Though Christmas has passed here in America, Russian Christmas is observed on January 7, and SGA-supported Immanuel’s Child celebrations continue. Miracles are being seen this season! Even in the predominately Muslim lands of Central Asia. “The word Christmas itself glorifies the Creator who gave us the Savior on the day when people did not know about the plans of the Lord, despite the prophecies, and many had lost faith in what was expected. Praised be the Lord! Christ was born—the One who through His birth brought salvation to all mankind. . .”

As we have just celebrated the birth of Christ, let us not forget to pray for salvation to be brought to many throughout all the nations. Pray also for the many Immanuel’s Child celebrations that will continue taking place this month in all of the countries where SGA serves.

Greetings! Peace be to you brothers and sisters!

God is gracious to all nations! The word Christmas itself glorifies the Creator who gave us the Savior on the day when people did not know about the plans of the Lord, despite the prophecies, and many had lost faith in what was expected. Praised be the Lord! Christ was born—the One who through His birth brought salvation to all mankind. . . .

One of those saved was myself. Our team, recently traveled to near the borders of Iran, where we ministered to local children and their parents.

God is wondrous! He prepared the hearts of those who needed to hear His words about the birth and salvation of this world.

After the service, one woman approached us and said, “If your God is true, indeed, please pray for my daughter, who has been suffering from an illness for four years and is unable to eat!” Kneeling down, we asked the Savior for healing of her daughter.

Deep down we believed that everything was going to be fine, but there was also some excitement that prevented us from being convinced that the child would be healed, but the Lord did not leave us. Later, after finding our phone number, the woman called in tears and had only one thing to say: “Jesus is the Son of God!” Her daughter started eating and wanted to get up faster and her parents were in amazement. Among the Muslims, there are people named ‘syuds’ who are respected among the locals living in those regions. This woman witnessed to the whole village that the people who came to their children were people from God Himself and what they preached was the truth. 

The children in an exceptional joy were saying, “Jesus is the Savior!” As we showed a puppet performance, we asked God in prayer, “Lord, may this Christmas bring peace and freedom to these souls before the coming of Christ!”