Heart to Heart
I’m sitting at my desk, writing this newsletter, knowing I’m already a few days late. Sorry about that, but my tired mind and body are reminding me how demanding last month was.
On the one hand, we experienced a series of deep losses within our FAC family, as first Sherri and then Allene, stepped into eternity. The difficult circumstances of Sherri’s death weighed heavily on everyone. I’m so grateful though, for the way our FAC family stepped up to help with the search, to provide meals, and to pray for Dallas and his family. You have lived out our vision statement well, to be “a church where help and hope” can be experienced, as we serve sacrificially!
At the same time, we were ministering comfort & care to Jeff & Nola, as he continues to battle terminal cancer. We also supported the Reiter family, as Allene came down with severe pneumonia and was placed first in the ICU at St V’s, and then moved to the Advanced Care hospital. She finished her race of faith on January 31st. Allene’s Memorial Service will be Feb.13th @ 11am.
I say all this, to express what so many of us are feeling. The deep sadness and weight that comes from losing people we love. We feel both the heartache and the emptiness when a friend & loved one is taken by death. But once again, we’ve found comfort in the Lord Jesus, who draws us close and bears our burdens. We believe and declare that Christ is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble (Ps 46:1). Loss & heartache do not overwhelm us; we aren’t crushed by our raw emotions, even though it can feel like our whole world has been turned upside down. The Psalmist reminds us, “the LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” v.7. He can help our tears to dance.
In the midst of these losses, we have also been running hard to prepare for Team Senegal’s trip to West Africa. We have an awesome team of 5 (Phil, Bruce, Keaton, Gabi and yours truly), who are collecting gifts, tools and medical supplies to take with us. Our funding is all in place. We fly out early Friday morning, on Feb. 17th.
We are excited to join our Alliance IW in the global work of “making disciples.” As soon as we land in Dakar, we will drive up-country to SL. We anticipate assisting with a new Mechanic’s School, and serving a new group of Talibe boys (who live on the streets), at the national church’s Boy’s Center. We will also engage with a nearby Girls School, and get to know the Pastor and people of a local Wolof church. Later, we will drive back to Dakar to join the McCabes & DeVrooms (CAMA workers) and join them in ministering to some of the most vulnerable (unreached) people in Senegal.
As we go, would you lift us up in prayer? You can sign up to pray while we are gone, at the lunch on Feb.5th. We are looking for people to pray daily for Team Senegal and have specific things we’re asking prayer for. If you need more information or have questions, talk with Lynn Sloan.
Our mission’s goal is to become a “glocal church”. “What in the world is that,” you might ask? A glocal church loves and ministers Christ to its own community, while simultaneously joining international workers to show and tell of Jesus’ love to the unreached in our world.
May our hearts & souls be renewed this month, as we invite Jesus to lift our burdens & sorrows, with the comfort of His great love. May we also seek Holy Spirit power, to enable us to effective point others to Christ, and see a spiritual harvest as we run the race of faith.
Grateful for your partnership in the Gospel,
Pastor Adriaan & Diana <><