What am I doing? And why?
Some months back we wrote about Andrea asking "Do you see it?" referring to some green shoots poking out of the ground of our flowerbeds and how that relates to the importance of looking for the multitude of ways that show God is at work.
Andrea has enjoyed developing her gardening skills over this past Canadian summer and our home has been the better for it with lots of growth and colour. As a gardener-in-training, Andrea is selective about what she invests in and celebrates. She puts in time and effort, not to celebrate her effort but because her effort helps produce a change in our flowerbeds.
As we engage with colleagues around the world one of the things we are working on is to help our teams clarify what they are doing and why. We want our ministry activities to contribute to a kingdom focused change in the community of people we are engaging. This is not always easy. Sometimes we can get very focused on what we do and lose sight of why we do it.
A gardener needs to discern what plants to grow and then have wisdom to understand what activities will help to lead to the healthy growth of those plants. Likewise in ministry, we need to prayerfully discern the communities we are engaging and the changes we seek.
In a garden, if there are changes in soil or weather or pests, the gardener's activities may need to change. Similarly in ministry, to effectively engage a community for kingdom transformation, leaders need wisdom to undertake the activities that will best, by God's grace, allow that community to be transformed. As contexts change, our activities may also need to change. Leading ministry that keeps clarity of focus is challenging but rewarding.
Serving SIM teams around the world to gain ministry clarity is a key part of Phil's role. To see people led and well cared for are key parts of Andrea's roles. There are many things to celebrate and more work to do to see teams effectively pursue our Purpose.
Convinced that
no one should live and die
without hearing God’s good news,
we believe that He has called us
to make disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ
in communities where He is least known
Visiting colleagues in-person!!
It was a real joy to be able to visit colleagues in person in in the Middle East in October. Andrea has continued to spend a lot of time as Personnel Coordinator for the Middle East. For the last two years all that interaction has been virtual. To spend time at team retreats in two countries was a real blessing. It was great to be together in person with those she works with regularly and to also meet new people who she has only ever 'met' virtually. There are so many opportunities in the Middle East! Please pray for our teams to remain focused as they pursue ministry, and for new people to come and join those teams. We are particularly praying for people to join a new team that will start work in a new and challenging area, bringing the good news to communities where Christ is unknown.
International Leadership Team comes to visit!
The last time most of the SIM International Leadership Team (ILT) was together was at our Leaders event in Kenya in February 2020! ! Just days before the world began to retreat into lockdowns. We have continued to meet virtually since then but our planned Nov 2020 meeting remained virtual. This year we were delighted to have most of the ILT come to Guelph - just 30 mins from our home for in-person retreat and meetings Nov 10- 14. (COVID restrictions meant a few were unable to join us.) The ILT works closely together so it was a real blessing to be able to spend time together, in-person, studying Scripture, praying, sharing meals and fellowshipping together. We even had a bit of snow on our last evening so those visiting from some warmer climes could experience snow.
In addition to the retreat we had the privilege of hosting friends and colleagues both before and after. It was great to be able to extend our guestroom use beyond family!
We gained a daughter!
We are delighted that Kieran and Mackenzie were able to get married on June 12th as planned. COVID did present a lot of challenges as they planned and re-planned the wedding many times. They were blessed with beautiful weather and an early lifting of some restrictions so a few more guests could attend the ceremony in person.
Thank you!
We want to thank each one who prays for us, supports us, and continues to express interest in our ministry. We send out some short praise and prayer updates either on a weekly (ish) or monthly basis. If you would like to get those please sign up here.
We are also very grateful for the financial support that God provides for us as we serve SIM teams around the world. Dr. Joshua Bogunjoko, SIM's International Director that Phil works directly with has written highlighting some aspects of Phil's role and a fund-matching opportunity that has been provided to us (click to see letter). If you are interested in giving, please see the links below, or contact us.
Prayer Corner
Praise God
for a chance to visit the Middle East.
that most of the International Leadership Team could meet in person.
for the work done to develop a summary of SIM's Core Values.
for Kieran and Mackenzie's wedding.
Pray
for wisdom for Phil as he works with teams to be clear about the communities they engage and the changes they seek.
that Andrea will serve other personnel coordinators well so that SIM's workers are well cared for.
that those planning to go to the Middle East will receive the needed support so that they can go serve.
for each of our kids to continue to love God and serve him well.
for both of us to keep a healthy balance in our lives.
Thank you for journeying with us,
Andrea and Phil