Pastor's Year End Report 2018

“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.  May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.” - 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

Well personally, as I sit here and write this, I haven’t felt this healthy for several years now; healthy but sort of beleaguered. In my mind I feel like I could compete on America Ninja Warrior, but of course my body, with the wrecked shoulders, aching back, and knees that give out, feels like it’s been thrown off the bull in the rodeo. I think the pains have been there quite a while, I just didn’t notice them so much because I just hadn’t been too active. I’m not complaining though, and I know, there are many in the same boat, or even far worse. So I say; “let’s enjoy what’s left of the mission together.”

Over the last little while, feeling as well as I do, I had been dreaming of all that I could do for God and His Church. But right now I’m just trying to get used to a reversal of roles of sorts. I’ve always joked that I’m getting to the age where people start to look at going into Assisted Living homes, and I’ve said, that it seems like I’ve been in Assisted Living for the past 30 years because Bonnie has been right there beside me. She has spent countless hours over the years, waiting in doctor’s offices, waiting for tests, and sitting beside hospital beds,  not only nursing me back to health after many a serious illness, but she has been ministering to my heart all along. She has definitely been the most important prescription the Great Physician has ordered for me, but for my salvation. And now that she’s going through some pretty debilitating heart issues, I’m trying to figure out how to care for, and minister to, her and her heart; and I will say, I’m not doing very well. Pray for me in this.

What I do see though, is that it’s all part of God continuing to qualify me for this “call” of pastoring. The learning never ends. But I absolutely do need to learn this because a pastor who can’t minister to his wife’s heart isn’t going to be much use to The Chief Shepherd’s Flock.

And about the Flock, I love the Flock: I’ve repeatedly said that we’re not a bad church, we’re doing pretty good. We have a church family that ranges from wee little ones to, well… to some who have seen some things in “all their years”. We have a great core of young adults who are moving into leadership positions. We have young men who have stepped up and filled the pulpit in my absence because they love God’s Word and His people. We had a few baptised this past year. We’ve seen some new faces and said good bye to some long-time friends; we have a little church that some pastors I know envy.

But, is that it? No, because we’re not there yet, are we? To simply be content, and comfortable with where we are, both spiritually and physically, would not be healthy. We want more, I want more! More of Him, I want to know Him, I know Him, but I want to “know Him and the power of His resurrection”, to quote the Apostle Paul. I want more people to know Him and to know the joy of the indwelling Holy Spirit, living and moving in them, and moving them to greater things for Christ. I want more people to share Him with, and more people to share lives together with here in this church family; don’t you?

There are many people we know and love who don’t know the love of God in Christ Jesus. And, there are many who do know Him who are hurting and in need of the family of Believers gathering around them for love and support. People, all people, everywhere, need the Gospel; we need to be reminded of the grace of God in sending His Son to this sin-filled, spiritually blind and dead world to live the life we could never live, die the death we were destined, in our sin, to die, guaranteeing for us all the spiritual blessings of the heavenlies for all eternity.

I started 2018 off with a little series on God’s Design for His Church talking about what The Church really is and how we should view the Bride of Christ and function as His Body and His Temple. What it should mean to us, and what It should be for one another. God didn’t just round up some people and stick them together in little holy huddle groups all over the place to try and get by in this life until heaven; we aren’t meant to just survive, we’re meant to thrive in the grace of God.

Nothing in this world will satisfy our soul like the Lord Jesus Christ. God sent His Son to die that we might truly live. Jesus sent the Comforter, the Holy Spirit of God, that we might be comforted as He guides us into all Truth and empowers us to live our life with purpose. And God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit sends us, the Church, that the world may know of His great love, amazing grace, and compassionate mercy for sinners.

And that’s what’s been shaping my thinking lately in respect for a vision for 2019, still not knowing all the pieces, but enough to see that it’s simply a continuation of God’s design for His Church and part of what we saw in the Church’s role in the eternal plan of redemption.

He is raising up pastors and teachers and evangelists and missionaries and yes, even ordinary, “insignificant”, people, to go out and show His glory for the sake of His Name by sharing the Good News of salvation among the nations, and the neighbourhoods; that the whole world will know there is a great God in heaven who satisfies the longing heart. How many might be raised up from right here among us that will one day be those sent ones? The answer is actually pretty easy, but I’ll save it for the New Year.

“So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.” – Acts 9:31

Pastor's Year End Report 2017

“Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” Ephesians 4:15-16

First, on a personal level: Last year at this time, after a year of what some would consider serious illness, I was wondering what was going to be happening regarding a kidney transplant. I found that my thoughts were; I can leave serious health issues up to God and, as much as possible, continue to press on in His strength, doing whatever I discern to be His will for my life and ministry until the next appointment, illness, or surgery.

So, I pressed on and eventually had that kidney transplant. I now joke that it is not good for man to be alone and so Gerald’s kidney now has a familiar partner working alongside; thank you JoAnne! Of course “thank you” doesn’t even come close to the gratitude me and my family have for what she has done. And so, the words that truly describe it are from John’s Gospel; “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down their life for their friends.” (John 15:13)

And again, as it was with Gerald, God’s hand was, as always, amazingly in things; I broke another hospital record as I was released from hospital in a record four days, not the usual six or seven. And things were going real well until a month after getting home with my body starting to reject the new kidney.

Not a problem; the wonderful Renal Team at Thunder Bay Regional that I continually thank God for, was on it. And, after a couple of months of some pretty intense steroid treatment, pronounced that the rejection was taken care of and my kidney function was back to normal. In fact, it was working so well that I no longer had high blood pressure and was taken off of medication that I’d been on for almost thirty years.

But apparently, the medication was masking an aortic valve regurgitation issue and now we wait to see how, or when, open heart surgery might take place. Someone asked me, after a recent visit to the cardiologist, how I felt about what was going on now with a serious heart issue. I can only respond to that with; “just another appointment that I can leave up to God to sort out the details while I press on with the work He’s given me to do until He says stop.”

And just a note; while all this was going on, Bonnie and I were packing up our house after selling it in May, just a couple weeks after we returned home from Toronto. With “City Hall” issues keeping us from having our new house built, we packed up a lot of our things and put them into a storage container and took the rest with us to our new home. We’re renting out the Peter’s basement apartment and are so very thankful that Ron and Elsie are putting up with us until we are in our own house sometime next summer; Lord willing.

But enough about me, I only update you on all of this because many are asking. Moving on, let me tell you what I believe God is up to with His Church Family here in Murillo.

To be honest, I really don’t know what He’s up to. In fact, I was thinking through all that He had been doing in our life and in the life of the Church, and also personally in some of your lives. Thoughts were going through my mind while looking out our condo window in Toronto, thinking about all the people outside going about their business on Yonge and Gerrard, when, all of a sudden, out loud, I said; “God, what are you up to?”

I supposed He’s doing what He’s always done through the centuries; working in and through our lives to conform us more and more into the likeness of His Son. I know I’ve seen some of it in mine and Bonnie’s life, and of course in many of your lives throughout the years.

But, I also know that’s what He’s doing because that’s what His Word tells me He’s doing. So in some ways, yes, I do see that, and in another way I have to say I want to see more and know I will because that’s His promise to us.

In thinking that I want to see more, I have to be honest and say that that’s what I wrestled with Him over during the first part of my “Vision Week” this fall; that time that I remove myself from everything and seek His will and direction for His Church. And what He showed me is that it is His Church and He will build it. He will build it, not me; my concern is to faithfully follow Him.

So, that leads to the future and what I came away with from that short time away. It was that I need to set aside a large chunk of my study times to really learn what His Church is, and then, in the New Year, preach a series on the doctrine of the Church; what His Word says, and teaches, about what the Church really is and how we should view life in the Church. So I look forward to preparing for that, but at the same time, I approach the topic with much fear (of God) and trepidation, knowing that I am in no way an expert on the subject and often make mistakes as I attempt to lead us on as your Pastor.

With that said, in the New Year, I look forward to seeing how God will be glorified and work through Bonnie and I as we take another journey with significant health issues. I look forward to leading this little church family as its Pastor. I also look forward to learning and experiencing more of what we as a Church family should look like as we come together to worship, fellowship, and build and strengthen our relationships as we seek to reach the world with Christ’s love.

Bonnie and I are looking forward to being held and strengthened, right along with all of you, by our Great God and Saviour in 2018.

Always in His Grip,

Pastor Anthony

Pastor’s Year End Report 2016

“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.” 1 Peter 1:8

One word for this year; joy!

Joy in knowing that I have a Father in heaven who knows absolutely everything I’m going through. And not only that He knows, but He’s using it to conform me more and more into the likeness of His Son.

Joy in serving with the people of Community Baptist Church. This has been a trying year for Bonnie and I. Along with being quite sick for most of the year and not being able to serve as much, or as effectively as we’d like, I am filled with joy as I observe so many stepping up and stepping in, to do what I’m not able to do.

Joy in seeing how God is growing the church as we’ve welcomed several new faces over the year. Yes, we’ve said good bye to some, but I’m encouraged by the way God brings in others who love the Lord and have a heart to serve.

Joy in seeing a young lady come to the Lord, through the witness of a friend, and step forward in obedience in baptism.

Joy as we commissioned Lorraine and Kgotso to ministry in South Africa and Lesotho, and to see their joy, and rejoice with them, as they welcomed little Onalenna into the world.

Joy in the generosity of this church family who, through their generosity, we have been able to send large amounts of support to Lorraine and Kgotso, and to the Keres and Klockenga families for the work in Cat Lake.

Joy in being able to do what I love. People ask where I work and I can honestly say; “I don’t work, I have the privilege of being a pastor to a great little church in Murillo; it’s not work.”

Joy in having a loving, caring, encouraging, wife who loves me and loves God. I can’t begin to thank God enough for giving me a wife who is in it for the long haul and stays strong in Him.

And so, I rejoice with profound joy that is beyond the power of words to express. And besides that, it is a joy that is filled with glory, filled with the blessings of God that transcends all earthly things. Indeed, it has been a challenging year with all of my health struggles and yet, in spite of my weakness, His grace has been sufficient and His power has shown through in my weakness. We have a great little church that doesn’t always, or only, rely on the pastor to run the church or get things done; everyone contributes and the church grows because each one does their part.

I have to thank God for the number of men He’s placed in this church who can step behind the pulpit and bring the Word of God to the congregation; some on very, very, short notice.

I’m thankful for Linda who has taken on the task of secretary and graciously prompts us to get things done while getting a lot of things done herself.

I’m thankful for the members of the Official Board who are planning and promoting all of our various events, activities, programs, and teaching. We might not do it all “perfectly”, but each and every member has a desire to follow God’s leading and direction for His church.

And so, not knowing how things will play out with this adventure of a kidney transplant looming in the near future, I’m thankful for this past year and how through sickness, God has shown the Deacons and myself that, if and when I am absent for a transplant, the work here goes on for the praise of His glory.

My plan, after seeking His direction this past fall on my retreat, is to, through His Word, help make us more in awe of Him than we are of the things of this world. There are many things in this world that we use and enjoy, but those things are to point us, in awe, of the One who gave them to us.

So, especially thinking that through for the coming year, my plan is to do a series on awe. Awe inspires us to see the worth of God and live in reverential fear of the One who is our Lord and Saviour.

Sin blinds us to the glory of God and because we are blind, it can cause us to live without awe. But, there really is a God who is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, the God, who is the sum and definition of all that is good, true, and loving. But praise Him, He is not only good, He places His goodness on us as we place our faith in Him! We have His goodness, not because we deserve it in any way, but simply because He is good, gracious, loving, and kind.

Think about it. The One who is the sum of all that is truly good has placed his goodness on people like you and me. Joy, joy, joy!

Pastor’s Year End Report 2015

For me, the word that describes this past year is; “God”. I know, pretty broad eh? But there have been, and there continues to be, some pretty amazing things happening at CBC and I know all the glory and credit goes to Him.

How, “together with all of you who are rooted and grounded in love”, we have come through this past year better able to “comprehend what is the width and length and depth and height-- to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that we may be filled with all the fullness of God.”  (Ephesians 3:18-19)

For many this, “ability to comprehend”, has come about through many struggles and tears. We live in a fallen world and no matter how hard we try and fix it by serving the homeless, or bandaging up the wounded, or taking in refugees; it is still a fallen world with millions lost and hurting, even right here in our church family, who need the glorious Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

And so, I’m excited, as I see growth in many here in the way they are reaching out with that Gospel. But also, how they are continually reaching up to God from whence our help and our strength comes from and pressing into Christ our Saviour. So I’m excited about God, and what He’s done in 2015, and about what He is going to do in 2016.

I’m excited, and very thankful, for our Sunday School and Children’s Church program, and the teachers who, week after week, bring God and Christ into the classrooms. I find it encouraging that Sunday School is doing so well in a time where many churches have all but abandoned a Sunday School program. I’m excited for the way we, young and old, are learning together, not only in our Sunday School but also in our newly shaped Wednesday evening study and prayer time.

I’m excited, and encouraged to see steady growth in our younger adults, watching them step into leadership roles, not being afraid to make mistakes; and thankful for our “older” leaders not being afraid to let them. We have a very rare thing in our Official Board with 70% of the Board being under the age of 25. Someone on the Board of another church said that 100% of their Board was over 70! Jesus used young people!

I was excited to see 3 people baptized this past summer, again a mix of young and old; from 14-70-ish! And I was excited to see us welcome 4 people into official membership; all having been brought here by God through some pretty amazing and tough circumstances and trials.

Looking ahead to a new year, I’m excited for this to continue with hopefully many more coming and becoming involved. Not simply to be involved for the sake of being involved, but to join in the excitement that I see in those who are involved by being a part of other people’s lives as they serve together and learn together.

I’m excited that we have an opportunity to partner with Lorraine and Kgotso Mashongoane in an exciting new ministry in Lesotho Africa as they leave the umbrella of Teen Missions and the MSSM program. As we partner with MSC (Missionary Service Committee) to provide all the legal and foreign affairs type things, it will be a challenge to learn how to truly be a “sending” church by being more closely involved in their support, ministry direction, and their spiritual well-being.

I’m excited to see how, in the church, the new Boards and Committee members work things out together and how I will have to adapt to having a helping hand doing some of the administrative duties with our hiring of a part-time secretary. Pray for Linda and I as we work out what that looks like. (Sister-in-laws aren’t the easiest to work withJ)

I’m excited as I anticipate putting together a challenging New Year’s series on being a disciple; one who “loves completely, lives courageously, and serves compassionately”. Pondering through the texts that I was given in November has definitely been affecting my view of discipleship, dramatically, and I think this series will affect all of us as a church as we move forward.

So with that, I encourage you to ponder these texts:

“Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” John 13:1

“Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?” (Matthew 16:24-26)

Feeling undeservedly blessed by the One who gave His life

Year End 2014

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! "For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?" 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. - Romans 11:33-36

Well, these verses launched us into 2014 with an intended emphasis on the greatness of God. I think we’ve seen, throughout this year, how great and wise and wonderful and how truly ‘awesome’ our God is, and how small and insignificant we really are in the whole scheme of things; “see what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are!” (1John 3:1)

And some of His children went through a lot over the last year and I am thankful that we were able to go through some of those difficult times together. There were also many joys along the way. But through the good and the tough, I am truly thankful that we can acknowledge God’s goodness and mercy.

My vision for His church here in Murillo is that we would all be growing into maturity in Christ through the faithful preaching and teaching of His Word; that we would all love Him with all of our hearts and love and serve one another with grace and mercy, and that we reach others with the love of Christ through His Gospel .

And I’ve been thinking about my own journey and the illness I’ve been living with for a while and thinking how thankful I am that He’s allowed me to go through, what some might say is a lot, but what I think hasn’t been all that bad, because it has truly given me insight into what many others are going through so that I am able to empathize and serve more effectively.

I guess to lay out my theology really simply; I believe that God is sovereign and He is good, and anything I go through I can know that it is for my good, to draw me closer to Him. And that anything I have in this life is because of Him, but it is temporary; we are exiles just passing through. And I am confident of this; that He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it on the Day of Christ Jesus. One day we will be in our heavenly home, living forever with Him; He is my greatest treasure. I can know that, and trust in that, no matter what I go through, because that’s what He tells me in His Word and He cannot lie.

I am truly thankful for God’s goodness in the way He has provided for His church over this past year as we see many of our next generation stepping up into leadership positions. I am thankful for the Official Board that plans and serves the people; for all the others who may not be in “official” positions, but are serving non the less in places and areas that we don’t even often realize; and I am very thankful that we were able to bring a new deacon on board who desires to serve this church family in whatever way he can.

There is so much to be thankful for. I find myself joining the Apostle Paul who was very fond of saying; “thanks be to God”. And I especially join him in saying; “Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.” (2 Cor 2:14)

May God continue to richly bless us in 2015!

Year End 2013

“He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:3

He really has put a new song in my mouth having come through another very interesting year to say the least; a year that I truly praise God for how great He is and the great work He is doing in my life and in the life of His Church. Unlike 2012, this past year was interesting because I went through it without any real health concerns. But, other than health, God does have a way of keeping things interesting doesn’t He?

I would have to say that this past year, in my ever lengthening time in His service as Pastor of Community Baptist, I’ve learned more than in any other. And it was very interesting the way the learning curve steepened as we saw two very faithful servants, Don and Diana Engen, out of the blue it would seem, move on to minister closer to their children in Sarnia. Or, maybe it was walking along side some who were going through their various trials. Or, maybe it was just God getting me to think more deeply about who He is and who I am? It is most likely a combination of all those things; but I am truly thankful for what He has taught me through it all.

I can honestly say that when Don and Diana left, I felt completely at peace about what God would do in the work here. I trusted that He would have people step up, and step into, any holes that were there; and that’s exactly what happened. He caused some to take on roles they had not even thought of, or never thought they could have, and He brought new people into the Family who were eager to get in and serve. God is still good; all the time!

I am truly thankful for the number of people who are willing to serve in some capacity here in our little Church Family, when you look at the list from Communion Stewards to Sunday School Teachers, from Cleaners to Worship Team Members, from Property to Ushers, and so many more; there’s a lot of people serving in this little church! Many people carrying the load makes for lighter work for all.

I am thankful that Bonnie and I are able to mentor our Youth Leaders, David and Nicole, and see the next generation taking on leadership. That goes also for being there for our Young Adult group that meets each week, desiring to go deeper in their relationship with Christ. We are also privileged to meet with a group of young parents to try and sort out what it means to be Biblical in our parenting; that has been an opportunity to learn that I didn’t get everything right the first time around. But, God is gracious and has given me grandchildren to continue to learn from!

I am also very thankful for the few days I was able to go out to Round Lake Bible Camp in November and tuck myself away from it all to just get alone with God and listen to see if I might discern where He’s taking us. I found that to be very meaningful and productive, and came away feeling that I had been given direction in putting together a vision for the New Year. He’s given me a number of passages for sermons in a series on His greatness. That subject in itself could take us to eternity. But my plan, Lord willing, is to take the first half of the year and focus on His greatness through many of His attributes. It may turn out to be longer than half the year, but that’s going to be up to Him.

I’m also thankful as we begin 2013 that we have Barry back on board once again giving us four Deacons. The Deacon’s Board carries a lot of responsibility and it is great to be able to spread that out a little bit more now with another experienced leader.

There is just so much more I could add but I’d rather you asked me in person; so thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving you; 

In His Grip,
P.A.

Year End 2012

“I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge - even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you - so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Cor 1:4-9

Nearing the end of 2012, as I did some reflection, I couldn’t help but give praise to our Great and Awesome God and Saviour for how He continues to bless our little church. And it is to Him we give all the glory because without Him we are lost.

Personally, I know that it was He who carried me through some pretty rough times health-wise in 2012. And I also have to praise Him for how he prepares me to minister to this church. I’ve gone through many things, I truly believe, to receive the messages to pass on to His Church week after week.

There is much work to be done on a weekly basis in preparation of lessons and devotionals and sermons, besides the scheduled and unscheduled counselling appointments and meetings. And along with all of that comes the demands of a husband, father, and grandfather. I can honestly say that if I were to take my eyes off of Him, and start to rely on my own strength to make it through the week, I would sink as fast as the Apostle Peter when he took his eyes off Jesus walking across the lake. Day after day, He graciously lets me know that I can do all things in Him, and only in Him, because He is the One who gives me strength.

It truly was a tough year health wise, but I am thankful that we have many hands to pitch in and make the work lighter. I have seen a good number of churches that rely on the Pastor to do everything, and though I often comment on how busy I am, I am staying busy more and more in the things a Pastor should be busy in and with.

I appreciate the number of people who are concerned that I am too busy, but I don’t think any church would want a Pastor to not be busy.

So, all of that to say; thank you, each and every one of my fellow workers in Christ, thank you all so very much! Thank you for your concern, and thanks be to God that we have a church that is concerned with people and their hearts.

I know that this time of year, everyone looks to the Pastor to give his vision or goals for the church. I’ll be honest and say that the more I rack my brain, and search my heart, the more and more confused I am by that request. It’s not that I don’t have vision or think that we shouldn’t, but, I don’t think our vision has changed; it remains the same; to glorify God through our worship, and the discipling of people young and old, and building relationships with one another, all with our eyes on the Great Commission; reaching the world with the love of Christ through the proclamation of His Gospel.

But how do we do that? Well, I want to encourage every ministry and committee, and each individual in our church, to think about how they are going to accomplish that in 2013 in each of their own contexts. I have some goals for myself personally, and I have some goals for our Deacon’s Board. And one of those goals is to meet with our ministry leaders and challenge them to look at their areas of ministry and let us know what they’re dreaming, and what they’d like to see happen this year. Then, let’s all work together to accomplish those goals.

We measure a lot of our success after a year has gone by, and quite often we see that the year slips by so quickly as one day runs into the next and one week rolls over to another, and when we get to the end of a year, we haven’t gotten nearly as much as we set out to do, done. But my challenge is; let’s do something.

Every one of us can think of, and commit to doing something that would glorify God in any or all of those areas in our vision.

And so, as we look with excitement at a whole new year ahead of us we can be excited. Whether it’s looking forward to the arrival of a little one into the world, or two people beginning a life together, becoming one, and looking excitedly at what that means in the context of a God ordained marriage. Some may be looking ahead to starting school or college, some to finishing and starting a career, some to finishing one; some wondering if they’ll have a career after the dust settles with the way the economy is bouncing around. Some people will be looking ahead, hoping the New Year will bring better things than the old, as sickness, tragedy, and sorrow prevailed.

Thing is, everyone; everyone, is affected by all of the above. This past year I talked with moms and dads about their children leaving for school for the first time, I performed weddings, visited the sick (and was “the sick”), officiated funeral, no one is immune.

The old year is over, it has left some with many dear and cherished memories, some with bitter heartache, and as promising as this New Year looks, it too will be old oh so quickly. But again, this division gives us an opportunity to take a breath and look at every New Year with hope, hope that comes because we have a Good God.

We will have times of sorrow; we will be hurt, we will be sick. But, we will be over-comers only as we look, and continue to look, to Him, the Author and Finisher of our Faith. We have a God who is faithful, He was faithful in the past, He is faithful now, and He will continue to be faithful in the future. Always faithful to His promises and that’s what I’ve seen very clearly in 2012, and that’s what I expect to see in 2013; God’s faithfulness to us as we simply continue to do what He has called us to do.

And we know that He has called us to be a Christ-like, Christ-exalting, Spirit-filled, people who love God, and one another, who know they have been forgiven and are going out into this lost and hurting world that is ravaged by sin, with the message of the Gospel that brings forgiveness, healing, peace, joy, love, and hope.

To do that with a renewed passion we need, more than ever, a fresh outpouring of His Spirit upon us, let’s pray hard to that end and watch in amazement at what the Lord will do with His wonderful little Church in Murillo!