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

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

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