Christmas Letter from Bp Ruch

Christmas Eve 2014

Dearest Upper Midwest Family: Merry Christmas!

I have just returned from a most remarkable two weeks in the Archdiocese of Jos in Nigeria. It was a time of such rich Kingdom experiences that I am sure I will be absorbing them for months to come.

We had the privilege of visiting a church under siege–truly a persecuted church. Indeed, even in our time there a bomb blast occurred in downtown Jos. But our brothers and sisters there carry on with a Gospel courage and focus–a focus on the lost and the poor and starting new churches…and they do so with joy. How I wish I could transport you there to be a part of the worship!

The only power that can overcome the darkness in Jos or Peshawar or America is Jesus. Praise God the Father for his Son’s holy incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. All things hold together and are healed in Jesus. Live, preach, teach, raise families, build friendships, serve, work in the name of Jesus.

Oh the joy of this–“Good news of a great joy that will be for all the people (Luke 2.10)”!

Katherine and l love you.

Yours in Christ,

+Stewart Upper Midwest

PS One of my great joys was ordaining one of Archbishop’s Ben’s new deacons. I hope you are heartened by the way in which this communicates our being fully received by the Church of Nigeria. I have enclosed a picture of the ordination as well as one of my son Ellison, me, and our host the Venerable Mark Mukan.

UMW 2014 Christmas Letter (PDF)