Heaven's Cup is gearing up for March Break Bible Adventure at Elim Pentecostal Church in Sault Ste Marie, March 14-18, 2011.
Elim Church Online
Monday, March 7, 2011
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Treasure Seekers
We are currently writing a new program called Treasure Seekers where we will go digging for treasure.
Treasure Seekers will emerge in July at Living Waters Boys & Girls Camp in Macdowell, Saskatchewan and Riverview Camp and Conference Centre Family Camp.
Treasure Seekers will emerge in July at Living Waters Boys & Girls Camp in Macdowell, Saskatchewan and Riverview Camp and Conference Centre Family Camp.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Preparing for Rain
The winter had been cold and there had been little snow. Spring came with lots of sun, blowing dust and hard, cracked fields. The water table was low and local farmers feared a drought was in the making. Many wondered if it was even worth planting. If there was no rain, it would just be throwing away seed and labour.
Thomas and Will, two farmers in the community, were avid Christians. Each and every morning, they petitioned the God they served for rain and a fruitful harvest. There the similarity ended.
After morning prayers, Thomas went and met with local farmers down at the coffee shop. They talked about what it would cost to plant and lose the crop. Then home for lunch and he would chat with his wife about the talk around town and wondered when God would break the drought.
Will, on the other hand, ate his breakfast, picked up the lunch his wife had prepared, and headed out for a day on the fields. He ploughed up the fields after their winter nap. Fertilized. Chose his seed and went out and planted it. While waiting on the crops to grow, he made sure his barn was ready to receive his crop and his harvesting equipment was in good repair. Every night, he thanked God for the rain he believed was coming.
Two men, both believed in God. Both believed God was the giver of the rain. But which one was prepared for rain? Thomas who left his seed in the barn, or Will who planted his field.
If I were you, I would go to God and present my case to him. He does great things too marvelous to understand. He performs countless miracles. He gives rain for the earth and water for the fields. He gives prosperity to the poor and protects those who suffer. (Job 5:8-11 NLT)
Our van has reached its point of endurance(308,768 kms). We have only driven when necessar
y. Non-essential trips had been cancelled. For going on a trip out of town, we felt renting was our only option. We have been praying for a new vehicle for eight months, but now it’s spring. It was time to prepare for rain.
We cleaned out the van. Vacuumed it; washed it inside and out. Checked to make sure all the pockets and nooks were empty. Physically the van was ready to leave.
When we
moved to Belmont, we owned a mobile home which we needed to sell. We finally did sell it almost two years ago but it was at quite a loss. Since then we have been working hard at paying off the remainder of our loan, the equivalent of a mortgage. We needed the rain.
Over the past five years, life has been financially challenging. There were times we did not know how we would pay for food, medication, gas, van repairs and other necessities. We often felt we were in a financial drought and wondered when the rain would come. We look back and are amazed at how God stepped in and met our needs in so many different ways and using so many different people. But we were still waiting for the rain.
We want to let you know, the spring rains have begun. This week God has walked us through a path of his making. We pick up our new van in a few days. The noose of the loan/mortgage is gone. We had trouble sleeping the other night. Then it hit us. The stress exhaustion that has dogged our steps for so long is gone!
Do you feel like you are in a drought? What steps do you need to take to prepare for the rain? What fields do you need to plant? Begin thanking God for the rain that will produce a good harvest.
Thomas and Will, two farmers in the community, were avid Christians. Each and every morning, they petitioned the God they served for rain and a fruitful harvest. There the similarity ended.
After morning prayers, Thomas went and met with local farmers down at the coffee shop. They talked about what it would cost to plant and lose the crop. Then home for lunch and he would chat with his wife about the talk around town and wondered when God would break the drought.
Will, on the other hand, ate his breakfast, picked up the lunch his wife had prepared, and headed out for a day on the fields. He ploughed up the fields after their winter nap. Fertilized. Chose his seed and went out and planted it. While waiting on the crops to grow, he made sure his barn was ready to receive his crop and his harvesting equipment was in good repair. Every night, he thanked God for the rain he believed was coming.
Two men, both believed in God. Both believed God was the giver of the rain. But which one was prepared for rain? Thomas who left his seed in the barn, or Will who planted his field.
If I were you, I would go to God and present my case to him. He does great things too marvelous to understand. He performs countless miracles. He gives rain for the earth and water for the fields. He gives prosperity to the poor and protects those who suffer. (Job 5:8-11 NLT)
Our van has reached its point of endurance(308,768 kms). We have only driven when necessar
y. Non-essential trips had been cancelled. For going on a trip out of town, we felt renting was our only option. We have been praying for a new vehicle for eight months, but now it’s spring. It was time to prepare for rain.We cleaned out the van. Vacuumed it; washed it inside and out. Checked to make sure all the pockets and nooks were empty. Physically the van was ready to leave.
When we
moved to Belmont, we owned a mobile home which we needed to sell. We finally did sell it almost two years ago but it was at quite a loss. Since then we have been working hard at paying off the remainder of our loan, the equivalent of a mortgage. We needed the rain.Over the past five years, life has been financially challenging. There were times we did not know how we would pay for food, medication, gas, van repairs and other necessities. We often felt we were in a financial drought and wondered when the rain would come. We look back and are amazed at how God stepped in and met our needs in so many different ways and using so many different people. But we were still waiting for the rain.
We want to let you know, the spring rains have begun. This week God has walked us through a path of his making. We pick up our new van in a few days. The noose of the loan/mortgage is gone. We had trouble sleeping the other night. Then it hit us. The stress exhaustion that has dogged our steps for so long is gone!
Do you feel like you are in a drought? What steps do you need to take to prepare for the rain? What fields do you need to plant? Begin thanking God for the rain that will produce a good harvest.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
The Work Begins...
Summer may still be three months away but the work has already begun on the YASCAR. Pastor Joel has been visiting local businesses who have been willing to get on board with donating supplies. Soon, I hope to have a YASCAR page up which will keep you up to date on the progress of the car and all the people and individuals who have donated to make the YASCAR a reality.
Today, the men of the church will be starting to build. A picture log will be taken as we watch the YASCAR begin its transformation from two lawn tractors to one dual driver YASCAR.
Today, the men of the church will be starting to build. A picture log will be taken as we watch the YASCAR begin its transformation from two lawn tractors to one dual driver YASCAR.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Winning Heaven's Cup ~ New for 2008
We are well on the way to preparing our new car racing themed program for this summer. Joel is having way too much fun writing the puppet scripts.
Snidely is deviously thinking up ways to trick the unsuspecting racers into using some underhanded means to win Heaven's Cup.
D.I.P. Stick needs to follow the manual when he tries to repair his car. He would probably have a lot more success if he just followed the rules.
plus much more...
We are booked for Silver Birches Family Camp (July 12-25) and will be presenting Winning Heaven's Cup during the second week when Dave and Anya will be with us, and possibly some brand new team members.
We will also be racing into Cedardale Camp (July 27 - Aug 3) again this year where Charity and Rhian will be with us. Charity is working at Cedardale this summer and will be there for all of July and much of August.
Winning Heaven's Cup will also be the theme for Summer Vacation Adventure (dates TBA) at New Life in Belmont.
We are already booked next year (2009) for Manhattan Beach's Family Camp and in 2010 for Boys and Girl's Camp.
Snidely is deviously thinking up ways to trick the unsuspecting racers into using some underhanded means to win Heaven's Cup.
D.I.P. Stick needs to follow the manual when he tries to repair his car. He would probably have a lot more success if he just followed the rules.
plus much more...
We are booked for Silver Birches Family Camp (July 12-25) and will be presenting Winning Heaven's Cup during the second week when Dave and Anya will be with us, and possibly some brand new team members.
We will also be racing into Cedardale Camp (July 27 - Aug 3) again this year where Charity and Rhian will be with us. Charity is working at Cedardale this summer and will be there for all of July and much of August.
Winning Heaven's Cup will also be the theme for Summer Vacation Adventure (dates TBA) at New Life in Belmont.
We are already booked next year (2009) for Manhattan Beach's Family Camp and in 2010 for Boys and Girl's Camp.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Updates Coming Soon
It is definitely way past time for a new look!
So keep watching, we will be transferring some of the information from the main web page - newsletters and stuff. I can even post everything according to its original date, so everything is chronological.
Plus we have a new site that is called YASM Stories which will have original stories written by us on.
The old website will also be undergoing a transformation and I hope I will be able to seemlessly blend the two, or should I say three sites into a terrific new format where you can have your input by posting comments, letting us know what you like about YASM and more.
It will probably be a bit before the new site is fully functioning, so please bear with us as the site will look a little choppy in the meantime.
Mary, for the YASM team
So keep watching, we will be transferring some of the information from the main web page - newsletters and stuff. I can even post everything according to its original date, so everything is chronological.
Plus we have a new site that is called YASM Stories which will have original stories written by us on.
The old website will also be undergoing a transformation and I hope I will be able to seemlessly blend the two, or should I say three sites into a terrific new format where you can have your input by posting comments, letting us know what you like about YASM and more.
It will probably be a bit before the new site is fully functioning, so please bear with us as the site will look a little choppy in the meantime.
Mary, for the YASM team
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
The YASM Team is Growing ~ 2004 - 2008
Time has passed so quickly along with many changes. We love pastoring in Belmont. In March we will have been here five years. We have not lived this long in one house since we have been married. And just to clarify, we are not looking to leave any time soon. For the first time, I have actually decorated a house the way I like.
Our church is small. We have the ultimate small group, but we are also pleased to say we are finally starting to grow. Since being here, it has been our prayer to see growth take place from Belmont. It is awesome to have the numbers but if you are not reaching your own community then are you really connecting. In the past year, the growth has been taking place locally. Our children's program is growing with kids from Belmont. We have just begun a young adults group with our first event last week. There were twelve playing ball hockey and having a great time. Next month we will be playing Snow Football and Tube Mania.
Changes have been taking place in our family as well.
In May 2005, Anya graduated from Tyndale Unviversity College with her BRE with a major in ECE. Although offically not dating at the end of school, a friendship between Anya and long time friend Dave Bysterveld, was in the process of changing. In July, Dave joined us on a trip into Waskaganish. While there he asked permission to date Anya which we were delighted to give.
What a trip to Waskaganish that was. Sam Martin was also with us. Sam had been with us on our first trip to Waskaganish and he absolutely loved it, so we brought him along again. We did Boot Camp, the program Anya and Charity had written several years earlier. Dave had a crash course into a dramatic ministry. It wasn't until we were on our way home, we discovered how out of his comfort zone it was. In spite of that he did great and has been part of the YASM team ever since.
We were also thankful to have Dave's French skills on the way home. After our three hour delay on the highway waiting for the forest fire to clear away enough so we could drive through, we lost a wheel on the van. We were in Northern Quebec on a Saturday night and Dave was our translator. Through a series of God co-incidences and Dave's language skills, we were on our way after only about a six hour delay. Dave was definitely inducted into the team and family on that trip.
Anya was not able to travel with us very much anymore as she had been blessed with an amazing job at Temple Tots, a Christian daycare in London. In February, 2006, Dave proposed and the wedding plans were in full swing for an October wedding.
Charity was completing her schooling. In her third year, she lived for half the semester with good friends from the Newmarket area. It was a difficult time for her though with the commute. By Christmas she was exhausted, and had the opportuntiy to rent the same apartment she and Anya had shared before. She moved in with three college roomates, and was home most weekends. By reading break, Charity was quite sick and with symptoms similar to meningitis we took her to the hospital. The spinal tap tests came back clear and after the CAT scan she was pleased to hear that her brain was in a "pristine" condition. The rest of the semester was busy with endeavouring to finish her assignments and thanks to extensions from her teachers she had them in on time (I think).
Summer 2006, found us back at Manhattan Beach Retreat Centre in Manitoba. It was a joy to be back and actually using the new dining facilities we had helped fundraise for the last time we were there. The changes at Manhattan Beach in our years there have been a pleasure to see. The end of July found us back at Cedardale Nazarene Camp in Pefferlaw for our sixth year. OUr team was beginning to change with work schedules only allowing the team to be there for a few days at a time. Even Dave came down to help out as we were short staffed and Anya was unable to take the time off work.
By the time camp was over, we were into full time wedding plans for Anya. Charity was heading off to Parkwood in Windsor for her internship. Rhian was at home working as a supply teacher at the daycare with Anya and also at a local cafe in Belmont.
Charity was enjoying her Worship and Creative Arts practicum for her internship. She was involved with the children's choir, led the song service on several occasions, was involved both in the behind the scenes and the presentation of the Christmas production, plus helped out in the midweek children's program. In the centre of this, she was also trying to be on hand as much as possible for wedding preparations as she was the maid of honour.
October 14, 2006 arrived and we had a beautiful day. Joel performed the ceremony and now we are thrilled to have Dave as an important part of the family. After their honeymoon, Anya packed up everything that hadn't already gone ahead and moved away to Sundridge where she is actively involved in the church there.
May 2007, Charity graduated from Masters College and Seminary with her BTh with her major in Worship and Creative Arts. Following graduation she joined us at Belmont as our Music and Family Ministries Pastor. It is a joy to have her still involved locally and in YASM as much as she is able. She has dreams for YASM which involve discipleship and youth training. We are still waiting on God's timing to see how this will all come together.
Summer of 2007 found us packing up the van for a trip to Living Waters Camp in Saskatchewan. It had been many years since we had been there before and we were to experience some first time events. During Family Camp, the caretaker's house was being used for a movie shoot so the campgrounds became the set up for the day at the lake. One of the characters was a dead man discovered in the lake by some dogs. The cast were quite friendly and Rhian had her photo taken with the 'blue' man.
One night a horrible storm blew in. We had to get up to close the windows because the rain was blowing in. We heard a horrendous crash and Charity jumped out of bed and ran into the living room. The next thing we knew, a tree came through the roof. About twenty or thirty minutes later, someone came by and saw that we were okay. We were trapped in our cottage as the tree that came through the roof also blocked our door. An hour later after we had been cut out, we felt a little like we were entering Narnia. What was totally amazing though was the clean up. The storm came through around five. By two in the afternnon, you would not have known our cottage had been damaged. The many trees that had fallen, of which four were immediately around our cottage, were cut up into fire logs and piled. The co-operation and speed in which the clean up took place was phenomenal. It seemed like we may have had a wind tunnel come through the camp. If the path of destruction would have been slightly to the right of the path it took, the dining hall would have been taken out. Instead the uprooted trees did some damage to our cottage, fell on one or two cars, and the rest of the damage was at the mini-golf course.
We arrived home from Saskatchewan with just a day to do our laundry then we were back on our way to Cedardale. This time we had help with Miranda and CJ, teens from our church. We had been presenting a new program we had written called CSIU (Christ Seen In Us). Miranda was Mackenzie TopGunn and CJ was Jim Dandy. Along with Doc, they were discovering clues to solve a mystery.
The summer seemed to pass by way to quickly, although I must admit there were a few upcoming events we were looking forward to in October.
October 13, just one day short of their anniversary, Chloe Evangeline Bysterveld was born. We were half way to the hospital (a four hour trip) when Dave called to say Chloe had arrived. Dad, Mom and Baby were all doing well. I was blessed to be ble to spend Chloe's first week with her and her Mommy and Daddy, of course. So now the next generation of the YASM team have started to arrive. Chloe made her cameo appearance at Christmas as Baby Jesus.
We arrived home form Dave and Anya's Saturday night and left on the Sunday for our dream trip, a Caribbean Cruise. We had long wished to go on on, and this year God provided for us to be able to do that with our good friends Ken and Kathy. We loved the trip in spite of the weather. We were in Florida during the precursor of a hurricane, so the last few days were rainy. In spite of that, the trip and the friends were great.
Christmas was busy with a trip to the Richmond Hill Chinese Community Church for Christmas Eve. Dave and Anya were home with Chloe and she was very good in spite of all the people coming anf going.
Now it is a new year. We do not know what the year holds but we are looking forward to continued growth at NLCC. We are praying for a youth pastor who is willing to be a tentmaker.
We are returning to Silver Birches Camp and Cedardale Camp this summer. We were at Faith School in St Thomas for an assembly this past week, and will be returning for two more assemblies before the school year ends. We will be going to Blenheim to close out TNT for the year, plus there are a couple of upcoming events on the TBA burner. So keep tuned. YASM is still alive an well.
Our church is small. We have the ultimate small group, but we are also pleased to say we are finally starting to grow. Since being here, it has been our prayer to see growth take place from Belmont. It is awesome to have the numbers but if you are not reaching your own community then are you really connecting. In the past year, the growth has been taking place locally. Our children's program is growing with kids from Belmont. We have just begun a young adults group with our first event last week. There were twelve playing ball hockey and having a great time. Next month we will be playing Snow Football and Tube Mania.
Changes have been taking place in our family as well.
In May 2005, Anya graduated from Tyndale Unviversity College with her BRE with a major in ECE. Although offically not dating at the end of school, a friendship between Anya and long time friend Dave Bysterveld, was in the process of changing. In July, Dave joined us on a trip into Waskaganish. While there he asked permission to date Anya which we were delighted to give.
What a trip to Waskaganish that was. Sam Martin was also with us. Sam had been with us on our first trip to Waskaganish and he absolutely loved it, so we brought him along again. We did Boot Camp, the program Anya and Charity had written several years earlier. Dave had a crash course into a dramatic ministry. It wasn't until we were on our way home, we discovered how out of his comfort zone it was. In spite of that he did great and has been part of the YASM team ever since.
We were also thankful to have Dave's French skills on the way home. After our three hour delay on the highway waiting for the forest fire to clear away enough so we could drive through, we lost a wheel on the van. We were in Northern Quebec on a Saturday night and Dave was our translator. Through a series of God co-incidences and Dave's language skills, we were on our way after only about a six hour delay. Dave was definitely inducted into the team and family on that trip.
Anya was not able to travel with us very much anymore as she had been blessed with an amazing job at Temple Tots, a Christian daycare in London. In February, 2006, Dave proposed and the wedding plans were in full swing for an October wedding.
Charity was completing her schooling. In her third year, she lived for half the semester with good friends from the Newmarket area. It was a difficult time for her though with the commute. By Christmas she was exhausted, and had the opportuntiy to rent the same apartment she and Anya had shared before. She moved in with three college roomates, and was home most weekends. By reading break, Charity was quite sick and with symptoms similar to meningitis we took her to the hospital. The spinal tap tests came back clear and after the CAT scan she was pleased to hear that her brain was in a "pristine" condition. The rest of the semester was busy with endeavouring to finish her assignments and thanks to extensions from her teachers she had them in on time (I think).
Summer 2006, found us back at Manhattan Beach Retreat Centre in Manitoba. It was a joy to be back and actually using the new dining facilities we had helped fundraise for the last time we were there. The changes at Manhattan Beach in our years there have been a pleasure to see. The end of July found us back at Cedardale Nazarene Camp in Pefferlaw for our sixth year. OUr team was beginning to change with work schedules only allowing the team to be there for a few days at a time. Even Dave came down to help out as we were short staffed and Anya was unable to take the time off work.
By the time camp was over, we were into full time wedding plans for Anya. Charity was heading off to Parkwood in Windsor for her internship. Rhian was at home working as a supply teacher at the daycare with Anya and also at a local cafe in Belmont.
Charity was enjoying her Worship and Creative Arts practicum for her internship. She was involved with the children's choir, led the song service on several occasions, was involved both in the behind the scenes and the presentation of the Christmas production, plus helped out in the midweek children's program. In the centre of this, she was also trying to be on hand as much as possible for wedding preparations as she was the maid of honour.
October 14, 2006 arrived and we had a beautiful day. Joel performed the ceremony and now we are thrilled to have Dave as an important part of the family. After their honeymoon, Anya packed up everything that hadn't already gone ahead and moved away to Sundridge where she is actively involved in the church there.
May 2007, Charity graduated from Masters College and Seminary with her BTh with her major in Worship and Creative Arts. Following graduation she joined us at Belmont as our Music and Family Ministries Pastor. It is a joy to have her still involved locally and in YASM as much as she is able. She has dreams for YASM which involve discipleship and youth training. We are still waiting on God's timing to see how this will all come together.
Summer of 2007 found us packing up the van for a trip to Living Waters Camp in Saskatchewan. It had been many years since we had been there before and we were to experience some first time events. During Family Camp, the caretaker's house was being used for a movie shoot so the campgrounds became the set up for the day at the lake. One of the characters was a dead man discovered in the lake by some dogs. The cast were quite friendly and Rhian had her photo taken with the 'blue' man.
One night a horrible storm blew in. We had to get up to close the windows because the rain was blowing in. We heard a horrendous crash and Charity jumped out of bed and ran into the living room. The next thing we knew, a tree came through the roof. About twenty or thirty minutes later, someone came by and saw that we were okay. We were trapped in our cottage as the tree that came through the roof also blocked our door. An hour later after we had been cut out, we felt a little like we were entering Narnia. What was totally amazing though was the clean up. The storm came through around five. By two in the afternnon, you would not have known our cottage had been damaged. The many trees that had fallen, of which four were immediately around our cottage, were cut up into fire logs and piled. The co-operation and speed in which the clean up took place was phenomenal. It seemed like we may have had a wind tunnel come through the camp. If the path of destruction would have been slightly to the right of the path it took, the dining hall would have been taken out. Instead the uprooted trees did some damage to our cottage, fell on one or two cars, and the rest of the damage was at the mini-golf course.
We arrived home from Saskatchewan with just a day to do our laundry then we were back on our way to Cedardale. This time we had help with Miranda and CJ, teens from our church. We had been presenting a new program we had written called CSIU (Christ Seen In Us). Miranda was Mackenzie TopGunn and CJ was Jim Dandy. Along with Doc, they were discovering clues to solve a mystery.
The summer seemed to pass by way to quickly, although I must admit there were a few upcoming events we were looking forward to in October.
October 13, just one day short of their anniversary, Chloe Evangeline Bysterveld was born. We were half way to the hospital (a four hour trip) when Dave called to say Chloe had arrived. Dad, Mom and Baby were all doing well. I was blessed to be ble to spend Chloe's first week with her and her Mommy and Daddy, of course. So now the next generation of the YASM team have started to arrive. Chloe made her cameo appearance at Christmas as Baby Jesus.
We arrived home form Dave and Anya's Saturday night and left on the Sunday for our dream trip, a Caribbean Cruise. We had long wished to go on on, and this year God provided for us to be able to do that with our good friends Ken and Kathy. We loved the trip in spite of the weather. We were in Florida during the precursor of a hurricane, so the last few days were rainy. In spite of that, the trip and the friends were great.
Christmas was busy with a trip to the Richmond Hill Chinese Community Church for Christmas Eve. Dave and Anya were home with Chloe and she was very good in spite of all the people coming anf going.
Now it is a new year. We do not know what the year holds but we are looking forward to continued growth at NLCC. We are praying for a youth pastor who is willing to be a tentmaker.
We are returning to Silver Birches Camp and Cedardale Camp this summer. We were at Faith School in St Thomas for an assembly this past week, and will be returning for two more assemblies before the school year ends. We will be going to Blenheim to close out TNT for the year, plus there are a couple of upcoming events on the TBA burner. So keep tuned. YASM is still alive an well.
Friday, May 21, 2004
Transitions ~ 2000 - 2004
As I read our history, I realize I have written as I speak "today". I talk about the future, that now has already happened and is part of our past. So I am going to continue on with the style I am most comfortable with, only I will now write as a journal, with the next entry bridging the gap between yesterday's tomorrow and today's past.
April 2000
In April of 2000, we relocated to Bayfield, Ontario to a year round resort where we could live in our mobile home. While in Bayfield we rounded out our tours of Canada with two trips to Newfoundland, one in 2001 and one in 2002. We were very busy with our travelling but other changes were taking place as well. Our family was growing up.
In the fall of 2000, Anya went to Tyndale College and Seminary. She will be graduating with her Bachelor of Religious Education (BRE) in the spring of 2005. The course she was in included an excelerated program in conjunction with Seneca College. Anya gratuated from Seneca College this spring with honours and now has her Early Childhood Education (ECE). This left a big gap in the ministry as we all had to pitch in to fill her shoes.
We knew that Charity was soon to follow her dream of higher education as well. It had always been our intent from the beginning to have our children involved in the ministry as much as possible and as time went by they became very capable ministers in their own right. We knew that losing Anya and Charity was going to leave a huge gap in the team.
Joel and I began looking at where we wanted to be in five years and praying that God would direct us. We had talked about returning to pastoral ministry, possibly in the children's ministry field, but we were still not sure that is what we wanted to do. Then a good friend called us and asked if we would be able to come and help him. The children's pastor from their church had resigned and they needed someone right away to fill in while they did a candidate search. We accepted the position.
We filled the position of children's pastor for about three months and enjoyed ourselves immensely. It was wonderful belonging with a specific group of people and we realized we had been missing that. Joel also decided to continue his education and so applied to Masters Seminary and is working towards his Masters in Theological Studies (MTS). Masters is run in co-operation with Tyndale Seminary so he is at the same school as Anya. As much as we enjoyed the children's ministry part of our time there, we also sensed that God was calling us into a broader ministry.
Six weeks after leaving that position, we accepted a position as pastor of New Life Community Church in Belmont, Ontario and began one week later. There is a beautiful parsonage in Belmont that we now occupy. As such we have our mobile home for sale. (It sold July 2006.) At NLCC we have a high priority on childrens and family ministries. They are still young but we believe that God is going to use them to grow our church.
In the fall of 2003, Charity took up housekeeping with her sister in Toronto, as she began her first year at Masters College and Seminary. (yep! It's the same one as Dad too.) She is working towards her Masters of Theology with a Major in Worship and Creative Arts. Next year, she will be Female Student Assistant at the school. She will be responsible for planning social activities for the female college students. Something she will enjoy very much.
Change is continuing to happen all around us as well. On February 27, 2004, my dad, Ronald Charles Meats, walked into the presence of Jesus. He will be missed.
Summer of 2004, will be an unusual summer for Joel and I. We will be away from home for only two Sundays - and one of those his holidays. (yes, we are actually taking holidays!) Anya and Charity will be the focal members of the YASM team this summer as they are away for seven weeks. We will be with them some of the time but in supporting roles. It will be our last full year of travel. Next year Anya will be looking for a job. Charity will find work locally and live at home, while we are forging ahead with the new direction God has given us. We will continue to minister as our schedule allows but I am beginning to like the living at home scene.
April 2000
In April of 2000, we relocated to Bayfield, Ontario to a year round resort where we could live in our mobile home. While in Bayfield we rounded out our tours of Canada with two trips to Newfoundland, one in 2001 and one in 2002. We were very busy with our travelling but other changes were taking place as well. Our family was growing up.
In the fall of 2000, Anya went to Tyndale College and Seminary. She will be graduating with her Bachelor of Religious Education (BRE) in the spring of 2005. The course she was in included an excelerated program in conjunction with Seneca College. Anya gratuated from Seneca College this spring with honours and now has her Early Childhood Education (ECE). This left a big gap in the ministry as we all had to pitch in to fill her shoes.
We knew that Charity was soon to follow her dream of higher education as well. It had always been our intent from the beginning to have our children involved in the ministry as much as possible and as time went by they became very capable ministers in their own right. We knew that losing Anya and Charity was going to leave a huge gap in the team.
Joel and I began looking at where we wanted to be in five years and praying that God would direct us. We had talked about returning to pastoral ministry, possibly in the children's ministry field, but we were still not sure that is what we wanted to do. Then a good friend called us and asked if we would be able to come and help him. The children's pastor from their church had resigned and they needed someone right away to fill in while they did a candidate search. We accepted the position.
We filled the position of children's pastor for about three months and enjoyed ourselves immensely. It was wonderful belonging with a specific group of people and we realized we had been missing that. Joel also decided to continue his education and so applied to Masters Seminary and is working towards his Masters in Theological Studies (MTS). Masters is run in co-operation with Tyndale Seminary so he is at the same school as Anya. As much as we enjoyed the children's ministry part of our time there, we also sensed that God was calling us into a broader ministry.
Six weeks after leaving that position, we accepted a position as pastor of New Life Community Church in Belmont, Ontario and began one week later. There is a beautiful parsonage in Belmont that we now occupy. As such we have our mobile home for sale. (It sold July 2006.) At NLCC we have a high priority on childrens and family ministries. They are still young but we believe that God is going to use them to grow our church.
In the fall of 2003, Charity took up housekeeping with her sister in Toronto, as she began her first year at Masters College and Seminary. (yep! It's the same one as Dad too.) She is working towards her Masters of Theology with a Major in Worship and Creative Arts. Next year, she will be Female Student Assistant at the school. She will be responsible for planning social activities for the female college students. Something she will enjoy very much.
Change is continuing to happen all around us as well. On February 27, 2004, my dad, Ronald Charles Meats, walked into the presence of Jesus. He will be missed.
Summer of 2004, will be an unusual summer for Joel and I. We will be away from home for only two Sundays - and one of those his holidays. (yes, we are actually taking holidays!) Anya and Charity will be the focal members of the YASM team this summer as they are away for seven weeks. We will be with them some of the time but in supporting roles. It will be our last full year of travel. Next year Anya will be looking for a job. Charity will find work locally and live at home, while we are forging ahead with the new direction God has given us. We will continue to minister as our schedule allows but I am beginning to like the living at home scene.
Saturday, November 30, 2002
Expanding Our Territory
Expanding Our Territory
From Newfoundland to Manitoba and the James Bay. We have had a wonderful, busy year. We spent almost two months in Newfoundland in the spring. Our summer saw us minister almost 100 times.
The year began in Ontario’s North and we have just come down from Quebec’s North. So many wonderful places and people and so many changes. I know the format is different than our usual newsletter but we did want to give you an update on what has been happening in our lives.
Answered Prayers
Over the past few years, we have been praying for a laptop to make our travel life easier. This year, God blessed us with a brand new Toshiba laptop. We have been transferring files over to Power Point. We can receive e-mail anywhere. The gift of the laptop has been greatly appreciated.
About five years ago, we were not travelling very much and so bought two puppies, Royal and Sasha. Then we went back on the road again and they travelled with us just about everywhere. As much as we loved them, their life was not ideal. They spent many hours in the van and tied up outside, so we prayed that God would provide a home for them. He did.
A few weeks ago, Royal and Sasha were relocated to Waskaganish with a wonderful family there. We miss them terribly but know that they are better off.
We have had some major car problems this year but they have been either before leaving home or after arriving at a location where repairs can be done. For that we are very thankful. We did have one repair enroute - a flat tire at night. Good thing there was a busy truck population. Now we have a flashlight in the van. :o)
Challenges Too!
My dad spent much of the year in the hospital before moving to a nursing home in August. He has also had both of his feet amputated. The last one just a few weeks ago.
Anya turned twenty-one this year and what a celebration weekend it was. She had four surprise parties in all. While on our way home from one of the parties, we stopped at McDonalds. It was late, and we were tired, especially me. I tripped over the curb and hurt my hand badly. It was not broken, but now two months later I still only have limited use of it. I was unable to work on the computer for much of the first month, which put our expected newsletter on hold - hence the reduced version.
We also never put out any of our Christmas advertising which ended up being a blessing in disguise.
A New Territory
Early in October, Ken Powell called from Queensway Cathedral in Toronto. Their children’s pastor had resigned and they needed someone to fill in the gap. We accepted and we are commuting to Toronto twice a week. We travel down Wednesday mornings and come home Thursday night. Then we travel down again on Saturday and come home after church Sunday night.
We have been enjoying our time there, but we are still honouring the bookings we had before we went. We expect to be there until at least the end of January.
Further Education
Another exciting change is also taking place. Joel is applying to Master’s Seminary for his Masters in Theological Studies. In January, he hopes to be taking one course just to get back into the swing of things. We are looking at relocating to the Greater Toronto area in time for the fall semester.
Thank You
We would like to say a special thank you to everyone that has prayed for us and also to those who gave financial blessings. We know that we would be unable to continue travelling without you. You share in the harvest of the over 400 children that have made decisions to follow Jesus.
From Newfoundland to Manitoba and the James Bay. We have had a wonderful, busy year. We spent almost two months in Newfoundland in the spring. Our summer saw us minister almost 100 times.
The year began in Ontario’s North and we have just come down from Quebec’s North. So many wonderful places and people and so many changes. I know the format is different than our usual newsletter but we did want to give you an update on what has been happening in our lives.
Answered Prayers
Over the past few years, we have been praying for a laptop to make our travel life easier. This year, God blessed us with a brand new Toshiba laptop. We have been transferring files over to Power Point. We can receive e-mail anywhere. The gift of the laptop has been greatly appreciated.
About five years ago, we were not travelling very much and so bought two puppies, Royal and Sasha. Then we went back on the road again and they travelled with us just about everywhere. As much as we loved them, their life was not ideal. They spent many hours in the van and tied up outside, so we prayed that God would provide a home for them. He did.
A few weeks ago, Royal and Sasha were relocated to Waskaganish with a wonderful family there. We miss them terribly but know that they are better off.
We have had some major car problems this year but they have been either before leaving home or after arriving at a location where repairs can be done. For that we are very thankful. We did have one repair enroute - a flat tire at night. Good thing there was a busy truck population. Now we have a flashlight in the van. :o)
Challenges Too!
My dad spent much of the year in the hospital before moving to a nursing home in August. He has also had both of his feet amputated. The last one just a few weeks ago.
Anya turned twenty-one this year and what a celebration weekend it was. She had four surprise parties in all. While on our way home from one of the parties, we stopped at McDonalds. It was late, and we were tired, especially me. I tripped over the curb and hurt my hand badly. It was not broken, but now two months later I still only have limited use of it. I was unable to work on the computer for much of the first month, which put our expected newsletter on hold - hence the reduced version.
We also never put out any of our Christmas advertising which ended up being a blessing in disguise.
A New Territory
Early in October, Ken Powell called from Queensway Cathedral in Toronto. Their children’s pastor had resigned and they needed someone to fill in the gap. We accepted and we are commuting to Toronto twice a week. We travel down Wednesday mornings and come home Thursday night. Then we travel down again on Saturday and come home after church Sunday night.
We have been enjoying our time there, but we are still honouring the bookings we had before we went. We expect to be there until at least the end of January.
Further Education
Another exciting change is also taking place. Joel is applying to Master’s Seminary for his Masters in Theological Studies. In January, he hopes to be taking one course just to get back into the swing of things. We are looking at relocating to the Greater Toronto area in time for the fall semester.
Thank You
We would like to say a special thank you to everyone that has prayed for us and also to those who gave financial blessings. We know that we would be unable to continue travelling without you. You share in the harvest of the over 400 children that have made decisions to follow Jesus.
Thursday, February 21, 2002
What is God's Blessing
What is God's Blessing
OH, Lord, bless me indeed! A greedy, self-centred prayer? A believer’s right? What is it about these few words that has created such a whirlwind?
We first heard about the prayer of Jabez through several organizations in regular mailings that we receive. The letters assumed that we knew who and what was being talked about. However, we did not, and all the talk about the "bless me" part made me a little bit cynical. Everything we saw and heard seemed to be more conducive to our North American materialistic lifestyle than discovering God's plan for our lives. Then we discovered that the uproar was caused by a small, devotional style book by Bruce Wilkinson, called The Prayer of Jabez.
Just in case this is the first time you recall ever hearing of Jabez, let me give you a little bit of history. Smack dab in the middle of the genealogies, we find him in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10. Interestingly enough, we do not know who his parents or his descendants are. But he does make a bit of a splash among the begots. We know that he was not an only child as he was more honourable than his brothers. We also know that the time surrounding his birth was difficult. Why? The naming of a child was very important. The name created an identity and even a promise. Jabez' name meant "pain". Talk about an identity crisis. Every time he was called, his self-esteem would receive another hammer blow. Somehow, in spite of this, Jabez knew that God could make a difference. So he prayed,
Oh, that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil that I MAY NOT CAUSE PAIN. And God granted him his request. It was while staying with friends that we first read The Prayer of Jabez and we also saw some videos of Bruce Wilkinson as a guest of 100 Huntley Street, a Christian Talk Show in Canada. It was then our attitude began to change. I am not sure if it was something in the book or on the video that sent my thoughts back about six or seven years.
Gary Smalley and John Trent authored a book called The Blessing which was about the importance of the patriarchal blessing throughout Scripture, and the importance of us passing that blessing onto our children today. The patriarchal blessing included: 1. Meaningful touch 2. A spoken message 3. Attaching “high value” to the one being blessed. 4. Picturing a special future for the one being blessed. 5. An active commitment to fulfill the blessing.
Every morning, just before Anya, Charity and Rhian would leave the house for school, Joel would bless them. Often the blessing would be similar to this: Joel would place his hand on the head of the one being blessed and would say something like, “I love you. You are going to have a great day. God is going to keep his hand upon you today. I know that you are going to be a great lady for God.” Then Joel would kiss them and they would leave. Before long, two of Anya and Charity's friends, who came from fatherless homes, began arriving in time to receive a blessing as well.
It was during this time that Joel suffered the accident that eventually cost him his index finger on his left hand. He was injured at work and underwent surgery that tried to repair the hand. A friend brought the three girls in to see Joel when he came out of surgery. Still groggy from the anaesthetic, Joel called the not be home when they left for school in the morning. Joel would have no memory of that event but it left such an impression on Charity that she told every one about it.
When Anya, Charity and Rhian were again being home schooled, the daily blessing was sometimes forgotten without the daily routine of leaving the house. One of the girls would often come and ask, "Daddy, can you give me a blessing?”
Joel's answer was always, "Yes." Was he ever offended that they asked for a blessing. Of course not! What were they asking for? Money? No. Health? No. A new car? No. Guidance? Maybe? Assurance of love? Definitely.
So why do we automatically assume that when we ask God for His blessing that we are being greedy? As a father, Joel loves to bless his girls. As a Father, does not God want to bless us also?
So if God wants to bless us, what is the blessing He wants to give? That is where I think the confusion comes in. We are so attuned to thinking that God's blessing is financial or material in nature that we are preconditioning ourselves to only see that. But God's blessing is so much more. It is also God's choice, not mine. The girls never told Joel how to bless them, they just wanted Dad's blessing. In the same way, God, our Father, knows exactly what kind of blessing we need.
In October, we were challenged to pray the same prayer that Jabez prayed and see if anything happened. So we did.
After beginning this, I began to analyze why praying this simple prayer seemed to change people's lives and I came up with several reasons why I think it works.
1. First of all, people are praying. Some people, although professing to follow Jesus, may not talk to Him outside of the obligatory table grace and bedtime ritual - if then. Now they are praying and circumstances in their lives are changing. They are requesting God's blessing and He is faithful to meet them at their greatest need.
2. People are not telling God how to bless them. They are simply asking for His blessing. The way God chooses to bless us may not be the way He chooses to bless you. This idea transcends material blessing - although that may be how God chooses to bless you. For our brothers and sisters in countries closed to the gospel, His blessing may be freedom from fear or discovery. For another it may be the grace to endure pain, comfort in sorrow, or peace in the storm. God's blessing may be safety on the road, good health, or learning to depend on Him completely. The blessing may be the certainty of knowing a heavenly future awaits you. Whatever God's blessing is, you can rest assured that He is doing exactly what is best for you.
3. People are anticipating God to move on their behalf. Then when a blessing comes they are thankful to God for it. Very often we receive what we expect. When a church calls us to come and minister with them we can thank God for that blessing, or we can justify that the church would have called anyway and think of it as our just rewards. So when we anticipate God to move on our behalf, our eyes are open to see what God is doing.
Have things changed at our home since we began asking God to "bless us indeed"? Indeed they have.
When we wrote our last newsletter, it was a difficult one for us to write, and our October - February calendar was pretty bleak looking. We began to pray and God began to move. Most of our weekends in November and December filled up. We were very busy.
In November, we were privileged to attend a worship conference for kids in Ohio. We were thoroughly blessed. There were over 300 people, mainly children and youth (ages 6-18), with parents and children's leaders, at the conference . On the Saturday afternoon, this group of people interceded on behalf of our world and the war on terrorism for one and a half hours. One of the children at the conference wore a T-shirt that proclaimed, "Children Prayed, Revival Came". It then listed on the back of the shirt all the revivals that began because children prayed. One of those revivals was the Welsh Revival which so influenced my grandparents. So maybe because children prayed in Wales, our family ministers to children today.
In December, we returned to Waskaganish, in Northern Quebec, for a children's weekend and had a fantastic time. Over 90 children attended each service with over 60 children responding to an altar call to accept Christ. That was not the only miracle of the weekend either.
After leaving Matagami, the last town before reaching Waskaganish, we would travel 340 km without seeing a gas station, coffee shop, or any of the conveniences we were used to. We may have seen five other vehicles, and the weather was bad for the last 150 km.
We arrived safely in Waskaganish only to discover that as we came to the conclusion of our journey, we had a flat tire. That tire could have gone flat anywhere in that 340 km of barrenness but it stayed usable until we reached our destination. Joel attempted to have the tire replaced the next day but it would need to be flown in. It should arrive by Monday when we needed to leave.
Monday morning arrived and there was no tire. It would maybe arrive Tuesday or Wednesday. We were in Quebec’s north and it was December. We had no idea what the weather forecast was but we did know that the sky looked like a storm was brewing. Both Joel and I felt strongly mpressed that we needed to leave that day. So we began our trek out with a donut tire on the van and no spare. These tires are only rated for 100 km. We had already put over 500 km on ours and now we were going for another 450 before we could buy a new tire. We actually travelled for 770 km, praising God the whole way. By Christmas God had blessed us with new tires all the way round on the van.
January saw our territory being expanded as we were invited to be part of a local TV station’s Christian talk show. We were blessed to be able to present “He Took My Place” and “Healing the Brokenhearted” on the air.
Now we are looking at a reasonably full calendar for the next seven months. Yes, God has definitely blessed.
Anya's Additions
It is difficult to believe that we are already into the new year. I have finished my first semester at college and has the time ever gone by fast.
College has been great and I have made new friends. I am looking forward to this next semester as well, although I did enjoy the month that I had off between terms.
One of the courses that I am taking this winter is Children's Ministry. It sounds like something that will really interest me - especially since I have been doing children’s ministry for over fifteen years.
I am looking forward to my day-care placement and actually working with the little ones. I spend every Thursday afternoon with the four and five-year-olds.
It has been such a blessing to be able to attend college and watch as God provides for each of my needs and I am so glad He is there for me.
I had a great time last year and I expect this year to be even better. God will still provide and lead me in the direction He wants me to go. I will keep following Him every day.
I love you all.
Keep living for Jesus.
Charity's Chatter
Can kids touch God? Do they have the ability and the desire to have more of God in their lives? To know about who God is, what He does, and what He can do in their lives? Yes, I believe they can. Why, because I have seen it first hand - children seeking after God; interceding for Him to move. God has placed in each one of us the desire to worship Him and have an intimate relationship with Him.
So why is it assumed that desire is not there until we hit our teen years. Why do we place all our efforts and money into the youth, music and adults so that all the children receive are the left overs. People say that the youth and the children are the church of tomorrow, but they are not. They are the church of today. If we do not invest into the hearts and lives of our children then there is not going to be a church tomorrow. If there is nothing in the church to hold them there, they will go the way of the world.
Have you ever gone to a banquet and there was all this delicious food on the tables? It was hot and steaming, just taken from the oven. The smells were absolutely heavenly and you could hardly wait to sink your teeth into one of those juicy steaks, creamed potatoes, glazed baby carrots, or hot gooey apple crisp. Then just before you reach out to take the food someone steps up and says that the food is not for you. Then they take you off to the nursery where you receive cookies and apple juice or they take you to kids church and all you get are hot dogs and flavoured water. Pretty disappointing, eh?
Sometimes that is what we do with our kids. Our adult services are on fire for God but we send the children off to their church where they have a song, three minute Bible story and then it is snack and craft time. We believe we are reaching the kids at their level but we are not challenging them to be all they can be in God.
I know that children can worship, they can touch God. I have seen it. They can have that desire placed within them and they can be tools in God’s hands. We need to challenge them, on a level that they will understand. We need to allow them to worship as children not as little adults or they will never reach the full potential that God has for them. They can make such a mighty difference for Him when they are still young.
It is my desire to see children, all over Canada and America, become the great and mighty warriors that they are in God. But that will not happen unless they are taught that God wants to pour out into their lives His Holy Spirit and His power. God is seeking worshippers who will abandon themselves to Him and give Him praise that is right when it is done with all of your might. I believe that God is building up an army of worshipping children that will go before us into battle.
God Bless.
Rhian's Remarks
Mr. Son, Son, Mr. Glorious Son. Please shine down on us...
Last year, the Lord shone down on us as a family and in the ministry. He has blessed us in so many ways we can't even count it on our hands and toes and that's with our socks off. Children, youth and adults came to the Father in all the programs we did.
In this new year, we are hoping for great and new things - ‘out with the old and in with the new.’ Isaiah 43:18-19 tells us “‘Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old, Behold I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it.” Let God do something new in your life this year.
In 2002, remember that whatever you do, do it for Him as we are told to in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Remember to keep us in your prayers and when you do pray make this prayer yours: ‘Oh Lord, that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that your hand will be with me, and that you would keep me from evil; that I might not cause pain. (1 Chronicles 4:9) And you will see God’s blessings.
God bless,
Joel & Mary
Anya, Charity and Rhian
Wednesday, October 31, 2001
Go MAD
Go MAD
Go Make A Difference! shouts back the audience. Everyone knows that “Go MAD!” was not a plea for insanity but a cry to Go Make A Difference for God. We were wanting everyone to make a difference at home, at school and in their community.
X-stream-ly MAD was the theme of our summer VBS. Each program centred around an extreme sport, including rollerblading and mountain climbing.
One of the ways, we could make a difference was by forgiving others. God wants us to forgive others is so that we can be whole. Unforgiveness is like a splinter in your hand. As long as it remains, it causes pain; infection can set in; and it will not heal. But remove the splinter and healing begins.
We saw it happen. Michelle* was brought to the services. She did not want to be there. She hated God. Profanity spewed out of her mouth as easily as water from a tap. God met her at her place of need. Near the end of the week she asked Jesus into her life. The change was immediate. A smile replaced the swearing. A hug was given instead of a slap. There was peace instead of anger.
Jenny* had forgiven the abuser but the painful memories were still there. She needed the balm of Gilead poured over her heart to have peace. We were privileged to pray with her until the deliverance came.
We have been blessed to see over 400 people make a decision to follow Christ this year. Many others found healing or forgiveness in Jesus. You too can Go MAD! Go Make A Difference.
A Time of Transition
This will be a newsletter unlike any we have written before. Usually, we talk about all the good things that happen and keep the ‘bad’ things to ourselves. When I was praying about this letter though, I felt that God wanted us to open up our hearts to you and let you know how things have really been.
I think the past two years have been a time of transition for us, and to be honest, not all of it has been pleasant. Some of it has been downright uncomfortable. As many of you know, in late 1999, Joel accepted a ministry position at a camp that fell through before it had even begun. In a four month time period, we found ourselves making a second move. This move, however, was much more expensive than we had anticipated. In addition to this we were plagued with van repairs throughout the year. By the end of 2000, we had paid out in unexpected bills over $10,000.
By the fall of 2000, we had been on an emotional and financial roller coaster that we would not wish on our worst enemies (if we could figure out who they are). Our two oldest daughters were making plans to enter college over the next few years. Ministry opportunities were few and the bank account was empty. The future looked bleak and uncertain.
We began to wonder if it was time to go off the road. We put our name out as available to become a children’s pastor. We had several good offers, and even went as far as doing a ministry presentation at one church. But why were we looking for a church? Were we wanting to go off the road because of the financial instability or because God was directing that way? We loved the travelling, meeting people and making new friends but the emotional and financial turmoil we were in was interfering with every decision we made.
Everything came to a head in January when we almost lost our van. We sent out an appeal for prayer to many of our friends and they prayed, and prayed, and prayed. A few who did know what was happening gave financially. Our Itinerant Ministries Director intervened on our behalf, and we were able to keep the van.
It was then that things turned around for us. New doors for ministry opened up. Another ministry took us under their wing and helped us heal. New programs were developed featuring Rhian who will be with us for a while yet. We were given a fresh vision for the ministry God has called us to. Without intent, Jeremiah 29:11 became our theme verse.
Our calendar began to fill up. Out of our brokeness, we were able to minister to others and see God bring peace where once there was pain.
Now it is fall again. It has been a good year. So why do we feel so fragile?
Physically, we are tired, but well. We ministered over 100 times from June through September. Then for three weeks, we were care giving for Mary’s dad while her mom was on a much needed vacation.
Emotionally, we are just entering the empty nest stage. We have sent Anya off to college and miss her terribly. We are not looking forward to doing this two more times.
Ministry wise, the bookings are few at this time. We hope that it will change for December as we have just written a new Christmas program called ‘The Gift’. It is about a father who does not understand Christmas, but meets God in a special and unusual way.
Financially, we are still recovering from the disaster of 2000. For the past two years, Joel has only been receiving 50% of his salary, and not all of that is paid up. Anya, Charity and Rhian have had a small amount of their salaries paid, but most of it is still on account. Churches want us to come and yet cannot afford to pay us. We want to go and yet cannot afford to go without being remunerated adequately. Our van is still in need of $2000 worth of repairs. Before the crash, Anya, Charity and Rhian had braces put on their teeth. They cannot come off until the orthodontist has been paid in full.
As a result of our financial no-cash flow, we have some dreams that are currently on hold (see Dreams). We also have had to turn down some invitations to minister overseas. One invitation that is on the table now is for Iqualit, Nunavit in Canada’s far north among the Inuit. The church there wants to start a children’s church and would like for us to come and do some teacher training, and help them start it. It will cost us about $6000 to go. We have the time and the willingness but not the finances.
So we wait, wondering where God is directing us next.
Anya's Additions
Hi Everyone!
It seems so long ago that I wrote. Our last newsletter was written while in Newfoundland. I told you that I was planning on going to Tyndale College & Seminary in Toronto. Well, I have been here for two months already and am enjoying my time. I am in the Bachelor of Religious Education/ Early Childhood Education (BRE/ECE) program.
Living in Toronto is a neat experience. I have travelled to family in the area, by myself, using the subway and did not even get lost. :o) I have not done any sight seeing yet because I've been rather busy with classes, reading, more reading, and playing indoor soccer.
Back to school, for an orientation activity all the frosh went to Muskoka Woods Sports Resort. I met the other girls in my dorm and the other people who are taking the BRE/ECE program. There are eight of us - one guy - yay, for Jay! - and seven girls.
I have six classes this semester and I am enjoying all of them. This is the middle of the semester and I am in the midst of mid-term exams. Please pray that everything will go well with my studying and assignments.
I cannot believe that October will be over next week. This school year has gone by so fast. We are having a soccer tournament in the middle of November with the other Christian schools in the district. It is not a varsity sport or anything, just a little get together to have some fun with the other schools.
Please continue to pray for me, I need it. :o)
I love you all. Write me sometime. My address is Tyndale College, 25 Ballyconnor Ct., #1455, Toronto, Ontario M2M 4B3.
Charity's Chatter
Have you ever seen the old musical "Singin' In the Rain"? One song on there "Make 'Em Laugh" sung by Donald O'Conner has a line that says "And the show must go on!"
Well summer is over, the fall has begun, and Anya has gone off to school. I guess the only thing to be said is "And the show must go on". With or without Anya 'the show must go on'. :o) It has been a little hard on me to have Anya gone. There are times I go to talk to her and she is not there. I have to go places without her and sometimes that leaves me feeling very alone. But I am starting to adjust. By the time she comes home at the end of the year I think I will be over it. :o)
It is kind of fun to be the oldest, but there is so much responsibly that comes with it. The nice part though is that Rhian and I spend more time together.
This summer was amazing. We had some wonderful camps and VBS's.
We had a week off in July that we were able to spend here at home. It was heavenly. We spent almost every day out by the pool.
With the week off we were able to prepare for my grandparents 50th Anniversary. I wrote a song for them and sang it when they renewed their vows. The song was “I Would Choose You”. It talked about choosing that person you love over the greatest riches in the world. You can kind of see the parallel in it with Jesus. He had all the riches in the world. He was the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Creator, yet He still left it all to become a lowly man. He was not even born into a palace, the son of a King, but to a carpenter. His life was very simple. With that in mind He still came to earth, gave up all to die a criminal death on a cross to save the ones He loves. How great a love that is.
Honestly, and this is no joke, I started talking in full sentences before I was one year old. My parents joke that I have not stopped since and maybe that is true, but I have discovered something I can do with my talkative talent. I can preach. I can share the love of Jesus, not only with stories and puppets and songs, but also by just plain out telling them. I preached for the first time when we were out east during the spring and I never thought I would enjoy it so much. I find a joy in just sharing with people how I feel about Jesus and how much He means to me and how much they can Make A Difference for Him.
I would ask that you would pray for me. I am in the process of finding out what it is God wants me to do about school and what courses to take. Please pray that God gives me direction and provides the money for that.
God bless you and thank you all for your prayers.
Rhian's Remarks
GO MAD!
Not the crazy type, no just go mad, you know, go Make A Difference. That is what the kids this summer were learning. Even if they are small they are mighty in God's eyes; they can still go MAD! They can go MAD for Him in their schools, their towns, their world....
You too moms and dads. Now we all know we do not want to be mad, like angry, but you can be leaders to show your kids they can go MAD for Christ. You may also be thinking that I am already mad. My kids are drivin' me crazy. Hey, I know that feeling. I have got two great, crazy parents, and two great, crazy sisters, but I love them. But let me leave you with this GO MAD!
Bye!
How Can You Help?
Become a Prayer Partner. Pray for us, then pray for us some more. We need your prayers more than anything else.
Become a Financial Partner.
Consider a one-time donation.
Consider becoming a monthly partner. We are praying for 100 people, organizations and businesses that would support YASM on a monthly basis.
Sponsor a crusade so that we could go to a home missions or smaller church.
Become a Publicity Partner. Word of mouth is the best advertisement. You are familiar with our ministry, give our name out to churches and organizations that would be blessed by having us in.
Dreams Can Become Reality
Dream with us about the future. Dreams that we hope to change into a reality before too long.
Charity is ready to cut her first CD. $2,000
Marnie and Doc notepads and T-shirts. We also need a cartoonist who will make us line drawings of Marnie and Doc. $2,000
High end graphics capable laptop with DVD. $4,000
Video Projector. $8,000
Purchasing a motor home. Mary has recently been diagnosed as being glucose intolerant (early stages of diabetes). A motor home would enable her to be able to have a lot more control over her diet. $70,000
Publication of Shining For Jesus, a five part children’s story book.
Publication of See How Your Storytelling Can Sparkle, teaching others how to tell a good story.
Publication of an Activity Book.
Mission Trip with Tasch Ministries Int’l. TMI takes children on missions trip. It has been a long time dream of Joel’s to take children on trips. This trip would be excellent training ground.
God bless,
Joel & Mary
Anya, Charity and Rhian
Go Make A Difference! shouts back the audience. Everyone knows that “Go MAD!” was not a plea for insanity but a cry to Go Make A Difference for God. We were wanting everyone to make a difference at home, at school and in their community.
X-stream-ly MAD was the theme of our summer VBS. Each program centred around an extreme sport, including rollerblading and mountain climbing.
One of the ways, we could make a difference was by forgiving others. God wants us to forgive others is so that we can be whole. Unforgiveness is like a splinter in your hand. As long as it remains, it causes pain; infection can set in; and it will not heal. But remove the splinter and healing begins.
We saw it happen. Michelle* was brought to the services. She did not want to be there. She hated God. Profanity spewed out of her mouth as easily as water from a tap. God met her at her place of need. Near the end of the week she asked Jesus into her life. The change was immediate. A smile replaced the swearing. A hug was given instead of a slap. There was peace instead of anger.
Jenny* had forgiven the abuser but the painful memories were still there. She needed the balm of Gilead poured over her heart to have peace. We were privileged to pray with her until the deliverance came.
We have been blessed to see over 400 people make a decision to follow Christ this year. Many others found healing or forgiveness in Jesus. You too can Go MAD! Go Make A Difference.
A Time of Transition
This will be a newsletter unlike any we have written before. Usually, we talk about all the good things that happen and keep the ‘bad’ things to ourselves. When I was praying about this letter though, I felt that God wanted us to open up our hearts to you and let you know how things have really been.
I think the past two years have been a time of transition for us, and to be honest, not all of it has been pleasant. Some of it has been downright uncomfortable. As many of you know, in late 1999, Joel accepted a ministry position at a camp that fell through before it had even begun. In a four month time period, we found ourselves making a second move. This move, however, was much more expensive than we had anticipated. In addition to this we were plagued with van repairs throughout the year. By the end of 2000, we had paid out in unexpected bills over $10,000.
By the fall of 2000, we had been on an emotional and financial roller coaster that we would not wish on our worst enemies (if we could figure out who they are). Our two oldest daughters were making plans to enter college over the next few years. Ministry opportunities were few and the bank account was empty. The future looked bleak and uncertain.
We began to wonder if it was time to go off the road. We put our name out as available to become a children’s pastor. We had several good offers, and even went as far as doing a ministry presentation at one church. But why were we looking for a church? Were we wanting to go off the road because of the financial instability or because God was directing that way? We loved the travelling, meeting people and making new friends but the emotional and financial turmoil we were in was interfering with every decision we made.
Everything came to a head in January when we almost lost our van. We sent out an appeal for prayer to many of our friends and they prayed, and prayed, and prayed. A few who did know what was happening gave financially. Our Itinerant Ministries Director intervened on our behalf, and we were able to keep the van.
It was then that things turned around for us. New doors for ministry opened up. Another ministry took us under their wing and helped us heal. New programs were developed featuring Rhian who will be with us for a while yet. We were given a fresh vision for the ministry God has called us to. Without intent, Jeremiah 29:11 became our theme verse.
Our calendar began to fill up. Out of our brokeness, we were able to minister to others and see God bring peace where once there was pain.
Now it is fall again. It has been a good year. So why do we feel so fragile?
Physically, we are tired, but well. We ministered over 100 times from June through September. Then for three weeks, we were care giving for Mary’s dad while her mom was on a much needed vacation.
Emotionally, we are just entering the empty nest stage. We have sent Anya off to college and miss her terribly. We are not looking forward to doing this two more times.
Ministry wise, the bookings are few at this time. We hope that it will change for December as we have just written a new Christmas program called ‘The Gift’. It is about a father who does not understand Christmas, but meets God in a special and unusual way.
Financially, we are still recovering from the disaster of 2000. For the past two years, Joel has only been receiving 50% of his salary, and not all of that is paid up. Anya, Charity and Rhian have had a small amount of their salaries paid, but most of it is still on account. Churches want us to come and yet cannot afford to pay us. We want to go and yet cannot afford to go without being remunerated adequately. Our van is still in need of $2000 worth of repairs. Before the crash, Anya, Charity and Rhian had braces put on their teeth. They cannot come off until the orthodontist has been paid in full.
As a result of our financial no-cash flow, we have some dreams that are currently on hold (see Dreams). We also have had to turn down some invitations to minister overseas. One invitation that is on the table now is for Iqualit, Nunavit in Canada’s far north among the Inuit. The church there wants to start a children’s church and would like for us to come and do some teacher training, and help them start it. It will cost us about $6000 to go. We have the time and the willingness but not the finances.
So we wait, wondering where God is directing us next.
Anya's Additions
Hi Everyone!
It seems so long ago that I wrote. Our last newsletter was written while in Newfoundland. I told you that I was planning on going to Tyndale College & Seminary in Toronto. Well, I have been here for two months already and am enjoying my time. I am in the Bachelor of Religious Education/ Early Childhood Education (BRE/ECE) program.
Living in Toronto is a neat experience. I have travelled to family in the area, by myself, using the subway and did not even get lost. :o) I have not done any sight seeing yet because I've been rather busy with classes, reading, more reading, and playing indoor soccer.
Back to school, for an orientation activity all the frosh went to Muskoka Woods Sports Resort. I met the other girls in my dorm and the other people who are taking the BRE/ECE program. There are eight of us - one guy - yay, for Jay! - and seven girls.
I have six classes this semester and I am enjoying all of them. This is the middle of the semester and I am in the midst of mid-term exams. Please pray that everything will go well with my studying and assignments.
I cannot believe that October will be over next week. This school year has gone by so fast. We are having a soccer tournament in the middle of November with the other Christian schools in the district. It is not a varsity sport or anything, just a little get together to have some fun with the other schools.
Please continue to pray for me, I need it. :o)
I love you all. Write me sometime. My address is Tyndale College, 25 Ballyconnor Ct., #1455, Toronto, Ontario M2M 4B3.
Charity's Chatter
Have you ever seen the old musical "Singin' In the Rain"? One song on there "Make 'Em Laugh" sung by Donald O'Conner has a line that says "And the show must go on!"
Well summer is over, the fall has begun, and Anya has gone off to school. I guess the only thing to be said is "And the show must go on". With or without Anya 'the show must go on'. :o) It has been a little hard on me to have Anya gone. There are times I go to talk to her and she is not there. I have to go places without her and sometimes that leaves me feeling very alone. But I am starting to adjust. By the time she comes home at the end of the year I think I will be over it. :o)
It is kind of fun to be the oldest, but there is so much responsibly that comes with it. The nice part though is that Rhian and I spend more time together.
This summer was amazing. We had some wonderful camps and VBS's.
We had a week off in July that we were able to spend here at home. It was heavenly. We spent almost every day out by the pool.
With the week off we were able to prepare for my grandparents 50th Anniversary. I wrote a song for them and sang it when they renewed their vows. The song was “I Would Choose You”. It talked about choosing that person you love over the greatest riches in the world. You can kind of see the parallel in it with Jesus. He had all the riches in the world. He was the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Creator, yet He still left it all to become a lowly man. He was not even born into a palace, the son of a King, but to a carpenter. His life was very simple. With that in mind He still came to earth, gave up all to die a criminal death on a cross to save the ones He loves. How great a love that is.
Honestly, and this is no joke, I started talking in full sentences before I was one year old. My parents joke that I have not stopped since and maybe that is true, but I have discovered something I can do with my talkative talent. I can preach. I can share the love of Jesus, not only with stories and puppets and songs, but also by just plain out telling them. I preached for the first time when we were out east during the spring and I never thought I would enjoy it so much. I find a joy in just sharing with people how I feel about Jesus and how much He means to me and how much they can Make A Difference for Him.
I would ask that you would pray for me. I am in the process of finding out what it is God wants me to do about school and what courses to take. Please pray that God gives me direction and provides the money for that.
God bless you and thank you all for your prayers.
Rhian's Remarks
GO MAD!
Not the crazy type, no just go mad, you know, go Make A Difference. That is what the kids this summer were learning. Even if they are small they are mighty in God's eyes; they can still go MAD! They can go MAD for Him in their schools, their towns, their world....
You too moms and dads. Now we all know we do not want to be mad, like angry, but you can be leaders to show your kids they can go MAD for Christ. You may also be thinking that I am already mad. My kids are drivin' me crazy. Hey, I know that feeling. I have got two great, crazy parents, and two great, crazy sisters, but I love them. But let me leave you with this GO MAD!
Bye!
How Can You Help?
Become a Prayer Partner. Pray for us, then pray for us some more. We need your prayers more than anything else.
Become a Financial Partner.
Consider a one-time donation.
Consider becoming a monthly partner. We are praying for 100 people, organizations and businesses that would support YASM on a monthly basis.
Sponsor a crusade so that we could go to a home missions or smaller church.
Become a Publicity Partner. Word of mouth is the best advertisement. You are familiar with our ministry, give our name out to churches and organizations that would be blessed by having us in.
Dreams Can Become Reality
Dream with us about the future. Dreams that we hope to change into a reality before too long.
Charity is ready to cut her first CD. $2,000
Marnie and Doc notepads and T-shirts. We also need a cartoonist who will make us line drawings of Marnie and Doc. $2,000
High end graphics capable laptop with DVD. $4,000
Video Projector. $8,000
Purchasing a motor home. Mary has recently been diagnosed as being glucose intolerant (early stages of diabetes). A motor home would enable her to be able to have a lot more control over her diet. $70,000
Publication of Shining For Jesus, a five part children’s story book.
Publication of See How Your Storytelling Can Sparkle, teaching others how to tell a good story.
Publication of an Activity Book.
Mission Trip with Tasch Ministries Int’l. TMI takes children on missions trip. It has been a long time dream of Joel’s to take children on trips. This trip would be excellent training ground.
God bless,
Joel & Mary
Anya, Charity and Rhian
Saturday, June 30, 2001
Healing the Brokenhearted
Healing the Brokenhearted
Louise - everyone knows Louise. Either you have walked in her shoes, or know someone who has. She is the person no one likes, and everyone ridicules. But Jesus loves Louise, and Barney, and Mark, and Debbie, and you. Not only does He love them, but Jesus wants to heal their broken hearts … and yours.
This year, Barney and Marnie, Louise and Dopey are helping us share this truth and God is healing broken hearts.
A young boy is weeping at the altar. His father, who he is very close to, has been sent to jail. Now Jesus is washing away the pain.
A teenager laughs. His laughter is music to his parents ears. Just a few days earlier, he says good-bye to his friends at school and before he arrives home, they are dead. His heart is heavy as he realizes that in spite of his witnessing they had not accepted Christ. As we minister, God restores the joy and releases the guilt.
A mom says, “Thank you.” She has two daughters waiting for her in heaven. Her sixteen year old daughter was hit by a car and killed this year. As Joel shared about our son in heaven, she was able to let go of some of her grief and Jesus moved in to bring peace.“This was not a kid’s service.” one man commented. “It was a service for everyone. It just reached down to the child in each of us.”
The stories go on. Children, teenagers and adults are allowing God to bring healing to their hurting hearts.
And He is.
Keeping Busy and Loving It
Wow! It’s hard to believe that it has been five months since our last newsletter and have we been busy!
To be honest, 2000 was a rough year for us. Then early in 2001, a seemingly uncrossable mountain appeared in front of us. We asked people to pray - and pray they did. Within a few days the craggy mountain top had been cut off, and we have been watching that mountain shrink in size ever since. A special thank you to everyone who was praying for us.
Since that time, we have been very busy. In January and March, we were in Northern Ontario three times. In February, we were in North Carolina enjoying the nice weather. I also discovered that I am not really a sports person unless...the person playing is related to me. Then the whole picture changes.
Joel’s cousin was playing in a college golf tournament while we were there. We happily followed her around the course and rejoiced when her school came in second out of twenty-two colleges.
In April, we were close to home building a trailer for our summer tour. God blessed us with a trailer base that was small enough for our van to pull. Then we needed to put the rest of it together.
We were also finalizing plans for our last NYSSSA conference. It was an extremely busy time with the conference booklet to prepare, having workshop and exhibitor applications ready to mail out for next year and all of the other million and one things that needed to be done.NYSSSA finally arrived May 11-12 and was a success. That final day was bittersweet knowing that after four years and seven conferences this was another chapter closed.Immediately following NYSSSA, we were involved in our first presentation of X-stream-ly MAD - Make A Difference, God’s Way. We were ministering at a local community park and saw over fifty first time decisions for Christ.
May also found us ministering to the Carisma congregations in Hamilton, Toronto and Cambridge - all on the same day. Our first service was in Hamilton at 11:00 and we were on our way to Toronto by 1:15. Weather and traffic were a real challenge, but we made it to church on time - we just were not set up yet. The service began a little bit late but God still moved powerfully. Then it was off to Cambridge. The rain had cleared and we were thankful that we had left our trailer at home. This time we did make it in time. Finally, we arrived home with two days to pack for the summer.
May 29, we pulled out with a fully loaded van, car top carrier and trailer - heading east. Most of June will be spent in Newfoundland. July will find us back in Ontario. August will be shared between Quebec and Ontario. Then we will have a few days at home. Now onto the family news.
Anya has written her grade 12 equivalency exams and passed. Although we did not receive her actual marks, her placing among recent graduates is in the top 15%. We are thrilled.Anya has applied to go to college this fall and we are just waiting to hear whether or not she has been accepted. We will certainly miss her but recognize God’s hand on her life.Anya and Charity both passed their driving tests so Anya is a full driver and Charity is in her final stage of the graduated license.
Charity is continuing to write music. My parents are celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary this year, and her latest song is one written especially for them.Rhian is enjoying her role as S. Papillon (social butterfly) in X-stream-ly MAD - especially the wild and wacky clothes she gets to wear. This summer Anya will be passing the mantle of clowning onto Rhian.
We have been intrigued as we have watched God orchestrate our plans as we look to the changes taking place in our family that will also affect the ministry team. Programs in the past that would have featured Anya are now featuring Rhian. Charity will be with us for another year, but God has already been laying on our hearts ideas for the future.
We are also looking towards making application for a non-profit status in the US either this fall or early next year. At this time we are considering Sanford, North Carolina; Hamburg, New York; Port Huron, Michigan or Springfield, Missouri as our office location. All four places have excellent reasons why we should choose them so please pray that we will know where to go.
Anya's AdditionsAnya is now attending Tyndale College and Seminary in Toronto, Ontario. She is currently enrolled in the BRE program with a minor in ECE. She begins classes September 10, 2001. Although she plans to travel with us next summer, this is her last letter as a full-time member of the team. As a member of the family, Anya's Additions will continue.
It is the season that we spend a lot of our time outdoors doing activities that we most enjoy.Summer is my favourite time of the year, I think. I like doing those activities that cannot be done during the rest of the year, such as water sports. My favourite are tubing, kneeboarding and swimming.
This summer is special for me because it may be the last time that I will travel regularly with my family and the ministry. I am planning on going to college in the fall. Please pray that all things will work out God’s way and that I will follow God's will for my life. I thank you all for continuing to pray for our family as we travel and minister.God is so good. I am glad He is watching over me always. He will never leave me, nor forsake me. God's beauty is grand and majestic. It is all over the place speaking of His power and might.
I am in Newfoundland. It is the last province of Canada for our family to minister in, and I am really enjoying myself. I have started to talk like a Newfoundlander. I have been on a deep sea fishing boat as well as the ferry for crossing, where I had motion sickness. I have had some lobster, something I am not to keen about. This week I was within one hundred feet of an iceberg grounded in La Scie. It was neat to see the water running off the frozen ice into the ocean like small streams. It has been great.
Everything is going well and I just want to remind you all that God is in control of your life. He knows what is best for you. Keep trusting in Him, He'll see you through. May God richly bless your life.
Charity's Chatter
For those who live in Newfoundland, I just want to say that your Island is beautiful. We really should have come here a whole lot sooner. In the last week and a half that I have spent on this Island I have felt completely at home. The people are so friendly and willing to share. I pray that God will bless richly those who blessed us. I just want to say thank you. You have made the start of my summer a true joy.
Summer!?! Can you believe it is almost here. It sure doesn't seem it weather wise, but wow it has come again. I am really looking forward to this summer, but at the same time not quite. This summer we are trying something new, but also heading into a time of change. Our X-streamly Mad VBS - Make a Difference God's Way - is really looking good. We are using extreme sports theme, but none of us know how to do any of them. We want to make a difference this year in lives all over Canada and the United States. We also want to teach kids that no matter who they are, they can make a difference too. Even though they are young they can still worship God with heart, body, soul, mind, and strength. Please pray with us that God would come and meet with the children this summer. Pray that they would experience Him in a new way and that we would follow the leading of the Holy Spirit as we lead the children.
We have already started our summer with a park outreach ministry. We did the X-stream theme and had an awesome time in the park in Dundalk. We taught that we can go extreme for God and saw a number of children make first time commitments to Christ. It is wonderful to see what God is doing and what He will continue to do there. Not only there, but also here in Newfoundland.
This is our first time on the Island and by being here it has made our 'Across Canada' complete. We have now been in every province in Canada (excluding the territories) for ministry. God is just doing wonderful things in the lives of the people out here. He is awesome.
Like I said, this year we are also heading into a time of change. Anya is planning to go off to college. This is really going to be hard on me because she is my best friend. She has always been there for me. I know I sometimes come off as the leader, but in truth I couldn't do it without my older sister. She has been my leaning post for...forever. This is a point of growth and I am going to need to learn to lean even more on Jesus, pray that I will be able to stand strong.
But above everything else, Jesus will be glorified this summer.
For those we are going to see in our travels, can't wait to catch up with you again. God bless and have an awesome summer.
Rhian's Remarks
On your mark! Get set! Go!
The summer is just around the corner. My summer started in May and does not end until September.
We left for Newfoundland at the end of May and will be there for three weeks in June. Can you believe it? Three weeks in one place. Wow!
God has been so awesome this past few months.
You know, life is like a race. We are trying to finish. We are trying to win but there are trials that we can go through. And there are mountains to climb. When you climb a mountain, you need to have the right gear: harness, helmet, rope, etc. When we climb we have to put our trust in the gear. When we go through trials, we have to trust God, just like we trust the mountain climbing gear.
Remember, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” When you need a friend just call on the Father. He's there and always near at hand.
Keep Living for the King.
:o) Smile, God loves you
Is There a Doggy or Two in the House?
Several years ago, we came off of the road in a full-time capacity. During that time we acquired Royal and Sasha, two cute and adorable Papillons, or toy spaniels. Since that time, God has redirected us back onto the road full-time and we are becoming increasingly busy.
Royal and Sasha travel almost everywhere with us. However, the busier we become the more Royal and Sasha need a different life. Living out of a suitcase is one thing - living in the van is quite another.We are looking at several options.
Someone who lives near us who would be able to doggysit for anything from a weekend to several months at a time.
Someone who would take the dogs on a semi-permanent basis until we have a motorhome or one of our family would be able to care for them on a permanent basis.
Someone who would take Royal and Sasha permanently with the understanding that should they ever choose to no longer have them that they would first let us have the opportunity to have them back. Royal (4 yrs., M) and Sasha (3½ yrs., F) are both neutered, house trained and friendly. Except that our life style makes it difficult for them, we would not be considering giving them away. They truly are a part of our family.
The Shoulder Model Needs the Shrink Cycle
A picture was sent to us recently of the new shoulder model laptop. Someone had humorously put together a full desktop computer system - complete with yoke - for over the shoulder ease of transportation. In some ways we can sympathize with the owner as we are packing two large totes and a 17 in. monitor into the van every time we go anywhere this summer.
Our busy year has resulted in not enough time behind the computer, at home, to prepare everything for our new VBS, X-stream-ly MAD. So our shoulder model comes with us. In some ways it is really nice to have the whole thing, but then it would sure be a lot easier if we had the smaller version. Because of everything that we use the computer for, a high end graphics friendly laptop has become a need for the ministry, not just a want.
Please pray with us that God would provide for this need quickly. Then we can return the desktop to its rightful place.
Thank You
A Special Thank you to everyone who prayed and gave during the past year. Without you we could not have accomplished what we did. May God richly bless you!
God bless,
Joel & Mary
Anya, Charity and Rhian
Wednesday, January 31, 2001
Precious Moments with a Child
Precious Moments With a Child
Have you ever had those precious moments with a child that you remember for years afterwards? Like when your child wants to get the transgression card from the ABM teller, or going to Agony Tire (Canadian Tire) to do some shopping. In 2000, we had several of those occasions that we thought you would enjoy.
* * *
While Joel was walking down the street in Mistissini, Quebec, a young boy called out, "Hi, Mr. Jesus!"
What a privilege it was to know that we were living Jesus before these children.
* * *
A puppet was sitting on our equipment. A lady in the church asked one of the children, "What is that?" pointing to the puppet.
"A servant of God." replied the child. We had never thought of puppets in quite that way, but God can use anything.
* * *
We were eating breakfast, just getting ready to leave for home when the phone rang in our hostess' home. A mother of one of the children was calling. The night before, her daughter had a dream. She dreamt that she saw the puppet stage with Jesus sitting behind it. He was blessing the children.
* * *
We were raising money for Open Doors With Brother Andrew to send Bibles to children in China. Some of the children wanted to do their part and set up a kool-aid stand outside the dining hall. They raised over $30 through generous contributions.
* * *
Charity was talking to a little girl about Mary and Joseph. She wanted to know if they were real people.
"Yes," Charity said, "they lived 2000 years ago. That's a long time ago."
"Yes," said the little girl, "my grandma was alive then."
* * *
"What were the gifts brought to the baby Jesus, by the wisemen?" asked the pastor.
"Gold" said one child.
"Myrrh" said another.
"Franklinstein" answered the last little boy.
* * *
"If I was going to get a storyteller, I'd get you 'cause you're the best."
Highlights and Other Unforgettable Moments in 2000
For many of you, this will be the first time you have heard from us in over a year. We want to reassure you that you have not been forgotten. It was just one of those years. So we are going to share with you some highlights and other unforgettable moments.
Our year began with a move. We had purchased a mobile home so that we could take up residence at a camp. Shortly after moving, we discovered that the direction of the camp had changed and so we needed to re-relocate. So in April, we moved again to Bayfield, Ontario on the shores of Lake Huron. We love the new location we are in and have great neighbours. We also are attending a great church in Goderich. Our pastor, Duane McLean, was a classmate of Joel's in Bible College.
In spite of the move, we were still keeping very busy. So last winter, while everyone else was travelling south to warmer climates, we drove the same distance north so that we could access ice and winter roads. An experience we plan on repeating this year too. In spite of the cold weather, we had wonderful services, saw God move mightily, and made great friends.
April was a busy month with the NYSSSA conference in New York, followed by our move to Bayfield. Then after four months without a telephone and only limited time on the computer, we finally had a phone again and were back on-line for all of twelve hours. We printed off the spring newsletter just before a major thunderstorm hit. With all of twelve hours behind us, lightening took out our computer through the phone lines. We were without a computer until October - and also without our mailing list. We were able to write a summer newsletter as well, but again, without our mailing list were unable to send it to anyone. Now we have a new computer, and our mailing list.
Summer came in like a flood and in the course of two months, we ministered about one hundred times; raised almost $900 for Open Doors With Brother Andrew; travelled many miles; and visited the local mechanic - that's local to wherever we were ministering at the moment. Our minivan has almost been through a complete renewal - new tires, brakes, air compressor, transmission, plus more, much more. Almost sounds like a car repair commercial, doesn't it?
Then came the Fall with our ministry becoming mainly weekend in nature. We were in Montreal's China Town in October and enjoyed our first taste of 'Dragon's Beard', a delectable Chinese sweet treat.
In November, we were off to the east coast for a whirlwind trip. It began with the presentation of 'The Manger and the Tree' at an elementary school in Ormstown, Quebec. The only thing we were not able to do was give an invitation, but over 200 children were presented with the gospel. While east, we also enjoyed ministering to the youth in northern New Brunswick at their youth Christmas banquet, where Doc actually made a guest appearance - and sang, as the result of popular vote. We were privileged to be able to present 'The Manger and the Tree' about fifteen times from the middle of November, with our last presentation December 30. December was definitely a busy but great month.
That brings our year to a close. We ministered in 214 services and travelled over 60,000 km. Best of all, we have seen over 800 children, youth and adults respond to an altar call for salvation.
Anya's Additions
Christmas and the New Year! This is my favourite time of the year.
Don't you just love it, all the snow, singing Christmas carols and decorating for Christmas and the New Year? I also love to celebrate Christ's birth. Of course, we can celebrate Jesus all the time.
God has been good. During one trip, He provided the finances as we travelled. In spite of the many snowfalls we have already had, God has given us safe travelling. We have had wonderful services and seen God move in the hearts of the children.
I enjoyed teaching the children how to shoot arrows as we taught them that they were arrows in the hand of the warrior. God is the Warrior who is always pointing us in the right direction.
As you know, my sisters and I are being home-schooled and I am nearly finished my schooling. I am planning on going to Bible College in the fall and as of right now, but have not yet chosen which one.
Please pray about the direction the Lord wants me to go. Thank you so very much.
I have really enjoyed being involved with the youth group at the church we attend. They have become our friends and a blessing to us. I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to meet us.
At Christmas, I think about how Jesus came to earth as a baby, grew up and then died on the cross for me. Our Christmas program was called "The Manger and the Tree". It signifies Jesus born in a manger and then dying on the perfect Christmas tree, the cross. The greatest gift God gave to us was His Son, Jesus. I trust you all had a very blessed Christmas and a joyous New Year. Remember God's gift to you is Jesus, you can receive Him at anytime.
I know some of you just love writing letters or e-mails. You can e-mail me at yasm@sympatico.ca. Well, I have to go now, I hope to hear from you soon.
Charity's Chatter
I am sitting here and listening to the song 'This Generation' written by Matt Tapley. I wasn't paying much attention to the words, just singing and worshipping God, when it hit me — reaching this generation has been our theme all this year.
Psalms 71:17-18 says, 'O God, You have taught me from my youth; and to this day I declare Your wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grey headed, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come.'
This generation does not have any hope. They do not have many good role models to follow. All they watch on TV is drugs, sex and violence. It is no wonder children are taking guns to school and girls, GIRLS, are getting pregnant . The message they are receiving is kill the adversary, just remove the fetus.
They have nothing to live for. These children are just asking, pleading really, for someone to give them a hope, a cause to live for. And when they have a cause to live for, they will do great and mighty things for God even at their young age.
John Tasch, the guest speaker at our Children's Ministries conference,actually takes children on missions trips. Missions trips to Africa and South America where he has had kids as young as eight go with him.
These children see God do awesome things through them on these trips. They have a hope. They were given a cause and they went out in the power of the Holy Spirit, not a little pint size Holy Spirit, for the pint size worshiper, but the whole 100% Holy Spirit and they did mighty things for God.
Someone declared to those children God's Strength, taught them in the ways of God, and then sent them out to do His work. I believe that this is what God wants for all His children. He wants someone to give them a hope, teach them, and send them. And that is our calling. That is our mandate as the body. We need to teach those who are under us and then send them out - including the littlest lambs of the flock.
This is my passion and I pray that it will be your passion as well.
Rhian's Remarks
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Yep! It's that time of year.
It’s starting to feel a lot like winter around here. The ground is covered in that fun-to-play-in stuff that's white and fluffy. Can you guess what I'm hinting at? Yep! It's snow. The stuff that you hate to shovel, and your kids love to play in. That’s me. I hate to shovel it, but love to play in it.
We have lots of snow and it sure was a White Christmas. Hey, but the real meaning of Christmas in that it’s Jesus' birthday, right?
It's not about getting gifts. It is about celebrating Jesus, the One who made the earth and made us. The greatest gift this season or any time of the year is the gift God gave to us, His Son Jesus Christ.
Think about it? Until next time, celebrate Jesus and have a Happy New Year! Rhian :o)
Thank You
A Special Thank you to everyone who prayed and gave during 2000. Without you we could not have accomplished what we did. May God richly bless you!
God bless,
Joel & Mary
Anya, Charity and Rhian
Saturday, September 30, 2000
September 2000
"Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me ... for the kingdom ofHeaven belongs to such as these.’ (Matthew 19:14, NIV) His words are being fulfilled in American society according to new data from the Barna Research Group of Ventura, California. The company’s nationwidesurveys have determined the probability of people accepting Christ as their Savior in relation to aperson’s age. The data show that if a person does not accept Jesus Christ as Savior before the age of 14, thelikelihood of ever doing so is slim." (Teens and Adults Have Little Chanceof Accepting Christ as Their Savior, November 15, 1999, www.barna.org)
When we realize the importance of these young lives, it truly is worth itto minister to them and thereby build the kingdom. This year, we have beenprivileged to see over 400 children respond to an altar call forsalvation. Our prayer now is that these children will be discipled andgrow in God.
This is why we believe in the importance of building strong families forGod and have chosen to emphasize ‘Building Families for the Kingdom’.Children should see their parents worshipping God. Strong, vibrant youthgroups are important for their continued development. They need to seethat serving God, or going to church does not end when you reach twelve years of age. We have developed programs that minister to the entire family - not justthe children - or the youth - or the adults. These programs involve theentire family, creating an atmosphere for worship, creativity and enjoyment while still ministering the Word of God.
This year it has been our privilege to help aim children in the directionGod wants them to go. According to Psalm 127, children are arrows in thehand of a warrior.. Those of us who minister to them are the bows thatGod, the Warrior, is using to point them in the direction. May we alwaysbe quick to allow the Warrior to bend us to His will as well.
A Touch of Summer
It is difficult to believe that our busy summer is almost over, but herewe are at our last week of meetings before our summer tour ends. Then weare jumping into the fall line-up with a series of Back to Sunday School kick-offs in September and teacher training conferences in October.In December, we are again doing "The Manger and the Tree", a powerfulpresentation for the entire family that presents the true reason forChristmas. But let's get back to late spring and summer.
The day after I printed the master copy for the spring newsletter, a majorstorm hit our area and took out our computer via the phone line. So asthose on our mailing list are aware, they did not receive the newsletter via the mail, neither have we been able to send it via e-mail,nor has it yet been posted on the internet. That will all have to waituntil we are able to replace the computer.
Two days after the storm, we left with Joel's parents for our vacation inNorth Carolina and Quebec. We had a wonderful time visiting family andCharity celebrated her seventeenth birthday in a grand way. While chillyweather had blanketed Ontario, we were enjoying weather around 35° C. Wewent swimming in the pool, enjoyed jet skiing at the lake, and jumped thewaves in the warm Atlantic Ocean. By the time we reached Quebec, theweather had improved in the north and we were again enjoying warm sunnyweather. We were also treated to a gourmet meal which, except for thesweetbread, was enjoyed by all.
All too soon it was over, and we were back into the regular routine oftravelling and trying to set up our home at it's new location. Eachweekend found us travelling to churches and every return trip home wasspent in doing something else at our mobile home - building steps. . .painting steps . . . tearing out a wall so we could put in our own fridgeinstead of the one that came with the trailer . . . landscaping, including planting vines that were supposed to grow to seven feet - at last checkthe largest one might have reached a foot . . . and the final finishingtouch - the skirting. We were able to have the skirting done just beforeour summer tour began - and does it ever look nice.
Then the rush began. We left for Mistissini, Quebec with only enoughmoney to go half way. While on the journey, God provided for the remainderof the trip. This year has certainly been an adventure in faith. We spenteight days there ministering twice a day. One day as Joel was walking downthe street a young boy called out, "Hi, Mr. Jesus". What a privilege itwas to realize that we truly were living Jesus before these preciouschildren.
We arrived back home with only one day to pack up for the rest of thesummer and we were off again. Our next stop was Mount Zion Camp in Gunter,Ontario. And stop we did! The transmission had gone on our van - we wouldn't be going anywhere until it was repaired. :(
In Gunter, we averaged about 25 children over the two weeks, and we beganour missions project. This year our missions offering will be going toOpen Doors With Brother Andrew for Bibles and music boxes for China. Inthe two weeks these children raised over $500. The Bible tells us that theLord loves a cheerful giver, well these children loved offering time.
At our next stop, we were in Ancaster, Ontario doing a VBS (Vacation BibleSchool) where Joel and I celebrated our twentieth wedding anniversary. TheVBS presented us with a vase of silk flowers. It has graced our places ofresidence ever since.
Then we crossed the border for Falconer, New York for another VBS and alsopark ministry. Our first day in the park, a group of young teen boys werestanding off to the side - wondering what was going on. As the half-hourprogram continued they began to circle around until they were all at theclimbers about twenty five feet away. We concluded the program by makingballoon animals for everyone that wanted them. These boys didn't want tomiss out so they came over to make sure they also received one. Then onour last day - instead of the park - Joel and I joined the Best Yearsgroup at their monthly outing. We shared that there is always something wecan do for God if we are willing. Paul and Silas seemed to have everyright to complain when they had been whipped and put in stocks for thesake of the gospel. Instead they chose to praise.
Then it was time for a quick trip home - fifteen hours in all and we slepteight of them. :)
Our next camp was Bethel Park in Rodney, Ontario. We again were taking upthe missions offering. Several of the girls set up a kool-aid standoutside the dining hall. The proceeds were all for the Bibles for China.At this camp we raised over $300 for Bibles and music boxes.
One night, as we were closing down one of the campers returned to the tentalone. I knew that his mother would be looking for him. So as he went in to be with PJ (Pastor Joel), Iwent in search of her. She had thought he had followed all the other children out to the highway, butwhen she caught up to them he wasn't there. She was coming down the roadfrom her search when I met her. The first words she spoke were, "I can'tfind ___." I told her where he was. "At least he knew the best place togo." was her response.
While at Rodney, we were also privileged to have the German speaker's wifeand one of the missionaries come and speak to us. Both of them had beeninvolved in providing Bibles for China. All summer long, we had beenteaching the children that they are arrows in the hands of God and He ispointing them in the direction He wants them to go. As the missionaryfinished speaking, about eight children responded in answer to "Who willgo for Me?"
Then it was off to Brantford for another VBS. We have been teaching aboutknowing God through the five senses - taste, sight, touch, hearing and smell - while digging throughthe Bible for clues to solve God's mysteries.
Inspector Clueless along with B.I.B.L.E. 2000 helped us learn what God'sWord had to say about knowing God. Everyone wanted to say the memory verseat the close of the morning as sour keys and dinosaurs were rewarding goodmemories.
Then it was back to Rodney for Boys and Girls Camp. While there we met awonderful lady visiting from the Middle East. One day she woke up feeling that something extraordinarywas going to happen. That evening following a precious time around the altar, she told us, "Now Iknow why I felt something special was going to happen today."
Although uneplanned, we enjoyed having a relaxing week at home, visitingfriends and family.
Now we are in Kaladar, Ontario for a VBS and our last week of the summertour. Something particularly special about Kaladar is that we are returning to the church that Joel'sdad pastored when Joel was born. We have enjoyed the opportunity to minister in churches where Joel grew upand meeting people who still remember him as a child.
We still have about three and a half weeks open in September and Octoberand are praying that God will open doors for us then. We are also still open in November and December.We have actually been amazed at how God has opened doors for us this year - sometimes with only a few daysbefore we are asked to minister.
We are enjoying our new home, when we have the opportunity to be there. Wehave great neighbours and we would like to say a special thank you to Jim and Sharon who picked upour mail and took care of our lawn while we have been gone.
We have loved being busy and seeing children impacted for Christ. All themiles of driving and hours spent in ministry have been worth it to see children accept Christ as theirSaviour with over 400 children responding to the salvation message so far this year. We hope to see manymore.
Anya’s Additions
We have been at Northwood Beach for almost four months and have reallyenjoyed it; swimming in the pool and walking along the lake.
In May we went to North Carolina to visit family. The weather was in thehigh eighties and nineties. We swam in pools, lakes and the ocean and had a blast.
Our summer months have been very busy and we did not have much time off.To begin with, we went back to Mistissini, Quebec for a week of ministry and had a great time.
In the course of a month and a half we have done three camps, two familyand one Kids, and four Vacation Bible Schools (VBS)and then we start into our fall season.
This summer has not been like past summers. It was pretty wet withstorms every so often. The grass is still very green and it is the end of August. While at one camp we hadfive good thunderstorms in one day. We also had our services in a tent at that camp. The tent had metal polesin it, so kids who liked to swing on them that to be kept off. What ariot. God protected us and He was present and moved in all of ourservices this summer.
I have enjoyed everything we have done and I thank God for taking care ofus each step of the way. Thanks for all your prayers and support.
Charity’s Chatter
It seemed like only last week that I was wading knee high in snow to getto the bathroom. Now the summer is almost over and that means that this year of 2000 is half over.
The summer was fun, full, and fantastic. :o) We saw many children cometo Jesus and worship Him and spend time in His presence.
We did The Peace Patrol this year and taught how to know God through thefive senses. Taste, sight, hearing, touch, and smell. We need to taste or try God and know that Heis good, see not only physically, but see Him through our hearts and know Him, hear that still small voicein our hearts and know that He is our best friend, and smell the fragranceof His presence and worship Him will our whole being.
We also taught on Psalm 127 where it talks about children being a heritagefrom the Lord and that they are like arrows in the hand of a mightywarrior. We wanted to point children into their destiny and launch theminto whatever career God has called them too.
God inspired me to write a song about the children being arrows. I usedthe words from the verse and wrote a song asking God to make me an arrow in the hand of the Warrior.
God is the Warrior and it is my prayer that He would use me in whateverway He needs me.
I am working on writing a few more songs and would like to produce a CDwith my original work. I have also taken the memory verses we have been doing this summer and put themto music. We are also looking at making a CD with my puppet, Baby Marnie, singing the memory verses.Pray that things will start to come together for that.
Also pray that I will be able to find a new Royal Conservatory Piano,Voice an Theory teacher in the fall, so I can continue in my music.
Thank you for all the prayers you have been sending already. Keep prayingas we go into our fall tour.
Rhian’s Report
This summer has been very busy with VBS and camps and full of fun. Thefirst camp we went to was Mount Zion camp, it was in Gilmour, Ontario. Wedid 26 services in two weeks. I also helped in the crafts and in thekitchen. That was fun.
Second, we went to Ancaster and did their VBS. That was full of games andcrafts and a lesson time where the kids could learn more about God.
This summer we taught Peace Patrol with Inspector Clueless and our robot,Biblical Input Begins Learning Experience 2000 also known as B 2000, andArrows in the Hands of a Warrior. The latter one was taken from thepassage from Psalms 127: 3-5
"Behold children are a heritage from the LORD. The fruit of the womb is areward, Like arrows in the hand of a Warrior, so are children of one'syouth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them, they shall not beashamed, but shall speak with their enemies at the gate."
When the kids learn their memory verse they run to the candy bucket andsay the verse as fast as they can. We are so happy that the kids arelearning God's Word the Bible. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. :o)
Thank you
We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone whohas supported us through your prayers and financially. The decision to step out and be fully supportedthrough the ministry would not have been possible without you.
Prayer List
Fresh anointing for every service. We do not want to minister in our ownstrength and abilities but in God’s power.
Salvation of children, youth and adults.
Travelling safety as we travel the many highways of our nations.
Good health.
Computer and video equipment so that we can minister more effectively tothe Millennial Generation.
A new piano and voice teacher for Charity who recognizes the value of whatwe do, and will allow her to miss lessons without penalty.
That we will have a full calendar for ministry. November and December arequite empty, and there are many opportunities for ministry still available in September and October.
Anya is starting to look at where she would like to attend college. Wewant to be sure that she goes where God wants her to.
Rhian has requested prayer for the family of a good friend. God bless,Joel & MaryAnya, Charity and Rhian
When we realize the importance of these young lives, it truly is worth itto minister to them and thereby build the kingdom. This year, we have beenprivileged to see over 400 children respond to an altar call forsalvation. Our prayer now is that these children will be discipled andgrow in God.
This is why we believe in the importance of building strong families forGod and have chosen to emphasize ‘Building Families for the Kingdom’.Children should see their parents worshipping God. Strong, vibrant youthgroups are important for their continued development. They need to seethat serving God, or going to church does not end when you reach twelve years of age. We have developed programs that minister to the entire family - not justthe children - or the youth - or the adults. These programs involve theentire family, creating an atmosphere for worship, creativity and enjoyment while still ministering the Word of God.
This year it has been our privilege to help aim children in the directionGod wants them to go. According to Psalm 127, children are arrows in thehand of a warrior.. Those of us who minister to them are the bows thatGod, the Warrior, is using to point them in the direction. May we alwaysbe quick to allow the Warrior to bend us to His will as well.
A Touch of Summer
It is difficult to believe that our busy summer is almost over, but herewe are at our last week of meetings before our summer tour ends. Then weare jumping into the fall line-up with a series of Back to Sunday School kick-offs in September and teacher training conferences in October.In December, we are again doing "The Manger and the Tree", a powerfulpresentation for the entire family that presents the true reason forChristmas. But let's get back to late spring and summer.
The day after I printed the master copy for the spring newsletter, a majorstorm hit our area and took out our computer via the phone line. So asthose on our mailing list are aware, they did not receive the newsletter via the mail, neither have we been able to send it via e-mail,nor has it yet been posted on the internet. That will all have to waituntil we are able to replace the computer.
Two days after the storm, we left with Joel's parents for our vacation inNorth Carolina and Quebec. We had a wonderful time visiting family andCharity celebrated her seventeenth birthday in a grand way. While chillyweather had blanketed Ontario, we were enjoying weather around 35° C. Wewent swimming in the pool, enjoyed jet skiing at the lake, and jumped thewaves in the warm Atlantic Ocean. By the time we reached Quebec, theweather had improved in the north and we were again enjoying warm sunnyweather. We were also treated to a gourmet meal which, except for thesweetbread, was enjoyed by all.
All too soon it was over, and we were back into the regular routine oftravelling and trying to set up our home at it's new location. Eachweekend found us travelling to churches and every return trip home wasspent in doing something else at our mobile home - building steps. . .painting steps . . . tearing out a wall so we could put in our own fridgeinstead of the one that came with the trailer . . . landscaping, including planting vines that were supposed to grow to seven feet - at last checkthe largest one might have reached a foot . . . and the final finishingtouch - the skirting. We were able to have the skirting done just beforeour summer tour began - and does it ever look nice.
Then the rush began. We left for Mistissini, Quebec with only enoughmoney to go half way. While on the journey, God provided for the remainderof the trip. This year has certainly been an adventure in faith. We spenteight days there ministering twice a day. One day as Joel was walking downthe street a young boy called out, "Hi, Mr. Jesus". What a privilege itwas to realize that we truly were living Jesus before these preciouschildren.
We arrived back home with only one day to pack up for the rest of thesummer and we were off again. Our next stop was Mount Zion Camp in Gunter,Ontario. And stop we did! The transmission had gone on our van - we wouldn't be going anywhere until it was repaired. :(
In Gunter, we averaged about 25 children over the two weeks, and we beganour missions project. This year our missions offering will be going toOpen Doors With Brother Andrew for Bibles and music boxes for China. Inthe two weeks these children raised over $500. The Bible tells us that theLord loves a cheerful giver, well these children loved offering time.
At our next stop, we were in Ancaster, Ontario doing a VBS (Vacation BibleSchool) where Joel and I celebrated our twentieth wedding anniversary. TheVBS presented us with a vase of silk flowers. It has graced our places ofresidence ever since.
Then we crossed the border for Falconer, New York for another VBS and alsopark ministry. Our first day in the park, a group of young teen boys werestanding off to the side - wondering what was going on. As the half-hourprogram continued they began to circle around until they were all at theclimbers about twenty five feet away. We concluded the program by makingballoon animals for everyone that wanted them. These boys didn't want tomiss out so they came over to make sure they also received one. Then onour last day - instead of the park - Joel and I joined the Best Yearsgroup at their monthly outing. We shared that there is always something wecan do for God if we are willing. Paul and Silas seemed to have everyright to complain when they had been whipped and put in stocks for thesake of the gospel. Instead they chose to praise.
Then it was time for a quick trip home - fifteen hours in all and we slepteight of them. :)
Our next camp was Bethel Park in Rodney, Ontario. We again were taking upthe missions offering. Several of the girls set up a kool-aid standoutside the dining hall. The proceeds were all for the Bibles for China.At this camp we raised over $300 for Bibles and music boxes.
One night, as we were closing down one of the campers returned to the tentalone. I knew that his mother would be looking for him. So as he went in to be with PJ (Pastor Joel), Iwent in search of her. She had thought he had followed all the other children out to the highway, butwhen she caught up to them he wasn't there. She was coming down the roadfrom her search when I met her. The first words she spoke were, "I can'tfind ___." I told her where he was. "At least he knew the best place togo." was her response.
While at Rodney, we were also privileged to have the German speaker's wifeand one of the missionaries come and speak to us. Both of them had beeninvolved in providing Bibles for China. All summer long, we had beenteaching the children that they are arrows in the hands of God and He ispointing them in the direction He wants them to go. As the missionaryfinished speaking, about eight children responded in answer to "Who willgo for Me?"
Then it was off to Brantford for another VBS. We have been teaching aboutknowing God through the five senses - taste, sight, touch, hearing and smell - while digging throughthe Bible for clues to solve God's mysteries.
Inspector Clueless along with B.I.B.L.E. 2000 helped us learn what God'sWord had to say about knowing God. Everyone wanted to say the memory verseat the close of the morning as sour keys and dinosaurs were rewarding goodmemories.
Then it was back to Rodney for Boys and Girls Camp. While there we met awonderful lady visiting from the Middle East. One day she woke up feeling that something extraordinarywas going to happen. That evening following a precious time around the altar, she told us, "Now Iknow why I felt something special was going to happen today."
Although uneplanned, we enjoyed having a relaxing week at home, visitingfriends and family.
Now we are in Kaladar, Ontario for a VBS and our last week of the summertour. Something particularly special about Kaladar is that we are returning to the church that Joel'sdad pastored when Joel was born. We have enjoyed the opportunity to minister in churches where Joel grew upand meeting people who still remember him as a child.
We still have about three and a half weeks open in September and Octoberand are praying that God will open doors for us then. We are also still open in November and December.We have actually been amazed at how God has opened doors for us this year - sometimes with only a few daysbefore we are asked to minister.
We are enjoying our new home, when we have the opportunity to be there. Wehave great neighbours and we would like to say a special thank you to Jim and Sharon who picked upour mail and took care of our lawn while we have been gone.
We have loved being busy and seeing children impacted for Christ. All themiles of driving and hours spent in ministry have been worth it to see children accept Christ as theirSaviour with over 400 children responding to the salvation message so far this year. We hope to see manymore.
Anya’s Additions
We have been at Northwood Beach for almost four months and have reallyenjoyed it; swimming in the pool and walking along the lake.
In May we went to North Carolina to visit family. The weather was in thehigh eighties and nineties. We swam in pools, lakes and the ocean and had a blast.
Our summer months have been very busy and we did not have much time off.To begin with, we went back to Mistissini, Quebec for a week of ministry and had a great time.
In the course of a month and a half we have done three camps, two familyand one Kids, and four Vacation Bible Schools (VBS)and then we start into our fall season.
This summer has not been like past summers. It was pretty wet withstorms every so often. The grass is still very green and it is the end of August. While at one camp we hadfive good thunderstorms in one day. We also had our services in a tent at that camp. The tent had metal polesin it, so kids who liked to swing on them that to be kept off. What ariot. God protected us and He was present and moved in all of ourservices this summer.
I have enjoyed everything we have done and I thank God for taking care ofus each step of the way. Thanks for all your prayers and support.
Charity’s Chatter
It seemed like only last week that I was wading knee high in snow to getto the bathroom. Now the summer is almost over and that means that this year of 2000 is half over.
The summer was fun, full, and fantastic. :o) We saw many children cometo Jesus and worship Him and spend time in His presence.
We did The Peace Patrol this year and taught how to know God through thefive senses. Taste, sight, hearing, touch, and smell. We need to taste or try God and know that Heis good, see not only physically, but see Him through our hearts and know Him, hear that still small voicein our hearts and know that He is our best friend, and smell the fragranceof His presence and worship Him will our whole being.
We also taught on Psalm 127 where it talks about children being a heritagefrom the Lord and that they are like arrows in the hand of a mightywarrior. We wanted to point children into their destiny and launch theminto whatever career God has called them too.
God inspired me to write a song about the children being arrows. I usedthe words from the verse and wrote a song asking God to make me an arrow in the hand of the Warrior.
God is the Warrior and it is my prayer that He would use me in whateverway He needs me.
I am working on writing a few more songs and would like to produce a CDwith my original work. I have also taken the memory verses we have been doing this summer and put themto music. We are also looking at making a CD with my puppet, Baby Marnie, singing the memory verses.Pray that things will start to come together for that.
Also pray that I will be able to find a new Royal Conservatory Piano,Voice an Theory teacher in the fall, so I can continue in my music.
Thank you for all the prayers you have been sending already. Keep prayingas we go into our fall tour.
Rhian’s Report
This summer has been very busy with VBS and camps and full of fun. Thefirst camp we went to was Mount Zion camp, it was in Gilmour, Ontario. Wedid 26 services in two weeks. I also helped in the crafts and in thekitchen. That was fun.
Second, we went to Ancaster and did their VBS. That was full of games andcrafts and a lesson time where the kids could learn more about God.
This summer we taught Peace Patrol with Inspector Clueless and our robot,Biblical Input Begins Learning Experience 2000 also known as B 2000, andArrows in the Hands of a Warrior. The latter one was taken from thepassage from Psalms 127: 3-5
"Behold children are a heritage from the LORD. The fruit of the womb is areward, Like arrows in the hand of a Warrior, so are children of one'syouth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them, they shall not beashamed, but shall speak with their enemies at the gate."
When the kids learn their memory verse they run to the candy bucket andsay the verse as fast as they can. We are so happy that the kids arelearning God's Word the Bible. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. :o)
Thank you
We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone whohas supported us through your prayers and financially. The decision to step out and be fully supportedthrough the ministry would not have been possible without you.
Prayer List
Fresh anointing for every service. We do not want to minister in our ownstrength and abilities but in God’s power.
Salvation of children, youth and adults.
Travelling safety as we travel the many highways of our nations.
Good health.
Computer and video equipment so that we can minister more effectively tothe Millennial Generation.
A new piano and voice teacher for Charity who recognizes the value of whatwe do, and will allow her to miss lessons without penalty.
That we will have a full calendar for ministry. November and December arequite empty, and there are many opportunities for ministry still available in September and October.
Anya is starting to look at where she would like to attend college. Wewant to be sure that she goes where God wants her to.
Rhian has requested prayer for the family of a good friend. God bless,Joel & MaryAnya, Charity and Rhian
Sunday, May 21, 2000
May 2000
In a Fog? Walk By Faith
Lacy tendrils floating lazily, subtly along. Clammy spidery fingers reaching forward, engulfing everything in their path. Then entombed by life's circumstances, we sit, unable to see or feel the sun's warmth.
There is an eerieness about fog that is missing with other weather. You feel boxed in and alone, yet there is a fear of the unknown, that which cannot be seen, sounds reach out to you, their location and nearness as much a mystery to you as your present location. Everything that happens lends itself to the instability and loneliness of the moment.
Newly married, we lived in a place of rugged beauty overlooking the Bay of Fundy. Yet some mornings as we stood looking out the living room window, grey fog blanketed the whole area. Fog so thick that the edge of the porch was barely visible.
On those mornings unless a trip was necessary you stayed home. At other times though, duty called and the crawl into town would begin. We would slowly creep up the mountain, sensing the desolation, yet conscious of the unseen dangers. Finally we would reach the peak. Before us the dew washed trees would sparkle in the bright sunlight. No more insecurity, desolation or poor vision. The chosen path lay clear before us.
Sometimes our walk with the Creator of the fog and sunlight mirrors these forces of nature. We find ourselves confused in the fog. Time and distance lose perspective, as all around us is this thick heaviness. We struggle through the uphill climb hoping we do not make a misstep, certain that 'I' am the only one struggling through the murkiness.
Everything we hear is distorted, and everything we see is hazy and unrealistic at best. Yet we keep trudging on, plodding up the hill.
Finally, we reach the mountaintop and realize that God has already been there and washed everything clean. Our vision is so much clearer. Our appreciation of God's handiwork is so much greater. We realize that God was with us in the fog, ever leading upwards, picking us up if we stumbled and finally bringing us into the sunlight. The fog is not sin but uncertainty, knowing that God is in control and yet being uncertain of where He is leading us. When we are in the fog, the only way to walk is by faith and not by sight. We need to let the Lord be our light and hang tightly to His hand so that he can lead us up out of the fog.
Hang On! The Ride Ain't Over 'Til It's Over
It sure is a blessing to know that even what we cannot see ever takes God by surprise. Even when the fog surrounds us, He has a clear view.
May has only just arrived and already this year has been packed full.
In February, we travelled north to Moosonee and Moose Factory. We were privileged to be able to minister in both adult and children's services. While there, we were thrilled to see over 80 children respond to the call for salvation. We also experienced the Moose River ice road between the two communities. God had orchestrated our entire tour.
The whole trip was put together within one week of it actually taking place. The Tuesday before we left, Joel called up the pastor in Cochrane to see if he would be interested in having us come on the next Sunday. He agreed. We presented a special Sunday School program for the children and Joel ministered in both services - including using a French interpreter in the evening service.
On our way up north, services were confirmed in Iroquois Falls on our way out of the north. Again, God moved in a powerful way on the hearts of the people there. Anya, Charity and Rhian were also able to be part of a youth retreat in South Porcupine before we came back down.
In March, we travelled into Northern Quebec. This tour was supposed to coincide with the cold weather, which would enable us to travel into Waskaganish on the winter road. In the summer we had been there but the only way in was by plane. During the winter, you can travel in by winter road. This is a mud road cut through the bush and over streams. In the warm weather it is impassable but in the cold winter weather a solid road is created. The week before we went up there had been an unseasonable thaw and when we arrived at the winter road on Tuesday afternoon we were not able to take it in our van. That same day two tankers had actually bogged down on the road as well. So we drove back out to the paved highway.
We were in the far north and the closest gas station was over 100 km (60 mi) away. By this time we needed to get to that gas station. After getting gas, we called the pastor in Waskaganish. He sent us to another community where they would fly us in on Wednesday. When we arrived at the motel it was locked for the night. The weather was just around the freezing mark, so with the occasional turning on of the ignition, we spent the night in the van.
The next day, we headed out to the airport, where we were to be picked up by a charter. However, the plane would not be large enough for our luggage, our equipment, and us. We sorted our equipment and packed into one container what we absolutely needed and shipped it by commercial flight. It would be leaving about half an hour before us. Only there was one slight problem.
At about 1:00 the freezing rain began. Our pilot was not able to come and pick us up. He was going to try later if the weather changed to snow. It did but the wind had picked up and after take-off he had to return to Waskaganish. The commercial flight had not landed in Waskaganish either and our equipment was at another airport. The weather had turned bitterly cold during the day and we knew that this was not a night we could just spend in the van and the motel was full. We needed to be headed somewhere. Just as we were going into the motel to call the pastor, he called the motel to talk to us. So the decision was made for us to travel to the first checkpoint or gate on the road to Waskaganish where we would meet someone from the church. We would transfer everything to the other vehicle and he would drive us in.
At just after midnight on Thursday morning, we began the 102 km (65 mi) drive into Waskaganish and somehow completely missed the first checkpoint. Uknown to us, our contact person had been waiting there since 11:15 pm. The second checkpoint was in Waskaganish.
About half way through, we talked with someone and found out we had missed the gate. We were already half way in, no sense in stopping now so we just kept going. Many of the partially frozen mud holes we prayed our way through. Finally, four and half hours after we began, we found ourselves in Waskaganish. We drove to the church, parked in the parking lot and attempted to sleep the rest of the night away. This time the weather was well below freezing.
At 8:00 the next morning, we called the pastor and after 48 hours in the van, we finally were able to fall into bed. After sleeping and eating, we felt much better. Now we were ready to minister.
Thursday night, Joel preached at the Bible Study. Friday was Youth Night where he shared the story of Dave Roever, a minister who had a grenade explode inches from his head and lived to tell about it. Saturday was a children's service in the afternoon with teacher training at night. Sunday, Joel ministered powerfully in both services. Then it was Monday and time to leave.
While in Waskaganish the weather had stayed well below freezing the entire time and our trip out was delightful. The weather was gorgeous, the road was fairly smooth and it only took us two and a half hours to get out. And this time we found the checkpoint.
After reaching the main highway, we travelled on paved road for about half an hour and then for the next six hours, we travelled on 400 km (260 mi) of gravel road through the Laurentian Mountains. We had steep hills and sharp curves and only saw six vehicles the entire time. The next day we reached our next stop in Mistissini, Quebec. Again God moved in a mighty way while we were there ministering to both children and adults. About 35 children responded to an altar call for salvation. We are looking forward to returning there for a week in June.
April saw us back in New York State for the NYSSSA Conference. All of our hard work of the past year paid off and the conference went very well. Because a major transition is taking place with several of the long standing board members leaving and brand new members coming on, we have agreed to remain on the committee for at least another year during the transition period.
Following the conference we went to another of the Hamburg churches, where we presented, 'He Took My Place', one of our ministry favourites that presents the gospel so well. Not only did several children respond to the altar call, but several teens were also impacted by the message of God's unconditional love and forgiveness.
Another change has taken place as well. At the end of February, we were talking with the managers of the camp we were living at. Their vision for the development for the camp has changed. They are wanting to make the facilities functional all year round and so are looking towards building a lodge. This means that at this time they will not be rezoning the grounds for a trailer park. When we moved the trailer there, we knew that it's present location was only temporary but had planned on moving the trailer to its permanent site as zoning regulations permitted. The camp is only zoned for four temporary sites and so we have had to locate another place for our trailer. We found it about 10 km (6 mi) south of Goderich on the shores of Lake Huron.
As of April 29, we have a new address. It is RR# 1, Box X17, Bayfield, Ontario, N0M 1G0. Although there are still a few things that still have to be put together - we have moved. We would like to take this opportunity to say a special thank you to all the people and churches who have given generously to us over this past few months. This move has cost us quite a bit and without your gifts it would not have been possible.
We have also had to cancel plans for Camp Rustic this year. With all the changes we will also need to locate a new home for the camp. We hope to be up and operational next summer however. There is one other change that we are also excited about. We are in the early stages, very early stages, of developing an American office for the ministry. We are looking forward to this change opening up new opportunities for ministry in the States.
In May, we are taking about ten days of holidays. Joel's parents are coming from Western Canada and we are taking them to visit with family in North Carolina, USA and Quebec, Canada. We are looking forward to this time of relaxation before the summer tour hits. Our summer is jam packed full with only a couple of days off late in August.
Anya's Additions
It's me again!
Last time, I wrote about our move to Wiarton. Well, we are moving again to a mobile home park in Bayfield. (Northwood Beach on Hwy #21.) We have also had some great adventures while up north.
In February, we were in Moose Factory, Moosonee, Cochrane and Iroquois Falls. We had a great time. We also went snowmobiling. God moved in the services we had.
In March, we went to Waskaganish and Mistissini in Quebec. The weather was so nice that there was a thaw and the winter road into Waskaganish started getting soft. The road was like a plowed field with lots of snow banks and rocks. We didn't drive through because it was too soft and mushy. The church tried to fly us in but the weather turned bad. Finally we were able to drive in.
On our way to Mistissini, we drove over gravel road for seven hours and our van was completely covered with dirt. In both communities, God really moved and we had a great time.
I really enjoy being in YASM. I have been ministring for thirteen years. I value the time spent travelling with my family. God has worked in my life in a miraculous way. I am so glad He died for me and that He loves me very much. I am constantly thanking Him for everything.
Ever notice how beautiful this world is? God made it - every single thing.
Thanks for praying for us. Please continue praying that God will do His work in His time. Thanks. God bless.
Charity's Chatter
Well, these past few months have really been a ride. It has been like a roller coaster, not the up and down but the excitement, fast pace, and thrill. All I can say is that God is in control and He always has been.
The trip up north, both to Moosonee and Waskaganish, were awesome and God really moved in the hearts and lives of people there. Over 80 children came to know Jesus as their Saviour in Moosonee and Moose Factory. In Waskaganish, we knew something awesome was going to happen because we had such a hard time getting in. First the weather was too nice for us to go in on the winter road and then it was too bad for us to fly in. When we finally arrived the Lord moved in. The same happened in Mistissini. Once we found out where to go and got there we were fine. About 35 children came to Jesus there. The Lord is good.
We are moving again. It is comforting to know that the Lord is in control all the time and nothing takes Him by surprise. We are heading back to familiar ground, just outside of Goderich. We are moving to Bayfield, about 20 minutes from family. We are all looking forward to the move and having running water in our trailer. :o)
Rhian's Remarks
April showers bring May flowers.
Well, it's that time again when God's beautiful earth needs the rain. We may not like the rain but it's good for everything, even us - God's special little lambs.
Did you know that 'You Are Special'? Well, you are! You are special to God and to us.
Please pray for us in this year. You Are Special!
Prayer Requests
Please remember Cleveland Howell and family. Cleveland and Leta Howell were part of the board of NYSSSA. Right after the conference they left for a mission trip to Mexico. While there, Leta suffered a heart attack which resulted in her death. Although we grieve at our loss, we rejoice that Leta is now with the one she has loved and served for many years.
For a fresh touch of God each time we minister. We do not want to just trust in our own talents and abilities but be wholly dependent on God.
Travelling safety as we minister this spring and summer and during our vacation.
A new utility trailer and other equipment.
To have our mobile home fully established before we leave for the summer.
We have seen about 200 children accept Christ so far this year. Pray that these children will become well grounded in Christ.
Lacy tendrils floating lazily, subtly along. Clammy spidery fingers reaching forward, engulfing everything in their path. Then entombed by life's circumstances, we sit, unable to see or feel the sun's warmth.
There is an eerieness about fog that is missing with other weather. You feel boxed in and alone, yet there is a fear of the unknown, that which cannot be seen, sounds reach out to you, their location and nearness as much a mystery to you as your present location. Everything that happens lends itself to the instability and loneliness of the moment.
Newly married, we lived in a place of rugged beauty overlooking the Bay of Fundy. Yet some mornings as we stood looking out the living room window, grey fog blanketed the whole area. Fog so thick that the edge of the porch was barely visible.
On those mornings unless a trip was necessary you stayed home. At other times though, duty called and the crawl into town would begin. We would slowly creep up the mountain, sensing the desolation, yet conscious of the unseen dangers. Finally we would reach the peak. Before us the dew washed trees would sparkle in the bright sunlight. No more insecurity, desolation or poor vision. The chosen path lay clear before us.
Sometimes our walk with the Creator of the fog and sunlight mirrors these forces of nature. We find ourselves confused in the fog. Time and distance lose perspective, as all around us is this thick heaviness. We struggle through the uphill climb hoping we do not make a misstep, certain that 'I' am the only one struggling through the murkiness.
Everything we hear is distorted, and everything we see is hazy and unrealistic at best. Yet we keep trudging on, plodding up the hill.
Finally, we reach the mountaintop and realize that God has already been there and washed everything clean. Our vision is so much clearer. Our appreciation of God's handiwork is so much greater. We realize that God was with us in the fog, ever leading upwards, picking us up if we stumbled and finally bringing us into the sunlight. The fog is not sin but uncertainty, knowing that God is in control and yet being uncertain of where He is leading us. When we are in the fog, the only way to walk is by faith and not by sight. We need to let the Lord be our light and hang tightly to His hand so that he can lead us up out of the fog.
Hang On! The Ride Ain't Over 'Til It's Over
It sure is a blessing to know that even what we cannot see ever takes God by surprise. Even when the fog surrounds us, He has a clear view.
May has only just arrived and already this year has been packed full.
In February, we travelled north to Moosonee and Moose Factory. We were privileged to be able to minister in both adult and children's services. While there, we were thrilled to see over 80 children respond to the call for salvation. We also experienced the Moose River ice road between the two communities. God had orchestrated our entire tour.
The whole trip was put together within one week of it actually taking place. The Tuesday before we left, Joel called up the pastor in Cochrane to see if he would be interested in having us come on the next Sunday. He agreed. We presented a special Sunday School program for the children and Joel ministered in both services - including using a French interpreter in the evening service.
On our way up north, services were confirmed in Iroquois Falls on our way out of the north. Again, God moved in a powerful way on the hearts of the people there. Anya, Charity and Rhian were also able to be part of a youth retreat in South Porcupine before we came back down.
In March, we travelled into Northern Quebec. This tour was supposed to coincide with the cold weather, which would enable us to travel into Waskaganish on the winter road. In the summer we had been there but the only way in was by plane. During the winter, you can travel in by winter road. This is a mud road cut through the bush and over streams. In the warm weather it is impassable but in the cold winter weather a solid road is created. The week before we went up there had been an unseasonable thaw and when we arrived at the winter road on Tuesday afternoon we were not able to take it in our van. That same day two tankers had actually bogged down on the road as well. So we drove back out to the paved highway.
We were in the far north and the closest gas station was over 100 km (60 mi) away. By this time we needed to get to that gas station. After getting gas, we called the pastor in Waskaganish. He sent us to another community where they would fly us in on Wednesday. When we arrived at the motel it was locked for the night. The weather was just around the freezing mark, so with the occasional turning on of the ignition, we spent the night in the van.
The next day, we headed out to the airport, where we were to be picked up by a charter. However, the plane would not be large enough for our luggage, our equipment, and us. We sorted our equipment and packed into one container what we absolutely needed and shipped it by commercial flight. It would be leaving about half an hour before us. Only there was one slight problem.
At about 1:00 the freezing rain began. Our pilot was not able to come and pick us up. He was going to try later if the weather changed to snow. It did but the wind had picked up and after take-off he had to return to Waskaganish. The commercial flight had not landed in Waskaganish either and our equipment was at another airport. The weather had turned bitterly cold during the day and we knew that this was not a night we could just spend in the van and the motel was full. We needed to be headed somewhere. Just as we were going into the motel to call the pastor, he called the motel to talk to us. So the decision was made for us to travel to the first checkpoint or gate on the road to Waskaganish where we would meet someone from the church. We would transfer everything to the other vehicle and he would drive us in.
At just after midnight on Thursday morning, we began the 102 km (65 mi) drive into Waskaganish and somehow completely missed the first checkpoint. Uknown to us, our contact person had been waiting there since 11:15 pm. The second checkpoint was in Waskaganish.
About half way through, we talked with someone and found out we had missed the gate. We were already half way in, no sense in stopping now so we just kept going. Many of the partially frozen mud holes we prayed our way through. Finally, four and half hours after we began, we found ourselves in Waskaganish. We drove to the church, parked in the parking lot and attempted to sleep the rest of the night away. This time the weather was well below freezing.
At 8:00 the next morning, we called the pastor and after 48 hours in the van, we finally were able to fall into bed. After sleeping and eating, we felt much better. Now we were ready to minister.
Thursday night, Joel preached at the Bible Study. Friday was Youth Night where he shared the story of Dave Roever, a minister who had a grenade explode inches from his head and lived to tell about it. Saturday was a children's service in the afternoon with teacher training at night. Sunday, Joel ministered powerfully in both services. Then it was Monday and time to leave.
While in Waskaganish the weather had stayed well below freezing the entire time and our trip out was delightful. The weather was gorgeous, the road was fairly smooth and it only took us two and a half hours to get out. And this time we found the checkpoint.
After reaching the main highway, we travelled on paved road for about half an hour and then for the next six hours, we travelled on 400 km (260 mi) of gravel road through the Laurentian Mountains. We had steep hills and sharp curves and only saw six vehicles the entire time. The next day we reached our next stop in Mistissini, Quebec. Again God moved in a mighty way while we were there ministering to both children and adults. About 35 children responded to an altar call for salvation. We are looking forward to returning there for a week in June.
April saw us back in New York State for the NYSSSA Conference. All of our hard work of the past year paid off and the conference went very well. Because a major transition is taking place with several of the long standing board members leaving and brand new members coming on, we have agreed to remain on the committee for at least another year during the transition period.
Following the conference we went to another of the Hamburg churches, where we presented, 'He Took My Place', one of our ministry favourites that presents the gospel so well. Not only did several children respond to the altar call, but several teens were also impacted by the message of God's unconditional love and forgiveness.
Another change has taken place as well. At the end of February, we were talking with the managers of the camp we were living at. Their vision for the development for the camp has changed. They are wanting to make the facilities functional all year round and so are looking towards building a lodge. This means that at this time they will not be rezoning the grounds for a trailer park. When we moved the trailer there, we knew that it's present location was only temporary but had planned on moving the trailer to its permanent site as zoning regulations permitted. The camp is only zoned for four temporary sites and so we have had to locate another place for our trailer. We found it about 10 km (6 mi) south of Goderich on the shores of Lake Huron.
As of April 29, we have a new address. It is RR# 1, Box X17, Bayfield, Ontario, N0M 1G0. Although there are still a few things that still have to be put together - we have moved. We would like to take this opportunity to say a special thank you to all the people and churches who have given generously to us over this past few months. This move has cost us quite a bit and without your gifts it would not have been possible.
We have also had to cancel plans for Camp Rustic this year. With all the changes we will also need to locate a new home for the camp. We hope to be up and operational next summer however. There is one other change that we are also excited about. We are in the early stages, very early stages, of developing an American office for the ministry. We are looking forward to this change opening up new opportunities for ministry in the States.
In May, we are taking about ten days of holidays. Joel's parents are coming from Western Canada and we are taking them to visit with family in North Carolina, USA and Quebec, Canada. We are looking forward to this time of relaxation before the summer tour hits. Our summer is jam packed full with only a couple of days off late in August.
Anya's Additions
It's me again!
Last time, I wrote about our move to Wiarton. Well, we are moving again to a mobile home park in Bayfield. (Northwood Beach on Hwy #21.) We have also had some great adventures while up north.
In February, we were in Moose Factory, Moosonee, Cochrane and Iroquois Falls. We had a great time. We also went snowmobiling. God moved in the services we had.
In March, we went to Waskaganish and Mistissini in Quebec. The weather was so nice that there was a thaw and the winter road into Waskaganish started getting soft. The road was like a plowed field with lots of snow banks and rocks. We didn't drive through because it was too soft and mushy. The church tried to fly us in but the weather turned bad. Finally we were able to drive in.
On our way to Mistissini, we drove over gravel road for seven hours and our van was completely covered with dirt. In both communities, God really moved and we had a great time.
I really enjoy being in YASM. I have been ministring for thirteen years. I value the time spent travelling with my family. God has worked in my life in a miraculous way. I am so glad He died for me and that He loves me very much. I am constantly thanking Him for everything.
Ever notice how beautiful this world is? God made it - every single thing.
Thanks for praying for us. Please continue praying that God will do His work in His time. Thanks. God bless.
Charity's Chatter
Well, these past few months have really been a ride. It has been like a roller coaster, not the up and down but the excitement, fast pace, and thrill. All I can say is that God is in control and He always has been.
The trip up north, both to Moosonee and Waskaganish, were awesome and God really moved in the hearts and lives of people there. Over 80 children came to know Jesus as their Saviour in Moosonee and Moose Factory. In Waskaganish, we knew something awesome was going to happen because we had such a hard time getting in. First the weather was too nice for us to go in on the winter road and then it was too bad for us to fly in. When we finally arrived the Lord moved in. The same happened in Mistissini. Once we found out where to go and got there we were fine. About 35 children came to Jesus there. The Lord is good.
We are moving again. It is comforting to know that the Lord is in control all the time and nothing takes Him by surprise. We are heading back to familiar ground, just outside of Goderich. We are moving to Bayfield, about 20 minutes from family. We are all looking forward to the move and having running water in our trailer. :o)
Rhian's Remarks
April showers bring May flowers.
Well, it's that time again when God's beautiful earth needs the rain. We may not like the rain but it's good for everything, even us - God's special little lambs.
Did you know that 'You Are Special'? Well, you are! You are special to God and to us.
Please pray for us in this year. You Are Special!
Prayer Requests
Please remember Cleveland Howell and family. Cleveland and Leta Howell were part of the board of NYSSSA. Right after the conference they left for a mission trip to Mexico. While there, Leta suffered a heart attack which resulted in her death. Although we grieve at our loss, we rejoice that Leta is now with the one she has loved and served for many years.
For a fresh touch of God each time we minister. We do not want to just trust in our own talents and abilities but be wholly dependent on God.
Travelling safety as we minister this spring and summer and during our vacation.
A new utility trailer and other equipment.
To have our mobile home fully established before we leave for the summer.
We have seen about 200 children accept Christ so far this year. Pray that these children will become well grounded in Christ.
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