Dear Friends,

I am home after almost a month in the hospital and a skilled nursing facility. Broken bones are never fun, but I think that it’s worse in your 80s. I had therapy for a few weeks before being released, and I will go to out-patient therapy three times a week for the next month. I am getting stronger and more limber every day. I saw the x-rays of the fracture and the pin and screws that are now a permanent fixture in my body until I get my new one at the rapture. Scars that now exist from mid-thigh to my hip will also be gone. In the meantime I am grateful for what the doctors are able to do to repair broken bodies.

I am also thankful for the time I spent in the nursing facility. I had opportunity to teach some Bible classes and have been given an open invitation to go back to teach a Bible class any time that it is convenient for me. I was also blessed with opportunities to present the gospel to a couple of my therapists and other workers. I plan to go back to do some follow up when I am able to drive and walk independently of a walker.

We received cards, letters and e-mails from around the world with words of encouragement and assurances of intercessory prayer for recovery. This is truly humbling to know that so many people are supporting us in this way. We are so grateful for each of you and give thanks to our loving Father in heaven for you.

This has been such wonderful year in the service of our Lord Jesus Christ. I was able to teach hundreds of Bible studies in half a dozen different countries and we were able to visit a few churches in the US as well.

On advice of the surgeon I cancelled our trip to Romania, Ukraine and Poland in January. But we expect to be able to go to Brazil, Zambia, South Africa, and the Philippines which we have scheduled for 2025. Perhaps we can get to Ukraine next fall. I hope so.

May this coming year be one in which you are blessed as you walk worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God (Col 1:10).
One of my favorite musicians and song writers from back in the 50s and‘60s was Beatrice Bush Bixler. She was an amazing pianist and a prolific composer, with more than 400 hymns and gospel songs to her credit. One of her songs has been coming to mind lately, and while it is not a Christmas song per se, I think it is appropriate for this holiday. Here is the first verse and chorus:

I Am Not Worthy
by B. B. Bixler

I am not worthy the least of His favor,
But Jesus left heaven for me;
The Word became flesh and He died as my Savior,
Forsaken on dark Calvary.

Chorus:

I am not worthy this dull tongue repeats it!
I am not worthy this heart gladly beats it?
Jesus left heaven to die in my place
What mercy, what love and what grace!


Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift

Jim and Phyllis