Hailes on Mission

As we begin to get ready for 2012 we have spent time looking back at what has happened and as we look back we see God’s mighty hand all over it.   There have been many different transitions this past year but in all of them the Lord has proved Himself faithful over and over again.   We are also thankful for the many people praying for us on a regular basis.   Rest assured the Lord has answered prayers and continues to do so in a mighty way.   Thus, we look forward to what is ahead and celebrate the fact that no matter what, our God is worthy of everything we offer Him.   Here are some things from the past and what is coming in the future. ·          January 2011:   Suzie turned 32 ·          March 2011:   Appointed to be IMB Missionaries in Dallas; Phoebe turned 12. ·          April 2011:   Adam turned 33 ·    ...

As I am reading the Red Stocking with my family each night to help us get in the Christmas spirit I am reminded over and over again about the true meaning of Christmas.   I am also reminded about how far away from the reason for the season we have all become.   Living in a country now where Christmas is celebrated but not like in the States I kind of miss the commercialism everywhere.   However, if you ask a Malagasy person (church attendee) about Christmas they will say that “they are celebrating the birth of Christ”.   When I begin to think about the perspective of the Malagasy versus us U.S. citizens I realize that maybe we have missed the meaning of Christmas.   Somehow we have made it all about us, the size of the tree, the decorations, the lights, the buying of presents, the giving of presents, nativities, the church programs, the school programs, parades, family time, even having to attend church on Christmas morning (ouch), etc…. Now all of these things...

Dear Partners, Friends and Family, As we have finished off the month of November and celebrated a time of Thanksgiving we find ourselves truly in awe of the love and support that we get and feel on a regular basis.  The joy of knowing that people are praying, receiving some care packages, emails, facebooks, phone calls, skype, and so much more helps us remember that we are not alone here.  We know that the Lord has called us and we have seen His hand in and around us.  However, it is so humbling to know that there are people all around the world that are lifting us and the work here in Mada up to the Father.  We are so grateful for you.  We also are very grateful for our families and even though it is different not having the opportunity to see them all for this special time of the year we have found that the Lord has provided a wonderful Mission family for us here and we are extremely grateful for them.  We are so thankful that we got the opportunity to ...