Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  We can’t believe another year is coming to an end and 2018 is almost here!  We hope you are doing wonderful and enjoyed Thanksgiving with family and friends. 

God is so good!  We are so humbled when we think back upon this year and see how the Lord has been moving, changing hearts, bringing people to Him and allowing us to be a part of His purposes.  We love seeing lives changed by the love of Jesus and it is a true joy to be used by Him to reach the city around us! Whether through partnering with others to fight sex trafficking, equipping churches to reach Los Angeles or adoption/foster-care ministry—the need is so great.

A young 16 year old girl, Estelle, near us in Covina impacted our lives recently.  Estelle was living with her mom, who is addicted to drugs, and shared how her mom was faced with a decision.  Use the money they had to care for Estelle or use the money for drugs.  Estelle’s mom chose the drugs.  Estelle’s heart broke—she felt worthless and not cared for, she felt that the drugs meant more to her mom then she did—so she decided to commit suicide.  Estelle  swallowed a bottle of pills and closed her eyes.  Praise God her father ended up coming to the home soon after and found her.  He rushed her to the hospital and the doctors were able to save her.

Soon after, Estelle heard about an event we were helping with called “A Night With God” at a local church.  She came, heard the gospel and accepted the Lord into her life!  Estelle has hope now, was baptized and is going to church.  Estelle has a purpose for living and is experiencing the Lord’s presence and love within her.  Seeing lives changed for the Gospel is our greatest passion and we rejoice in Estelle coming to know Jesus this year ! Thank you for being a part of changing Estelle’s life… bringing her hope and peace and a purpose in her life to live for Jesus! Feel free to click on the link to hear Estelle share her testimony briefly.

 
https://youtu.be/aaQE0lZd6-o

We greatly appreciate the sacrifices you are making on our behalf through your prayers and financial gifts. We can not be a part of seeing lives change here in Los Angeles without you.  THANK YOU!

This year our financial support has fallen because all giving is voluntary and we understand when circumstances change and people are no longer able to give.  We recently have been receiving short paychecks and working hard in raising additional monthly support. If you are able and would prefer to make a contribution online please go to our secure Cru giving page at     https://give.cru.org/0487483 and follow the simple instructions.

We consider it a great privilege to share our prayer needs as well!  We are grateful and take comfort in knowing you are standing with us for the gospel and for lives like Estelle. Thank you!

Because we consider it a special privilege to seek the Lord on your behalf please respond to this email and let us know how we can be praying for you as well during this holiday season.  Thank you for considering and may you have a wonderful, blessed Christmas celebrating our Lord! 

In Christ’s Love,

Joseph, Michelle,  Luke, Daniel. Jessica and Aleeya Butlig