Merry Christmas!

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light.
For those who lived in a land of deep shadows—
light! sunbursts of light!
You repopulated the nation,
you expanded its joy.
Oh, they're so glad in your presence!
Festival joy!
The joy of a great celebration,
sharing rich gifts and warm greetings.
The abuse of oppressors and cruelty of tyrants—
all their whips and cudgels and curses—
Is gone, done away with, a deliverance
as surprising and sudden as Gideon's old victory over Midian.
The boots of all those invading troops,
along with their shirts soaked with innocent blood,
Will be piled in a heap and burned,
a fire that will burn for days!
For a child has been born—for us!
the gift of a son—for us!
He'll take over
the running of the world.
His names will be: Amazing Counselor,
Strong God,
Eternal Father,
Prince of Wholeness.
His ruling authority will grow,
and there'll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.
He'll rule from the historic David throne
over that promised kingdom.
He'll put that kingdom on a firm footing
and keep it going
With fair dealing and right living,
beginning now and lasting always.
The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies
will do all this.

On This Night so long ago

There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises:

Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed. Luke 2:8-18 The Message

Requested List of Needs for HHI

Greetings to one and all and warm greetings to most of you with your first taste of winter!! Brrrrrr!

Recently, we had been asked to put together a list of needs, those items which we good use to get Hope House up and running now that we have a building.

Please find below just such a list. We are grateful to all who have been able to help and to everyone who has been praying for us and the work here in Mexico.

Hope House needs list:

1. Activate electricity at building:

a. $100 to pay off existing electric bill

b. Move electric pole after IFC (Mexican electric company) cuts wires

c. $100 reconnect fee

d. New meter box and breakers

2. Rewire existing breaker boxes and circuits

3. Sewing Machines

4. Sewing Machine and sewing accessories

a. thread, bobbins, machine needles, sewing needles, scissors, pins

5. Fabric

a. especially child print but all kinds

6. Tables and chairs for sewing, eating, etc.

7. Living room furniture

a. Sofas, end tables, lamps, coffee tables, area rugs, etc.

8. Refrigerator - only one at the house works

9. Freezer – chest or upright

10. Propane stove - the one at the house, aside from being electric, doesn't work

11. Microwave

12. Cooking utensils

a. Pots, pans, baking & casserole dishes, crock pots, spoons spatulas, etc.

13. Kitchen cabinets- There are only a couple of shelves on the walls in the kitchen. We need upper cabinets for storage.

14. Shelving for dry goods, clothing, etc.

15. Inside door for room

16. New green board for showers (2)

17. Install hot water tank (instant-on tank preferred) and inside connections

18. Tile showers and bathroom floors (2)

19. Window replacement

20.Perimeter walls built around property

With the acquisition of the building, our monthly expenses have increased and will continue as we seek to bring on additional staff and provide for the families in our care. We would ask you to prayfully consider investing in this work as the Lord might lead. Checks can be made out directly to Hope House International and mailed to our address.

We very much appreciate those of you who have been supporting us financially.

Hope House International has a tax-exempt status as a public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are tax deductible under section 170 of that Code.

Thank you all for your prayers and your kindness.