We never cease to be in awe of how God works. During the Christmas season, one of the COJ sponsors was inspired by Holy Spirit to provide food baskets not only for the children she sponsors, but all the members of an entire COJ partner church. She hoped to share the love and grace of Jesus that is always abundant and fills our every need. Cathedral of Life church is located within a community in the city of Piura, with a high crime rate and lots of single mother families. The pastor and his family prepared food baskets to provide every family in the church and were even able to hand some out to neighbors in their community and shine the light of Jesus to those living in darkness around them. It was truly like the miracle of the 5 loaves and 2 fish. We praise the Lord for His people with willing spirits to be used and respond to His call, through whom we experience the blessing of witnessing God’s great work unfold in our midst!

We greet you in the most wonderful and beautiful name of Jesus Christ. There was a great lesson and understanding gained through our experience during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. We have realized that we do not live by bread alone but by every word that comes out of the mouth of our God, as recorded in Deuteronomy 8 and Matthew 4. We do not live by our own strength and power but by God’s wonderful grace. News of many non-profit organizations, churches and mission centers reducing their work force due to serious financial trouble from the COVID-19 pandemic have reached our ears and our hearts are heavy and ache for them. We are only doing much better than we had expected or hoped for because of your faithful and passionate support even during these challenging times. Your unending love for those in need is a very powerful encouragement and comfort for all of us here at Hanhee Kim World Mission Center. We don’t have enough words to describe our gratitude for your kindness and generosity. We are praying ever so fervently that in 2021 “your herds and flocks will grow large, your silver and gold will increase, and all you have is multiplied” (Deuteronomy 8:13). Most of all, may you be filled with the Holy Spirit this year. Once again, we want to express our sincere thanks for your continuous support and our love for you.

In Mark 10:13-16, we see a sweet scene where Jesus blesses the children, showing his love towards them in a world where they were viewed as unimportant and a hindrance. Jesus publicly displays his love without discrimination. Today, we see the little ones vulnerable in their families and social environment. However, as they learn the Word of God they are strengthened. There’s no doubt that Jesus alone inspires our hearts to do good, and we can’t thank you enough, dear sponsors, for the love you show through prayers and offerings for your child in the Children of Jesus ministry. The blessings that our God prepares for them becomes a reality when they eat together after Sunday School, receive their gifts for school and Christmas, and when you come on mission trips to meet them. The time you spent with them lifts their spirits and leaves a lasting impact on their lives. May we continue to look at the children through the eyes of our Lord. We know and believe that God has been and will continue to be you and your family’s sustainer. Let us continue to follow in the steps of our Master by sharing his love with others. Read more from other COJ ministry partners!

Throughout the month of November, we were able to check-in individually with our 23 COJ partner churches through Zoom meetings and encourage pastors to keep pressing onward, with the wisdom and strength God provides throughout the continuation of testing times. In addition, we were able to discover the reality churches and children faced. While there were some churches where COVID-19 had ravaged their communities, most churches in more remote areas were untouched by COVID-19. However, though not affected by the disease directly, churches and children have suffered from spiritual collateral damage. Pastors and Sunday School teachers have tried to stay connected with the children, but their efforts have been limited by government-enforced prohibition of group gatherings throughout most of this year. Also, the lack of appropriate resources for digital communication (eg. cell phone) – and much less virtual communication (eg. Internet) – has rendered children isolated, without adequate access to education and spiritual nourishment. At this time, some churches have recently started to gather, some in planning stages to start gathering in the new year, and yet still many are clouded by uncertainty. The government set forth new protocols for churches to be able to re-open and some face challenges to meet the requirements. Things are out of our control. We realize this yet again. We have to seek on our knees, now more than ever, the face and help of the only one who is in absolute control. We ask that you would join alongside us and pray for God to re-open the doors of houses of worship and for the children in Peru –that they would able to pursue their studies once again and that the love and passion for Him would be reignited in their hearts.

This past summer, we couldn’t see the bright and beautiful stars of the Colorado night skies due to the heavy and thick smoke from the record-setting wild fires. In 2020, many of us could not see our beloved family members due to the COVID-19. But for many poor and neglected children in this world, they could not even see the hope of tomorrow due to the heavy burden of poverty. And yet, because of the sacrificial efforts of the firefighters, Colorado skies are twinkling again; because of the well-focused research of scientists, the world is preparing for a joyous reunion. And because of caring and loving sponsors, many poor children are envisioning a better and brighter future. Your love is bearing fruit! But we confess that above all else this is only possible by the grace of our almighty God. Whether it’s the wild fires, COVID-19, or seemingly unconquerable poverty, we are certain we will face a new day of victory and glory because our Lord Jesus came to this earth and died on the cross for us. As we send off 2020, a most unusual year, we have a big favor to ask of you. Would you please write a simple letter of encouragement to your sponsored child, student or pastor, using the letterhead we recently sent you? It would be such a great blessing and surprise for them. May our Lord bring you and your family a new day of victory and glory in 2021!