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Christmas is Uniquely Universal
". . . a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel" (Luke 2:32).
This was the declaration of Simeon on the occasion of the "baby Jesus'" dedication in the temple in fulfillment of the Law. Now, 2000 years later, it is indeed a world-wide declaration every Christmas season. Not everyone understands or responds in faith, but the truth is still declared!
"And blessed be His glorious name forever; And may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen, and Amen" (Psalm 72:19).
Christmas is uniquely universal. There are many national holidays and events that are unique to given countries and cultures, but Christmas is uniquely universal in that nearly all nations commemorate Christmas in some form or fashion. The ministries of UIM International in North America seek to take full advantage of the season for the cause of Christ and His Gospel.
This UIM Connection reveals a slice of Christmas as commemorated by part of our UIM team in British Columbia. Pray with us that the Gospel of Christ as revealed in the account of the birth of Christ will be embraced by many hearts all across North America this Christmas season.
May the whole earth be filled with His glory!
Wishing you a Christ-filled Christmas,
 Dan Fredericks, Executive Director UIM International 
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Kyah Fellowship's Christmas Eve Tradition
by Doug Anderson
 Christmas is one of my favorite seasons. I have fond childhood memories of family, gifts, and wonderful Christmas meals. Many people do not have such warm memories; Christmas may even amplify feelings of loneliness. Many never think of Christ's birth and the light and hope He brought into this dark world. Consequently, one of the activities we introduced into the village of Moricetown was house-to-house caroling on Christmas Eve. What started as a small experiment has become an annual Kyah Bible Fellowship tradition. Sometimes we walk or, on colder nights, drive through the village caroling. At times we borrow a hay wagon, starting with a few people and picking up others who ask to join us. The carolers pass out candy and gospel tracts or candy canes with the Christmas story attached to them. Traditionally, our last stop is at the farm where we borrow the wagon. After we sing to this family, they invite us in for hot chocolate and cookies. Caroling has become a special time for Kyah Bible Fellowship and for the people of Moricetown.
Gathering for New Year's Eve is another way we express Christ's love and plant God's Word and the gospel message in people's lives. We trust the Lord to bring the growth as His people plant and water.
Love Jason is the heart wrenching account of Jason Anderson's losing battle with Ewing's Sarcoma cancer. In the book Doug recounts how God, in a time of overwhelming circumstances, showed His unfailing faithfulness to their family. God used Jason's short life to be His witness to the hospital staff, hospital occupants, his family and the Wet'suwet'en people of Moricetown, British Columbia.
The book is available through UIM International. There is a suggested donation of $13. All the proceeds go to the Rock Nest Ranch Lodge Fund. If you are interested in purchasing the book, contact Cecelia Light at the Glendale office at clight@uim.org, phone 623-847-9227.
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The Rock Nest Ranch Lodge Completion is Near!
by Wendell Garrison, RNR Director
Celebrating our Lord's birth at the wooded campground is a serene experience, but we anticipate resounding joy and worship as construction on the lodge nears completion. The closer the lodge is to being completed, the more excitement that is generated for those who will come to hear the good news of Christ and to know His love. Dinner theaters, winter retreats, and other winter events will be possible once the lodge is in operation. People will have opportunity to hear of and celebrate Jesus' birth here.
Please join us in prayer for Rock Nest and the completion of the lodge. Over the past years we have watched God provide in many ways; we ask Him to provide opportunities to share and to use Rock Nest Ranch for His glory. The lodge is still in need of flooring, siding, furniture, and kitchen equipment. Pray for funds and for volunteers to complete this much-needed facility.
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