Feliz Año Nuevo
“You who sit down in the High God’s presence,
spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow,
Say this: “God, you’re my refuge.
I trust in you and I’m safe!”
That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps,
shields you from deadly hazards.
His huge outstretched arms protect you—
under them you’re perfectly safe;
his arms fend off all harm.
Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
not flying arrows in the day,
Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
not disaster that erupts at high noon.
Even though others succumb all around…
no harm will even graze you.
You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance…
Yes, because God’s your refuge,
the High God your very own home,
Evil can’t get close to you,
harm can’t get through the door…” Psalms 91 (The Message)
The sunny morning after the storm
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
That shadows a dry, thirsty land;
He hideth my life with the depths of His love,
And covers me there with His hand,
And covers me there with His hand. (Hymn by Fanny Crosby; Published 1890)
As we close out 2015 and enter into a new year filled with its uncharted potential and possibilities on one hand, juxtaposed with unprecedented fears and uncertainties on the other, what a wonderful comfort it is to know that we are sheltered under the shadow of the God of all Eternity – the Sovereign Lord who never slumbers or sleeps.
We thought that this was a ridiculous little banner when we first hung it out. Now it doesn’t look so out of place
Anne Graham Lotz wrote in her December 17th ministry blog entitled: “Preprayer for the New Year” (http://www.annegrahamlotz.org/category/messages-from-gods-word/latest-from-anne/):
“Terrorist attacks in Paris, Colorado Springs, and San Bernardino have left us ashen-faced and horrified. Polarization within political parties, corruption at the highest levels of government, name-calling of opponents, character assassination of those who disagree, lies spun as truth, brutality covered up, the economy propped-up are just some issues that are contributing to our sense that America is unraveling. We no longer trust our government, our leaders, our bankers, our police officers, our newspapers, our business partners, our investors, our neighbors…even our religious leaders.”
I believe that each of us would agree with her assessment of the current climate; we are afraid of what we see around us on a global basis, and mistrust what we see at the national and local levels. For those of us living in the United States, we face great uncertainties in the political environment with the upcoming election year along with its back and forth accusations and counter attacks between the candidates, coupled with the disconcerting certitude that, in the end, they are all being deceitful and dishonest. In Canada I doubt that we fare any better with the new prime minister at the helm.
♪♫ Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow ♪♫
How wonderful, then, to know “at such a time as this” that the Scriptures state unequivocally that “It is God alone who judges; he decides who will rise and who will fall”. (Ps. 75:7). Daniel states: “Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings…” Daniel 2: 20, 21; (NLT)
Our future, even though uncertain from our perspective, is certain and sure from His. He is Sovereign and securely on His throne. I have recently been encouraged by looking again at the powerful Messianic imagery in Psalms 2 where I read:
“Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one. “Let us break their chains,” they cry, “and free ourselves from slavery to God.”
But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them. For the Lord declares, “I have placed my chosen king (Jesus) on the throne.”
God is on his Throne! We can rest securely in Him (if indeed we are in Him). For those who do not know the rest of being in the shelter of his shadow it is a very different story as they look into the uncertain days ahead.
Theresa and I received a wonderful, belated Christmas present this year. On the 24th and
And the snow piled up…
Christmas Day we had T-shirt weather and I was walking around in my shorts. Then on the late afternoon and evening of the 26th (Boxing Day for all of my Canadian readers) the blizzard conditions began. We had snow and howling winds rock our little trailer like a “bark toss’d by storms” while we sat cozy and comfy inside, although somewhat disconcerted by the repeated gusts that hit our little shelter. Our last truck arrived during the beginning of the blizzard on Saturday at around 11:00 pm.
On Sunday morning we awoke to a winter wonderland of snow drifts and dazzling white. All of the roads in the region were closed down and we thoroughly enjoyed a day of rest – our first true holiday since we began our work on the 1st of May. We sat inside our warm cocoon and watched the howling wind shift the snow banks outside, thankful for the shelter of our snug little home.
We each have our distinct memories of enjoying snow days I am sure. Mine is of wintry days in cabins in northern Ontario cozily stoking the wood stove as the winds howled outside. Yours will be different than mine, but they all will probably include an element of peace. Theresa and I thoroughly enjoyed ours.
The storm continued through Sunday and Monday giving us two full days of unexpected holiday. We had absolutely no truck traffic all day Sunday or Monday, and for the very first time since we began working in May we were able to sleep together in the same bed.
Theresa doesn’t look too happy with the cold wind…
What an unexpected gift. We were able to unwind, read, watch a movie or two, and enjoy some good holiday meals together, all without interruptions. We feel revived and refreshed and ready to begin again (and this is a good thing because the trucks are beginning to role again).
Just to lay out the plans again that Theresa and I have for the upcoming year, while keeping clearly in mind what it states in Proverbs 16: “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps”. We hope to continue working in Texas at our current job until the very end of April. At that point we are hoping that we can sell our travel trailer since we will not need it any longer. We then hope to head down to Mexico again for a number of weeks in order to bring closure and say goodbye, as well as to be there for the graduation of the Bible Institute and Project LAMBS students. Pastor Fred Erb from Listowel, Ontario is planning on going to Cd. Valles with us at that time. After that Theresa is planning to head up to Nebraska in order to spend some time with her mother and family there, while I finish off loose ends here in the south. Depending upon how the sale of the trailer goes, as well as figuring out a way to move our household things which we hope to take with us to Canada, this could take from a few days to a bit longer. I also need to purchase a pickup truck for the ministry in Mexico, and figure out how we are going to be able to get it there. When this is all accomplished, we will both turn the steering wheel northward and return to Manitoba where we plan on resettling.
I (Steven), especially, ask that you would remember us in your prayers as we move back to
But, there were no trucks
Canada again in the summer. I fully realize that it will not be easy (especially for me) to reenter the Canadian culture again. I have been outside of the “typical” North American setting for many years, and fully anticipate a potentially “rocky” readjustment in the beginning. It is all possible with God as our sustainer; nonetheless, it is not without some trepidation that I envision the upcoming transition.
One of the many issues that we will be facing is jobs. Both of us will need to find employment when we arrive in Manitoba. I, for my part, will be 61 years old, and like the words that Jesus placed into the manager’s mouth in the parable that he told in Luke 16 “I don’t have the strength to dig ditches, and I’m too proud to beg”. I will be competing for jobs with guys much younger than me. However, God has this in his hands as well and “I will not fear”.
While we are being transparent and completely honest, I also fear returning to Manitoba winters. I have become acclimatized to the hot climate of Cd. Valles, Mexico, and I don’t know how I will deal with the subzero weather again. This also I must leave in God’s hands. He is the One who will sustain us.
Have a very Happy New Year from both of us
But, with all of the human fears that I have associated with moving back to Canada, I know that it was the right time for Theresa and me to transition the work over to national leadership, and for us to leave Mexico when we did. The continuing ministry is strong, and our brothers and sisters there are advancing confidently, more than they ever could have if we continued to be there. I am simply thankful that Theresa and I were able have a small part in the beginning of the ministry by functioning as catalysts. Please continue to hold each of them up in your prayers.
Also, please remember Theresa and me as we finish off the next four months here in west Texas, and then as we batten down the hatches to finalize any unfinished areas of business associated with the ministry in Mexico before transitioning back to Canada. I personally would really appreciate knowing that you are praying for us, and with us, over these upcoming months ahead.
Then, for our part, we want to thank you for your faithfulness over the many years. Thank you for your friendship and care for Theresa and me. Thank you for believing in us. Thank you for your generous support for the work in Mexico. Thank you for your prayers, and thank you for simply being our friends and accepting us as we are – warts and all.
We both wish you a very wonderful and Christ-filled New Year, resting in the shelter of the All Mighty, irrespective of the storms that may rage outside.
Your fellow laborers,
Steven and Theresa
