Happy New Year

It's been a while since Gerry or I have written on the blog - but for those who are in Southwest Nova you know that this has been a busy time. Christmas kept us all busy with our various church activities - and then there was the big power outage story. I was fortunate - our power was only out for two days - and not in a row. I trust you all made it through without too many inconveniences.
In my house it actually gave us a chance to slow down and reflect on what Christmas is all about - the birth of the Christ child and the opportunity to gather together as family and spend some quality time together.
Now the New Year is here with all that it may hold. Late yesterday the snow started and it has not yet stopped. As I look out my picture window I can see the snow and there is not a footprint in it. The new year is something like that - it is a clear clean field - fresh with no footprints in it. That will not always be the case - before long there will be all kinds of tracks - where will they go? Will they be useful or not? As you journey into this year I encourage you to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit of God to lead you in the paths of righteousness. Then when you look back may you see a trail that was filled with purpose and hope. And even now as you may look back over 2008 may the trail of last year be a trail that gives you hope for this year. If 2008 was not the best year for you, may you learn from it and go on resolved to trust God more and be filled with His Spirit.
The Haiti Team 2009 is growing more and more excited as the time nears for our departure. Between us it looks like we will have about 12 suitcases of clothing, supplies and toys to take with us to the Mission.
And, praise God - we are closing in our goal of $25,000 for the funds needed to complete the phase of the school that we are planning for this trip. God has brought together an interesting group of travellers for this trip and we have worked well together and He has blessed our efforts. We could not have done it without Him and without the way in which His Spirit has moved in your hearts to help wherever you could. Thanks so much for all your effort.
I mentioned some time ago that there would be a Commissioning Service for the team on January 02. That is still in place and again I invite any and all to come to the Salvation Army Community Church on Brunswick St., Yarmouth, NS and join with us in this service of worship and praise. Time is 7pm, Friday, January 02, 2009.
Again, I find it hard to find the right words to express my gratitude and my joy for all that God and you have helped us to accomplish at HATS - Haiti. Please continue to pray for Karen (and Luckner and all they do in Haiti); for travelling mercies; for good health and the work that we will be doing while we are there.
This will likely be my last post until we arrive in Haiti. See you tomorrow evening in Yarmouth..
God bless you all
Pastor Dennis