Dear Friends,
The pastors atelier is up and running. (www.facebook.com/pastorenatelier) I have even started painting again! Almost every day I am there I meet new people who walk by and are curious. A couple of days ago a young couple was looking through the window as I arrived. They asked if I was the pastor. We introduced ourselves and went straight to a first name, informal basis. I explained some of the things I want to do there and in the end I said that I simply want to be a blessing for the neighborhood. That captured their imagination and Irena looked at me and said very honestly - "Wow! that's awesome. We could always use more blessing in our lives."
Now that the renovations are over and I am starting to spend time there, I think that I will be able to begin to form relationships with folks from the neighborhood. I put a digital picture frame in the window with text that gives people an idea of how this is much more (or much different) than just an art studio. Here are some of the things I am hoping will happen there: inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue, sack-lunch discussion groups, prayer meetings, mini-concerts, foundations of the faith courses, networking with other area artists, etc. I am praying that more and more contacts will grow from acquaintances to intentional discipleship relationships. Please pray for the grand opening planned for February 16. We're inviting neighbours, shopkeepers, fellow GEMers, church family and local Christian leaders.
We continue to work with C & R who remain open and full of questions. C wrote us a very heartfelt new year's greeting expressing his gratitude for how God has used us and the church plant in his life this last year to help him draw closer to God. He closed his message by saying how much he is looking forward to this next year with God, the church family and us. This is encouraging to us, but at the same time we see how far he still has to grow.
We feel that the church plant is poised for growth this year. We came through a difficult year with increased unity, love and commitment to one another. In addition to our worship service and brunch, we have decided to offer a 3rd monthly gathering starting in January - a prayer service at the atelier. We are planning a weekend retreat in April with the goal of deepening our relationships to one another and the Lord.
We had a wonderful time with our kids here for the holidays. Lot's of long talks around the table. They are all doing well but continue to face the challenge of making ends meet, paying school loans, etc. Sam and Heidi are considering a move to New York where Sam wants to attend a sound design/DJ school and Heidi is hoping to get an internship with a fashion designer. A special prayer request is for funding for Roy to get new hearing aids - costing several thousand dollars. If you can help us with this special need, please let us know.
Gratefully yours,
Sue and Jason
