This year has flown by rapidly. It seems like each year does, but this one was a year that started quickly and continued throughout the year. In my area of ministry, there were 6 winter trips, 13 communities served with VBS volunteer teams, and multiple trips to meet the needs of communities including workshops, visiting friends, and supporting the communities at times of grief. It was an unprecedented year of ministry greatly blessed by the Lord Jesus.
All of us have just finished the celebration of the birth of Jesus--this incarnation of God as man but yet still fully God. The New Year is just hours away as I write this. People are still returning Christmas presents and packing grocery stores to stock up for New Year celebrations. Stores are already decked out for Valentine's Day. Has this season of the birth of Jesus been overshadowed by all the other trappings of this time of the year?
It seems as if there are so many other things that occupy our time and attention. But is there any room left for our Savior, Jesus?
Throughout the church year we recall Jesus' birth, His baptism, calling the disciples, His many miracles, challenging the religious leaders of His day. Then we follow the life of Jesus through Holy Week. Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The cleansing of the temple. Jesus' anointing at Bethany. Judas plotting to betray Jesus. The last supper. Jesus' arrest and trial. His crucifixion, death, and burial. Jesus' resurrection. His appearing to his followers. Jesus promise to send the Holy Spirit. Jesus ascension into heaven. Jesus promised He would return to take all His followers to be in paradise with Him for all eternity.
This is the reason LAMP sends missionaries and volunteer teams to spread this vital message to communities in the north. There are people who haven't heard the full story of Jesus. There are those who know it well and crave for fellowship with other Christians. Supporting adults, children and families in their faith is a directive Jesus himself gave to us, to go and make disciples of all nations.
LAMP enters 2020 with 50 years of ministry to the north. We at LAMP along with many of our volunteers, partners and donors are excited about the future ahead. Please continue to keep LAMP and the communities we serve in your prayers.
Finally, it is with mixed emotions that I’m announcing my official retirement with LAMP effective February 1, 2020. I have come to a point where I need to focus my time and energy on my own family. I will continue with LAMP on a part-time basis to mentor the new LAMP missionary, Rev. Randy Heide, who will be taking over my area of responsibility in northern Ontario and eastern Manitoba.
All of us have just finished the celebration of the birth of Jesus--this incarnation of God as man but yet still fully God. The New Year is just hours away as I write this. People are still returning Christmas presents and packing grocery stores to stock up for New Year celebrations. Stores are already decked out for Valentine's Day. Has this season of the birth of Jesus been overshadowed by all the other trappings of this time of the year?
It seems as if there are so many other things that occupy our time and attention. But is there any room left for our Savior, Jesus?
Throughout the church year we recall Jesus' birth, His baptism, calling the disciples, His many miracles, challenging the religious leaders of His day. Then we follow the life of Jesus through Holy Week. Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The cleansing of the temple. Jesus' anointing at Bethany. Judas plotting to betray Jesus. The last supper. Jesus' arrest and trial. His crucifixion, death, and burial. Jesus' resurrection. His appearing to his followers. Jesus promise to send the Holy Spirit. Jesus ascension into heaven. Jesus promised He would return to take all His followers to be in paradise with Him for all eternity.
This is the reason LAMP sends missionaries and volunteer teams to spread this vital message to communities in the north. There are people who haven't heard the full story of Jesus. There are those who know it well and crave for fellowship with other Christians. Supporting adults, children and families in their faith is a directive Jesus himself gave to us, to go and make disciples of all nations.
LAMP enters 2020 with 50 years of ministry to the north. We at LAMP along with many of our volunteers, partners and donors are excited about the future ahead. Please continue to keep LAMP and the communities we serve in your prayers.
Finally, it is with mixed emotions that I’m announcing my official retirement with LAMP effective February 1, 2020. I have come to a point where I need to focus my time and energy on my own family. I will continue with LAMP on a part-time basis to mentor the new LAMP missionary, Rev. Randy Heide, who will be taking over my area of responsibility in northern Ontario and eastern Manitoba.
It is my hope that you will continue your support with Pastor Randy as he embarks on ministering to the people of the north. After all, LAMP is not about one person, but about taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth, including remote communities in the north.
Blessed New Year to you all!
Thank you Dennis for the introduction. I am nervously excited for this new adventure. I look forward to meeting with our community leaders and all the volunteers who diligently serve.
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