Christmas is such a wonderful time to sing.   Christmas is all about giving, and Evidence has loved giving the gift of music to so many people this season.

Last week, we traveled to Blue Springs, MO (near Kansas City) to sing at First Baptist Church of Blue Springs http://fbcbluesprings.org/  and visit our old friends, Lee and Casey Sisney.  We had a blast attending their high energy, celebrative musical production, "First Christmas," and were so warmly welcomed to sing throughout their Sunday morning services, as well.  We can't begin to express how our spirits were encouraged by Pastor Randall's corporate prayer of blessing over our ministry.  It meant so much to receive the congregation's gift of encouragement as they, in Pastor's words, "affirmed the call of God" for us to be singing together as Evidence.  Thank you, FBC Blue Springs!  We look forward to returning to you in music ministry and fellowship.

Next stop was a full Christmas concert at Fellowship Baptist Church in Warrenton, MO http://www.fbcwarrenton.org/ .  Again, we received the gift of encouragement from the pastor, Dr. Bray.  We also appreciated the prayer time with Pastor of Worship, Bob Woods.  The congregation responded so sweetly and we felt so good that we were able to help strengthen these people in their faith.  Thank you, Fellowship!

One of the very best things about Christmas is how music allows us to share with people who might not be as receptive at other times of the year.  Evidence was asked to sing for an insurance agents' Christmas luncheon and we loved giving them not only some fun entertainment, but the testimony of why we celebrate Christmas.

Finally, we sang yesterday morning in services at First Baptist Church of Harvester.  Julie and Ashlee sing their hearts out on the song, "Jesus, What A Wonderful Child," and the a capella arrangement of "What Child Is This" is so fun with all the tight, jazzy harmonies.  We were completely humbled by the overwhelming response of the congregation and  so appreciate the words of  Pastor Bob, Worship Pastors Joey Wright and Joe Helms.  Thank you, FBCH, for your smiles and hugs and requests for more music, but most of all for your prayers and counsel as Evidence continues to seek God's guidance. 

Christmas is about giving.  And we are so thankful for the greatest gift of all the world--the gift of Jesus.  We pray that you will encounter Him this season.

Evidence was honored to get to be the surprise guest for a very generous group of people at their “Party with a Purpose,” celebrating God’s provision for needy children this Christmas.  They donated enough to buy Christmas presents for 53 children at the East St. Louis Christian Activities Center, giving not only money, but time and energy to shop, wrap, package, and deliver.  These sweet hearted people filled an entire garage full of gifts and became heroes to kids and parents they don’t even know.  Don’t you wish every party had a purpose like this?  We are so touched by this as we remember what Jesus said: “The world will know you are mine by the love you show.”  THIS is the evidence!   Thank you to the Stillman CPA at FBCH (www.fbch.com) for letting us be a part of something so special.  We were so blessed to be able to minister to and encourage you!

 
Two days later, Evidence got to sing for another group of very special people at the Lake St. Charles Retirement Community (www.lakestcharlesretirement.com).  This was a wonderful opportunity not only to entertain with our Christmas song set, but to testify to the evidence of Jesus truly being the “reason for the season” and the foundation of our faith.  Christmas is such a wonderful time to easily share “the reason for the hope that is in us!”  It was such a blessing to interact and sing with these people who have years of experiences and wisdom they loved sharing with us!  We even got one man to sing a song for us after wards, and it was so sweet to encourage him in his love of music, but also in his relationship with the One who created music.  Evidence looks forward to our continued relationships there!