Our warmest welcome over the course of this past year probably came from the youth at Church of the New Covenant.  Upon our arrival they piled outside of the church, ready to help us unload our equipment and help serve in any way they could.  It was a blessing to have their help and be around such servant minded young people.  That is a strong mark of the ministry within their group and something that will continue to further them as they advance in life.

We were impacted greatly by the presence of the Lord that evening.  The youth were hungry for His presence and ready to give back to Him in worship, needing very little encouragement or prompting.  Part of the exhortation that was given during that time was to encourage them to give the Lord everything that was hanging on them – any burden, fear, insecurity, feeling of shame or guilt, and run fully into His arms.  They were reminded that His arms were wide open and ready to receive them.  He brought us to a new level of understanding of His love for us and desire for intimacy.  Many of the youth left with a greater sense of peace and joy in their lives, no longer weighted down by the past, and simply at rest because they were able to rest in His presence.  

Not only did we get to spend time in Canada for a second time this year, but we also got to be there when the Winter Olympics were occurring.  This group of believers had many committed members who also were die hard hockey fans.  So needless to say, our Sunday with them (also the day of the game between the USA and Canada) was a “heated” one, full of playful jabs and competitive comments.  If you followed the games at all, you can probably guess what happened at the end of the day, and who was able to have the last word.  It would be, Canada. 

We also had a chance to be a part of a going-away party they held for their associate pastor, who will be moving on to take a lead pastor position at another church.  It was good to be able to get to know members of the church prior to our service time with them.  That doesn’t always happen, but when it does, it creates a more familiar environment for us, and enables us to relate better with the people throughout the service. 

The Lord amazed us once again with a strong sense of His presence and anointing during the service.  Many came forward to receive prayer, healing, and deliverance in various areas of their lives.  We also were able to hold a youth service that evening, and were blessed to have opportunity to speak into their lives and challenge them to live fully for the Lord.  

Quinte Christian High school was the biggest school we had been able to visit this year.  The student body numbered around 150 from grades seventh to twelfth.  Each opportunity we have to encounter this particular venue is an excitement for us because we love youth and we enjoy being able to challenge the students to go deeper in Him.  Many times we have found these groups to be struggling with complacency because they are constantly being fed the word of God, but not seeing the life that is in it.  It is heartbreaking to know that so many know of Him, know His word, but still struggle with knowing Him personally.  Our desire is to continue to go into these groups and stir the flames which remain in their hearts towards the Lord.  There is always a remnant that is walking intimately with Him, and it is exciting to be able to encourage them.  

At the Crossroads is located in a storefront building near the center of town.  The people of the congregation were welcoming and enthusiastic, with a strong heart for evangelism.  One of the women in the congregation shared with us her heart for the community and a desire to see those hurt and turned off from the church brought to a place of healing and wholeness in Christ. 

The presence of the Lord moved amongst us powerfully that evening, touching many with a refreshing and refilling of His spirit in their life.  Several came forward during the time of ministry to receive prayer and hear specific words from the Lord.  It was a refreshing and exciting time, bringing us deeper into His presence and moving greater in the gifts that He has given.  We were excited about the work He is doing at Crossroads and look forward to the many good things that are to come.