No Greater Joy
By Rod and Sherry Boyd

“I have no greater joy
than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
--3 John 4

Few would disagree.  It’s hard to beat the look of joy on the face of a child as they receive an ornately wrapped present, open it and react to his or her new treasure!  We are so privileged to witness this innocent wonder countless times each year, especially at the end of the year.  Hundreds of Panamanian children and youth look forward to the tradition of Latin America ChildCare Christmas Parties. These kids are no strangers to gifts.  Giving and receiving gifts is an important part of the Panamanian culture.  And great emphasis is placed on gift wrapping.  All of our department stores offer free gift wrapping! Of course, we buy so many presents it’s not practical to have the store wrap them.  We’re so thankful that Mom can come each year to help with this important ministry.  She also helps with the refreshments at the parties. For all of us, seeing these happy kids is the fruit of our labor.  God is at work in their lives.  Though not complete, you can see that they are “filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter 1:8).  And their joy is our joy! This single moment represents years of investment in the life of a child.  Paul told the Thessalonian church, “After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns?  It is you!  Yes, you are our pride and joy” (1 Thes. 2:19-20). These children are our legacy.  And to think that we have a part in shaping their future.  We started sponsoring a little girl several years ago and helped her until she graduated a few years ago.  We were surprised and delighted when Janeth came with her mother to see us while we were having the Christmas party at her old school.  What pride and joy we felt to see Janeth, her mother and her new baby! We can’t sponsor all of these children and young people.  Thankfully we have an army of generous, loving sponsors who can.  If you are one of them, thank you.  Thank you for giving to these children so that they can go to school.  Thank you for remembering them with a birthday and Christmas present. Together we’re building a lasting legacy of joy! Have a JOYFUL Christmas… Rod and Sherry