December 2018 Newsletter

The Parsons' family Christmas photo

The Christmas season is upon us and in full swing. Homes, shops, and spaces all over the globe have been beautifully adorned with trimmed trees and decorations galore. People are busy feverishly shopping and wrapping gifts they prepare to give. During all of the hustle and bustle of the season, how many really stop to remember all the amazing gifts that have been lavished upon them? We’re not talking about the tacky Christmas sweater you received in that work party white elephant gift exchange last year, or the outdated fruitcake your neighbor may have re-gifted to you perhaps out of obligation. This season of Christmas has got us thinking more deeply of the lavish gifts we’ve received over the years.

We often think of Thanksgiving as a time to remember and be grateful for all that we’ve been given, and don’t get us wrong, we certainly spent a good bit of time reflecting over Thanksgiving. We’re reminded of the warm home we’re fortunate enough to have, and the comfortable bed we’re able to lay our heads down each night, among so many other things. As we reflect, we’re so humbled as we know that not everyone is afforded those same luxuries. Gifts don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. A kind gesture or word of encouragement can make such a difference especially for someone in the middle of a difficult season of life.

The Parsons family helping during the annual Wreaths 

Across America event at Fort Leavenworth

As full-time missionaries, it is the financial gifts of others, of you, that allow us to do the work that we do. We are grateful for each and every one of you. 1 John 3:1 states, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” Wow! Just let that all soak in for a minute….

Phil with Jacob (left) and Brandon (right) as

they rang bells together for the Salvation

Army kettle season

What’s the best Christmas gift you’ve ever received? A family heirloom maybe? Perhaps a nice trip taken with loved ones? We’ve all received special things that we’ll always remember. Far above any tangible mass-produced item that can be picked up and purchased in any corner store, is the gift of the great love that our Heavenly Father has lavished on us! We’ve been given such a rich inheritance as children of God because He loved us so much to give us the gift of His only Son, born in that lowly stable, next to farm animals, to teen parents that didn’t have a clue.

When we read the Christmas Story, the setting isn’t a fancy palace that is elaborately decorated. The characters aren’t on society’s most notable or best dressed list. It’s a story that includes teen pregnancy, homelessness, and refugees seeking asylum. How ironic that a momentous moment in history that changed the trajectory of our world, doesn’t sound all that much different from the world we live in today.

Many of the students we work with here in Leavenworth County struggle with homelessness, or they struggle to scrape a meal together, often only eating when we feed them. They may struggle with depression, which at this time of year is common for many. The struggles they and others around us face are endless.

From left, Dakota, Brandon and I ringing bells for

the Salvation Army

Amy, Parker and Phil ringing bells for 

the Salvation Army kettle season

This Christmas, we want to ask only one thing of you.
You may be thinking we want you to pull out

A view at the Riverfront Community Center

 where staff has gathered with students

your checkbook and make a year-end gift that will help us remain in the field. No, put your checkbook away! This Christmas as we make our lists and check them twice, we want to challenge you to remember all that has been lavished on you through the course of your life. As you remember all that you’ve been blessed with, all we ask is that in this season of giving, that you pay it forward. A small simple gesture can go so far! The possibilities are endless. Perhaps you hold the door for someone, when you might be in a bit of a hurry. Maybe you sign up to ring bells for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. You could find a place to serve at a soup kitchen or help your neighbor. Regardless of what you choose, we ask that you would carve out a little time this season to share the love that Christ has lavished on us with others.

We’re so grateful for each and every one of you. All of the prayers, financial gifts, chats over coffee, dinners, friendships. We love and cherish all of you and your kindness and generosity doesn’t go unnoticed. We pray each of you have a very Merry Christmas and a joyous and healthy 2019.

From our family, to all of you, we thank you for believing in how we are called to 'go and seek' these amazing teens in our area, wherever and however God moves us.
~Phil, Amy and Parker