MESSAGE FROM PASTOR GARY

Isaiah 9:6

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Some years ago, Papa Harold and I had to go down to San Luis in January to deal with an emergency that arose. As Jim McGhee drove us from Phoenix to the orphanage the desert was covered with beautiful flowers because of some heavy rains they had. When we got to the border in the evening, I was amused to see Christmas lights on palm trees and the little haciendas we passed on the way.

As I think about the night Jesus was born more than 2,000 years ago, I have a more accurate picture of what it must have been like. Growing up in North America Christmas conjures up images of snow on pine trees and quaint little villages on rolling hillsides. Bethlehem rarely if ever sees snow, so being in a desert climate helped me envision Joseph and Mary walking across the sand and entering a town where people lived hand to mouth much as the people do in San Luis today.

Jesus being born outdoors in a manger makes me think of the children who have been left in the sandy street at the gates of the orphanage, some of them in the dark of the night. I guess you can say, in a way, many children have been “born to” we who belong to Caring Hearts. To us many sons and daughters have been given. But unlike Isaiah’s prophecy the roles are reversed. It is our job, our calling to save them. On December 25th, the children at Bethel and at Oasis Boys Home will have hot food, a clean bed and Christmas Presents because high school and college students, young adults and senior citizens, people who care, have come together from more than ten states from Pennsylvania to Florida, to Missouri and Arizona. They have prayed, given and gone in person to provide for these precious children. As another year closes I know I speak on behalf of Papa Harold, Blake and all who sit on the Board of Directors when I say Thank You for supporting Caring Hearts Ministries. You changed lives in 2009 and God has big plans for us all in 2010.

Merry Christmas
Pastor Gary Simpson.