2025 November Newsletter

As Christmas draws near, we’re delighted to share a special edition coming direct from our Live Connection pastors across the globe. Eight of our regional leaders offer a glimpse into how their communities celebrate the birth of Jesus - beautiful stories of children singing in the street, shared traditional meals, families coming together and the simple joys of church fellowship. Their voices, in their own words, are our gift to you: a window into places where Christmas is celebrated with fewer resources but abundant joy. Thank you for partnering with our pastors; your prayers and generosity help them serve faithfully in every season.

Burundi

– written by Pastor Desire Kwizera

“In Burundi, like in some other African countries (especially in the great lakes), Christmas is celebrated in families and communities. It brings people together; neighbours and families can put some amount of money together and buy a cow just for meat which they share. On the day of Christmas, people share with the poor in the area. On that day wherever you can visit you will be saved a dish of beef. In the family, the head of the family must by some new clothes for his wife and children just to make everyone in the house feel like a winner. Early in the morning everyone attends Christmas celebration at his local church, you will find thechurch full of people and decorated like never before. Most of the time in the church, pastors receive the new converts baptised on that day. After service in the afternoon, it is time for everyone to pay visit - especially where you have invitation or where you invite by yourself.”

Indonesia

– written by Pastor Paulus Wiratno

“Where I live, Christmas carries a beautiful sense of peace and harmony. Although the island is home to diverse cultures and beliefs, the atmosphere of tolerance is felt everywhere. Churches are decorated with care, families dress in their finest clothes, and after the Christmas services, it is common for homes to open their doors for ‘open house’—a simple tradition where anyone is welcome to visit. There is a gentle warmth in Bali that makes every celebration feel welcoming and full of grace. For my family, Christmas has always been a season of quiet joy. As December begins, we clean the house together, set up a small Christmas tree, and hang tiny lights along the doors and windows. Soon the sweet aroma of homemade Christmas treats fills the house, reminding us that the celebration is drawing near. On Christmas Eve, we gather in the living room to exchange small gifts, enjoy the desserts we have prepared, and pray for one another.The church service is an important part of our celebration, as the congregation sings Christmas carols with heartfelt gratitude. For us, Christmas is a time to strengthen family bonds and to remember the love of Christ with a peaceful heart. Last year, God allowed me to experience Christmas in a very different way when I joined the early Christmas celebrations in Waikabubak, West Sumba. There, I met pastors who serve in remote villages, faithfully ministering for years with very limited resources. As we handed them Christmas gifts, I saw tears gather in their eyes—not because of the gift itself, but because they felt seen, supported, and no longer alone in their journey. I also celebrated Christmas with the children in our Mercy children’s home in Waikabubak. We sat togetherenjoying boiled cassava and bananas—simple foods yet filled with joy when shared with grateful hearts. The children welcomed us as though we were part of their own family, and in their laughter and warm embraces, I felt the love of Christ so clearly.”

Malawi

– written by Pastor Paul Green

“Here in Malawi, Africa, Christmas is a big event and celebrated in a marvellous way. Every child wants to wear a piece of new clothing. If this is not done, then the child of that family has not celebrated the Christmas. Always around 2pm the children wear new clothes and walk around the streets. This makes those without new clothes to feel much pain. They remain at home crying to their parents. In Malawi, you can miss the whole year without buying a new piece of clothing for your child, but not on Christmas day. You are in trouble! You can miss the whole year without eating rice with meat, but not on Christmas day. You also can not miss to drink a soft drink. When the children walk around the streets, they need to refresh with a soft drink, if not a snack. That makes a Christmas. On the 24th we should have a church service from 8pm to 10, then another service at the Christmas day 8am to 10. The message of Christ is preached. Always children act a drama of Christ’s birth.”

Nigeria

– written by Bishop Kevin Alozie

“In the spirit of Christmas, we all travel to our village and have a good time together with our parents when they are alive. Even as they are no more, we still travel home and have fun with our relatives. For me as a servant of God, Christmas is a good opportunity for me to launch out a big crusade program for my people at home. They used to come out in great numbers to hear the Word of God and also to receive Christmas gifts like rice, clothes, shoes and financial empowerment (as my hand can reach out).

This year the arrangement of the crusade has started already. The dates are the 26th - 30th December 2025. In fact, there is no period of time that looks like Christmas. Towns and villages are cleaned and decorated with Christmas lights and flowers. Children come out and display cultural wrestling and dance, and exchange gifts and pleasantries.”

Rwanda

– written by Pastor Gideon Mukiza

“I thank God that we are almost at Christmas and we thank our donors who help us celebrate it. I was born in Congo in 1995. After the genocide against the Tutsi, the country was liberated and I returned to Rwanda, but my siblings remained in Congo. In 1996 the war in Congo has been going on since then until now. After 4 years they also fled to different countries; Uganda, Kenya and Burundi, my parents were the ones who fled to Rwanda. As we approach Christmas preparations are made to celebrate it, including new clothes, food and drink, decorations, and changing the colour of the house. Those who can afford it prepare money to go out with their family on the water. On Christmas day, all children gather at their parents’ house if they live in the same country. On Christmas morning, we first celebrate it in church. After church, we cook good food and share it. After eating we talk, laugh and tell each other different stories. Then those who wanted to rest went to different rooms, then those who wanted to stay overnight stayed overnight and those who didn't went home.”

South Sudan

– written by Reverend John Chol

“As Christmas approaches, our church prepares to celebrate this blessed occasion. In December, our youth are actively involved in preparing Christmas songs, dances, and marches to glorify God. We also hold a Christmas Carol event in November, which is a cherished tradition that reminds us annually of the approaching celebration. This event not only uplifts our spirits but also draws the community closer in fellowship. OnDecember 24th, church members gather for a march that begins around 2pm and continues until 5pm. This procession is a significant part of the celebration, symbolizing well coming of Kings Birthday that bring peace, unity and joy. On Christmas Eve, the church holds Night Prayers service at around 11pm, the church prayer service that lasts three to four hours, giving thanks and reflecting on the meaning of Christmas. The next morning on December 25th, at 6am, the church service resumes and continues until about 10am, after which people return home. At home, families pray for their meals before sharing a festive feast. During this time, friends, relatives, and visitors arrive to celebrate together, enjoying food, drinks, and the company of loved ones. Children play a lively role in the festivities, forming groups and visiting neighbors and relatives. When children visit, they often ask, "X-mas here, are we coming in or out?" If they are invited in, they join in eating and drinking; if not, they leave, understanding that there are no provisions in that house.”

Uganda

“This is how we celebrate Christmas in our villages in Uganda. I buy new clothes for my children and wife. We gather with other family members after church service in the evening. We normally have an overnight service from the 24th to the 25th of December. We make budget for the Christmas celebration by raising funds. We gather in the church in the morning hours. We contribute money together with the church members for the celebration as a remembrance of the birth of Christ Jesus. We buy soft drink and water for the celebration. We decorate the church and clean the church compound and make it a wonderful place for the celebration. We write the names of the youth in the church and organize for them gifts from the church members, and if you feel to gift to anyone of your choice then you will gift after the name you picked.”

Zambia

– written by Pastor James Sibulowa

"Christmas in Zambia is a vibrant celebration filled with family, friends, and faith. As December approaches, the country buzzes with excitement. Churches are decorated with colourful lights and green branches, and choirs rehearse traditional Christmas carols. On Christmas Eve, many Zambians attend midnight mass, often in packed churches filled with the sound of joyful singing. Afterward, families gather for a festive meal, which typically includes traditional dishes like nshima (a staple made from maize meal), stews, and roasted meats. Christmas Day is a time for giving and sharing. Families also visit each other, exchanging gifts and good wishes. One of the highlights of Christmas in Zambia is the festive atmosphere. Many people decorate their homes with lights and decorations, and the streets are filled with music and laughter. Some communities also organize events like Christmas parties, games, and food festivals. Throughout the holiday season, Zambians emphasize the importance of family, community, and faith. It's a time to come together, share blessings, and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. As one Zambian proverb says, " Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu " - "A person is a person because of other people." Christmas in Zambia is a beautiful expression of this spirit of togetherness and joy."

Zimbabwe

– written by Pastor William Tom

“Christmas in rural Zimbabwe is a vibrant celebration! It's the most celebrated holiday, bringing people together from cities and abroad. Mbare bus terminal in the capital Harare is bustling, and scotch carts line highways, picking up loved ones with treats like bread, margarine, and the famous Zimbabwe Sun Jam, drinks, biscuits, sweets, and new clothes – the one time of year for fresh outfits. Breakfast features a big teapot on the fire and buttered bread in a winnowing basket. By the way, on this day in the village, any time is teatime, as the poor teapot spend the day on the hot mopane hot coals. Lunch is a feast of rice with slaughtered village chicken, goat, or pork. These animals are prepared months in advance. Food is abundant, and generosity flows. The unwritten rule? Don't eat too much – there's more to come! It's a day of joy, family, and community.”

The Live Connection pastors would also like to thank you for your generous support of our Christmas fundraiser. Your kindness will make Christmas day even more special! And as we rejoice in Immanuel - God with us - may your home be filled with hope, peace, and the joy of Christ this Christmas. We wish you a merry Christmas! The Live Connection Team