“Just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” – 2 Corinthians 1:5
Dear Friends and Family,
This New Year has come so quickly for me that I can't believe it's here! I have one more semester of at Gordon College and then I will graduate in May with a degree in Biblical Studies. It's exciting to think about finishing, but there is also that tinge of fear, wondering what it will be like in the “real world” and having to leave my friends. I am so thankful for my college experience and I look forward to one more semester of living with close friends while studying under great professors. When I think back on how much this time has taught me and shaped and molded me, I am amazed. God is so faithful!
In December, I learned that in the liturgical calendar, Christmas is the Feast of the Incarnation (and Easter is the Feast of the Resurrection). This new idea reminded me to celebrate Christmas not just because of the birth of Jesus as a baby but because of His whole life. Jesus became flesh and lived on earth just like us. He lived a sinless life and then died a painful death so that we, while still sinners, might have true life. This is truly a reason to celebrate.
Through this Christmas Season, my heart has often been with my 'extended family' in Galati, Romania. I have thought of them often especially when I listen to my Atomic Christmas Romania CD.
From January 4th – 14th, I will be seeing some of my friends from the field when all the American staff of Word Made Flesh gather from around the world in Atlanta, Georgia. This retreat only happens every two years, so I am very excited to be a part and meet so many people who serve in various countries around the world including Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Nepal, India, and Romania.
There are about seventy people expected to attend. It will be a much needed time of fellowship, training and mutual encouragement and I covet your prayers. Pray that we may comfort one another, laugh together, cry together and encourage one another.
Pray also for the Romanian staff still in Galati as they continue the work with the children while five of their workers are absent.
Thank you for your love and support. Your generous gifts have enabled me to attend the staff retreat and your faithful prayers have encouraged me to continue stepping out in faith. This New Year will be filled be transitions and your continued encouragement means so much.
With love,
Rachel
Gordon College ~ 255 Grapevine Rd ~ Wenham, MA, 01984 Rachel.Simons@wordmadeflesh.com
The following poem is one that speaks to me each time I read it. God sometimes gives us trials to endure, but it is not without reason. I have studied the life of a man named Bruce Olson this semester, who has a remarkable story of faith and obedience in the face of suffering. (His inspiring story is in a book called Bruchko. Pictures and his story in summary can be found online: bruceolson.com/eng). Throughout the last thirty years of Olson's ministry in South America, he has proved time and again that when God allows difficulties and suffering into our lives it is not evidence that He has failed us.
The Thorn
I stood a mendicant of God
before his royal throne
And begged him for one priceless gift
That I could call my own.
I took the gift from out his hand,
But as I would depart
I cried, “But Lord! This is a thorn!
And it has pierced my heart.
This is a strange, a hurtful gift
Which Thou hast given me.”
He said, “My child, I give good gifts
And gave my best to Thee.”
I took it home, and though at first
The cruel thorn hurt sore,
As long years passed I learned at last
To love it more and more.
I learned He never gives a thorn
Without this added grace:
He takes the thorn to pin aside
The veil that hides his face.
– By Martha Snell Nicholson