NEWS
NEWS
What is it about the new year that inspires a fresh start? For most of us it is a chance to set some goals and aspirations for the upcoming year. For me, it hasn't quite hit home that we are in a new year. (For one, I am sending this newsletter in February!) Since being in Canada on furlough, the beginning of this year has just felt like an extension of 2010. The "new year" for me will start when we return to Brazil this week. I read an article in December about new years resolutions and how it can take up to 7 or 8 tries to successfully fulfill a goal. Not very encouraging. But as I contemplate returning to Brazil and the possibilities and challenges that face me, I am reminded of the verses in Lamentations 3:22,23, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness". Even if I've already broken a new years resolution, what's to stop me from trying again? God gives us a fresh chance every morning to glorify Him through our lives.
We have had a spectacular furlough in North America over the past three months. We have really enjoyed being able to spend time with friends and family. Having the opportunity to share about our ministry in several churches has helped us clarify our vision for the ministry and we look forward to returning to Brazil renewed and refreshed. We took a two week road trip down to the States to speak at a church in Boise, Idaho and spend time with David's brother, Darius and his family there. We continued on to Tacoma, WA, to see more family and attend a wedding. At the end of January we shared at a church in Surrey, BC, and enjoyed catching up with friends and professors from our University days. We were blessed with very good road conditions, a trusty car and mostly co-operative kids. These last few days in Calgary are being spent cherishing time with our parents, doing last minute shopping and packing, as well as beginning the apartment hunt so we can hit the ground running once we arrive in Brazil on February 9th.
We appreciate your support as we seek to serve God in Brazil. If you have time to reply, we'd love to hear from you and uphold you in prayer.
Blessings,
Taara and David
A shortened year?
Every man should be born again on the first day of January. Start with a fresh page. Take up one hole more in the buckle if necessary, or let down one, according to circumstances; but on the first of January let every man gird himself once more, with his face to the front, and take no interest in the things that were and are past.
~Henry Ward Beecher
Friday, February 18, 2011