Merry Christmas!
I so love the Christmas season and the joy it brings.  From Christmas carols and decorations to the Christmas story and the spirit of giving, I love it all.  It is a time to reflect on the past year and praise the Lord for all of His goodness to us.  In spite of the difficulties, griefs, and sorrows that we may have experienced, it is a time to lift our prayerful voices to Heaven and sincerely thank our Heavenly Father for the most perfect gift ever given: the Lord Jesus Christ.  It is at this time that we can echo the angels’ message to the shepherds on that hillside so long ago: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”  (Luke 2:14)

The Year in Review
The Lord gave us a wonderful year of furlough here in the States.  We had the privilege of visiting 77 churches in 18 different states while traveling nearly 35,000 miles.  It has been a blessing to give report of what the Lord is doing in the country of Peru and in our own lives personally.  We praise God for the 8 new financial partners He has given us and for the many more faithful supporters who desire to continue praying for and giving to the ministry to which God has called us.  Thank you so much for all you do in spite of the difficult economic times.  We could not do what we do without you!

Notable Events:
May 19 of this past year, we welcomed our fourth child, and first little girl, Lydia Joy into the world.  She is such a blessing to our family and we thank God for her.

August 18 my brother Gabe unexpected passed away.  This was the most difficult time period in my life, but we praise the Lord that Gabe knew Christ as his Savior and that we will see him again in Heaven one day.  God’s grace has been so sufficient to all of us through this time.

October 4 my brother Gabe’s baby girl, Eden Gabriella Joy, was born.

Departure:
We will be returning to Peru, Lord-willing, on January 22.  We are thankful to God for allowing us to get a good price on our plane tickets and for the many needs He has met as we prepare to return to Peru.   This will be our last Christmas in the States for a while, so please pray that the time spent with family would be precious and sweet and that many great memories would be made!

Thank you for being so faithful in your prayers and support of our family! May the Lord bless you!

Rejoicing in the Newborn King,
Robert, Sara, Josiah, Caleb, Joshua, & Lydia Stover