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Christmas 2006 Letter

Dear Friends,

As I was sitting down to write this very letter, there was a knock at the door. I opened the door to find a Micronesian man and two women asking if they could speak with me. They asked if I had lost something yesterday. Surprised at their question, I answered, "Well yes, in fact, money was stolen from one of our Sunday school teacher’s purse by a group of young boys." First looking down and then into my eyes, the man replied, "we are the parents of those children and we are here to apologize. Our children confessed to us, and we are here to ask for your forgiveness."

Just this morning our staff on Pohnpei had prayed for these young boys, that somehow God would use this wrongful act in their lives to bring about something good. Here was the answer, and with it came the opportunity to extend grace and make a difference in the lives of 5 kids in need of forgiveness. The whole scene brought tears to my eyes as I explained to the parents that God was more interested in the harmful effect to the children’s character than the loss of the money. We were all so relieved that the process of renewal and forgiveness had begun.

As we enter into this Christmas season of our Savior’s coming we have the opportunity to reflect on how God initiated grace and forgiveness by coming to this earth. In order to die, He had to come, and come He did in the most humble of circumstances, to demonstrate God’s heart of grace. Now, we too have the privilege of receiving and extending grace. And the opportunities, just like today, are all around us.

Grace, grace, God’s grace...
Grace that is greater than all my sin.

During this Christmas season of celebration, it is good to remember how God has touched you with grace throughout the year. At PMA we see God’s grace in action... when our planes transport the sick, search for those lost at sea or provide safe travel for missionaries and island passengers. When our PMF churches in Micronesia and the Philippines teach grace and raise up disciples who go and continue to spread the message of grace. When Sea Haven travels 1,000 miles over open ocean to bring medical care to islands isolated and far from modern conveniences. When a loving family decides to adopt one of the children from our orphanage in the Philippines. When a pastor on an island is able to facilitate reconciliation between two people that need to make things right with each other. Amazing grace...

This year you have graced PMA by standing with us in prayer. When you grace us with your financial gifts you are saying, "Keep up the good work, continue to spread God’s grace in the islands!" Our PMA missionaries and I want to wish you and your family a wonderful, grace-filled Christmas. Something that none of us deserve, yet all of us get to enjoy.

Let God’s grace flow down and cover you this Christmas,

Nob Kalau
President/CEO