

A thankful heart and a big smile that lit up the room.