Thank you to everyone who has given and continues to give so generously to the containers of food that Stan is putting together...from one jar of peanut butter, to companies matching contributions, to the money that has been donated.  The response has been truly overwhelming. Stan said this morning that he definitely knows this is from God because people wouldn't just be giving him these things like this! 

We serve such a MIGHTY, AMAZING, AWESOME God who is faithful all the time!  

The whole purpose of this mission is to not only take care of physical and material needs, but most importantly spiritual needs.  When we go into schools and orphanages and pass out Christmas Bags, Stan is sure to let the children know that the most important thing they will be receiving is not the gifts, but the Scripture they will receive because it tells of the love of Jesus Christ who gave His life for them.  As this food is passed out, Scripture will be given with it and the people will continue to hear about Jesus, their Savior.  As one woman who runs an orphanage in Haiti said recently, what Haiti needs most right now is Jesus Christ.

That's true of the United States too. What a shame it would be for you to never meet the person who met Christ as a result of your gift, if you have never met Him yourself. For that reason, we would like to tell you about the same Jesus we share with those in Haiti.  The Jesus who loved you so much that He laid down His life for you.  When we pass out Christmas Bags, along with the Scriptures, we also give a Gospel coloring book called "Color Me Happy"...here's what that book says:

I am a SINNER (Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God) COLOR ME SAD

    Unable to enter Heaven

    Dirty by Sin (Psalm 53:3 - they have together become corrupt; there is none who does good; no not one)

    Disobedient to God (Romans 3:12 - there is no one who does good, no not one)

    Lost in Sin (Isaiah 53:6 - we all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way)

    Bound for Hell (Psalm 9:17 - the wicked shall be turned into hell)

I am LOVED (Romans 5:8 - but God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us)  COLOR ME GLAD

     You are invited to enter Heaven (Romans 10:13 -for whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved)

     1.  Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures

     2.  He was buried

     3.  He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures (I Corinthian 15:3-4)

SALVATION -Romans 10:9 - That if you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 

I AM SAVED -Ephesians 1:13 - In whom also, having believed, you were sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise   COLOR ME GLAD

So, what about you?  If you were to die today, do you KNOW that you would go to heaven?  It has nothing to do with church membership or being good.  It has everything to do with what Jesus did for you.  He loved you so much that he died for you.  There is nothing that you can do except accept His free gift of salvation.  Admit that you are sinner; that only God can save you from your sin.  Believe that Jesus died on the cross for you.  Confess your sins to Him and commit to live for Him.  There are no "magic" words, no specific prayer.  Talk to Jesus.  He'll listen.  Then ask for God's guidance as you seek a good church near you.  Find out more about this Jesus who loves you so much.