Time to Post

I thought it was time to post something, so here are some photos that were taken a few weeks ago at our last psalm-singing recording session. Esther was trying out her new camera, and we are happy to have some pictures of our time together.

GRIDLOCK

Last night was the night that many people will never forget as Scotland's busiest motorways were at a standstill for many hours and people had to spend a night in their cars in sub-zero temperatures. Some spent the night in their office, in a bus station, and some children stayed overnight in their schools. Snow which kept falling for 71/2 hours began at the morning rush-hour. Now there is a severe problem of ice and the M8 is currently still closed as road-breaking machines try to break up the ice.

FEED THE BIRDS

Since moving to this house in December 2005, we have been trying to attract some birds to our garden in a housing area of new builds and low-maintainance gardens. These last 2 years we have been trying to help whatever birds come our way to survive. A robin, a dunnock and a blackbird pay us visits, and for 2 days we saw both a blue tit and a great tit, but we are sorry that we have not seen them for a couple of days.

"SNOW ON SNOW"

Scotland is in the grip of an early winter. We have been known to say when asked by friends abroad how the winters are in Scotland, "Oh well! Where WE live (in the Central Belt) the winters are not severe, WE don't usually get much snow....etc." After last year's winter, and now after what we have received so far this year, we are prepared to eat our words!

He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly.
He giveth snow like wool:he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.
He casteth forth his ice like morsels:who can stand before his cold?
He sendeth out his word and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow...

Psalm 147: 16-18

SERGIO AND EVELEIN 3

Sergio and Evelien are encouraged by the Lord's blessing on their endeavors in Cuenca, Spain.

Olga sometimes comes to the bible-studies; so far, her husband has only come once. However, there was an opportunity to give a word of testimony when they had supper together recently.

The couple are really thankful to the Lord for the response to The Conference on "Depression, its Causes and and Cure" where 70 people attended. Pray that the literature handed out may be blessed to hearts and souls.

Meeting up with Uzo continues.

Weekly meetings with the priest also continues, but his heart seems to be hardening against the gospel.

The Old Peoples' Home also receives ongoing visits.

Costel still attends services. He needs stability in his life.

Evelien has begun her teaching job. The work is not easy for her. She also teaches in the Sunday School.

The couple are thankful that their daily expenses are being met. They ask for prayer in all the above, and also in their own lives and and ministry, that God will direct their paths. They also ask for prayer for the congregation in Cuenca, that God will encourage them and add to their number.

RIVERS

"Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream"

Isaiah 66:12

"He who believes in me, as the scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."

John 7:38

"And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb."

Revelation 22:1

PHOTOGRAPHER AT WORK IN THE ROCKIES

We had 2 very enjoyable days in the the Rockies just over the border in British Columbia

A MUSICAL AFTERNOON

Today we enjoyed a pleasant afternoon of chat and Scottish traditional music with our friends, Bill and Flora Stark

Come back soon! Bill and Flora!

VISIT FROM JONATHAN!

Jonathan has enjoyed a weekend away from home, staying with his friend Nathan in Linlithgow. On Saturday they met up with some friends from Edinburgh and Glasgow and walked along the nearby canal.

He has had some encouragements recently, such as receiving his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and being given a standing ovation for perseverance in his efforts to progress after his serious accident.

Please continue to pray for him as he continues his daily programme of exercising to improve the use of his limbs, and especially his left arm.

Alberta

It has been a great priviledge for us to have been invited to be with 2 congregations of the Free Reformed Church of North America - several times in Pompton Plains, New Jersey:

and, now, twice in Monarch, Alberta:

This latest trip to Alberta was for 6 weeks. We were provided with a lovely little house - a holiday home - belonging to one of the elders in Monarch. We enjoyed getting to know the family a little bit, especially the youngest little one who is one year old this month. We feel overwhelmed by the kindness shown to us by the warm-hearted people of the congregation.

After 4 weeks in Monarch we transferred to Calgary. Harold and Janey Slingerland very kindly showed us hospitality and Bill preached for the Calgary congregation one Lord's Day and in Lacombe, 2 hours' drive North from Calgary the following one.
On the journey north to Calgary, to the West, towards the Rocky Mountains there was a stunning sunset and to the East was the beauty of a full moon.

We are grateful for all the Christian love and kindness shown to us during our time in Alberta.