I hope you enjoyed celebrating the birth of our Saviour. We didn’t have a white Christmas, but the concerts, gatherings with family and friends, church activities and even a live nativity were wonderful. Our ladies’ life group ended with a party and I enjoyed singing Christmas songs as well.
Christmas celebrates God taking on human flesh, which is incredible, but it all leads to Easter and the celebration of what Christ accomplished for us because of His great love. 2 Timothy 1: 9-10 (NIV) says: He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. Peace with God and eternal life are not things we deserve, but are gifts offered to us and made possible by Christ giving Himself to take what we do deserve. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15)
I can paste in the prayer requests I’ve shared for several months with one small change:
Please continue to pray for the following:
* for Craig, my supervisor, as he continues to work on my new assignment. I’m still hoping for official news to share with you soon, but his next trip isn’t until January February.
* for safety as I travel.
* to be a blessing everywhere I visit.
* for new prayer and financial supporters to join the team. Praise the Lord for those who have responded to His leading already!!!
Did you catch the change? Craig won’t make the next trip until February 17-23. Please join me in praying that God will be preparing the way beforehand and guiding in each meeting and encounter on the trip. It’s hard to wait, but I know that God is in control and that His timing will be best. It’s provided an opportunity I’ve never had on a Home Assignment – I’m looking forward to leading a Bible study at church starting in the New Year! My hope is that I’ll be able to complete it in time to leave on my next assignment.
Since I last wrote, I made some very enjoyable trips to visit supporters and speak in New York and Oregon in October and spoke in supporting churches here in Ontario in November. I’ve been able to reconnect with all my supporting churches and continue to contact individual supporters. I’ve also started to research the new ministry area even as the partnership is being worked out.
The trip to Oregon provided some opportunities to see new birds:
… and here are some fun photos from New York:
At the end of September my brother, sister, their spouses and I spent a weekend in Algonquin Park at the peak of the fall colours. Here are some photos of the beauty of God’s creation in northern Ontario:
As we enter the New Year, may we each seek to live the holy life to which we have been called and to share the Gospel message at every opportunity. May we rejoice in God’s creation, but even more in our relationship with the Creator and who He is and what He’s done for us.
Wishing you a blessed 2015!
Brenda
