From Tom Bremer, ISAAC President

Dear Fellow Laborers in the ISAAC Fellowship,

“Abra!, Abra!, Abra!” shouted all of the rehab residents at the annual Christmas celebration. (“Abra-(o)” is Portuguese for Open (it)!) One of the residents in the program, we will call him Rui – a man off the streets – was experiencing his first Christmas celebration ever. He stood there speechless, freezing the moment in time, and just stared at the gift. All of the prodding of his fellow residents could not compel him to open the gift. The gift was from a “secret” friend who had been sending him notes of encouragement and hints of his identity over the previous 4 weeks. Each of the residents would open his gift, and then try to guess who the secret friend was.

But Rui just stood there staring at the gift. At last he spoke in a timid voice which betrayed a bit of shame he might have been feeling for not opening the gift. He spoke in a whisper: “This is the first gift I have ever received in my life, please let me just hold it for a while.” The room fell silent, and many, myself included, had eyes full of tears. What can you say during a moment so special?

Rui eventually opened the gift but I can’t even remember what it was. I only remember him standing there, and the poignant words he spoke. I realized then that Rui was giving all of us a great gift. He was savouring the moment that was so unique in his life.

This story causes me to ponder many things. One is: how many in the world are offered a gift far greater than anyone can imagine, and don’t open it? So many times, the gift of Christ remains available to so many, but is left unopened. It’s within one’s grasp, but it is never unwrapped and known.

Another pondering is: the giving of gifts and the receiving of gifts is central to Christmas. God’s part is: “Unto us a child is GIVEN” (Isaiah 9:6), our part is to open that gift. John 1:12 states: “Yet to all who RECEIVE him,…he gave the right to become the children of God.” Such a great gift should be held, opened and savoured!

Some Highlights for 2025

Its been a full year in the ISAAC fellowship. In keeping with our thoughts of this letter, much giving and receiving has taken place! We are thankful to God for all he has done through the ISSAC Network this year.

• 221 frontline workers have been strengthened across 3 continents and via online contact
• Global member care visits, consulting, coaching and pastoral care was provided in 8 countries to local projects and leaders
• Expanded team capacity in the UK with a new staff role added for work in The UK involving church engagement, regional hubs,  and ministry growth
• African training: 4 new volunteers are delivering training is 3 African countries: Nigeria, Zambia, and Kenya
• New monthly prayer calls for all ISAAC members have begun, uniting workers from 3 continents already.

More growth and development is planned for 2026. There will be, as in the past, more 1-to-1 mentoring. There will be quarterly online panels. Also, in September of 2026 there will be another Global Conference. This one will be held in Spain.

It is the hope of all of us in ISAAC that all of you will experience a blessed Christmas time this year. I personally encourage all of you to Abra, Abra, Abra! and see and savour what good gifts God has for you. God bless all of you as you give your lives for those in great need. I am confident our best days are ahead of us!

Tom Bremer