Merry Christmas from the Joe Roof Family

This year, my family has been dwelling on the fact that God shared Himself with us through the miracle of the incarnation. Instead of seeing Christmas as some type of materialistic grab-all, Kim and I pray that our children will see this holiday and every day as an opportunity to share God’s Good News and goodness to others. So, this Christmas, we started giving to others before buying presents for ourselves. (Right: Joe, Kim, Daniel, Naomi, and Kyla Roof)

We ministered to Pamela, a woman who was suffering greatly from lung, hip, and brain cancer. As we ministered to her, she ministered to us. Two weeks before Christmas, she went home to be with the Lord and left a mark on our lives that is greater than anything we could receive in a nicely wrapped box under the tree. We took several people to a restaurant who cannot afford to do so. Once again, we thought our purpose was to be a blessing, but each time we were the receivers of blessing. We purchased a gift card so one precious Christian family, who is presently unemployed, could purchased some groceries and presents for one another for Christmas.

While we are not aware of cancer in our bodies, can afford a meal at restaurant every once in a while, and are employed at the moment, we are a needy family. We could not survive apart from the grace of God. By God’s grace, Kim and I are close to completing 15 years of service here at the Calvary Baptist Church in Albany, NY. He’s met every need, saved souls, given us property that is paid for in full, and brought into our lives some of the most precious believers you could ever know. We have a mega church, not because of the size of our congregation but because of the size of our God! By God’s grace we have three precious children and have endured four miscarriages. By His grace, we will continue to be a family and serve the Lord together in the year ahead.

SI is a great place. It is a place where I have made new friendships, renewed some old friendships, and learned a lot about walking with the Lord and serving Him.

My family joins me in wishing you all a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year.