Season's Greetings Livingsong Friends and Family,

As we near the end of 2024, we reflect on the countless blessings God has poured out on our ministry and lives this busy year. We are so grateful for the opportunities we’ve had to serve and for the amazing new doors God has continued to open in the United States, Canada, and Peru. We are filled with anticipation for a new year of ministry work ahead as we share God’s greatest gift to us, His Son, Christ Jesus.

Looking back on a fruitful month of November, we witnessed God’s hand at work in powerful ways. While we served in some new places, we also returned to familiar ones that hold a special place in our hearts. One such moment was our chapel service at the Nashville Rescue Mission in TN, where we had the privilege of ministering to a full shelter of over 300 men. This was especially meaningful because our first chapel service there was back in 2015, a foundational moment when God used our time living in Nashville to shape our ministry further. This particular evening was deeply encouraging, not only because of the engagement but also because of the respect and attentiveness we received from the men in attendance.

Ministering in emergency shelters can be challenging, as many individuals we encounter are facing overwhelming struggles, making them understandably less receptive or inclined to participate. However, that night felt different as God's presence filled the room, creating an atmosphere where people were open and responsive to the Gospel. A praise report moment came at the end of the service, when many came forward, we literally gave away our last supply of printed Bibles. Hallelujah! 🙌 The hunger for God's Word was deeply moving and it's the power of Scripture to bring comfort, hope, and new life even in the midst of hardship. "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scripture we might have hope." (Romans 15:4) 
 
During our few days in Nashville, we participated in ACT Int’l’s annual Nashville Gathering. This event was designed to introduce ACT Int’l to newcomers and included worship, testimonies, training, fellowship, and excellent teaching from the leadership team. We are thankful for the opportunity to lead worship, share our story, and offer encouragement to those in attendance. Following the Gathering, we traveled to Crossville, TN, where we ministered to the residents of the Mission Bible Training Center, a recovery support program for men and women. Next, we visited Knoxville, TN, to connect with new friends and lead a chapel service for FOCUS, a program offering hope and support to incarcerated and newly released women. Next our journey continued to Greeneville, TN, where we served at U-Turn for Christ, a Christ-centered recovery program for men. Finally, we concluded our trip in Marion, NC, joining our Celebrate Recovery friends for another uplifting evening of worship and testimony.

There were too many special moments and connections to capture fully in this newsletter. Among the highlights was the blessing of fellowship with our dear friends Liz Perreault, Sue Richardson, Larry Moshell, Byron Spradlin, Pastor David & Sheila Spakes, Pastor Javier and Elizabeth Guzman, and our ministry partner, Doran Edwards. We deeply valued the opportunity to reconnect with old friends, share meaningful conversations, and simply spend time in their company. We encourage you to visit our Instagram page @ livingsongministry to stay updated on our journey and see all the incredible moments the Lord orchestrated.

As we enter into a new year, we humbly invite you to continue partnering with us in sharing the love of Christ. Your prayers and financial contributions directly impact the lives of those we serve, pointing them to the hope and salvation found in Jesus Christ our Lord. Whether bringing the Gospel to individuals in recovery, in prisons, or shelters, we are believing in God’s provision to continue carrying the truth that Jesus came for the lost and broken. This Christmas, we wrap our lives around the truth that Jesus is the greatest gift, and with gratitude we celebrate Him because He truly is the reason for this season. Our God, the Creator of the universe, the only One who holds the stars in place, chose to step into His creation, not as a powerful king or a conquering hero, but as a helpless baby born in a simple manger. What makes His birth so extraordinary is not just the miracle of the virgin birth, but the incredible truth that God Himself came to dwell among us. The Bible says, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory” (John 1:14). In Jesus, we see the face of God, full of grace and truth, reaching out to reconcile us to Himself. In the midst of all the festivities and distractions of this season, Christmas offers us an opportunity to pause, reflect, and redirect our attention towards the greatest gift given to us, Christ Jesus our Lord, amen.

So What's Next?  

We look forward to returning to Tennessee on the last Sunday of the year to minister at West Emory Baptist Church in Knoxville. Following that service, we’ll begin making our way toward Florida and we'll be back in Peru by spring, Lord willing. The journey south will not only allow us to serve along the way but also take advantage of more reasonable rates for flights to Lima, Peru. Our route will give us time to reconnect with family, ministry friends, and dear partners. Our ministry schedule for January is full, but we are prayerfully finalizing ministry dates for February and March. If you’re in Florida and would like us to partner with you in ministry, we’d be honored to hear from you! To stay updated with our calendar, please visit www.livingsongministry.com.

We are overwhelmed with gratitude for your faithful partnership. Your prayers, encouragement, and financial support have been a vital part of bringing the precious message of the Gospel to so many in need. We extend a special thanks to our cherished ministry partners: Pastor Andrew Delong, Angela Uhle, Barbara DuBrul, Dave Kennon, Debi Schuster, Pastor Dennis & Tamara Jones, Diana Strickland, Doran Edwards, Kelly & Kyle Pryce, Kanani Kimmanee, Michelle Link Sharma, Pat Smith, Patti Gumerson, Pastor Paul & Tracy Lucas, Randy & Christeena Imler, Roberta Renk, Sue Richardson, and Living Hope Church in Englewood, FL. Your support this year has helped fulfill the mission God has placed on our hearts. As we look ahead, we’re confident that God has even greater plans in store, and we’re excited to continue this journey with you by our side.

In closing, we sincerely pray that each of you reading this newsletter will experience the peace, hope, and overflowing joy of Christ, not just this Christmas but throughout the entire coming year. May His love surround you, guide you, and fill your heart with comfort and strength. Thank you for being such an incredible blessing to us and to the many lives we’re able to reach with the Gospel.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

Manny & Erika Lynn Garcia

Livingsong 

• Donate https://www.livingsongministry.com/donate

• Mission Tour https://www.facebook.com/Livingsong/events

Praise Reports

- H​appy November Birthdays to our dear ​sisters in the Lord, and ministry partners, Barbara DuBrul and Tamara Jones. We are grateful for the unique ways God continues to work through your lives, and we pray this year ahead is filled with His abundant love, peace, and grace.​ Happy Birthday.

- With much thanksgiving we welcome Sue Richardson, our dear friend and new monthly ministry partner!!! We are so grateful for your support Sue, and look forward to partnering with you in spreading the message of hope and healing through Christ. Also our special thanks to Cynthia Hall, and Pastor Javier & Elizabeth Guzman for your generous one-time donations. Every contribution is a tremendous blessing, and we give God praise for supplying the need accordingly to His will.

- Social Media comment received from our recent service at Marion NC. 😊

Prayer Requests

- We ask for your prayers for our dear ministry partner, Pat Smith, who is scheduled for knee replacement surgery today on Christmas Eve. Praying for a successful procedure, for comfort and peace during her recovery, and for God’s healing touch to bring her strength and restoration.

- We’d like to ask for your prayers for our dear long time friend Zeb, a fellow worship leader from Florida who is courageously facing terminal throat and lung cancer. Recently, Zeb had the opportunity to travel with his family to Arizona for a time of rest and to create cherished memories together. Please join us in praying for Zeb and his family. We ask for God’s peace, comfort, and strength to surround them during this time.

- We humbly ask for your prayers for the men, women, and children we had the privilege to serve at the six locations where we delivered 1,500 pairs of socks. ​Please ​pray that the encouragement and hope shared through this outreach would draw ​each of them closer to Christ. ​ We remember the staff and volunteers at these facilities, who faithfully serve​ and care​ for those in need. If you haven’t seen our latest video update, we invite you to watch it ​below.

 If you have found inspiration in our newsletters, and are considering becoming involved in our mission, we humbly request your prayers over becoming a monthly partner. As the Lord leads, we extend an invitation to click the icon below, which will lead you to further details on our ministry and how you can join our efforts to advance the Gospel of Christ. 

Donor Supported Non Profit Ministry of ACT Int’l