Debra Allison and Family

To Czech Republic and Back Again



Family letter by Debra

November 23, 2013

Dear ladies,

On Saturday morning, the boys and I were raking the leaves, when I noticed that the wind was beginning to increase and new leaves were starting to fall from our apricot tree. A single beautiful yellow leaf began to whirl and float from the branch above us into the pile of leaves that we were trying to clean -up. But somehow, as the beautiful leaf landed in the big pile, it became just another leaf in a pile of work. I found myself focusing on the pile rather than the single beautiful leaf that had fallen. I soon found myself wondering how many times I have viewed the gifts or blessing from the Lord the same way.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17

Our Czech services continue to be a blessing. We will finish memorizing the ?Roman Road? this Sunday, and begin working on verses from the Gospels. Julio continues to be a blessing. He has been quoting the ?Roman Road? with us, but in Spanish and English, not Czech and English. The financial meetings have proven themselves to be very beneficial to the members, but have been put aside for more pressing issues. We will continue the financial lessons in December. Please pray for our outreach during the Christmas season. Hearts seem to be a little more open during this time of the year. Please remember to pray for those doing the Four Week Salvation Bible Study with us. Lenka H. and I are on lesson four and Jeff is on lesson 2 with Zdenek, who is an elderly man with cancer.

Big blessings can come in small bundles, but in this case a big bundle -- The birth of our first grandson, Elijah John. He was born at 11:47 p.m., on Friday the 4th of October. Weighing in at a hefty 9 lbs. and 7 oz. and 22 inches long, he is truly a big blessing in a big bundle with an enormous appetite. Due to some complications during labour, Elijah was delivered by a C- section. Donna has also had a breathing problem since the birth. She had fluid in her lungs, but is doing much better and is off the oxygen. Lilibeth and Eliana love their new brother and try to do what they can to help, but he is already 12+ pounds. Please pray for Donna, being a mother to three little ones is not so easy.

We ended the month of October with a birthday blessing of our oldest granddaughter, Lydia who just turned six years old. Where does the time go? -- She is truly a blessing to us and her parents. Recently, Gina shared with me about Lydia, and how well she is doing in school. Gina is turning 30 this year; what a blessing she has been to us. Please pray for her as she continues to teach piano and to home school Lydia.

James and David continue to be blessing to Jeff and I. Their first quarter of school deemed the same grades as in the past, despite the challenges that this school year has brought. David recently received glasses to correct a stigmatism. During James?s eye exam the doctor saw a small tunnel shape in his right eye that she was concerned about. The doctor made an appointment for James with a specialist, who used an ultrasound to give us a good report. The eye was clear of any fragments and the tunnel seemed to have been there from birth. Please continue to pray for these boys as we prepare them for the future the Lord has for them.

I am working on the plans for the ladies Christmas breakfast and our Christmas program, but first we will be having Thanksgiving dinner at our home. We have invited 13 people to celebrate the day with us. What a blessing this time of the year is to us. As said before, it gives us many opportunities to share when peoples? hearts are a little more open to the gospel. Please be in prayer for our family as we use every activity and Christmas event to share the true meaning of Christmas.

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Love and prayers,

Debra












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