Dear friends,
As we approach the end of 2017, it is a good time to reflect on what the Lord has taught us during the past twelve months. Some of us may be asked to complete a report for our employer, like Karen and I do for supporting churches and Global Outreach Mission. What would we write if the Lord asked us to give an account of what we learned in our spiritual life this year?
One thing that the Lord has impressed upon me is that His word is so valuable that I should make reading it a priority in my life. You might say, “You have been a missionary for more than 35 years and must have learned this a long time ago.” As with every other area of our spiritual life, we recognize that our understanding of God’s will changes as we allow the Lord to teach us and lead us.
Another factor that has contributed greatly to my spiritual growth this year is the wisdom that other believers have poured into my life. Pastoral teaching and counsel, words of encouragement and exhortation from brothers and sisters in Christ, and the example of those who walk closely with the Lord have all helped me to hunger for a closer walk with God and given me a desire to encourage others in their spiritual walk.
Last Saturday, Karen and I had the privilege of visiting Jean-Pierre in Montreal. He moved to a different facility for people with mental health challenges than he had been in for many years. Besides receiving a New Testament and a framed photograph, meeting Karen for the first time made his birthday celebration special. In thinking about our visit with Jean-Pierre, it occurred to me that, although people often strive to please God by presenting Him gifts (“good works”), what the Lord desires most is our presence, in response to a humble heart that recognizes our sin and receives His gifts of faith and salvation.
Recently, I wrote that I was blessed by a message that Phill Belcher preached on November 26th. This insightful sermon is now available at: www.cheshirebible.org/audio. As you listen to Phill’s message and meditate on John 10, ask the Lord to impress the truths of His Word upon your heart.
Thank you for your prayers for our family and ministry. This has been an eventful year in many areas. Our family has faced and continues to face a very challenging situation for which we ask for your prayers. We had the joy of welcoming Richard Pendred into our family as a son-in-law in August, two weeks after our daughter-in-law, Heidi, gave birth to a beautiful son. Thanks to the generosity of God’s people, we purchased a colour multifunctional printer for the radio ministry follow-up office in Châteauguay and added six radio stations to the network which broadcasts the weekly gospel programs of “La Voix de l’Evangile.”
Please pray for our friends, Teddy and Linda Hoare, who have worked with youth in Châteauguay for many years. Last week, Mr. Fred Hoare, Teddy’s father, entered the presence of the Lord, after a period of declining health. We will miss his endearing smile and his quiet, dignified example of joyfully abiding in Christ.
Scripture for the weekend: “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:56-57 (NASB)
By His grace,
Steve