Merry Christmas from CIM
December has crept up on us and very soon we will be celebrating Christmas again. In North America and most parts of the world, we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25. This is an arbitrary date, but it has been adopted as the date that Jesus Christ was born. In reality, we do not know the exact date, but this is something so special and important that we need to share the gospel story every day of the year and not only in December. At CIM, this is something that we do year-round.
In November, I spoke at a Missions Conference at Montreal Chinese Alliance Church. Last Christmas this church brought hope and joy to the children in Ukraine by sending donations and gifts to the House of Mercy whom we partner with. In the past Ukraine celebrated Orthodox Christmas (celebrated in Russia) in early January, but because of the ongoing war, House of Mercy and other areas of Ukraine decided to celebrate on December 25 with the rest of the world. When the children opened their gifts, they were overcome with joy. Since 2022, hope and joy were things that seemed very hard to obtain as bombs and killings were part of the norm in Ukraine. But with these gifts, they were reminded of the hope and joy that Jesus Christ brings. As I spoke at the missions conference in Montreal, I thanked the church for their reminder of what Christmas is all about.
(House of Mercy children in Ukraine receiving Christmas gifts from donors in 2023)
This year has been a difficult year. There are conflicts all over the world. As I write this newsletter, the invasion of Ukraine continues, the situation in Israel and surrounding areas worsens, there has been an overthrow of government in Syria, political chaos in South Korea and the list goes on and on. Add to it, personal struggles and loss of loved ones, and one can see why it may be difficult to rediscover the joy that should be in our lives because of our relationship with Jesus Christ. How can we smile like the children who received the gifts in Ukraine, especially during this Christmas season.
The secret to obtaining joy is in having Christ and Christ came into this world in the form of a baby that very first Christmas. If we want true joy, we need Jesus Christ in our lives. My question to you this newsletter is this: What can we practically do this Christmas to bring joy in the lives of others? There are people hurting right now. What can we do to bring some joy into their lives?
As I stated in my last newsletter, when I was in Ghana in September, I was able to visit all 9 of our supported pastors and 3 missions schools coordinators. Because of the severe drought and high inflation, they are all hurting financially and struggling to feed their families. I shared of one pastor who has not been able to pay his electricity bill and has been without power for a year. Since the last newsletter, a church in Canada, has donated money to pay that electricity bill. The pastor messaged me his thanks and he was overcome with joy. It is through acts like this as we practically share the gospel message that bring smiles, joy, and hope to those all around us.
Jesus Christ is the reason for the season. He is the one who brings ultimate joy. Let us show this joy to others. As we go to our Christmas parties, gather around the table with family and friends for a turkey dinner or go for a Christmas dim sum lunch (as I do with my mom), as we watch the Christmas specials on TV or at the theatre, remember those all over the world that are hurting this Christmas, and share some of the love and joy with them.
Due to the recent postal strike in Canada, we may not be able to mail thank you letters to our donors and supporters. Because of this, we have supplied a link to access the thank you letter. We appreciate your giving and partnership. It is only through your help, that we can do what we do.
Click on this link to read the thank you letter.
Once again Merry Christmas from CIM and may God bless each and every single one of you.
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Rev. Isaac Quan
Executive Director for CIM Ministries
November Financials 2024
1. General Fund - for general and administrative purposes, such as staff salaries
2. Designated Fund - for specific ministries in different field locations as designated (cannot be transferred between funds)
*All financial figures are in Canadian dollars and rounded to the nearest dollar
Pray With Us:
Please continue to pray for peace in Ukraine. The invasion rages on and innocent lives are lost each day. Pray for House of Mercy as they take care of refugees, physically and spiritually. The war has intensified as Ukraine has invaded Russia for several months now. North Korea has also started supporting Russia by sending soldiers to fight against Ukraine. As winter settles in, pray for those that will be severely affected by attacks on the power grid.
Pray for guidance and direction for our next steps for our Roma Ministry. After attending the Roma Network Conference and subsequent visits to Roma communities, we have been presented with different opportunities especially in North Macedonia and Serbia. Our goal is to start sending teams in 2025.
Pray for the pastors and teachers that we support in Ghana. Inflation is still greatly affecting their lives. Pray for wisdom to know how to empower church members to support their churches in these economically challenging times. Pray for a peaceful transition of government as John Mahama was won the recent national election on December 7.
Pray for Janice in Ghana as she continues with her ministry after her maternity leave. Pray that she can find balance between her work with CIM, schooling and caring for Lucy. Pray for her residence permit renewal and indefinite residence application to be approved in a timely manner.
Pray for the new board of directors for 2025. Pray also for Rich Ng and Ann Lee whose terms are up at the end of this year. Pray for God’s leading as they serve the Lord in other ministries.
Pray for the finances of CIM Ministries. Pray for new donors and a healthy general fund to run our ministries. In order to run our ministries effectively, we are currently seeking monthly donors. Due to the backlog in mail delivery from the recent postal strike in Canada, we encourage donors to use e-transfer or through Canada Helps. Click here to donate.
Pray for CIM USA as they are still looking for an Executive Director and Director of Ministry.
Pray that we can all share the gospel story and experience God’s love this Christmas season.