THE AMAZING CHRISTMAS GIFT!!!

For Christmas Mammaw Berta gave all of her grandkids this wonderful Christmas Gift. Each of us are now a proud owner of the "Come unto Jesus" record along with a framed photo of Mammaw Berta, Pappaw Elmer and Aunt Geneva. It came as a shock to some of the younger grandkids...some of them did not know that there was such thing as a record made by The Believers!!! Just wanted to share one of the highlights from the Sims Christmas.

Love you guys,
Amanda

Trip to India

We received the following email from Duwane regarding their trip to India. Just to remind you Peace Home School is the school that David Bentley & the Believers sponsor. There is quite a story about this school. If you would like to hear more about the school you can contact Uncle David, Duwane or David Bruce.

David Bruce, Sally, Emma Lou and I have returned from our trip to Peace Home School in India. Wow, what a trip! David clocked our actual travel time by plane and train at 34 hours and that does not include layovers. Let me tell you it was worth every mile. As we entered the school we were greeted by hundreds of children with glitter, confetti, and flowers. Over the next 3 days we inspected the school, handed out Bibles with the Gideons, fed the children, sampled the food the girls had cooked, awarded medals in sporting events, looked at tents the scouts built, attended the schools Christmas program & gave Christmas presents to the students & teachers. We also had the opportunity to purchase a sewing machine & gave addition funds for computers.

Even with this busy schedule we had the privilege of visiting the homes of some of the students. While visiting one of the homes one man told us that he never felt worthy to visit the school that his children attend. He stated that he was very humbled that we would come to his home. At the Christmas program the next day we were looking around & there he was...for the very first time. What a blessing that was for us! I think this was the highlight of the trip for me.

We scheduled a couple of extra days to site see. During those days we had the chance to visit Buddha's burial place - and guess what??? HE IS STILL THERE!!! Isn't it great that we serve a GOD that is no longer in the grave! Among other things we did get to see the Taj Mahal. Even with all that we experienced nothing can compare to the experience of being with the kids.

Here are 4 pictures of the thousands we took. If you have the time I would be glad to show all of them to you.

We thank God for a family like ours. It is a VERY RARE thing in this world today.

Duwane & Emma Lou

Christmas Caroling at Mammaw B's (or as some of you call her...Great Mammaw)

I typed this post at the end of December...sorry to be so long getting this out.

For those of you who may not be aware, it has been a long-standing Christmas tradition for Uncle David's family, teamed up with Aunt Geneva's family, along with whoever wants to join in to go Christmas caroling. They always try to plan the event very close to Christmas Day so as to include any who may be coming in town for the holidays. This year, as in most years, Uncle Fred and Aunt Ann were in town for the annual event. I must say that it is just as much a tradition for Mammaw, Jackie, Aunt Ann and my mom who prepare an overflowing table of Christmas treats and holiday goodies for the carolers who always meet a Mammaw B's house, and for the carolers, there is no better place to start.

For those of you who have been a part of this over the years, but were not able to be there this year, you were missed as we looked around at the smiling faces crowded into Mammaw's little home - filling every nook and cranny with love and laughter. Once everyone had arrived (and had their share of the goodies), we all moved out to the front porch and the carolers took their place in the front yard. With song sheets and flash lights in hand, the singing began with David Bruce leading the family choir. Mammaw B, wrapped warmly and sitting in her chair on the front porch was beaming as she listened to the Christmas songs she loves.

There were quite a few of us who joined in the singing at Mammaw's but did not continue on with the group for the evening. They always visit several homes of friends and family and end up at Uncle Donald's (Aunt Geneva's brother) for the "after party" where they again share in Christmas goodies and warm up with hot chocolate.

I will leave you with some photos of the activities at Mammaw's house. And let me say to my family - it doesn't matter who you are, or where you are, you were probably mentioned and definitely missed that night. (I have to enter a special note to Jamey, Bethany, Emily, Patrick, Wes, Philip, Jon and Chris. You guys were among those who started this tradition. We want you to know how much we love you and missed you. Hope your holidays were great!) Enjoy the photos: