Resting
in God's love-
Reviving
in God's word.

I will keep my words brief... This young family, Rachel and Evan Clinkscales and their 3 kids, with #4 coming in February, is so inspirational to me!

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They have been in China for the last 8 years sharing the gospel (they learned the language!), and now they are answering God's call by moving to Mexico (they know Spanish too!). Their love for Jesus is contagious and their desire for others to know him presses them radically forward.

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As the year ends, would you consider helping them in this transition? Here is their newsletter. If you feel led to give financially or prayerfully, I know they would be so grateful. It is good to support the body of Christ.

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The Clinksdale's FUNDRAISING NEEDS FOR MEXICO MOVE

What is happening in January, 2023?

Through prayerful consideration, we are moving to Mexico at the beginning of the year to have our baby!

This will allow us to put down deep roots for the future as Baby Clinkscales will be a Mexican/American citizen, also making us permanent residents.

There are many reasons this makes sense for our mission as well as financially for our future. Due to increased living costs in Mexico with our growing family, we have immediate financial needs.

We pray you will consider partnering with us as we move forward.

What: We need $2,200/mo. to cover living costs, including rent, transportation, schooling, food, clothing, insurance, etc.There are also large setup costs with this move, including purchasing beds, desks, drawers, couches, tables, chairs, oven, microwave, refrigerator, dishes, etc.If you feel led to help with one or more of these needs, please let us know. Thank you!

When: We are asking for monthly support ASAP! And we will begin to set up our house in January.

Where: You can designate one-time or recurring gifts online at www.KaleoInternational.org.

‍Under the Donate tab, click on the Give button, select Missionary Support and write The Clinkscales in the memo section.

You can also send checks marked

The Clinkscales to:

Kaleo International

PO Box 971511El Paso, TX 79910

Blessings,Evan, Rachel, Hannah, Isaac, and Joseph

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I have two pictures that keep coming to my heart and mind this Christmas.

It's crazy how opposite they appear; yet, they both reflect one and the same story.

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The first picture is found in Ezekiel 1. When I was listening to this chapter on my Bible App earlier this year, the events in this scene "got me."

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To paraphrase (and it will only scratch the surface): the prophet Ezekiel is standing by a river when he has a vision of God. The heavens open up and there's a brilliance accompanied by a thunderous noise, along with supernatural beings bearing faces and wings. With all of this, there's a chariot with four gleaming wheels that all dart back and forth, moving in unison. This kinetic-radiance is a mere backdrop to what Ezekiel explained next:

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‍"And above the expanse over their heads there was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire, and seated above the likeness of a throne, was the likeness with a human appearance...and there was a brightness around him...such was the appearance of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell on my face..." Ezekiel 1:26, 28

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To fill in all the blanks with brilliant, word-for-word truth, please read ALL of Ezekiel 1!

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In contrast to this other-worldly picture, and because we're now in the full thrust of the Christmas season, I can't help but think of Luke 2 (another great read!).

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And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

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The great I AM in a lowly feeding trough.

The Light of the world wrapped in a blanket.

The Creator was willing to be cradled.

He emptied himself...he humbled himself...

to be WITH US.

There is no greater love!

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This Christmas, and then throughout the year, let's be awed by both

his glory and his grace,

his majesty and his mercy,

his light and his love.

The King of kings,

the Holy One,

the Humble One

has come.

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For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:

"I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly,, and to revive the heart of the contrite." Isaiah 57:15

Thanksgiving week is just around the corner. It's time to gather together!

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As we start our holiday lists that can get rather long and stress-filled, let's remember that fellowship is our main focus. The people in our homes are more important than the four walls of our homes. The decorative table is the mere backdrop to the conversation around it. We want the food to taste delicious, but we want the laughter and love to be just as rich! It's embedded in us to desire unity in our family, but how do we gain this gift? I want to suggest a key ingredient is prayer. The Lord reminds me often that prayer is the "secret sauce" to any gathering.

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So, as we start our lists this week, as we go to the grocery store, as we lay out our meal plans and clean our bedrooms, etc, let's decide to use this time in quiet prayer, thanking God for each individual that will enter our homes during the holiday season. Name them out loud as you lift them to the Lord.

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Thank God for the opportunity to gather!

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Ask Him to be present in every conversation and every interaction.

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Ask Him to be the strongest voice and the greatest love and the sweetest blessing in the midst of your family.

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Ask Him to bless your home with both his presence and his peace.

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Our homes are our a gift from the Lord. I've never been without one, and I would imagine, the majority of you have been blessed in this way as well. Our hospitality is our gift back to God. He delights to see us gather together!

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"How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity." Psalm 133:1

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So let's trim down our to-do lists and beef up our prayer lists. In doing so, we will be more eager to open up our doors with warm and thankful hearts.

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Dear Lord,

Thank you for the gift of our homes. We take for granted the pleasures of kitchens and bathrooms, comfortable beds and cozy dens. Again, we praise you for your tangible goodness to us! As a gift back to you, help us to prepare our hearts for this upcoming holiday. As you know, where people gather, so do potential problems. Relationships are hard to navigate at times! We ask for your mercy and your grace even now. Please Lord, bless us richly with your unifying love. Amen.

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