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Some years ago I was presented with a powerful story, “Who is my Neighbor?”. The story touched my heart and opened my mind to viewing my ’neighbor‘ from God‘s perspective.
"One day I approached God to ask him a question. I said, “Lord, in Your Word You instruct Your followers to ’Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, strength and mind; and love your neighbor as yourself.‘ Well, I was wondering.. who exactly is my neighbor?” God thought for a moment and He replied..  “My child, your neighbor has no reference to race, color, or class distinction. Your neighbor is every person who needs your help. Your neighbor is every soul who is wounded or bruised by the adversary.  Your neighbor is everyone who is My property.” He continued, “When you were bruised & dying, I had pity upon you. I did not pass you by on the other side, and leave you, helpless and hopeless to perish. And because I loved you so much, my only request is that you love one another, as I have loved you. You may claim to be my follower, but this will do your neighbor no good unless your belief is carried into your daily life. To spend all your energy on some apparently great work, while you neglect the needy does not meet my approval. When I walked the earth, My cause was the cause of the oppressed and poor.  I long for My people to have a deeper love for those whom I gave My own life for their salvation. There are single moms and dads who need sympathy and assistance. There are orphans who I bid you to receive as a trust from Me. All around you there are poor, tired, grieving and sick souls that need sympathizing words and helpful acts.  I want you to anticipate the sorrows, the difficulties, the troubles of others. Enter into the joys and cares of both high and low, rich and poor. Don‘t wait to have the needy & unfortunate brought to you, rather go out and minister to them where they are. ’Freely ye have received, freely give.‘ For, wherever you show love & sympathy, wherever your heart reaches out to bless and uplift others, there is revealed the working of My Holy Spirit.”
It is my prayer that as we enter into a season of reflection and celebration of Jesus' birth, may we be inspired to use the resources God has provided us to generously bless our neighbors. May we be perceptive to the Holy Spirit‘s leading in our time, sympathy and giving. On behalf of the Board and Staff at CWAA, we would like to wish you God‘s richest blessing during your Christmas Season!

Lara Melashenko

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”  Matthew 1:23
            Immanuel – God with us, He’d finally come, the One who had promised He would as He lead Adam & Eve sadly out of their perfect garden home.  How could sin cause such a rift in this relationship?   Oh the dread of sin is beyond words, disobedience to God’s perfect law is far more hideous than we can imagine, as it ever leads us further and further away from the God who created us to be with Him.    
            Although sin has separated us from God, it has always been God’s burning purpose to seek and to save Humanity from sin, and reconnect them with the One who really loves them.   It truly is amazing that the God who spoke the galaxies into existence, would come to such a sin sick filled world to seek any who would follow Him!  Yes, that is who God is, a God who yearns for a relationship.   
            As we enter this Christmas season, let us unplug from the gadgets of the world, bring our families together to sing, read and talk about the Saviour of the World – who yearns to be with us and teaches us how to be with each other. 
            Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
 
God bless and keep you, 
Paul Antunes
 
Pr. Paul Antunes has personal music CD’s for sale ($20). 50% of sales will support the Mission Trip.  To purchase a CD please contact  Pastor Paul at pantunes@cwaa.net, call 403-286-5686 or find him at the school.