Saturday, December 29, 2012

December Celebrations Galore!

All the Ruth students got shoes.
December was a busy month of ministry for us.  It started with all the students receiving 'new-to-them' shoes.  Fitting 200 students for shoes was quite a job!  This was followed by the December session of the Gypsy Smith School.  The students led in chapel and the Ruth students were enthralled.  Is there any better example in life than a Roma who has chosen to lead a Christian life and be a leader in his church?  The men also went home with new dress shirts and ties (thanks to leaders Courtney Krueger and Jack Couch from South Carolina) and new sweatshirts for their children (thanks to supporters in  England).

Next we began decorating and trees seemed to pop up everywhere.  The largest one in the cafeteria is traditionally decorated by our 8th grade class and we celebrate with cupcakes.  We covered the walls in snowflakes and added lights here and there.  It gave the big room a warm feeling.


Dec GSS students leading in chapel
Then it was on to parties and gifts!  We had to sort and label all the Christmas boxes for distribution to the Ruth students.  Definitely a highlight of the year is seeing their smiling faces - especially the little ones.  We also celebrated with the staff at a luncheon where laughter was abundant and the food was delicious!  The Naomi ladies celebrated too with a Christmas craft and pizza.  They were ready to fellowship after spending several weeks sewing crafts for sale to make a little extra money for their families.

Naomi Christmas party - making wreaths

We also made Christmas bags for a pastor friend's prison ministry, distributed clothes to needy families, decorated at the church, baked lots of cookies, and did a host of other activities for the Advent season.  By the time Christmas week arrived we were ready to be still and enjoy the beautiful Christmas music at the Providence Baptist Church worship services. 

It has been a wonderful celebration of our Saviour's birth...  Now on to 2013!




 
 
Ruth staff party - lots of laughing!



Ruth students receive Christmas boxes
8th grade decorated the school tree