Latitude Christmas Letter

Dear friends, 

Last weekend we held our first prayer gathering in Rockwall, Texas. What a blessing it was to be able to pray together as a community of prayer warriors. As we divided into groups to pray for the needs of the ministry and the strategic opportunities that are ahead of us, my heart was full as I heard people praying simultaneously in different rooms of the house pouring out their requests to God. Bold and concerted prayer is crucial to the accomplishment of God’s purposes in the world. 

As we move into the heart of the Christmas holiday season, I am reminded of the story of a man called Simeon who lived in Jerusalem at the time of our Savior’s birth. For years this righteous and devout man had been waiting for the Messiah who would be “the consolation of Israel.” One day the Holy Spirit of God came upon him and directed him to the temple courts where he met a young couple with a newborn son who was to be presented to the Lord and consecrated to Him. When Simeon saw the baby called Jesus, Scripture says that he took the child in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light of revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel” (Luke 2:28-32, NIV). Simeon never gave up hope that his own eyes would behold the Savior of Israel, and his faith was rewarded in God’s perfect time. The significance of this encounter must not be missed this Christmas season. Jesus, the Savior we celebrate, was destined to be a light of revelation to all nations. His light has shone upon us and transformed our sinful hearts. Just as Simeon was able to behold the Savior with his physical eyes, we have looked upon Him with spiritual eyes and have been changed forever. And yet, there are still billions of people in the world who are living without an eternal hope. They need the light of revelation to penetrate their spiritual darkness and bring consolation. The good news is that Jesus Christ has commissioned and empowered His church to be the light of the world and a city on a hill so that people from every nation could be brought into a personal relationship with Him. 

One way that you can share the light of Christ in the coming year is to partner with Latitude GLC which exists to prepare, encourage, and sustain the next generation of spiritual leaders for the advancement of the Gospel and the strengthening of the global church. I believe we live in the greatest time of world mission, and it is within the reach of these young leaders to take the light of revelation to all the nations. The Gospel can truly be preached in the whole world in their lifetimes. God has called me to be a “Barnabas” to emerging spiritual leaders who will lead their own generation to accomplish this task. Would you join me in this journey? Take a moment to visit our new website at www.latitudeglc.org and prayerfully consider partnering with us in prayer, encouragement, and financial support. You can make a special online donation today and may also set up recurring monthly contributions to help sustain this ministry. We request that your financial contributions to Latitude GLC be made after you have fulfilled your financial commitments to your local church. 

May the peace and love of Christ fill your hearts and homes as you celebrate His miraculous birth. 

Merry Christmas! 

Keith and Kimberly West 

Latitude GLC exists to prepare, encourage and sustain the next generation of spiritual leaders for the advancement of the Gospel and the strengthening of the global church.