Even though we got our order in 2 weeks in advance, we almost were not able to set up our table for the first Saturday of the month of December on Jackson St. All booth slot requisitions had been filled by the first week of November. Our church was unable to use their spot and generously donated it to us. We were so grateful. The Christmas month of December is one of the most fun Saturdays of the year for us on Jackson St. What an opportunity to share what Christmas is all about-- JESUS CHRIST!
Our kids’ coloring pages were, of course, on The Christmas Story…the birth of Jesus. These were accompanied with a small packet of crayons and a candy cane, as well as “The Legend of the Candy Cane” tract depicting ‘Jesus, the Shepherd’, ‘Jesus, the Rock’, Jesus’ shed blood, Jesus’ purity, etc.
Even though by 9:00 a.m. the clouds loomed overhead with a few sprinkles, we praise God that He provided a beautiful day in more ways than one.
A lady stopped by being very interested in “Keys for Kids” for her grandkids. She also took 2 DVDs: “God of Wonders” and “Messages from Heaven”. Our supply of both DVDs was depleted.
Our Spanish speaking friend that last month took two Bibles stopped by and gleefully said his "friend" [which we believe is actually himself] is very content in reading the Bible he gave him.
Two ladies were very interested in materials for a 10 year old. Though they spoke Spanish, they requested English materials and took an NIRV Bible and The Most Important Story Ever Told, a Spanish pocket New Testament and a Spanish Gospel of John.
A pastor stopped by, as if to "check us out." When Curt described the apologetic ministry defending the Bible, he blessed our efforts and agreed to bring by a booklet containing both the Gospel of John AND the Book of Romans, which he regularly distributes.
A couple of books on the seeker sensitive movement were taken, including Redefining Christianity, along with The Light That Was Dark by Warren Smith on the New Age movement. One of our visitors is quite the ‘reader’ and has become quite a regular visitor.
Our Daily Bread devotional was quite a hit today.
A fellow who was interested in Sunday School materials for kids (in Spanish) stopped by. We were grateful that 5 of the coloring-page lessons had been translated into Spanish. He was pleased to receive them.
A lady stopped by and, in the course of our conversation, said her 6 year old son asked, “Why are you so ‘Jesus-y’?" She took him our Christmas coloring pages with the story of the birth of Jesus along with crayons/candy cane and ‘Legend-tract’ as well as a copy of “The Most Important Story Ever Told."
A fellow stopped by quickly and asked if he could have a copy of Evolution – Fact or Fiction by John Blanchard.
A dear lady with a ministry for battered women took a few materials for the ladies whom she described as "angry at God." They recycle things and make useful items from what otherwise would be thrown away. Her ministry is called Recycled Dreams. She was thrilled to receive a bilingual New Testament for herself.
We actually gave out many color-pages but very few directly to children. MANY moms and grandmas are interested in their young loved ones coming to know Jesus. Many copies of the toddler’s booklet Would You Like to Know Jesus? left the table. Our last Toddler’s 1st Bible was given out for a 1st-time great-grandma. We knew there would be many shoppers here for what we call "Market Days" and by 1:30, several of our children’s supplies were depleted.
Here’s hoping y’all had a blessed Christmas, and we certainly are looking forward to our table ministry to welcome in the New Year!!!
Relying on Him as “He Directs Our Paths” (Prov. 16:9),
Curt and Janie
Rio Grande Valley
Harlingen, Texas
