December is a busy month for Christians.  We go to events at church to celebrate the birth of our saviour, and we visit and host family and friends in our homes.  In Canada, the weather turns cold and most of our events are indoors.  Gifts are purchased and given in memory of the greatest gift, Jesus our Lord and Savior coming to earth to save us from our sins.

This year, Israel is once again at war, and I have asked our friend Ted Walker to share what it is like now in Israel.  (It is interesting that he said their lives are normal.)  Take note when you read his update!

Cuba is continuing to struggle, and we are sharing the testimony of one of the pastors we support.  I wish you all a very blessed time as you share with not only your immediate family, but your neighbors and friends at this special time of year.   Do not get caught up in the commercialism of the season, but meditate on Jesus and encourage those you encounter to share generously with those in need

Doug Springer
Executive Director

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project Studio Guatemala January 2025

We would like to extend an invitation for you to join us in Guatemala from January 25 to February 4, 2025.  This Project will include light construction to upgrade the TV/Audio studio at the Guatemala Bible Seminary, and much needed painting of the student dorms.  The cost for the trip is approximately $1,500 (Tax Receiptable) from Toronto.  For more information, contact Doug at info@cmrc.ca   Both men and women are invited to join the team.

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Testimony of pastor Jorge Luis Cruz in Cuba

Jorge and Juanita are the pastors of Iglesia de Dios (Church of God) in Esperanza, Cuba and have two adult daughters attending government university – Deborah and Joanna.

I thank God for the support given to us by Brother Douglas and the other brothers from Canada who have been supporting our mission church.  During this time, we have been doing these activities:

In our Sunday school, we have been studying for several months on the parables of Jesus.  The adult worship house is currently unavailable due to low attendance, and we are busy evangelizing on the street and in homes.  Presently, we persevere like the apostles in preaching the word of God.  Also, thanks to God, at Christmas, we will have our special services, and by the goodness of God, we will celebrate together a special meal in honor of the birth of Jesus.  We are working with children where we have had a total of 80 children in Home Bible Class and Sunday School.

We are teaching classes on “Children in the Bible,” “God forming my character,” and “God and Science.”  We currently have four locations.

Blessings
Jorge and Juanita

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Israel update from ted and linda walker

Shalom and warm greetings in JESUS our MESSIAH from Galilee, Israel.   It’s interesting that in the middle of war Christmas and Chanukah are on December 25th this year.

We live normal lives, however, Israel has been at war for more than one year with Iran and her many proxies, including  Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, Syrian and Iraqi terrorists, West Bank Islamic radicals, and hostile Turkey.  Even Russia is heavily involved in supplying Iran with fighter jets and weapons.  Most of the rocket and drone attacks are north of us, but sometimes target our area.  Warning sirens and rockets are fired towards Israel on a daily basis.

Yesterday, 350 rockets were launched from the Hezbollah in Lebanon. We need to always be on the alert, especially when traveling by car. When you hear a siren you need to find the nearest bomb shelter and stay undercover for 10 minutes because of falling rocket shrapnel.  We experience warning sirens and rockets on a daily basis. It is not easy to live here but we are thankful for GOD’s protection, grace and mercies because of your prayers. We grieve for the families who have lost loved ones or have been injured.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” – Matthew 16:33

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Prayer requests

• Pray for the Cuban pastors and their families and congregations, that they will have enough food and necessities.
  
• Pray for Karen in the Peruvian Amazon as she mentors the young ladies in our education program.
  
• Pray for the young women in the Amazon, that their families will be blessed at this Christmas time.
  
• Prayer for Cesar as he manages the rebuilding of the studio at the Guatemala Bible Seminary.
  
• Pray for Doug Springer as he travels to Peru to take support and supplies to Karen and the pastors November 27 to December 6, and then Colombia until December 20.
  
• Pray for the pastor who is building his church that CMRC has financed.
  
• Please pray for wisdom for Israel’s leaders who deal with a hostile world.  Also, for the courageous Israeli soldiers who battle terrorists – hundreds of believers are serving in the front lines.  Intercede for the salvation of Israel.