A Record-Setting Christmas Card Party!

My, oh my; last night's Christmas party was not only a wonderful time of encouragement and stimulation for us, but the messages that were put inside our cards and letters will, I'm quite sure, prove to bless many others. And when I say "many," I really mean it for we set new records last night -- both for letter-writers and for productivity. Indeed, we managed to squeeze in 22 people around tables upstairs and down (with 2 others writing from their homes). And the total? 277 cards and letters! Wow.

Included in that wonderful number were 39 colorful Christmas cards (3 apiece) sent to 13 Christian brothers imprisoned for their faith in China, Eritrea, and Iran -- cards that bore a brief message and Scriptures in their respective languages! And 84 Christmas cards and kid-created art works were directed to residents of senior care facilities which Claire and I will distribute to key people in our Aksarben Village church service and our December "When Swing Was King" shows. How lovely is that!

And the rest of that gorgeous pile of Christmas cards? Let me cite just a few examples. 9 are going to our incoming Governor Jim Pillen. 13 were sent to Franklin Graham and his teams at Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. 5 went to local police and fire stations. 12 Christmas cards will be heading to Supreme Court Justices. Assure Women's Services will receive 7 Christmas cards from last night's effort. And 6 activity directors from senior care facilities where we do "When Swing Was King."

And others? President Biden; former President Donald Trump; College of the Ozarks; Project Veritas; Congressman Don Bacon; Joni & Friends; EPS; Julie Arant with Global Friends; Senator Deb Fischer; Tim Tebow; Tucker Carlson; Mayor Jean Stothert; Amir Tsarfati; Good News Jail and Prison Ministries; outgoing Governor Pete Ricketts; and several others.

What a terrific evening. Our profound thanks to Larry & Deb; Jim & Jean; John; Keith & Carol; Perly & Sandy; Don; Pastor Hauge; Allen & Cindy; Rob & Hope; Deb; Lori; Patrick; Chester; and 4 members of the Troutman family, Matt, Isaiah, Anna, and Lydia. You guys did a super job! Now may our Lord protect each Christmas card en route and may He grant each recipient gratitude, grace, and inspiration.