Well first, let me apologize for the lack of blogging here this week. There are three main reasons for this:
First, we have 54 Canadians staying at the hotel (an amazing number, as there are a number of prospective new team leaders). This means that there are 54 people vying for wifi all at the same times.
The second reason for the lack of blogging has been the number of meetings that are part of Leader's week. We have our general meetings, workshops, and special speakers. This year our guest speaker has been comedian Phil Callaway. He has brought great levity and also some very insightful teaching on leadership and communication. In addition to our general meetings, I also have board meetings to attend. Our Shelter board, to this point, only meets face to face twice a year. As the Lord increases our capacity, the policies and preparations that we need to make as a board increase and require more time, discussion, debate and resolution.
Ephesians 4:3-7 "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
The beginning of these verses are so important, "Make every effort". This is the hard work of ensuring that we are pulling in the same direction, as we follow Jesus in this ministry. Meetings are not my favourite thing (surprise, self disclosure...haha), however, the common effort to seek the unity of the Spirit is always very compelling.
Having gone through these last four long days and nights with meetings, I am thankful for your prayer support and encouragement. We celebrate 464 families receiving homes and entering into discipleship relationships through Shelter. We celebrate the growing capacity of our El Salvador team. We celebrate the enthusiasm of new team leaders. And I celebrate more chances to share the story of our home team, the Sarnia EMC!
I did mention that there were three reasons for the lack of blogging...the third reason: I'm travelling with Tyson :) He's a great ambassador for the Lord, and for the SEMC, but he's no blogger!!
Thursday, 12 families will be receiving the keys to their homes. Tyson helped to build two of those homes, out in the warm (hot) sun, while I was in meetings. It's going to be a great time celebrating with this community.
Thanks so much for your prayer,
Deve
Thanks for the update! Rejoicing that 12 families will have received keys to their houses today.
ReplyDeleteAs an i-dotter and t-crosser, I appreciate the detail that is required in those meetings, and for people who are willing to set apart time to ensure things are done well, both now and going forward. Unity is such a gift, and definitely worth focused prayer for each of the teams, communities, church bodies, and for Shelter, especially given language, cultural, and financial hurdles. The verse which I've been praying over you all is, " Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord of Hosts." Zechariah 4:6 (The God of Angel armies is always by my side!)
ReplyDeleteThrilling news about the key ceremony! Although I've heard the stories many times of the families who receive new homes, I truly have little comprehension of how significant this really is in each family member's life. So thankful for this ongoing ministry!
Sandra