Dear Friends, There is a poem hanging in my kitchen I need to read from time to time: I will not wish thee riches or the glow of greatness, But that wheresoe’er thou go, Some weary heart may gladden at thy smile,  Some weary life know sunshine for a while. And so thy years shall leave a track of light Like angels’ footsteps passing through the night What more noble life could one hope to live than to live like angels’ footsteps passing through the night?  It’s so simple, and yet that life seems to elude us even when we know it is what’s being asked of us.  We’re not watchful enough or thoughtful enough.  We tolerate unacceptable behavior in ourselves, and, therefore, lose the opportunity to live a life of such joy that words fail us when we try to express it.   Bob Striler Servant's Award This year’s Bob Striler Servant’s Award was presented to Byron Woolsey and Ray Lasiter for their years of work on behalf of the poor with Love in Action Int’l (LIAI).  Byron and Ray not only show up on a moments notice to pick up medical and dental supplies and equipment and to load containers, but they love doing it.   Because we didn’t have an Annual Meeting this year, the award was presented at Axe Methodist Church.  Both men have been like a breath of fresh air to our work.   Parkland Patients    We began working with Parkland patients 21 years ago at just this time of year.  We responded to an article in the Dallas Morning News about the light of Christmas missing in certain parts of that hospital.  For the last few years we’ve responded to needs of patients in Palliative Care.  These are needs that require immediate attention and are most often emotionally rending.   There is something wonderful about helping those who are leaving us.  I often wonder if in the end they are telling God how hard it is down here, or if He is explaining to them why it is so?   Solutions of North Texas Scott Wisenbaker’s story is a wonderful story of redemption.  His date of sobriety is March 20, 1995, and he has helped countless people since that time to turn their lives around.  We began talking some time ago about how LIAI could help him open a transitional house for individuals coming out of treatment for alcohol and substance abuse.  This year we filed a DBA (doing business as) for Solutions of North Texas to operate under LIAI.  Scott, with the help of many committed volunteers, has opened two houses for men in Denton.  What a joy it is to be part of such a vibrant work!  If you are interested in reading more about this work, visit the web site www.solutionsofnorthtexas.com.

West Dallas When I ponder the Christmas story this time of year, I’m struck by the incredible picture of a place filled with hate, crime, injustice and suffering.  Into this scene is born a child whose light will forever change this dark place.  We are asked to carry that light within us so there can be hope for those who feel hopeless.  One of the most incredible examples of this life is Mable and James Armstrong.  They have lived all their lives in West Dallas in the midst of high crime.  Without judgment but with incredible wisdom, they give to their neighbors.  We have been privileged for over 20 years to provide them with the resources they need to give to many people. Conclusion The trip I made to Sarajevo in 1993 would forever change my awareness of this radical God we serve.  Sarajevo had been under siege for 18 months and those remaining in the city were literally starving.  Many things were accomplished on that trip and on subsequent trips but I am convinced there was a single purpose for that trip.  There were two men who were unlikely prayer partners who, for 15 months, had prayed that if there was a God to please send a miracle.  When I arrived, I called one of the men having been given his phone number by a family member who lived in the USA.  The phone lines had been down since the beginning of the war, so imagine their surprise when the phone rang (the lines came up two days before I arrived and went down again within the week). Against all odds, they were in Dallas with their families in less than a year. I have spent a good bit of time visiting a young woman in prison this year.  It is clearly what I have needed to do.  Each time I visit, I’m reminded of my trip to Sarajevo and the words of one of those two men, “She is the word of God to me because she came into my hell and brought me out.”  Do you want to make a difference in this world of so much need?  If so, go to the one person you are being asked to be present with. God bless   Rae England