Since planting Christ Community Church in fall 2015, December has consistently been one of the more difficult months. In every aspect of life and ministry, there is more of everything to do. More sermons to preach, more visits to make, more family demands, and more snow to shovel. It all seems to go by so quickly, that looking back on it is like looking back on a tornado; it’s all a blur.
But there are some things that stand out. We were able to have both a Christmas Eve service and a Christmas Concert. I was a bit disappointed by our Christmas Eve service as most of our regular congregation was away, and the weather was terrible. These two things together left only a handful, maybe eighteen, present. I do not like to admit it, but on days when a large portion of the congregation is away, I can become discouraged. I know numbers aren’t everything, and I know there can be a hint of pride in saying that, but they’re not just numbers, they are people who God loves as His own, and who are invited to His table. And I feel the weight of their absence.
My comfort, however, is knowing God is Sovereign over every person who is there, and most were the lost family members of some of our most dedicated members. I took the opportunity to forgo a so-called “Christmas Message” and preached the gospel. I pray that it will take root in their lives.
In hindsight, as I write this, it was foolish of me to be discouraged. All of December, our assemblies were smaller, but I knew many people were away. I knew the roads were treacherous. On the other hand, we had many visitors attend our Christmas Concert.
There were upwards of eighty people in our small building. I had personally invited dozens of folks and most of them came and heard about Christ coming as the incarnate Son of God to save His people from their sins. People I had been sharing the gospel with for a long time heard it again, and I’m praying it will take root.
One couple who was present was from New Jersey. They travel to Fredericton regularly because their daughter-in-law lives here. As it happens, they read about the work going on here in New Brunswick in the HeartCry Magazine, and upon seeing I also was working in Fredericton, they contacted me about coming to the service and connecting me with their relatives. They were able to make the concert, but their daughter and son-in-law couldn’t come. However, I actually knew them as they were good friends with a friend I was staying with seven years ago.
They came the next Sunday, but left early. I wasn’t able to talk to them, but I corresponded with the husband afterward and thanked him for coming. He said they would be back in the new year. Lord willing, I’ll see them again. It is encouraging to see how the Lord connects people through different means – even a HeartCry magazine!
Please pray for all those who heard the gospel at our Christmas services. We long to see more come to Christ. Thank you for your continued prayer and support. It is a pleasure to report to you about what God is doing here in Fredericton.
Mission Update
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