Stories

The annual journey of Advent is swiftly taking us into Christmas, a time when families and friends get together, enjoy each other’s company, and usually exchange presents. In the busyness of the festive period, we sometimes forget that one of the most important gifts is – well, just being present: to be there for someone. 2024 has had its fair share of reminders of how important being with people and making enough time for them really is. This edition of Missionet highlights just two examples of such encounters – re-engaging with our members in Kenya and keeping the church focused on the issue of discipleship in Pakistan – but there have been many more throughout the year. For me personally, the need to travel back to Russia unexpectedly also meant spending considerable time with my family and friends – some of whom I have not seen for years – which was a real gift and made the wait for my passport to be renewed so much more bearable.

Our prayer is that as you approach Christmas Day, you will be able to give and receive the gift of being present in another person’s life in a meaningful way – maybe through a chat, a shared laugh, or a hug – and feel God’s loving presence sustaining you every day.

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