A Christmas Letter from the National Director

As we draw closer to December 25th, and last minute Christmas preparations take on increased time and focus, we can get caught up and forget what Christmas is all about – gratitude for God sending His Son to earth to bring us into relationship with Him. Right now we have teams sharing this good news through outreaches around the world. Would you join me in praying for God’s anointing over these programmes? Japan (3 – 13 December); London (11–23 December); Romania (15 – 27 December); Mexico (17 – 23-December); Taiwan (17 – 26 December) and of course Logos Hope which is in Lebanon for the Christmas period.

At Christmas we celebrate the greatest gift of all. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16. You can share with others by giving a gift that transforms lives and communities.

These gifts share the love of Jesus through education, improved health, discipleship training, literature, pastoral support and emergency relief.

You can buy these gifts online or by phoning us on 03 9898 9348 and we will send you Christmas cards with information about your gifts that you can send to your family and friends. Click here for the full catalogue.

I have been amazed this past year at the response globally to some of the horrific disasters that happened including the Haiti Earthquake, the toxic waste spill in Hungary and the floods in Pakistan. It seemed as each disaster struck, people responded by putting up their hands  and offering to be part of the solution. Thank you for your prayers, finances and care expressed to those affected by these tragic situations.

An exciting initiative in Afghanistan began on September 21, Christian TV broadcasting was launched. There was a phone call response from the very first broadcast; someone was watching! Kabul has 24 television stations and thousands of Afghans use satellites to watch shows from India, Iran and elsewhere. Raz-e Zindagi (Secret of Life) is broadcast multiple times each week and includes a clip from the Jesus film and discussion about Jesus; how His life, teaching and miracles relate to the Afghan people. Psalms, songs and poetry are included—all with video and photo footage. Pray for a growing audience for these programmes and a great response!

In December we often take time to reflect on the past year – what were the highlights? What could we have done better? What we would like to change in the upcoming year?

For myself – I would like to achieve greater balance in my life in 2011. I intend to dedicate time over the summer to ask God – what is His agenda for me in 2011? I would encourage you to do this too. There are so many ‘good things’ we can be involved in, but I want to join God in what He is doing and what He is calling me to. In encouraging you to pray about 2011 can I draw your attention to the ever-increasing short and long-term opportunities to serve in over 110 countries around the world? See here for more information.

We have had a wonderful year: sent 22 adults around the world to do long term mission work, sent over 130 people and groups on short term teams, sent more money overseas for the gospel than ever before and conducted successful state dinners, the 2000km Walk, the Bound for Paradise outreach on the Gold Coast, ran the English School for Koreans joining OM and much more.  So many of you have given in so many ways to make all this possible and I want to thank you on behalf of the OM Australia team, for your partnership in 2010.

I look forward with anticipation to what God will do in 2011.

Wishing you all a joyful Christmas,

God bless you,