Highs and Lows and Johnny....

So Tracy and I have been here for a little over 3 weeks. There certainly have been highs and lows.

 The highs have been that we have been having an amazing time getting to know the city, our community, and people in the city. The new sites, Solas' new classes, the gym membership, having conversations with people in the park and as we live our life.
 The lows have been the long days without friends or family around, the lack of motivation and energy, lack of patience with the kids, the dark clouds and days of rain without a ray of sunshine, the feeling of being ineffective, and Tracy's poor health.
However, Jesus is so good to give us exactly what we need when we need it. I have been able to be comfortable in my own skin and have been reminded that my identity is not found in my activity, nor is my worth in whether or not I have friends in close proximity, or in people who reach out to me- these may explain me but they do not define me.
  I have been embracing-to a fresh new level-that my identity is in the living God...in Jesus Christ. In Him I find my comfort, in Him I find my peace and my Sabbath rest, in Him I find my confidence and my true identity...in Christ.
This realization of my identity in Jesus has been revolutionary to my outlook in life. I am no longer someone who is lacking, or found wanting. Lacking in the areas of friends, community or even activity. I am fullfilled with life, and life abundantly, life with Christ. I have something to offer those with whom I come into contact...I can offer the peace, compassion and hope that Jesus offers me, in this I find great excitement.
Just this morning my wife and I went to join our new Canadian accounts, the financial officer has become of friend of ours, his name is Johnny. I have talked to Johnny about Jesus, and even gave him a Bible the second time I met with him. He has an affection for the Lord but has admitted he needs guidance, he actually told Tracy and I he feels as if the Lord has placed us in his life to give him advice, guidance, and encourage him in his relationship with the Lord. Today as se met with him he asked if I would meet with him after he got off work...he mentioned that he has some big life decisions ahead of him...and he said he's desperate for some advice and counsel.
I will be meeting up with him tonight at 5:15. Please pray that the Lord would use me in a powerful way for His glory. I know whenever I speak my words can only get to the persons ears, its the Lord who gets to their heart. I want the Lord to touch the heart of Johnny.
Cecil

Life in the COUV

So we've been here for over a week now, and to be perfectly honest the first week was very difficult. We have never lived in a big city before now. Walking a few blocks to the nearest Main Street was an eye opener. Tracy and I were not used to so many people on the street and all the little shops, with groceries stores selling their produce on every corner was...well it was just like the movies. I actually went to a laundry mat where we dropped of my pants for alterations, and had some spare keys made, all at the same place...we certainly aren't in Kansas any more. We have had some amazing interactions thus far. Tracy has been meeting a number of women at the park, and I was able to connect with the financial officer at the bank, as we were opening up an account, and I actually had the chance to tell him about Jesus and I gave him a Bible, he was so thankful. A few days later we had a young man come over to hook up our Internet and we had some great conversations, next thing you know we're setting up a time to have coffee. The Lord is amazing! As a matter of fact, Tracy and I were getting groceries and we were making small talk with a young family who have two kids and they want to connect again with us! Please continue to pray that we would allow the Holy Spirit to guide us as we follow up and as we reach out to our community. Thank you. ~Cecil