December 2008
"People who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined. For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. "
Isaiah 9: 2 & 6 NKJV
Mexico
Francisco & Chela and the children in the Children's Home in Chihuahua "Casa del Refugio" want to wish all of our financial and prayer supporters, partners and friends; a very Merry Christmas "Feliz Navidad" from our house to yours.
Ron & Bernadette want to thank everyone who helped us in 2008 to feed, house, clothe and minister to these precious children in the last year. Special thanks to those of you who helped us with construction teams building the farm for future occupation of the children. There are too many of you to mention but we thank everyone who gave to Refuge Ministries to continue the work last year. We know that much of your giving was sacrificial and we appreciate every donation small or large. May God reward you abundantly for your generous giving both in this world and in eternity.
Our 3 new children, Luis 5, Viridiana 4 and Irving 6 are siblings and all wish you a very Merry Christmas. They came to us from the mountains and have probably never had more than an orange and some candy for Christmas. They are a blessing to us.
Philippines
The pastors and leaders of Refuge New Life Ministries, Philippines wish to thank you from the bottom of their hearts for the giving that has helped them to plant several new churches in 2008 and begin a new campus ministry.
The devastating Typhoon in June of '08 destroyed many homes and took the livelihood of many. But thanks to the generous giving of Christians in the U S, Refuge Ministries was able to not only feed hundreds of people after the Typhoon but provide low interest loans for many to start a business and rebuild their homes. Those whose homes and incomes were restored wish to say THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts and "Maligayang Pasko" which is Merry Christmas in Tagalog, the official language of the Philippines.
Here in the U S we hear a lot about the economic recession and how things might be difficult in the coming year. Always remember that God has His own economy within the economy. He will take care of the tither and the giver. If you have been a regular supporter of Refuge Ministries in the past we urge you, do not cut back on your giving at this time. This is a time when you need more than ever to "Give, and it will be given to you" Luke 6:38. If you have not been a supporter of Refuge Ministries, we ask you to pray about helping us in 2009 to help the poor and take the gospel around the world.
Whatever happens to the economy in 2009, God will take care of those who have been helping the poor. That is your place of safety.
Have a very Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year
Ron and Bernadette Gartner
Your Evangelists to the world.
Use this address To send us a tax deductible LOVE GIFT.
About Refuge Ministries and the Gartners
Current Newsletter Past Newsletters
Africa - Philippines - Mexico
Click Here for Ron & Bernadette's 2005 report from their trip to Africa.
