LOOK OUT FOR AN ANGEL !

BE NOT AFRAID, MARY!         That she WAS both shocked and speechless, was  no doubt an understatement, yet the impression is that she took it all in her stride.     The astounding words recited by Gabriel, and the implications of them must surely have filled her with confusion and moral trepidation.     She was probably still in her teens - a virgin!    And now ENGAGED.
What was this that God was putting upon her?   Who would believe her story?    Would even Joseph her fiancee believe it.     Shame would come upon her AND upon him..........The Angel saw into her thoughts and thus he encouraged her - Be NOT afraid Mary.

LATER in life, when Jesus had grown to manhood, she said to some  who were found lacking and in need  'WHATEVER He says to you DO IT.  (John 2v5).      She had been obedient to the Word given to her, and been blessed.      God had brought her through all the challenge He knew would attend Mary's obedience.   Gave her the strength to endure the doubt, scorn and mockery of others who, observed her life, judging her.      It is not always easy or straightforward to OBEY God.    I mean it is not without challenge to ones sensibilities and cultural beliefs.       I think a fair amount of courage and bravery is needed in order to just get up and GO ............. How do you see it?      I feel sure this is why Jesus told the disciples to WAIT for empowerment BEFORE going out to witness.     They did as HE told them and WAITED, and God the Father poured out the Holy Spirit upon them in a way they could never forget or repudiate.     THEN they began immediately to GO and Witness to what they KNEW of Him.    God likes us to be SURE - is willing to provide evidence and proof even today in this often faithless and unbelieving generation.        I suppose it WAS sensational for Mary to be confronted by the Angel, yet it was not something hyped up before it happened.      She was not READY or EXPECTING such a thing to happen.  

WHATEVER He says to YOU to do this Christmas - however way out, unlikely, impossible - just go ahead, accept, and do it!    

Dan and Esther

We - the Greens - have just returned from the Engagement of Esther (Joshua and Miriam's daughter) which took place in the grounds of Neema Children's Homes just a few kilometres from us.      They are now beautiful grounds adorned with lawns, a variety of trees, shrubs and flowers setting of the Children's Home built, the School now growing, and the family home where Joshua and Miriam live and where they began the work nine years ago.
Crowds of friends and well wishers were there, and us who count ourselves family.      Joshua also graduated yesterday with an MA degree which he has been working on part time over four years.   Wonderful.    A lot of joy ?    YES indeed..........BUT yesterday evening they had a new communication from the Inland Revenue who have for some time been trying to get some £12,000 out of them in TAX.
They have never had that kind of money, and they have not paid it.         Yesterday they were advised that on MONDAY the Revenue Bailiffs would take possession of their family home - NOT the children's home, but their own family home.        They spent a sleepless night filled with apprehension.    The MA seemed to mean suddenly nothing, and the Engagement Party scheduled for day lost all it's shine and happiness.  
They had not expected such a pronouncement against them.  

Miriam and Joshua

They were stunned,    What could be done?   If they do not pay they will lose their home, risk the future of all the children they are caring for.   What will people say about them?     They trust in God for all their need.
And God says to THEM.....FEAR NOT!         And I reminded them of this, this afternoon.   God ha,s over years, proved and evidenced Himself to them - they KNOW He is real.       He will not fail them now, nor let any man or men to come in to destroy what HE has built and established.
We left them rejoicing.    We will be praying for them that come Monday, they will SEE the Lord with the Victory in His Hand.

Our next Blog will be on 15th December.       Probably we shall have decorated each Home by then, here in TFH and there will be strings of Cards, paper chains, a tree complete with lights and a whole lot more.  I am sure carols and other Christmas music will begin to be heard all around.      OUR Christmas Season will have finally begun.      I have described how we hope for it to be in our Christmas Letter sent out a few days back with our Christmas Card.
BUT this month began with many waiting bills to be paid.       Funds did arrived, and some of those bills have been paid and dealt with, as also the provision of our daily need,    We can all together once more join in and say with a heart full of Joy 'GOD IS GOOD'.          Yesterday I suggested to Daryl that we go ahead and BUY what we need for Christmas now before the Town is too busy and prices rise even further.    He said he would prefer to wait and see how much we would have by Christmas Eve!!    Every Christmas we have done our best to have wonderful spiritual time together AND an opportunity to eat and have fun together.
We do not buy presents as such, but there is plenty to enjoy in fellowship and company.    Sometimes though we provide a small sack of sweets, balloons, sports equipment and indoor games that the children in each house can share and have fun with.       This year the feeling was we might not be able to achieve this.  Things  are tight - but we know we will still have a good time for all that.
THEN, after talking with Daryl, a sister in Christ from our Church Fellowship who lives kilometre or two away called on me and Esther unexpectedly. She brought with her 200 brown paper pockets (5 pbi) each with candy, small toys, balloons, and other kick knacks for Christmas - one for each child.    She and her family had stayed up all night packing them up, and now here they were.    What a delight !   What a truly kind and inspirational thought that prompted her - surely it came from GOD.     How He does delight to surprise us above our expectations.    NONE of us need to worry about what man or circumstances may threaten us with IF we KNOW that GOD is with us, and involved in what we are doing.      He WILL provide, overcome, and even DEFEAT every fear and anxiety that is set before us.

SO take heart dear friends, and lift up your heads ready to ACCEPT and RECEIVE from His Loving Hands all that YOU need to experience a truly Blessed Christmas - no matter WHAT may arise - or has even arisen - to surprise you out of your Faith.      What was it that Mary finally said to the Angel?

'BEHOLD the handmaid of the Lord

be it unto me according to thy word.'

The word 'handmaid' there speaks of a personal servant - in the feminine.     But we should apply it to all of us really and not be afraid, when we are confronted by anything untoward, to also say

BEHOLD the servant of the Lord

be it unto me according to thy word.

And to then go forward in faith willing for whatever may betide.     It can only be GOOD  in the end!!!

Much love in Him from us all here in Testimony Faith Homes, and especially from the Green's

John and Esther & Daryl and Carol