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Christmas always bring back memories! Children the world over often ask, "Does Santa Claus really exist?" Many nations celebrate this holiday season in various ways, one question that is not often asked is "Does Jesus Christ really exist?" Jesus is the reason for the season and He becomes meaningful to you, only when He lives and dwells in your heart.
I would like to share with you several Christmas memories as I traveled the world and observed celebrations for Christmas and saw Jesus live in children's hearts.
In 1985 I traveled to Mexico City, Mexico during the holiday season. As I left the cold and snow of my hometown, I did not know what to expect. I did take my tennis rackets, thinking the warmth of Mexico would provide an opportunity to play. Little did I realize just how important this short 2 week mission trip, telling others about Jesus Christ, would impact my life. Our group of 40 traveled on an old church bus, which often had to pull off the road to be repaired. We slept and eat on the bus, and after two days of non-stop travel we pulled into Monterrey, Mexico. I was surprised as I found out our hotel for the night was an orphanage for children without families. As I looked around at the barren buildings, I suspected that finding a tennis court, let alone a player would be highly unlikely. What were likely were cold showers, hard beds and over 100 lovely children. I can never forget during that holiday season, the love that those children gave and also the love that they wanted. I was surprised to learn from the 2 older women, who took care of the children, that with a 10-minute walk, across and down the street, I could find a tennis club. So I grabbed by rackets and off I went. I very much looked forward to seeing whom I could meet and share about Christ. Surprising, I found only children playing on the courts. I played with and taught them the finer points of the game. Tennis was the sport of my youth, and clubs were my environment, so seemingly I was in my comfort zone. One boy asked me a question I am often asked in my travels, "Where are you staying?" Gladly I explained to him my journey, my reason for coming to Mexico and my 10-minute walk from the orphanage. His answer surprised me, he did not know about the orphanage and I found out that none of the children in the club knew about it. I realized instantly that each child that I was playing tennis with came from a privileged family in that community and the orphanage had never been pointed out to them. I remember clearly that defining moment. I told myself that I would introduce the needs for those really needy in the world, such as these homeless children to tennis players such as myself who have been given so much luxury. To this day I have never forgotten or given up.
The next night, during our travels through the mountains towards Mexico City, I had the privilege of finding another unusual 'place to stay'. Late at night our group pulled in to a one-room mountain church and rolled out our sleeping bags on the very cold, hard, concrete floor. The next morning, the sound of children, called to us. We followed them down the mountain path to their simple home. Seeing more children, than was possible for one family, I realized that something special was happening as the children served us a wonderful simple Mexican breakfast of coffee, tortillas and toasted corn. To this day, the best breakfast I've ever enjoyed. Then the story was revealed: One man and his wife in this simple village of a few huts had taken in the children that were in need, wandering in the mountains. I could not help but notice that this couple also was very poor. No car, just a very small house. As it was related to us from Spanish to English, they were Christians and just had to do something to help. So they took the children in, not knowing how they would provide for them. As I remember, the children had to number 20 or more. God in his love and wisdom brought people to this couple to stay overnight and they gave to support the children. From this moment on, I had a desire to find ways to support workers in the Kingdom of God, such as this family, the ones willingly giving all and take the risks to serve others.
Oh, I wish I had the time to tell you about Christmas in China. I will save the details for another Christmas. However, I will say, God opened the door for a tennis program in Communist China. This lead to being invited to share the meaning of Christmas to all the school students in this community. Over 4000 students, who had never heard about Jesus, heard the message of his birth and life. Many became my friends and Christ lived in their hearts. I can never forget looking over this city of 100,000 and not seeing one Christmas tree or decoration. This led me to posting the lone Christmas tree in my window over looking the city, and ultimately holding a yearly party for the students. They will live forever in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh, by the way, remember the story of the couple taking in the children in the mountains in Mexico. That wonderful cup of coffee that I had for breakfast came after the children walked 2 kilometers (3.2 miles) for the water, and that was before I woke up. You see this mountainous village had no fresh water and they had to walk to the nearest well. From those that were at one time unloved, came this great act of act of love.
Oh, Lord thank you for your birth. Thank you for your love.
Thank you for those who love others. Thank you for friends.
I wish you, from the bottom of my heart, a Merry Christmas this season.
Rev. Bob and Mia Kraft.
Love to Serve Newsletter Copyright 2000