Greetings!
Christmas greetings from sunny Mexico City!
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Popocateptl volcano with Mexico City in the foreground.
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We all have ideas about what heaven will be like, but one of the things I have shared recently in connection with teaching on discipleship is the thought (only a thought), that in heaven God might place us strategically by those who have had both an eternal impact on us and those whom we have impacted for eternity. Can you imagine the scene participating in worshipping the Lamb of God among those from every tribe, tongue, people and nation (Revelation 7:9) and looking over your shoulder and finding a spiritual disciple of yours. Then looking behind that person and seeing their disciples and the disciples of their disciples. The very heart of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) is to make disciples and having those disciples make still more disciples!
This past weekend, the importance of discipleship hit me strong again while participating in the missions conference of the church of a Mexican pastor - friend of mine (Joel) who died of yellow fever 12 years ago while serving in Africa. While it was a blessing after so many years see his wife and children and meet his grandchildren. It was very impactful to meet others who know Jesus today because of his faithfulness. Earlier this year I was visiting our missionaries in the country where Joel gave his life and was honored to met the African pastor who was discipled by Joel and has continued on with both the church and school he founded. As the African pastor shared with me his discouragment and thought that the work could have been much larger, if Joel had not died. I was able to embrace him, encourage him and thank him for his persistence in continuing on with the discipleship process he has been entrusted with.
There are some things this side of eternity we will never understand. Our part is to be faithful in doing what God has called us to do and to be aware of those He has given us to bless, disciple and nurture.
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Kerry & Jan - Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca
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RECORD TRAVEL YEAR This year was a record travel year for us... Kerry was away from home 133 days this year, while Jan traveled about half of that amount. Kerry slept in 60 different beds (sofas and floors), preached in 11 different countries and was involved in a number of missions conferences, Youth With A Mission schools and Bible schools. Most of the travel was done in conjunction with visiting our Mexican missionaries on the field.
Although this year has had its share of trials, we are thankful for what God is doing in and through the lives of our Mexican missionaries serving around the globe.
FAMILY JOSHUA continues to work at Wells Fargo in Vancouver, Washington. He moved across the Columbia River to Portland, Oregon earlier this year.
JAMES & BRUNA recently purchased their first home in the Boston area. They are taking a year off and are both busy working. Bruna is planning on beginning medical school in 2013.
JONATHAN is the Creative Lead for Youth For the Nations summer camp of Christ for the Nations (CFNI) in Dallas. He graduates from CFNI in May of 2013. We are looking forward to having Jon home with us for Christmas this year.
One of those things that we do not understand this side of eternity happened a few days ago when Jans' sister Jeanne's son Matthew Bailey (24 years young!), died unexpectedly in Tennessee. Jan is currently traveling there for the funeral with her sisters. Please pray especially for Jeanne and Matthew's wife Karla at this time.
Thank you for prayers and financial gifts once again this year. We appreciate God's care and goodness to us expressed by many of you.
May you have a blessed Christmas as we remember the birth of our Saviour and the reason He came to earth.
Living with eternity's values in view!,
Kerry and Janyce Olson
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