Merry Christmas

from the Benedict family

Christmas 2014

D E A R M A RY & J O S E P H ,
As our family enjoys this Christmas season, weve been reflecting
on what we can learn from your lives. Theres so much more wed
like to know, but were thankful that God gave us everything
about both of you that we need to know. Even though youre not
perfect or sinless, your lives are incredible examples to all of us.
Mary, we are encouraged by your life of faithfulness.
We know that you lived with your parents in Nazareth, most likely
in obscurity (Luke 1:26). We know that you were a virgin
(Luke 1:27), and thank you for your example of sexual purity.
When we read that the angel Gabriel came to tell you about Jesus
(Luke 1:28), we are amazed how you responded. You could have
argued, but you didnt: thank you. When you heard Gods plan, your fear was real (and normal) - perhaps fear of criticism,
uncertainty, inadequacy, change - many fears that we have (but not of your magnitude). Thank you for demonstrating
immeasurable faith in God, and not shrinking away in fear. Thank you for being willing to be used by God for His purpose
(Luke 1:38). When the Holy Spirit filled your life (Luke 1:41), thank you for giving us your profound declaration about the grace,
goodness, and sovereignty of God. When you trekked 80 miles to Bethlehem, your willingness to fulfill Gods plan was evident
(Luke 2:4-5). Your love, protection and care for Jesus is exemplary (Matthew 2:14, Luke 2:45-46) and your devotion to spiritual
family practices encourages us (Luke 2:22, 2:41). You gave birth to Jesus as your baby and you watched him die as your Savior
(Luke 2:6, John 19:25). From before the cradle to after the cross, thank you for your amazing faithfulness.
Joseph, we are encouraged by your life of obedience and integrity.
You were a righteous man (Matt. 1:19) and perhaps this is the reason you were chosen to be the earthly father of Jesus. Thank
you for your example of sexual purity with Mary (Matt. 1:18, 25). When you heard that Mary was pregnant, thank you for not
divorcing her, publicly humiliating her, or allowing her to be stoned (Matt. 1:19). Thank you for showing kindness to Mary, not
making a rash decision, and being spiritually sensitive to Gods leading (Matt. 1: 20). Your willingness to believe in Mary is
amazing: thank you for choosing to trust God when the myriad of human feelings must have been overwhelming. You could
have dismissed the angels dream and carried out your own plan, but you didnt (Matt. 1:20-24). You risked everything by taking
Mary as your pregnant wife. You were willing to adopt this baby, and be, at best, his stepfather, accepting all of the personal
and social stigmas. Thank you for adopting Jesus into your life. You showed respect for the law when you journeyed to
Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-5), and during the trip of 80 miles, you must have demonstrated courage, determination, and significant
care for Mary. When you couldnt find any good places for Mary to give birth, thank you for being creative and finding a manger
(Luke 2:17). Your immediate obedience to God to protect Jesus is exemplary (Matt. 2:14), and your willingness to follow Gods
voice through dreams (Matt. 2:13, 19, 22) shows your steadfast trust in God. Thank you for being a godly leader to Jesus in
spiritual family practices (Luke 2:22, 2:41) and for demonstrating absolute obedience, integrity, and trust in God.
Mary and Joseph, your qualities inspire us, and your lives are a stunning testimony in how we should live. Thank you.
Scott, Stephanie, Zack and Ally

f o r w i t h g o d, n o t h i n g i s i m p o s s i b l e .

a l ly
(Pics, L to R)
Ally helping at-risk kids at the childrens center
After a parade, Ally spending time with friends
Allys village soccer team over for dinner and fun
So many kids were blessed from reading help from Ally
Ally joined our church for a missions trip in the U.S.

This past year, Ally developed friendships with Hondurans, missionaries, and missionary kids. She became part of the Honduran
community, and served in the school, childrens center, and as a big sister to missionary kids. She had a great season on the village
soccer team, and we are grateful that she showed Christs love to many people. Her Spanish grew by leaps and bounds, way more than
her parents! She is excited about our new ministry in Honduras, and the possibility of family and friends coming on short-term trips to
serve with us. Thanks for your prayers for her as she completes her Senior year and determines the next steps that God has for her.

ZACK
(Pics, L to R)
Zack working construction with Jake
Tutoring at the school with 1st grade students
Celebrating a birthday with an awesome missionary kid
Helping to be a spiritual role model to boys
Playground time with at-risk kids

Zack started 2014 off in Honduras helping with construction/maintenance and serving the students at the school and childrens center.
He enjoyed playing on the village soccer team, and worked wherever there was a need. Zack was a spiritual influence to Hondurans and
missionary kids. In August, he moved back to Pennsylvania, serving at church as a small group leader and working in landscape and snow
removal. He is considering his college options and where the Lord is leading him. This January, he will have dated Grace for 2 years. They
began dating in Costa Rica, and have continued their relationship. She is a college student in Boston. Thanks for your prayers for Zack!

STEPH
(Pics, L to R)
Sharing love with at-risk kids at the childrens center
Serving Christ through cosmetology and counseling
Enjoying a meal with Honduran friends
Teaching English to 1st graders
Helping to read a Bible story in our home

In 2014, Steph served through leadership in the missions guest housing ministry, cosmetology, hospitality, and counseling. In addition,
she made an apartment a home, continued her language acquisition, and was a great Mom and wife. As the director of guest housing,
she developed relationships with many short-term mission teams and individuals. Steph organized and remodeled many areas of the
guest housing building. She was a favorite tutor at the school, helping the students in Bible lessons, reading, and English. Hospitality was
one of her key ministries, and many dinners were shared building relationships with Hondurans and missionaries. With our new ministry
at La Providencia in Siguatepeque, Honduras, Steph is excited to be able to serve more specifically with widows and at-risk kids.

SCOTT
(Pics, L to R)
In our home, teaching kids how to pray before dinner
Visiting students on home visits
Giving Bibles to 1st gradersmany of them, their first
Her new Gideons Spanish New Testament
Loving the students at recess

For Scott, it was an huge blessing to serve God on the global mission field this past year. His primary ministry was teaching at the school.
During the year, he taught 1st and 2nd grade students Bible, Reading, English, Spanish, Math, Social Studies, Art, Computers, and
Science. In Bible class, he was able to give all students a Bible in both Spanish and English, and teach about Gods character through
the Old Testament. Students learned the plan of Gods salvation, the Ten Commandments, and many Bible verses. Scott also served
teenagers in student ministries, and with at-risk kids in the community. He hopes to help with the salvation and discipleship of many
people in Honduras. Scott and Steph are very grateful for your prayers, friendships, encouragement, and financial partnerships!
Enjoy Christ this Christmas - and in 2015,

Scott, Steph, Zack, and Ally

Global Outreach
International

Evangelical Council for

Financial Accountability

t
w
e
f
m

570.878.8152
benedictfam.com
together4honduras@gmail.com
facebook.com/groups/hopetohonduras
112 Jennifer Dr. / Clarks Summit, PA / 18411