Dear friend

It has been a tough year for many who’ve lost loved ones, or livelihoods and many have felt the burden of insecurity and isolation. While we’ve endured difficulties this year, we’ve also witnessed compassion rising, solidarity to lend a helping hand across historical dividing lines and communities standing together to protect each other against wilful destruction. Amidst this situation, we’re encouraged to keep the faith and boldly follow Jesus.

Over the last few months, I’ve been strengthened by your support for our brothers and sisters in Christ. I’ve also been encouraged by a word in season from the letter to the Hebrews and pray you’ll also be encouraged by it: “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Christmas time is a gift that allows us to pause and fix our eyes on Jesus as we prepare to celebrate His birth and incarnation with loved ones. At this time, I ask you to please consider our most persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ across the world. Despite hunger, war, oppression, imprisonment, hatred and being outcasts – they’re called to remain, to keep the presence of Jesus as carriers of light in the darkness. We can learn so much from them.

May we continue to keep them in our prayers as they need our prayers and support as they run the race set out for them.

As we close off this year, I thank you for standing with us and our brothers and sisters in Christ, and I pray that as you come together with your loved ones this Christmas that you’ll have a blessed time as we all reflect on the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Peace

Lynette Leibach

Executive Director
Open Doors Southern Africa