Edward & Flossie Abbott
January 2008

RECENT ACTIVITIES – Our trip to North Carolina in November was a great blessing. We were able to distribute nearly all the literature we carried with us on the plane. It was good to meet other Hispanic pastors in the area. I preached on the Christian family. We also took a day to visit my father and two sisters.

We were so thankful to be able to enjoy all the brightly colored foliage. It was the first time to see the brilliant shades of red, yellow and orange in forty years. Flossie collected the colored leaves to bring home and show her grandchildren.

Flossie also brought with her a terrible cold; a week later she shared it with me. It took Flossie twice as long to get over it. By then it was time to get ready for Christmas. I preached at the special closing program at the Institute. We were able to go to the Christmas program at Timothy’s church on Sunday morning and at San Francisco Sunday night.

We thoroughly enjoyed Christmas Day. Five of our children and their families were with us (fifteen grandchildren). Those who could not be with us were busy in their ministries. It was a beautiful day. We were able to eat Christmas dinner out in the driveway in the shade.

CONTINUED MINISTRY – I am thankful to be able to continue serving our dear Lord. I keep busy writing and preaching as I am invited. Flossie helps in preparation of booklets and materials. Andrés asked me to teach a couple courses at the Institute again this semester. I still have not said “No.” Pray for the health and strength to minister as long as the Lord wills.

Flossie also has her physical problems. Some days we look at ourselves and declare, “We’re a pair, aren’t we!” We are a pair. We just thank the Lord for allowing us in small ways to continue serving Him together!

We are so grateful for the part of each one of you who continues to hold this “elderly couple” up in prayer. Thank you for all your support and special Christmas offerings as we continue giving forth the Word of God here in Mexico down below the Rio Grande.

FOR OUR PRAYER PARTNERS:

1. PRAY for our physical needs.

2. PRAY that we will be able to distribute more of our literature in pastors’ conferences in the coming year.

3. PRAY that I will be able to teach again this semester in the Bible Institute.

PRAY for continued financial support for the institute and each of our children and their families who are active in the ministry.

THE FAMILY CORNER - Three-year-old Juan Wesley woke up Christmas morning at Grandmom’s. “Don’t touch!” Grandmom warned, as he looked at all the gifts. For him it was much of a Merry Christmas! As the cousins arrived, they tried to help him investigate. They received the same unwelcome instruction. Finally when all had arrived, our Christmas devotional began.

The little ones had front row seats. Singing was fine, but the reading of Luke 2 was a little much for Abdiel! One of the BIG boxes was almost opened before devotions were finished! When finally Grandpop began calling out the names, paper flew, and all semblance of order disappeared. Tio (Uncle) Juan gave a big heavy gift for all the grandchildren, but it was to stay at Grandmom’s. Little hands tore open the box and pulled out newspaper stuffing, candies, more newspaper, stones and a piece of cement block. Tio Juan was up to his old tricks. Finally they arrived at the Winnie the Pooh game.

Grandpop was thankful that he survived one more year of handing out the gifts! Lolita then gave him sample medicines that her sister gets from a doctor’s office. “This is to help you survive another year,” she told him.

The grandchildren began enjoying their gifts. A few little tussles had to be settled, but generally all got along fine. Randy watered some of Grandpop’s plants. Soon it was eating time.

Grandmom’s best gift was the help of each bringing part of the Christmas feast. She was also blessed seeing her family sitting around the table playing games, eating the turkey dinner, and enjoying each other’s company. We have so much to be thankful for in our Family corner down below the Rio Grande.

FROM OUR HEARTS TO YOURS - ON THE FINAL SUNDAY NIGHT in North Carolina I preached on the raising and training of a Christian family. At the close of the service a young mother came to us with tears in her eyes. “We have some real problems, and I was looking for answers,” she told us. “I was just talking to my husband about it as we walked across the parking lot coming into the church service.” Then with a big smile she exclaimed, “In the message tonight, the Lord gave me the answer!” She just could not get over how the Lord so personally answered her prayer.

The Lord does that in our lives as we walk with Him. Just at the right moment He shows us the way. What a joy to be used as Christ’s messenger in the lives of His people!

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. – Isaiah 65:24

Sonlight Baptist Church • 1134 Hargrove Lake Road • Colbert, Georgia 30628 • (706) 742-9575

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Last Updated January 25, 2008