“…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10b

All over the world there will be celebrations at Christmas. Maybe some may have different reasons for their celebrations, but here in the Ivory Coast, West Africa we will be celebrating with our fellow Christians the birth of our Lord. In John 10:10 and in other passages, we are reminded of His reason on coming to earth – and that is to give eternal life to those who receive Him.

I began to put up a few Christmas decorations in the house while Steve was teaching at the Bible Institute. In the center of the living room is a large tapestry of Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus.  On a table in front is our African molded clay nativity. Looking at the baby Jesus, I was reminded of the little baby chimpanzee that we are watching for an Ivorian man. The owner was supposed to have come for him by now, but he probably will be here after the first of the year. “Cookie” can be very cute when he is running free outside, or when he is very tired.  But in case there are any children who are saying, “Oh mommy, we want a chimp”, don’t listen to them!!!  A chimp can also be very annoying, especially when he won’t let go of my leg, or when he won’t let me kiss Steve without climbing up on him to kiss him first, or when he climbs up on the kitchen counter and helps himself to the yogurt!  He somehow thinks that he can have full reign of the house.

That reminds me of how people sometimes think they can have control of their lives, not giving any thought to the future.  The baby chimp’s life was spared when his mother was killed by hunters. God offers the gift of eternal life to all those who receive Jesus-Christ as Savior.  What a wonderful message we have to share this message with others this Christmas and always!

We thank God that those who are being trained continue to go forward. Steve and Emmanuel, continue to teach 9 students in the first year program of the Bible Institute as well as monitor closely the 5 students in the 4th year practical church ministry program. 

Joanne Sopt (pictured with Gayle and ladies) has organized the Institute’s new Christian book store and Cyber Café. We are thankful that she will be returning in January after a short stay in the states over the holidays.  I am planning a Christmas luncheon for our students, their families, the counsel, and those involved in the Institute Center. There will be 53 total.  The church ministry in Sotref continues to grow slowly, and Steve has been asked to rejoin the counsel of our 1st church plant, Grace Baptist.The mission work in Divo is progressing well; Bertin and Agnes rejoice for the new believers that have been baptized. 

In everything we give thanks to God for making it possible for us to be here. What a great privilege to serve Him!

Thank you for your prayers. We would like to take this time to wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Steve and Gayle

Kings: E-mail: sking@aviso.ci Web Site: http://www.steveandgayleking.com
Phone: (011) 225- 34-71-3459; USA # 570-906-8443 SKYPE ID: gayleinafrica
Field Address: 01 BP 2152 San-Pedro 01 Côte d’Ivoire West Africa
Serving with: Baptist Mid-Missions - 7749 Webster Rd / Cleveland, OH 44130-8011 Phone: (440) 826-3930 
Commissioning Church: Hope Baptist Church / 6450 Hope Way / Hanover, PA 17331