"For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." (Psalm 30:5)

2005 has come and gone. In its wake, a year of testing, sorrow, and affliction has mercifully ended. My family has gone through the fire and our prayer is we will now come forth as gold in this New Year. Truly it has been a year of many challenges. We now look forward to a new chapter and a new season for the Thomas Nation and Elijah Ministries. We are seeking the Lord for the dawn of joy that follows the long night of the soul.

On Christmas Eve, the Thomas Nation came before the presence of God to discuss the highlights and lowlights of this previous year. Each child shared the challenges, opportunities, and adventures of 2005. We concluded by committing ourselves afresh and a new to the Lord for 2006. Hope arose as we filled our hearts with anticipation of loving, serving, and obeying God and His purposes at the commencement of this New Year.

Obviously, our lives are still raw at the passing of my lovely bride and mother of the Thomas Nation, and yet we know for a surety that God’s grace is sufficient. We are finding that God is just not a Father to the fatherless, but a Mother to the motherless, and a Wife to the wifeless. He has faithfully sustained us in the midst of Liz’s ordeal. He has inspired many to come along side and help us through this tragedy. Our hearts are grateful and we thank each and every one of you who reached out to us with cards, notes, prayers, and loving support during our ordeal.

We pray that each and every one of you have a blessed New Year in God’s Kingdom. Please also remember this loving admonishment from the Apostle Paul, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58)

I just got off the phone with Brother Flip. I read to him this special poem that was sent to me by some precious friends from California, Chet and Joann Gallagher. I'm preparing even as I write to gather up the Thomas Nation and for the first time, except for my oldest, Shekinah, we are going to visit Liz's grave stone. We will bring a poinsettia plant and at this special, yet emotional time, I will read this poem to the kiddos. Please pray for us as we face this Holiday season without the one who went out of her way, time and again, to make it so special for the Thomas Nation.

This poem hits the mark for us and we pray it will bless you as well. We have lost a lot of precious people this year, but as the poem declares, "please wipe away the tear, for I am spending Christmas with Jesus this year. The following is the message sent by brother Chet, along with this moving poem. Enjoy!

IN KING JESUS' SERVICE,

Rusty

Dear Rusty,

Thanks for the wonderful photo. The children, and yes, even you look beautiful.

Strangely, I couldn’t help but notice somewhat of a void to your left and imagined Liz sitting next to you in the center of the photo.

Some years ago while doing a funeral for a young mother of 3 I discovered this poem which I shared at the funeral. You may have heard it. It is appropriate for this season in your life. Consider it our Christmas card to you and your wonderful Thomas Nation.I see countless Christmas trees around the world below with tiny lights like heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow. The sight is so spectacular; please wipe away the tear, for I am spending Christmas with Jesus this year. I hear many Christmas songs that people hold so dear, but the sound of music can't compare with the choir up here. I have no words to tell you of the joy their voices bring, for it is beyond description to hear the angels sing. I know how much you miss me; I see the pain inside your heart, but I am not so far away: we really aren't apart.

So be happy for me, dear ones; you know I hold you dear, and be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus this year. I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly father above, I sent you each a memory of my undying love. After all, life is a gift more precious than pure gold, it was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love each other, as I always said to do, for I can't count the blessing or the love he has for each of you. So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear, Remember~

I am spending Christmas with Jesus this year.

~ Author Unknown

We love you.

We have returned only weeks ago to Las Vegas and would hope that if you are every flying or passing through you will consider staying in our home. (PS…there is room for everyone in that photo, too.)

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rachel's park memorial

Presents

2005 had an interesting aspect to it. For some reason, this is the year our family and ministry did more internationally. My older daughters went on short-term mission trips. Shekinah and Cassia went to Mexico, while Destiny and Shekinah went to the Netherlands. Cassia is scheduled for San Salvador in February and Shekinah will be going with Miss Pat McEwen to India some time this year as well.

Another interesting development is Christian Ministries and Churches from other nations are stumbling upon our website. About 7 or 8 nations have contacted us about our tracts, newsletters, and articles. Men and women of God are making copies to pass out to Pastors, Christian Leaders, and even government officials. The following is a sample of one of those contacts. Please pray that these exciting doors and opportunities to impact the nations for Christ continue.

So far, we have heard from a few states that want to participate in the Smash the Pot Prophetic Tour. I’m preparing my family to visit each and every abortion mill in America to prophetically declare their reign of terror is over. Utilizing the Jeremiah 19 model, by God’s grace and provision, we will smash a pot at every altar of Baal and Molech throughout our blood-stained land. Please pray for us as we look to stay faithful to our homeschool vision, while continuing the battle against the Powers of Darkness in Jesus’ Mighty and Holy Name!

IN KING JESUS' SERVICE,