As the final notes of “Joy to the World” floated through the air, a look of pure horror overtook my wife’s face. The object of her agonized gaze was none other than our toddler son, who, with his impeccable timing as always, had chosen that precise moment to start playing with his shepherd’s “dress,” as he had persistently called it. Thankfully, my wife had the foresight to send him in shorts as well, but even so, the sight of a blonde toddler hopping from leg to leg and fidgeting with his costume most definitely ruined the aesthetic of the song. I’m quite certain my wife still flinches occasionally at the memory of that moment whenever she hears the song, even after all these years. But for me, when I think of this time of year, I can’t help but feel joy in my heart—because our Savior came into the world!
This past month, we celebrated our church’s anniversary service with 153 people in attendance. As song after song rang out through the night, I felt overwhelmed by gratitude as I looked around at all God has done in our church. Every face I saw represented a story— a life transformed. And each of you has played a part in that. At the end of the service, the candles on the cake burned brightly as we gathered to sing “Happy Birthday” to our church. My heart filled with joy and awe as I imagined all that God has in store for us in the coming year.
Later in the month, we hosted our final Ladies’ Event of the year. Forty-three women, young and old, came together to play Christmas games, decorate cookies, and study the Bible. It’s been thrilling to witness the growth in this ministry. That evening, as my wife sat beside me, tears streamed down her face as she recounted story after story of the testimonies shared by the women. One young mom shared how, for months, she would literally run and hide in a room whenever my wife came to hold Bible studies with her mother and sisters. But after months of avoiding the studies, she finally opened her heart and accepted Christ. Now, she says she truly understands what it means to have joy. So this month, we celebrate: joy to the world, for He has come!
Your Missionaries to Peru,
Mitch, Jacqulyn, Landon, and Ryan McCormack
Praises:
- We are so grateful to have been able to celebrate the El Salvador’s Anniversary service, and all that God has done in and through this church.
- Thank you for praying with us for wisdom regarding the property in Ilo. We do not have a peace about the situation, so for now, we will not be taking any further steps to acquire the property.
Prayer Requests:
Please be praying for a young man named Edwardo. Edwardo was saved and baptized in our church earlier this year, and he is just seeking what God would have for him. Please be specifically praying with me that whatever God would have for him, that his parents would be supportive.