Sharpening the Saw!
The course I am taking on Moral theology this term addresses some thorny issues in society and the professor is doing a fine job walking us through the material. It is a good thing to keep your mind challenged and study in depth the things in society that need to be addressed by Christianity.

Preaching
In our last newsletter we mentioned that there are series of sermons I could preach in your churches. Already I have had responses and am grateful for that. Right now I am preparing a series of six sermons covering the book of Philippians. The Philippean church was a role model for other churches of its day. We can discover much to imitate by studying this letter.

Pulpit Supply
As you can see while much of my schedule is booked for this year there are some openings in the spring and summer, and looking forward to the fall—the month of November is open. If your church has need for pulpit supply, don't hesitate to connect with me.

Crisis Counselling
Just now as I was typing this newsletter, a fine Christian lady called concerning her husband who is battling cancer. They have no minister and had received some of our literature and wondered if I might visit. I responded that I certainly would and a date has been set for us to get together in their home near mine.

New Opportunities
Yesterday I had lunch with a representative from a local Bible College who wanted to know if I would be interested in teaching a course on crisis counselling to their students. He also wondered if I might mentor a student during their academic year. I assured him that I would be pleased to consider both.

Men’s Bible Study
My men’s Bible student continues to meet twice monthy, (1st & 3rd Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.) The study that is currently running is based on a book entitled “The Measure of a Man” by Gene Getz. It is a study on the qualifications of an elder as revealed in Paul’s letters to Timothy & Titus.

Disciplining & Mentoring
As I have reported before, one of my favourite ministries is my mentoring of younger men who are taking on leadership roles in their churches, or who are eager to learn how to study the Scriptures for themselves. We study the Scriptures together, counsel about life issues, and pray with each other. If you are, or know of, a man who could benefit from this mentoring kind of relationship, please contact me to set up a time to meet.

Susan:
Bible Study
Susan’s Bible Study this year has been in Titus, where the focus has been on the qualifications and responsibilites of the leaders whithin the church, the various groups within the church, and the church as a whole in the world. In April a new study will begin in Philippians.

Ministry
Susan also meets with and mentors women, and has recently joined the Women's Ministry Team at our home church, Oakridge Bible Chapel. Working on the fall and spring committees for Muskoka Baptist Conference has been a real blessing and excellent preparation for this new role.

Time Out
The week of rest and relaxation Susan and I took in February is only a pleasant memory, but it was a great break for us and we have returned to the work with renewed energy!

More Than I Bargained For
When the phone rang the other day, I was surprised and delighted to hear a familiar voice on the other end. It had been years since hearing from the distant relative. She explained that her daughter was getting married and their church did not have a paster and would not have one for some time. The question was, could I do the wedding.

I arranged an interview with the couple and then asked the caller about her aging Mom. The answer was that she was in a senior's home and lacked spiritual counsel and ministry and was nearing death. I asked about visiting her and got an enthusiastic response.

A date was set for the visit and I went. When I arrived, the senior's three children were all there with their Mom to greet me. After getting reacquainted wiht them all I asked the son how things were and he told me that his wife of 20 years had just told him that she was leaving him next month. He was devastated and I quickly arranged to set aside time to have lunch with him and minister to his broken heart.

People ask where or how I get connected to people who need help and are without resources. The above is one answer. Someone calls for help and by my asking a few questions I often turn up others who are also without assistance in their time of need.

There are so many people who hide pain behind a smile. How careful we need to be to look past first impressions, listen carefully, and then help or direct them to one who can come alongside and minister grace.

There is never a lack of people coming across my path and I praise God for my ability to spend the necessary time with them to guide them through the difficulties.

Your prayers and financial support are what the Lord uses to make this ministry possible and we thank you sincerely for your part in this ministry.