A warm greeting and blessing to you, your family and church on this wonderful day as we celebrate and remember why Jesus’ birthday is still recognized after 2,000 years!
IT IS GLORIOUS, ISN’T IT

We are not sure what is going on with our November newsletter so let us tell you some of the recent highlights of God’s work all around us.

The big news---we are now pastors of The Good Shepherd Church in Pijal! We took responsibility on Nov.15—exactly 3 years since our arrival in Ecuador! So far it has been a challenge and a privilege as we get to know the people and discover the very deep needs of this indigenous community and as are called to do things we have never done before. We have already had a funeral. This has been a big adjustment to our weekly schedule but are sure of God’s leading where “we have never been before.”

CHRISTmas activities---We had 80 at our kids club party where we are seeing God working in kids and adults.
We celebrated in Pijal in combination with the Compassion International Project on Sunday with 500 in attendance (see pictures of this event on website beginning Christmas day).
CHRISTmas EVE service with Mandy and Elimelec—It will be their very first candlelight service.
CHRISTmas Day will be at our house with Mandy and Eli and our Team—just 20 people. We will have our $34 turkey and most of the fixins.
Chaquibamba Community CHRISTmas party on 26th. We expect 400+ including all 56 Bible Institute students who will be presenting different events in the life of CHRIST. Thank you Ooltewah UMC for making this event possible. We will have music, games, Tour through Jesus’ life, food for all and they will leave with bags full of candy and cookies. Pray for God to touch lives as we minister and love these people.

Worship PLUS Conferences----Eli (our son in law) will be leading a conference for our churches on Jan 2. He will participate in another one in Otavalo with 3 nights of concerts in the evenings on Jan.7-9. Mandy and Eli will return to Mexico on the 11th.

Hope Bible Institute is growing---We have groups in 4 of the 6 books every week. Our first group will finish year one before Easter!! This has been very exciting for us and our students are very encouraged in their ministries, some are beginning new cell groups using what they have learned. We will be attending training in Feb. and then begin to train some more tutors so the HBI can continue to grow and change lives as we see the Kingdom extended.

We will be posting albums of these events so don’t forget to check out the website, www.themissionsociety.org. Please go to “countries” or “missionaries” to find our page.

Once again, have a very Christ fill CHRISTmas and a prosperous 2010. Thank you all for your sacrifice in extending the Kingdom of God in Ecuador. HE IS KING of all of me!

Forever giving thanks for each of you, Tim and Daina Datwyler