November ~ December 2011 Newsletter

It's About What God Can Do!

We have seen God do some amazing things in 2011! The most precious to our hearts has to be the birth of our sixth grandchild, Ali Cecilia Smith, on December 26th. Despite complications since October, God kept her safe and growing until time for a safe delivery!

God can meet the deepest desires of your heart and a time of refreshment. Three weeks during Christmas He provided a mountain getaway for us with some spectacular views (house sat-no charge!) Quiet times with the Lord on the deck overlooking the Caribbean Sea were priceless!

Children's Church

A group of 23 home schooled children from Church Hill Baptist Church in Augusta, Maine worked together with their Moms to make 100 Wordless Books for our children at The Way of The Cross Baptist Church.

God can work through willing children to make a difference in the world!

The children also sang two songs for Pastor Appreciation Month in front of the church. We continue to see spiritual growth in the children. We have seen 43 different children come, though the average is 19 weekly. We have a team of helpers with rotating schedules to assist with the children.

Church Van Ministry

Billy began driving the church van on Friday nights in early December. He, along with another driver, pick up children and workers for AWANA. Bumpy roads, rough neighborhoods, and late night trips make for an interesting drive!

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.." Ephesians 3:20

Looking For What God Can Do In The Future

As we work with the children and get to know them and their parents, and grandparents better we are seeing some needs we seek prayer for. Many of the children come because the grandparents take the time to bring them to church and see the need for their spiritual growth.

Ky'Danya was coming with her grandmother until some family conflict occurred. Now this little girl, who loves Children's Church, is not allowed to come to church.

D'Andre has some serious kidney problems and may need to have one of them removed.

For a small island there is a lot of violence. According to the Virgin Islands Daily News, "Rampant violence places Virgin Islands among deadliest places on earth." Young people are turning to ungodly lifestyles at a much younger age. The time is now to reach them. Pray for consistent church attendance and for souls to be saved.
God can make a difference in their lives!

Mission Support
This is not something we talk about much. We came here to St. Croix because we felt very strongly God called us here. He is and has been our provider and will continue to do so. He uses people to meet other people's needs. Some have asked how we are doing raising our support. We are at about 14% of what is recommended for our monthly support.
God can increase this to 100%. With full support, this ministry can affect more lives for Christ!

New Phone Numbers
340-643-0820 Billy
340-643-0821 Cecilia
This is the last change we needed to make to be islanders!

Praises
Healthy delivery for Ali
Time of refreshment
God's faithfulness in providing for our needs.

Prayer Requests
Children's Church
Children's physical and spiritual needs
Ministry opportunities
Van Ministry
Affordable housing

Thank you for your prayers and financial support.

Billy & Cecilia

Tax deductible contributions may be sent to:
YES Ministry
P.O. Box 700697
St. Cloud, FL  34770
or online at:
http://www.yeservants.org/

Ali has Arrived!

Little Ali has arrived!

She was born about three weeks early yesterday, December 26th at 12:34 pm. She weighed in at 5 lbs 8 oz and 19 inches long. She is perfect as her parents, Ryan & Nicole describe her and I have to agree. One of my younger sisters, Ivy, decided to take a trip to the hospital to see what was going on for this grandmother who is thousands of miles away. She held her for me. What are sisters for??

Now I am enjoying hearing the stories of her arrival, what her brother and sisters think of her and the pictures that float across the miles via cell phones and internet. How I love technology at times like this!

Ryan & Ali
He is a good dad!

As soon as pictures of Mom and Ali arrive I will post them. She had a very busy day!

January 12... As Promised...a picture of Nicole and Ali!

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well."  Psalm 139:14



Christmas Away From Home

As I sit out on the deck of the house we are house sitting I can see the islands of St. Thomas and St. John. If I close my eyes and use my imagination I can see the states of Florida, Georgia and Maine where my family all live. We have been away from home most of the last 20 years of our marriage but Christmas always brings the yearning to go home. This year probably more so as Ryan & Nicole will be having Ali Cecilia Smith on December 26th. She is our sixth grandchild and despite complications, the Lord has kept her safe and growing til the 36th week of pregnancy. I know that God has me where He wants me to be but still, the desire to go home is here.

I wonder...

When Jesus was here on this earth, did He ever look towards heaven and yearn to go back home? Did He think of the things He was missing, wonder why He was so far from home? I know He chose to come to this earth. His love for me and others was so strong that He made the sacrifice. That's why we can celebrate Christmas Day with hope. He chose to die on the cross for our sins 33 years later, rose to heaven and is preparing a place for those who are His. He will return someday for His people.

This Christmas, though I yearn to go home, my prayer is that I will have the heart of Jesus. My desire may be for home but the work is not quite done. May I be about my Father's business until He calls me Home!

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Legend of The Candy Cane



The J reminds us of Jesus who was born on Christmas Day.

It looks like a Shepherd's Staff. They were the first to find out about Jesus' birth.

The Red Stripes remind us of Jesus' suffering and His blood. By his stripes we are healed.

The White candy reminds us that when we give our lives to Jesus, his blood washes away our sins, making us white and pure as snow inside.

Ali Cecilia Smith

Soon little Ali will be entering this world. She is our sixth grandchild. Each of the others are very dear to us. But this is the first grandchild that I have been such a part of her life before she arrived. When Ryan & Nicole told us in June they were expecting we were totally surprised. God has blessed me with the best daughter in law! She invited me to go with her to one of the ultrasounds so Lindsy, my oldest granddaughter, and I went and had such a good time. My little grandbaby was barely a couple of inches and she was bouncing all around in her mom's womb. What a precious sight!

Soon we had to leave to come back to St. Croix, which is a long way from Maine! But more ultrasound pictures and updates came from Nicole. October brought us the news that there were some indications the baby would come early. Prayers were prayed and bed rest followed. She is due around January 15th and God has kept her safe inside while she develops and grows each day.

Probably the sweetest thing happened to me on October 24th. Ryan & Nicole chose to name her 

Ali Cecilia Smith!

Words can not describe the emotions that brought. It doesn't look like I will be able to be there when she is born but since I know Nicole, I will have LOTS of pictures sent my way!
Now we just hurry up and wait!

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

We want to wish you a very

Merry Christmas

&

A Happy New Year!

May the Lord bless you and your family!

Love

Billy & Cecilia

Adventures at Ruby Diamond Plantation

It is Finished!

Last year when we moved to St. Croix I started writing a children's book titled

"Adventures at Ruby Diamond Plantation."

It is about a 10 year girl named Naomi, who along with her parents, brother and sister, move to the island as missionaries. Island life, hurricanes, a new school and many other adventures await this little girl. Through all of her experiences God is teaching her His ways.

Now the next step is to get some honest critics who are not afraid of telling me like it really is...and who knows..maybe a publisher after that.

If any of you are interested send me your email and I will send a copy for you to proof read. Even if it never gets published it has been a fun experience for me!