“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given : and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

What wonderful words from Isaiah the prophet. Not only was Israel walking in the darkness of false worship, but indeed the entire world seemed unable to recognize what Psalm 19 states so clearly, that there is a God through whom all things were made, and that this God is worthy of all praise and glory.

Sadly, as Israel had shown time and time again, the heart of man is deceitfully wicked. Furthermore, this tiny nation that God had chosen to lift up and use as a light to the nations, was unable to

overcome the depravity that is inherent in the hearts of every man, woman and child. And so, the world remained in a state of darkness and separation from the affection and from the fellowship of the creator God.

But who, then, would be able to overcome such a cursed darkness dwelling so deeply and so tenaciously in the heart of man? And who would be willing to offer themselves as a surety, and bear our guilt, and die our death under this curse?

In vain the call went forth through the hallowed halls of the court of the Triune God “for none of the sons of the morning would adventure the dreadful perils of such a trust.— till a voice sounded forth from the midst of the throne, 'Lo, I come, I delight to do thy will, oh, my God! yea, thy law is within my heart.' ”

So it was the Son of God, born of a virgin, who offered his own life as a gift, as a ransom for many that we might inherit life eternal through Him. Truly, this is news worth rejoicing over.

Feliz Navidad, Michael

Finally the rainy season is over, and December is the beginning of the dry season. It is also time to rejoice in the miracle of the virgin birth of the Son God. Being a predominantly

catholic country, Costa Ricans (or Ticos as they call themselves) observe Christmas with much exuberance and love to decorate their homes inside and out with colorful lights and nativity scenes both large and small. Many Ticos also often decorate fragrant cypress tress in much the same manners as Americans decorate fir trees. In Costa Rica Santa Clause doesn’t bring the Christmas gifts to the children, those are brought by baby Jesus the night before Christmas called “la noche buena.” It is customary on Christmas day for all the people that live in the same house to get together around the tree and pray, thanking baby Jesus for the good year that has passed, followed by the opening of the gifts.

Christmas in Costa Rica

The L

ees

Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given Navidad 2010

A table full of gifts.

We had many friends from Bethel PCA, Cornerstone PCA, & Nature Coast Community Church visit us in October

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TW M

ÉXIC

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Prayer Requests“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased.” Luke 2:14

1. Pray For México. Though the safety of most ordinary people is not immediately threatened, the power and influence of evil is on the increase. There is only one solution to the world’s problems, including México's , and that is Jesus Christ and the application of His Holy Spirit through the unashamed proclamation of the gospel. Pray that God will see fit to pour His Spirit out on this land.

2. Pray For The Lees.We have one trimester remaining in Costa Rica. Pray that we will be able to learn all that we can in order to fulfill our calling in Mexico. Pray also for our children; Hannah will return to South Carolina to finish her studies at Winthrop University. Pray for Amber and Jacob who will remain with us in Costa Rica until April. Pray also for our support account. We have been blessed by you, our fellow workers in Christ and have a healthy support account. However, we remain 5% short of 100% funding.

" As we approach the end of 2010 and I reflect on this past year, I think of all of you, our family, friends, prayer partners, and co-laborers together in Christ. This year has seen many times of excitement but also times of great sadness. In February, we were finally able to leave our home in South Carolina and come to Costa Rica to begin the next phase of our missionary journey. Learning Spanish has been a real blessing. Though very challenging at times for me, this time has been one of profound learning for me; more than just learning a language, but learning how to really trust in Christ alone for all that I need. It’s been a very humbling experience but one that I’m truly grateful for! In addition to this we have met many wonderful friends here in Costa Rica. We give thanks to God for all of them. One of the challenges for Missionaries on the field is the sadness that is experienced when losing a loved one, a friend, or receiving the news that someone you are close to is ill and in need of help. This is d i f f i c u l t w h e n l i v i n g thousands of miles away. Quite a few of the students at ILE have lost loved ones this year or received difficult news, including me. However, we rest assured that none of these things have taken our sovereign God by surprise. In light of this grief and sadness, I wait with great anticipation for the day when we will no longer experience sadness or loss and am reminded of the great hymn, “ Nearer my God to thee”. In the last verse, the hymn writer writes, “There in my Father’s home, safe and at rest, There in my Savior’s love, perfectly blest;Age after age to be, nearer my God to Thee, Nearer my God to Thee, Nearer to Thee”. Thank you for your constant love and prayers on behalf of our family. Since we last wrote, we had some changes in schedules with our girls. They have stayed here with us in Costa Rica and continued to study Spanish. We have been so grateful to have this time together as a family. Hannah will return to South Carolina in January and complete her studies at Winthrop University. Amber and Jacob will remain with us in Costa Rica and then Amber will return in April when we complete our time here. Please keep them in your prayers. As we finish up 2010 and begin 2011, we look forward to completing our time in language school and joining our team in Monterrey Mexico!

We wish you have a most joyous Christmas season as you worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

With love,Tricia

Michael & Tricia LeeMTW Missionaries to México

MTW #14461

Instituto de Lengua EspañolaApartado 100-2350San José, Costa Rica803.222-5733Michael: re4merz@gmail.comTricia: mercgivr@gmail.com

www.bethelpresbyterian.org/NoMex

Donations AddressMission to the WorldPO Box 116284Atlanta, GA 30368For e-donations call:1.866.373.6133

The Lees at the Latin America Area Retreat in OctoberHannah, Jacob, Tricia, Michael, and Amber.

Greetings from Tricia

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