Clinic Christmas Party - 2007
Dear Friends,
We were told that here in Guatemala, Christmas was a time for 
sinners to celebrate a two week long party. It included much music, dancing, drinking, and left many lying in the streets in a drunken stupor. The birth of Jesus and its meaning for each of us got left in the dust. Churches instructed their members not to participate in the parties. Most of the churches refused to mention the Lord's birth because of the debauchery of the season. No lights, no trees, no Christmas carols; you get the picture.
About ten years ago, Sharon and I decided to bring the powerful meaning of Christmas to the people who come to our clinic. We decided to have a clinic Christmas "fiesta". It has become a very meaningful event.
We want to thank all who so diligently helped us with gifts for the 1500 children and babies that came to the celebration. All are patients for our clinic that came during the year.
The families started arriving at four in the morning. By eight we had divided the families in three groups of around eight hundred each. One group at a time, they saw clowns and puppets that kept them laughing. A group of ladies from Gateway Church in Dallas brought puppets and marionettes and did a great job entertaining with songs. Since we had smaller groups, we evangelized with less confusion than last year. Many came forward for prayer and salvation.
Then there were the gifts There was time for everyone to receive their gifts, a big hug and a "Feliz Navidad".
Thank you for your help. From the east to the west, from the north to the south, boxes arrived in time to separate the gifts for every age group, and every girl and boy. Thank you for your prayers. God was with us - Emanuel!
John and Sharon HarveyDirectors of ASELSI Ministries