December 2024 - PEACE, JOY AND LOVE!
Greetings in the wonderful Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace! I trust you had a wonderful Christmas celebration! I returned home from the Holy Land on the 23rd and we had a great family gathering with all my children and grandchildren!
I wanted to email to update you about my trip. The general mood in the land was sad, especially in Bethlehem. People didn't want to celebrate Christmas, as so many are in mourning, however, for many we were able to turn it into joy! In various communities throughout the Galilee and in the West Bank, our meetings brought joy as we praised the Lord in worship and as many people accepted the Lord - the Prince of Peace was born in their hearts!
"The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned" (Matthew 4:16).
My focus was in Bethlehem, since there were no public celebrations or decorations for Christmas. Usually in Bethlehem and the surrounding areas all the streets and many homes are decked out very festively, especially in the Manger Square, but not this year. We managed to have two celebrations. The first was in the area of the Shepherd's fields (Beit Sahour) where we had about 500 people attend who enjoyed a delicious meal and heard me preach. Half of them prayed the salvation prayer!
The second celebration and feast was in Bethlehem with about 1250 in attendance - both Muslims and Christians and about 500 children. It was amazing! The presence of the Lord was among us and hundreds received Jesus!
"...A land for which the Lord your God cares; the eyes of the Lord your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year" (Deuteronomy 11:12B)
What a blessed ending to 2024! We are also thankful that the postal strike in Canada is over. Our hard copy letter was mailed out as soon as the post office was accepting letters, but because of the back-log our letter many not have been received until after Christmas. I encourage all our contacts, both through emails and hard copies, to take the opportunity to support Light For All Nations before the end of the year. I pray those who pledged will fulfill their pledge. Let us end 2024 with a bang! Any donations received before midnight on December 31st will be issued a 2024 income tax receipt early in the New Year.
We are looking forward to a great 2025 - another year of breakthroughs! Another year to fulfill our calling:
Saving Lives
Bringing hope and Light
Building up believers
Because of you, Light For All Nations had an eternal impact in many lives! Thank you for standing with us through your prayers and financial support. I pray for you and your families to have the best New Year! May the Lord bless you tremendously!
With peace, joy and love,
Nizar Shaheen
