Prayer Letter from Scott & Sharon MacLean
Scott & Sharon MacLean
version of this letter in .PDF format, visit the prayer letters page of our
website (www.snsmaclean.net/prayerletters.htm).
--------------------------------------------------------------
Merry Christmas!
December 2010 update on the ministry of Scott & Sharon MacLean serving in
Italy with CrossWorld
"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! - II Corinthians 9:15 (NASB)
"Prego, un calendario gratis." (Here, a free calendar.) I said as the lady
hustled by me and into the market. She tried, quite successfully, to avoid
eye contact. Her reaction was typical of what we saw when we did our annual
distribution of Scripture Calendars in the town of Omegna. Most of the
people scurried by, quickly saying no, or waving their hand in dismissal of
the offer.
I've learned not to take it personally. They are simply afraid. Afraid
that I will "give" them the calendar, then ask them for money. Afraid of an
uncomfortable situation. Afraid of "what's behind" the offer. Those brave
enough to take the calendar often seem surprised that we mean what we said -
the calendar is truly free - no strings attached.
Those who have come to know us usually have a different reaction. "Oh,
Thank you!", the one lady said with a big smile, "I get one every year from
you guys." There are actually quite a few that look forward to getting
their Scripture Calendar each year.
Towards the end of the year, a good bit of our ministry time is dedicated to
getting out these Scripture calendars. In late November we hosted a team of
Swiss youth who distributed about 1,800 calendars. It was a joy to have
them here, and especially to watch as they joined in our youth group meeting
on Saturday evening.
We also gave out around 70 calendars in Omegna and another 200 or so in the
Domodossola market. A lady in a nearby town has almost finished with the
600 or so calendars she gives to the folks in her small town. And next week
a Swiss lady will be in Domodossola to give out yet more calendars.
For the past two days I've been enjoying putting tracts with a Scripture
calendar offer in mail boxes in the towns of Masera and Montecrestese. Each
December I pick a new town or two and do distribution there. I've gotten
good exercise (up and down the hills), enjoyed stunning scenery (snow capped
mountain vistas) and been doing a task that is well worth the effort. It
doesn't get much better than that! Well, maybe if I could fine a way to
keep my legs from being sore by the end of the day. :) Today I'm taking a
break for an "office" day, but tomorrow I'll be back at it again. (Hooray!)
There is a good reason why we put such an effort into getting out these
calendars. It is a great way of getting the Gospel message into homes.
Each day the calendars have a Bible verse and a meditation - frequently
presenting the Gospel message. And from the comments I get throughout the
year, it would seem that people really do use the calendars. I suppose we
could consider it "prolonged release" Gospel seed that we are sowing.
Will you pray with us that those who have accepted our gift of a Scripture
calendar would also come to accept God's wonderful gift of salvation in
Jesus Christ?
You can pray also for our upcoming youth Christmas party. We should have a
good crowd for the party with it's very popular "white elephant" gift
exchange.
Some of you might recall that, a few years back, the city mentioned to us
the possibility of giving us a piece of land on which to build a church
building. Recently they mentioned it again to Davide, and he has written a
letter requesting the piece of land. While we don't feel ready at the
moment to build, we are excited at the possibility. Please pray that the
Lord would guide and provide with this exciting situation. Of course, I'll
keep you all updated.
And finally, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. May
the wonder of the Incarnation fill your hearts with joy as we remember the
birth of Jesus. On our web site you will find a small gift we have prepared
for you - A 2011 calendar, with pictures of our area and some of our
ministry opportunities. You can find more details (and the calendar itself)
at: www.snsmaclean.net/calendar.htm
Thank you for your continued support in prayer. We really do need it!
His Servants,
Scott, Sharon & Karis MacLean
*** Italian Info ***
Which city was Italy's first capital city?
A) Turin B) Milan C) Rome D) Naples
*Answer to last letter's question:
Rome (C) is the capital city of Italy. OK, that was an easy one. This time
it gets a bit harder!
*** Quickly Noted . ***
* On our Website - New pictures, new prayer requests, updated "Life in
Italy" and "PL Notes" sections, and a 2011 Calendar you can download and
print out. For the latest on our adoption, stop by the "friends" section of
our site (contact us if you need the username and password).
* New Prayer Card - If you still don't have a prayer card, you can find one
at one of our supporting churches, or contact us and ask us to mail you one.
* Moving? - If you move, don't forget to contact us with your new address.
This is especially true if you move "electronically" - that is change your
e-mail address. Please make sure to let us know your new "e-address"!
*** Prayer & Praise ***
* Praise for a good time of meeting with supporters on Scott's recent trip
to the US.
* Pray for the ongoing legal process for the adoption. There is an
important date coming up some time in the next few months.
* Praise for all of the Scripture calendars which have gone out in the past
few weeks.
* Pray that the calendars would be read, and that the Lord would use them to
call people to Himself.
* Praise for a couple with whom I am meeting to study the Bible. Pray that
the Lord would open their minds and hearts to His Word.
* Pray for the possibility of getting a free piece of land on which to build
a church building.
* Praise for the new folks who are attending church. Pray that they would
continue to be faithful in attending.
* Pray for opportunities to share our faith with our friends and neighbors -
and the boldness to seize the opportunities when they come.
* Pray that the Lord would provide for our continued financial support
needs. We are facing a substantial shortfall.
* Pray that the Lord of the Harvest would send forth laborers into the
harvest here in Italy. (Luke 10:2)
* Pray for a great working of God in the Ossola Valleys. May He draw many
people to Himself and build His church!
*** Contact Information: ***
* Field Address:
Scott & Sharon MacLean
Via Ravasenga, 2
28845 Domodossola (VB)
ITALY
Phone: 011-39-0324-482-259
* Mission address:
CrossWorld
10000 N Oak Trafficway
Kansas City, MO 64155
Phone: (816) 479-7300
Financial contributions may be sent to this address or given on-line at the
mission website: www.CrossWorld.org.