ESPINOZA, RAUL & JESSENIA (Guayaquil, Ecuador; MSC) PRAISE: So much to be thankful for this Christmas! Jessenia's brother and parents were finally able to come visit, which has been such a blessing. The Christmas basket project that Wallenstein helped us to do went very well, and we were excited to see how participative our youth were in the project. The school Christmas party also went really well and for the first time in 2 years each class was able to see each other in person for an hour, play games, hear the gospel message and open their presents. Best of all- at least personally for us as a couple- Raul's step-dad prayed to receive Christ on Christmas day! We have been praying for him for a while and have been doing a Bible study with Raul's family weekly for the last few months and he has been very interested and interactive in the studies. We are excited to see God's plan continue unfolding in his life! PRAY: For Marcos- Raul's step-dad- as he learns what it means to follow Christ in his daily life. For the school as it seems that each time there is a date set for classes to begin in person, something always happens to postpone it.
Jenn Brubacher - January 2022
BRUBACHER, JENN (Listowel, YFC) PRAISE: Before the break we were able to have a Christmas party and share the good news of the Gospel with students at our drop-in centre. We were able to put together a little ‘driveway drop-off’ gift for students to remind them that we’re thinking and praying for them during the lockdown. I’ve had great one-on-one time mentoring students and was able to host an outdoor campfire before the Christmas break. I’m really thankful for the last few months of in-person ministry - it’s an honour to have a consistent voice in these students’ lives. PRAY: With the current lockdown, in-person ministry has come to a halt. Please pray for teachers, staff, parents and students as they navigate remote learning, especially students who are graduating and are hoping to attend post secondary school in the fall - it is very stressful. I continue to need wisdom on how to care best for students during this season. Please pray for my cousin, Dale, and his family as he recovers from a serious car accident.
Phil & Andrea - January 2022
BAUMAN, PHIL & ANDREA (Canada, International roles with SIM) PRAISE: For the opportunity to remember Christ's first coming and to look forward to the second. For great times together as a family over the holidays. That Cara had a successful end to her co-op job and that Liam's semester ended well. That Mackenzie got a full-time permanent position when her contract expired in December. PRAY: For both of us as we get back into work after some time away from our desks. For Liam and Cara as they start back to classes (online for now). That Liam will have clear guidance about next steps as this is the last semester of his degree. For Cara working as a residence don that she can be a light and a testimony to those she serves. Pray too that Cara would not get COVID and for wisdom to wisely navigate COVID restrictions in a residence full of students.
Robert & Susan Martin - Kingston
‘Oh Come Let Us Adore Him’
Christmas greetings dear friends and family,
We are ever so grateful to our Lord Jesus Christ for His incarnation. He came as a Babe in Bethlehem, lived amongst us to show the world what he wanted it to be, seeking and saving the lost. He healed the sick, the blind and crippled. He was crucified by the people He came to redeem. He rose from the dead ascending to His Father promising He would come back again.
He came so far, so humbly, so close that anyone could reach out to Him by faith and receive the gift of eternal life. He gave us this life so we could live for His glory. The exchange of our sin for His righteousness is the wonder of wonders we will treasure for all eternity. This is worth celebrating and is the good news and power of the gospel we want to share to see hearts changed for the glory of God.
Covid restrictions have closed access to institutions for both chaplains and volunteers since mid December adding to the bleakness of Christmas in prison. We are thankful for letters and especially phone calls to keep in touch. We pray they will know the real meaning of Christmas understanding how they are a part of this story; and that whatever the deep issues of the heart they are dealing with that they will be able to find clarity, resolution, peace, freedom and hope all soaked in the joy of knowing the Christ child Jesus as their Saviour.
Our Heavenly Father has shown Himself faithful to us again over the past year and you are very much a part of that. Your prayers and financial support are greatly appreciated and we thank you for your care of us in this regard.
We wish you a very Merry Christmas! As you gather with loved ones may your celebrations be filled with the beauty and peace of His presence.
Christmas Blessings,
Robert and Susan
Praise the LORD! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honour to Him.
Revelation 19:6-7
Our mailing address is:
Prison Minstry, Kingston
PO Box 20051
Kingston, ON K7P 2T6
Russ & Meredith Martin
Martin Family Update
We can stay! Taken after getting our work pass renewed for another two years.
Dear WBC Friends,
As we wrap up 2021, here are a few updates from our family.
Canada Trip Cancelled
Last Saturday we held a family meeting and made a hard decision to cancel our Christmas trip to Canada less than 48 hours before we were due to fly. Each family member shared their perspective on the benefits and risks. Together we reasoned that, in light of the Omicron situation in North America and increasing restrictions, we would enjoy Christmas in Singapore. We long to see many of you, but we'll have to wait another six months.
Logistically, there are presents to give and receive on the wrong side of the ocean, newly purchased winter gear that will go unworn and flight credits to track.
Despite the disruption, we're thankful to live in relative safety and comfort. Ironically for our kids, Singapore is home so they are happy to stay and play with friends. As adults we mourn the loss of time for our kids with grandparents, lack of exposure to our 'home' culture and the disconnection of cousins growing up far apart.
#HACK2021 Report and Video
Our ministry highlight of the year was leading the #HACK2021 event with participants from 46 countries. You can flip through the really nice visual report our team designed or watch a 3-minute video. This is only possible because of your faithful prayer and financial support. Please know the impact you enable is both deep and wide and felt all around the globe. People are discovering Jesus because of what you are investing in.
Year-End Giving
God faithfully provided 100% of our 2021 financial needs through you, our generous partners. We are grateful, humble and amazed as it's been a fruitful, but expensive year. Thank you!
Looking ahead to 2022, our reserves are low and with costs increasing for our growing family, we need to shore up ~$9,000 to be at full support during the coming year. Please consider this as you pray through end of year giving opportunities.
WBC Friends, we couldn't have navigated 2021 without you. Thank you for your friendship and your partnership in leading the next generation of digital missions.
Photos below:
A. Reindeers with homemade masks spotted on the train.
B. Third week of advent.
C. Meredith delivers a commissioned painting.
