December 23, 2010
By Bruce and Stephanie Beers, serving in Ecuador
The following is an adapted excerpt from Bruce and Stephanie Beers’ recent prayer letter. They are currently on home assignment.
“O come, let us adore Him . . . .” As we sang this song today, I was reminded how easy it is to get caught up in the trap of adoring “stuff” instead of God. My inbox is jammed daily with special offers, television advertisements that seem too good to be true, and tempting “deep discounts.” But I feel like God is calling us to keep it simple and get back to basics-adoring Him!
I’m glad that our adoration of Him doesn’t depend on circumstances, feelings, the stock market, or the latest trend or fashion. As we walked down Fifth Avenue in New York City last week, we passed by extravagantly decorated shop windows. We saw lots of things that could make you look good, smell good, and even feel good-temporarily. However, we saw no stores offering hope for those who have recently lost a loved one, peace for the person plagued by fear, or love for the one who thinks no one else cares and is wondering if life is worth living. Instead of wrapping paper, God chose skin to wrap up His indescribable gift to us, Jesus. Jesus moved into our neighborhood, lived among us, and showed us how to live-and He wants us to do the same.
We hope that you have a wonderful Christmas! We are so thankful for your partnership with us in our ministry. Your prayers and faithful giving to the Great Commission Fund have helped us to live generously and love extravagantly in Ecuador for the past 22 years.
Please pray as the Samborondin Church in Guayaquil continues to look for land on which to build. We are really enjoying our home assignment year as Missionaries-in-Residence at Nyack College, teaching and mentoring the next generation of world Christians. We are also excited about our future ministry in Uruguay as well, and we covet your prayers for all of the details that this transition entails.
In every area of our lives, we continue to trust in our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace . . . for He alone is worthy.
Yours in His Service,
Bruce and Stephanie
What You Can Do
This Christmas, consider giving a year-end gift to the Alliance Great Commission Fund. In doing so, you partner with overseas workers, like Bruce and Stephanie, to shine the light of Christ among those walking in darkness.