2022 Advent Letter from Jake
“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.” John 1:14 (MSG)
An Advent message from Jake.
When we think about the incarnation, packing boxes don’t really come to mind. But if you have ever watched a family move into a new neighborhood, you know that each box is not just stuff, it's part of their previous life now invested in this new place. They are here to make a home, whether they came to be near family, for a better job, or to flee harsh circumstances. This new place becomes their own as they walk along the sidewalks, visit the local shops, or make new friends. When God became flesh and “moved into the neighborhood,” he was also fully invested in the community around him.
Jesus entered the world in a small way, modeling humility, service, and love during his time on earth. With Jesus as their example, our partners are constantly working to better their neighborhoods, serving their communities in tangible ways that show the residents how much Jesus cares for them. They strive to be the hands and feet of Christ, fully invested in the areas God gave them to care for.
In Myanmar, Holy Cross Theological College invests in their community by training new clergy to minister to those around them.
The local church invests in their community by becoming the hands and feet of Christ to their neighbors as they serve after natural disasters.
The church in Madagascar is invested in their community by playing a vital role in children’s education.
We play a small part in this by quietly coming alongside our partners, bringing resources and encouragement as they love those around them. Overseas, we provide grants to help with local long-term needs. Domestically and abroad, we help with disaster relief. And more recently, we are helping churches in North America serve their communities through disaster response. All this helps the local church come alive in their own neighborhoods, becoming the “flesh and blood” that is invested in the world around them.
We want our partners and their communities to thrive, and a healthy ARDF enables us to resource our partners in multiple ways. Join us this Advent as we help our partners “move into the neighborhood.”
In the love of Christ,
The Rev. Dr. Jake Stum
Executive Director
Watch this short video to see how your support of ARDF expands the visions of our partners as they demonstrate the love of Christ in their local neighborhood and beyond. Thank you!
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