We trust you will have a great Christmas season
celebrating together with others.
Over the last number of months we have enjoyed a summer at home, including some vacation. At the end of September Phil wrapped up his Strategic Development role and started sabbatical. This included some home assignment time for us both visiting family, friends and supporters in the UK and Norway.
The pictures below are of a calm lake to vacation beside here in Ontario, a blustery day in the UK's Peak District, a windy and sunny day in Scotland's Pentland Hills and a beautiful afternoon beside the Oslo Fjord in Norway. (Can you tell we enjoy being out in nature?)
Celebrating
The end of August was extra special as Liam proposed to Meridith and she said 'Yes'! Meridith has been around our family for several years and we look forward to formally welcoming another daughter to our family at the wedding on August 24th 2024!
Sabbatical diversion
To follow through with a commitment that Phil had made earlier this year, in October we took a short pause from sabbatical to work with a team in Asia. It was a privilege to serve this team. Many of them live in a place of significant natural beauty but they face very significant ministry challenges. Please pray for SIM teams around the world as they seek to minister wisely and strategically in their various contexts.
Preparing to transition
In early November Phil had the privilege of joining with the rest of SIM's International Leadership Team at their annual in-person gathering. This year was especially meaningful as Joshua Bogunjoko prepares to step down from his time as the SIM International Director and hand over leadership to Phil in March 2024. Joshua and Joanna have led faithfully in this role for more than 10 years. Please pray for them as they, like us, face a very significant transition.
Virtual Commissioning
The SIM Board of Governors will be hosting a commissioning service for us on Saturday February 24th at 0930 EST (1430 UTC). We anticipate streaming the event via Zoom so you can join us virtually if you wish. We will share a link closer to the date.
Preparing for the next stage of the journey
April 2024 will mark 24 years of ministry with SIM and we are very grateful for God's provision for our financial needs over this time.
As we prepare for Phil to step into the role of International Director we have had our finances reviewed. It was noted that in the last financial year we have received less financial support, and the cost of living has increased. Additionally, with the new role we are facing increased support needs. As one of our faithful financial supporters we want to thank you for your generous contributions to SIM on our behalf. Would you join with us in asking God to provide for the needed financial support? (If you would like to make changes to the amount you have been giving, please contact your local SIM office or reply to us.)
For Prayer
Praise God
That we have continued to have peace even in the midst of facing such an enormous new role.
For a summer at home in Ontario without international travel.
That Andrea has been able to hand over her Middle East responsibilities to a very capable colleague based in the region.
For the opportunities for rest and reflection during this brief sabbatical period.
For the face-to-face time with the International Leadership Team as Joshua prepares to hand over to Phil.
For Joshua and Joanna's leadership while Joshua has been ID for the last 10 years.
Pray
That God would continue to guide us and grant us his peace as we move into this transition period.
That Phil can make wise use of his sabbatical time to reflect and realign.
For both of us as we desire to allow God to show us the ways that he wants us to lead and minister in this next season.
For God's provision for our own personal support needs.
For God's care and protection over us and our kids.
Thank you for your prayers and interest.