We appreciate all the support, help, prayers, and team effort involved to provide for our community.

I am praying for you this morning...

How bright is your light these days? Is it a flicker? Is it still trying to start? Does it reflect and illuminate God's love to everyone around you?

I've heard it said that sometimes the only Bible some people will read, is the life and example we live.

Think about that. What kind of example is your life to others? Do others see Jesus in you, and me?

Keep your light shining, with humility and sincerity.

"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven."
–Matthew 5:16

Dear Friends,
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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
May the peace, joy, and love of Christ's birth fill your heart and home this Christmas season. Wishing you a blessed and Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with God's grace.

An Abundance of Gratitude and Shared Blessings
Words cannot truly express the depth of our thanks. Ray and I want to extend our deepest, most sincere gratitude to each one of you for your faithful and unwavering support throughout this past year. Because of your incredible generosity and prayer-ful partnership, the ministries here in Costa Rica are doing well!

Here is a glimpse of the impact your love has made:
The children’s home is growing and has now begun construction on its third house! To date we have had the privilege of ministering to over 160 children. The clinic is expanding its capacity and will be welcoming a full-time doctor starting in January. We are overjoyed to be building two new churches and a parsonage in the country's northeastern sector, wonderfully supported by dedicated mission teams from churches in the States. Enrollment at both the Methodist school and seminary is up, a fantastic sign of growing faith and education!

Looking Ahead to 2026
As we look forward to the coming year and all the exciting new work it will bring, we also want to share a practical challenge. Our personal vehicles, which are essential for the daily ministry, are getting quite old. Ray drives a 2006 Tundra, and Lidia has a 2007 Sequoia. We truly love our Toyotas—they are workhorses that stand up to the ruggedness of the Costa Rican roads, and parts are easy to find. However, we have now reached the point where the yearly maintenance and repair costs are exceeding the cars' value. We are prayerfully moving forward to begin a Car Replacement Fund. The wonderful folks at the Methodist Church in Uvalde are assisting us by receiving and setting aside financial gifts for this specific purpose. Gifts for that purpose can be designated “Zirkel Car Fund.”

Family News and Continued Prayer Requests
Our family is doing well. Sarah is just days away from graduating with both of her master’s degrees! (MDIV & MBA) Please continue to pray with us for God to open the right door for her future career, as she is actively seeking employment. Emma begins her final semester in her master’s program in January and will start working part-time in a hospital Emergency Room in College Station. We are so proud of her dedication!

Ray’s recent health issues have persisted, and he has undergone a variety of medical exams at Houston Methodist. (A few more to go!) While he is feeling somewhat better, the mystery of the "good days and bad days" continues. We ask each of you to please keep praying for a clear diagnosis and complete healing as we place this fully in God’s hands.

As the year ends, we want to thank you for your incredible generosity and investment in our lives and ministry. We are grateful for each one and look forward to seeing many of you in the States over the holidays or in Costa Rica during 2026.

Praying your Christmas season is richly filled with the peace, love, and profound joy found only in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

With Deepest Love and Gratitude,
Ray and Lidia

Did anyone see that pickleball commercial during the Super Bowl? I thought it was hilarious!
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Have you ever wanted to try pickleball in a safe, fun environment—unlike the places depicted in that commercial?

Hundreds of men and women of all ages and backgrounds have found their way to KFUMC to experience this game that has swept the nation. Many new friendships have formed naturally through pickleball at our church. Players care for each other, laugh and fellowship together, serve through our food relief outreach, sing in the choir, and worship together—all because they first came to play a game.

I believe this kind of innovative, outside-the-box outreach ministry makes God smile. Every time I visit the church gym to watch pickleball, I’m amazed at how many people are enjoying themselves and building community.
You’re always welcome to come check it out and bring your friends and neighbors! Equipment, playing time, and instruction are provided free of charge.

For more information, contact Grant Palmer at [email protected] or (830) 459-5848.