Merry Christmas from the Larson Family

December, ‘08
Hello All!
Merry Christmas from the Larsons!
I have had a desire to write this newsletter for quite some time now. I was hoping to print out something with pictures and fancy trim, but finances have not been available for that.
I don’t normally speak of our finances to anyone. It is something Rebekah and I try not to speak of, because we do not wish to make anyone feel pressured to support us…or to give because they feel sorry for us.
But…well, I have been a missionary for over five (5) years now. And there are times when I feel so…???…so grateful to God… There are times when it seems like God wants to make sure we know that He is in control and that we are right where He wants us. These last few months have been one of those times.
May I share with you a little of these last few months, so that we can reaffirm to you that our Lord is still on the throne and He still takes care of His children?
Finances have been low for quite some time now, and we have cut our spending as low as possible. So low, in fact, that we have not bought meat for…Boy, quite some time. We didn’t share this with anyone though.
It wasn’t even a month after we used up the last of our meat from the fridge that I came across a large amount of canned tuna that had been discarded, I said, “Thank you, God.” and took it home. About a month or two ago, a friend knocked on our door with a bag full of ground pork, sausages and bacon. Thanks, God. Shortly after that, another friend stopped us alongside the road and gave us a bunch of bread. Thanks, God. And again, someone else gave us a bag of hamburger, bacon and sausages. And recently we were given quite a bit of turkey. Wow, God. Wow…thanks! So as of right now, there is more variety and quantity of meats in out freezer than I have ever had before!
As I sit here trying to compose this letter, I feel blown away by God’s love for me and the family He has given me.
I could go on and on and tell you about so many ways my Lord provides for us, the Larson family - but there just isn’t enough paper…or printer ink for that!
I think the less a person has or possesses, the more grateful he is for the plenty God does give him. At least that is how it is with me anyway. God is good.
I hope this has encouraged you to keeps on doing what God has for you to do. He does provide for His work to be accomplished. Amen?!!??!
Our girls are growing and learning very quickly. Boy, they’re cute! Rebekah tries to keep our blog updated, so that you, our friends and family, can see what we are up to if you wish.
Rebekah is pregnant and due around the middle of June. Boy, Ruth - our first - is such a joy and pleasure, then Shalom came and doubled that! It is hard to imagine having three little buddies and helpers! God is SO good.
Work is busy as always. The office says this is our slow season?!?!? I’m not sure why they say that. The shop still has a nice long list of cars to work on. Maybe it is wishful thinking on their part?!!? In the last six months we have packed two containers for Ghana, one for Liberia, one for Honduras, and Haiti. We have also sent off two or three school buses (each) packed full of stuff for Haiti and Belize. Our loaner cars have been coming and going so much I can’t keep track of them. Fortunately, it is not my job or I would be even balder than I already am. The cars we purchase and repair for people in ministry - if I were to guess how many we work on in the shop, I would say it was 2 - 5 a month. Then there are always landscaping projects going on. And the 10 - day Mexico trips over Thanksgiving and Easter. As you can see, there is plenty of work to keep a fellow busy!
Thank you for your prayers for us - and your support of us - as we continue to serve our Lord here at CMTS.
Please feel free to keep up with us on our blog or write to us any time you wish.

Love

Joshua, Rebekah, Ruth, Shalom and “Little Tyke”

larsonlog.blogspot.com
Joshs_Rebekah@yahoo.com

The Larson Family
321 Focht Rd.
Bernville, PA 19506