Dear Soldiers of the Cross,
Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Beloved, I cannot start this letter off without first giving thanks to our God for the GREATEST gift ever given to humanity, “the gift of God’s dear Son.” The world looks upon Jesus’ birthday as just another simple birthday, but I see it as a birth into everlasting life with my blessed Savior. Let us not leave Jesus out of Christmas this year but keep Him in the center of the holiday season.
I’m still rejoicing over all that God has allowed us to be a part of this past year. So many open doors of opportunity to labor for Him on the mission field. Right now, we are overbooked for next year, 2024, and I’m not sure how we are going to get it all done. Please pray for us that God will strengthen us for the task. I have asked God to clone me over ten times so the work will not suffer. Our Baptist churches have rallied up for the work and this thrills our soul.
I have a special prayer request. Please pray for my wife, Ms. Sheril, and her family as her mom, Mrs. Callie Mae Oxendine, went home to be with the Lord on December 2, 2023. For the past couple of years Ms. Sheril has had the privilege of caring for her aging mother. During this time, I noticed a closer bond between them that brought joy to my heart. I’m glad to say that my mother-in-law was saved and ready to see Jesus. I could not have had a better mother-in-law and friend. This will be her first Christmas in heaven, and this is what all of God’s people are looking and longing for.
I would like to once again encourage God’s people to consider being a part of a wonderful opportunity of helping us with the reprint of the John Eliot Bible. This was the first Bible printed in America, and it was a Native American Bible. This Bible was printed in 1663 on present day grounds of Harvard University. You can send your support for this Bible project to:
Native American Mission Fund Ministries
3232 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
Please mark the MEMO, John Eliot Bible Fund. The project is moving along very quickly, so please respond as soon as possible. Please pray for this Bible project and call me if you need to.
Merry Christmas to all and hope you have a blessed New Year.
As We Labor for Christ,
Gerry & Sheril Locklear
Missionaries to the Native Americans