I felt compelled and inspired to tell my story with the goal of touching a reader's heart. We have all made decisions which we wish we could undo. Unfortunately focusing too much on the past robs us of today and jeopardizes our future.

We all need hope, without it we’re lost. Asking for and receiving forgiveness liberates us and restores hope.

Those involved in Jennifer's disappearance made a poor choice. Everyone who knows these individuals and can provide information to end this nightmare is compounding the problem. It is time to do the right thing.

Many of us are experiencing tough times and want help but don’t know where to get it. My wish is that every reader finds a way to peace that works for them.

A Christmas Message from Bill Gilmour, Uncle of Jennifer Kesse, who has been missing from Orlando since January 24, 2006.
 
Christmas Eve will be 11 months since Jennifer’s life and everyone who knows and loves her changed. So many questions, so few answers. Someone out there knows something. We pray that God touches their hearts so that they come forward with the information that will bring Jennifer home safely. This is our only Christmas wish.
 
That Tuesday began like many days as Jennifer was preparing for work. A college graduate with a good job and a new home, she was living the American dream. Loved by her family, friends and boyfriend, her future was so promising.

It was all gone in a moment.  
 
How do we make sense of such tragedies? We ask ourselves, Why did God allow this to happen? Jennifer’s tragedy made me determined to answer questions instead of asking them.
 
A special connection was made with First Baptist Church of Orlando, whose membership warmly embraces our family and supports us through prayer and outreach. Attending services renews our spirits, touches our hearts and gives us hope. Sermon messages were hitting home. Something was happening inside of me.
 
For the first time, I made a serious attempt to read my Bible, and quickly began to see parallels of circumstances in my life playing out before me. The more I read, the more I wanted to know. Then it hit me: This book contained solutions to daily challenges. It is Life’s Instruction Manual, a gift from God to all of us. For the first time, I realized that He wants us to know Him, to have a relationship with Him. Most important, I realized how little control over my life I actually have and that I needed help. Regrets? Only one: that it took 50 years to realize this.
 
Our family has so much to be thankful for this year. Our hearts were touched by the overwhelming support from the community of Orlando – law enforcement, residents, media and businesses who assisted a family they did not know. In fact, people from across our state, as well as visitors from other states and abroad, volunteered time to assist efforts to find Jennifer.
 
My Christmas wish to everyone is this: Focus your life on what really matters – relationships, not stuff. Recognize we all need help – life is a team sport! Graciously accept the best gift you will ever receive from our Holy Father – His Son, who came unconditionally, became man, lived among us and experienced the human condition knowing full well that He came to give up his life for all of us.
 
Today, not tomorrow, hug someone you know and tell them how much you love them. Mend a relationship with a neighbor, co-worker or family member – you may not get the chance tomorrow.
 
As you prepare to put together all of the gifts with “some assembly required,” remember that an instruction manual is provided for a reason. And remember the greatest Instruction Manual of all, the Bible. God knew our lives would not be easy, and that we would face daily challenges; that’s why he provided the Manual for us. Please don’t wait until all else fails to read these instructions!
 
Please accept our heartfelt prayers for Peace, Hope and Joy in Christ . . . Each and Everyday!