December 28

Christmas Around the World

A Hedge of Protection

“All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came
to be.” Psalm 139:16b (NIV)

“May you relish everything there ... Soak it all in, don’t forget anything ...
These are going to be some of your sweetest memories ... What a privilege
we have to serve Him.” These are words I read in an e-mail from a
friend the day before New Year’s Eve, 2003. I didn’t realize how God
would use her encouragement and wisdom.

Just before my first anniversary in Southern Africa, a friend and I
decided to ring in 2004 by attending a worship service. As we headed
into town for the late event, it was dark, raining and windy. I suddenly
noticed a tree down in our lane, so I called out my friend’s name quickly.
When she saw it, she swerved to miss it and then swerved back into our
lane. The back tires began to slide and the car rolled down an embankment.
The car stopped between two trees.

After climbing out of the car, we waited on the side of the road for
the ambulance. I thought about how close we came to death and about
my friend’s words in the e-mail. It is only by the grace of God that we
survived.

Why did I have to experience that? God allowed the accident to
show me that He is active in my life every second of the day! He will do
whatever it takes to protect His children so that His perfect plan can
unfold. Seeing God at work that night was the ultimate way to begin a
new year of serving Him!

—Laura, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa

Father, You are my shield, my rock and my fortress. I am not afraid with You as
my champion. Protect missionaries in dangerous places, as they travel and as
they encounter those who reject them. Amen.

Start a new year!