Jan 07

We had our Christmas celebration service on the 17th and
every seat in the building was filled. The children put on a
program, I preached and then we handed out presents to
the children, complements of MANNA. Some of the children
received more from us with a $10 present than they will
receive from their parents on Christmas day. They were
thankful, excited and reminded that the greatest gift they
could ever receive is Jesus. We also had 4 visitors that day
and a new child was signed up for our after school program.

Dear Friends

Wow, it is hard to believe that another
year is over; that I turned 40 a few weeks
ago and that in one more year I will have
a teenager running around the house.
Where has time gone? Unfortunately, as
far as birthdays go, time keeps moving
whether we want it to or not. This 40
thing has been a little hard to swallow –
can I really be that old?

Well as time seems to go flying by in most areas of life, in
other areas it seems to slow to a standstill. We are still in the
process of purchasing our church building and all we need is
one document to complete the process. One measly,
insignificant document, which we have been waiting on for one
month, is holding up the entire process. I found out last week,
that the document is ready, but it just has to be signed by the
mayor and he cannot be inconvenienced at this time to put his
signature on the piece of paper. Aaarhg!!! In the mean time
we patiently wait, trying not to show our frustration and throw
any temper tantrums. I am 40 now and have to act my age--at
least that is what Janelle tells me.

On a more positive note, I would like to thank all of you who
have given to this project. In the short period of 4 months
you have given around $80,000 toward the purchase price of
$240,000 needed. Thank you very much. We have already
received the approval for a loan of $170,000 to complete the
purchase so if you have not given to this need and want to it
would be greatly appreciated.

Well, like I said at the beginning of the letter, time flies. It is hard to believe that another 4
years has almost passed since our last furlough and that this next summer we will be
making our way home again. Please keep us in your prayers as we schedule meetings,
make arrangements for all the ministries here to be led by different people, figure out what
to do with our house when we are gone and the million other things that need to get
accomplished before this summer.

We would like to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New
Year. May this be the year that we accomplish more than we have ever accomplished for
our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Blessings,
Steve Swann