Christmastime is here again! Luke 2:10 states, “…Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” I love the word, “all” in this verse as it includes everyone who has ever lived on the earth. What a concept that Jesus’ arrival to this world was meant to affect everyone! Praise the Lord for the Savior who was born to die on Calvary’s cross for all people. May we be faithful to share with everyone this Christmas season the message that can truly change lives!
Baby Elijah
We thank the Lord that baby Elijah James was born safely on December 7th. Sara and the baby are both doing well. Our basketball team of boys is now complete. (I guess that leaves Dad to come off the bench.) Please pray for Elijah’s growth and Sara’s soon recovery.
Elijah James Stover
12/7/15, 3:15 a.m.
7 lbs. 15 oz., 20 in.
Oscar
Many of you may remember us speaking of Oscar and Natasha, a couple in our church who were saved last spring. On October 31, through an accident at his home, Oscar went home to be with the Lord. He was only 42, and left behind his wife and 2 teenage sons. Of course, this came as a huge shock to his family and also our church family. As we ask why, we come to Isaiah 55:8, which states, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.” Both the calling hours and funeral took place at our church, during which time our people served and ministered to the many unsaved family and friends who were present. Oscar’s family members were so amazed and thankful for the loving care that we were able to show them. I was privileged to give several salvation messages to the people present. Please pray for Natasha (Oscar’s wife) and Kurt and Mihjael (Oscar’s sons), for comfort and for their relatives and friends, that many may come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. This was certainly Oscar’s burden from the moment he trusted Christ.
Co-laborers
We have had the opportunity to serve at Calvary Baptist Church for now close to 3 years, and it has been a tremendous blessing. For the last 14 months, I have served as interim pastor. Our prayer has been to find a pastor for the church so that we could take a furlough in 2016. The Lord answered prayers as the church voted on November 15 to call Henry Sucapuca as pastor. Pastor Henry is a personal friend of mine and is a man of integrity and character. He and his family will arrive in January. We are thankful to be able to leave the church in good hands as we return for a furlough from August 2016- January 2017. If you would like us to come and give an update to your church, please feel free to contact me by phone at 330-238-4944 or e-mail at rstover22@yahoo.com. We look forward to seeing many of you in the coming months.
Prayer Requests
-Thank you to all who prayed and gave toward the purchase of a new vehicle. God has provided the needed funds. Please pray that He would give wisdom concerning the exact vehicle He would have for us.
-Lord-willing we will be traveling to Lima in January to begin the visa process for Sara, Josiah, and Lydia. Praise the Lord that we were able to get our plane tickets at a discounted price! Please pray for everything to be accomplished soon!
May you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Please know that we could never do what we do without your faithful prayers and giving.
Rejoicing in the Newborn King,
Robert, Sara, Josiah, Caleb, Joshua, Lydia, Zachary, and Elijah Stover