Letter from Pastor Gillard:

Dear Friends in Christ,

We have peeked in the manger and seen the Father 's great love for us--a Savior born to save all nations!  From our home in Africa to yours- wherever you may be--we wish you the richest of God's blessings in these Holy Days.  I don't think it will come as a big surprise to those of you following these email update when I share that our family will soon leave Uganda for good.  It is no longer possible or desirable for us to secure our work permits through the LCMU.  In these days we find ourselves wrapping up the work here and selling personal and mission property.  We will return to the USA in late January and begin a 6 month furlough while another posting is sought.  The furlough will include some speaking but we'll wait until we're settled before we whip up a schedule.  I'll continue to serve South Sudan during those 6 months.  These plans are the outcome of my boss' visit in early December.  Thank you to so many of you who have communicated your love and concern as we grieve the loss of friends, and so many aspects of Ugandan society.  Our bodies are made of clay, yet we have the treasure of the Good News in them.  This shows that the superior power of this treasure belongs to God and doesn't come from us.  In every way we're troubled, but we aren't crushed by our troubles.  We're frustrated, but we don't give up.  (2 Corinthians 4:7-8, God's Word)
We are your missionaries, sending  you much Christmas Joy and many prayers for a safe and healthy New Year.

Pastor Jacob Gillard and family
(Shepherd of the Valley will continue its support for Pastor Jake Gillard in 2012, no matter where he goes in the future.  Please pray for him and his family ~ Pastor Schoen)