www.thegilmours.co.uk

“God promised that someone from David’s family would come to save the people of Israel, and that one is Jesus” Acts 13:23

Its been great to celebrate the coming of Christ here in Santiago Chile. They do it in style here, attending church in their masses (sorry…no quasi-religious pun intended) and then having family parties. There was a real buzz of excitement and anticipation of the birth of Christ, particularly in the streets. Walking past, the sound of laughter and joy was very encouraging and uplifting!

But it has been a difficult time for us and our families. We have missed the traditions, the games and the laughter of our own family get-togethers. Although we enjoyed a fantastic christmas meal with an “adopted” chilean family on the 25th, i think we’ve both had our grumpy times and our down times! Their coincidence yesterday led to some disharmony and upset, but, later, to forgiveness and reconciliation, following the example set by God himself.

Anyway, some short prayer requests:

We’ve found a flat!

“When the time was right, God sent his Son, and a woman gave birth to him. His Son obeyed the Law, 5so he could set us free from the Law, and we could become God’s children. 6Now that we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts. And his Spirit tells us that God is our Father. 7You are no longer slaves. You are God’s children, and you will be given what he has promised.”

Remembering God’s timing is really important when you are flat or house hunting and waiting for air freight!

Thank you for your prayers. Two answers to prayer stand out: Joy, my sister, who recently got a job in High Wycombe area, needed a house. She was contacted soon after posting the prayer request by a flat of Christians close to Marylebone station. They attend All Souls Church. Although the deal is not settled yet (the housing association must select from candidates the flatmates put forward), it has provided some relief to us and to Joy to know there are flats for Christians in London!

Secondly, here in Santiago, we decided not to take the house after the owner required our decision earlier and earlier. We felt the house was too far from the centre of the action, from church and from the city centre (if i get a job), and would imply responsibility that we are not yet ready for.

Thanks for you prayers, children of God! When it was the right time Christ died for you and for us. When the time was right, our prayers have been answered.

Rachel here……

Yesterday evening we went to our first bible study at church (Santiago Community Church, see links on right). It was so good to meet with other young Christians, and it is a really nice group. There were about 2 dozen, and we sang modern songs, studied and prayed - oh, and ate lots of food. The group is about 2/3 Chilean, and 1/3 ex-pat, and the study is in english, but some folk have basic english so speak in spanish and it is translated. We’re looking forward to getting more involved in the Church here, and there are quite a few things going on next week that I will miss as I’m off up the mountain tomorrow.

Please pray that we will get involved in the Church (the theme of the bible study yesterday - using the gifts God gives us) and that Douglas will integrate while I am away. Also that I will have a good time in Paranal and that I will find the work ok and settle in.

I think it is slightly ironic, but also of great relief to hear today that Grandpa Gilmour (the original Gilmour, who arrived in London in the early 1930s) has decided to stay in supported accommodation called “Gillie Court”! Funny name for a warm and welcoming place.

That aside, it is an answer to prayer to hear this news, since Grandpa’s memory (at age 91), is failing him, endangering him and his house. When we visited to say goodbye at the end of November, he seemed very happy in Gillie Court. He eats more there too. No offence intended, but he wasn’t enjoying staying at home, with home helps and meals-on-wheels. Would you?