Phone Call Out of the Blue

So out of no where I decided to call friend who has been in my life for many years.  I didn't know that this individual recently has been going to worship with other Christians and has been recently seeking and exploring the whole concept of God.  I was thrilled when I heard that.  Several weeks later we were able to have a conversation and I had a chance to hear his heart with regards to his future and the family that he desired.  I had the privilege to share how I have been incredibly blessed with an amazing woman who loves the Lord and who is a wonderful mom, great wife, and my best friend.  I shared the reason for that is that our marriage and friendship is based on Jesus.  I explained how I do not see my wife the way the world tells me to see her but I try to see her the way the Lord wants me to see her, and when I do that, it quickly brings me to tears because I realize how great the love of Jesus is by giving me such a gracious woman.  I asked if he had a Bible and he mentioned that he didn't.  Soon after we had that conversation I was able to give him a Bible.  I am very excited to see what Jesus does in this man's life.  I love and care about him deeply...grateful that he's been in my life.

Cecil

So this is Sam.  I met Sam this past summer and we had a very interesting conversation.  It was during the end of July when we had the MB Mission short term mission SOAR team with us in Vancouver.  So the day before we were at a water park on Granville Island.  We passed out a ton of balloons, juice and had a huge game of soccer.  Then this day we went to one of the neighbourhood parks, and lo and behold the park was virtually empty!  We showed up with around 75 balloons and a ton of juice boxes, water bottles and face paint.  Then, here comes along Sam.  I began having a discussion with him and he wanted to know what we were doing and why were were doing it.  He ended up telling us he is a Hindu Priest, and then he started bashing Christianity...such a wonderful way to start a relationship ;-)  
In all honesty it was great to have our friends with us from our home church in Bakersfield to be part of this discussion.  After a vibrant discussion Sarah, who was one of the leaders, looked at Sam and say before you leave I would like to pray for you right now.  After she prayed Sam looked at us and said..."did you feel that, I felt something."  Such a great time to be there at that park even though only a small number of people were there I felt so honored to meet Sam. He told us exactly where he lived and a few days later I went with Zach and Dylan and we dropped off a Bible at his front door because no one was home.

Cecil

Sick Judah

So this morning out little man Judah has become more sick. At this point all of the family is ill except me.  Last night Tracy was in the boys room laying down with Solas, and Solas was crying because he felt so ill so Tracy was consoling him, and at that time Judah became quick and began vomiting in the bed next to them. I was so thankful to The Lord that Tracy was right there and awake to attend to Judah.  This morning I was looking at Judah and laying hands on him and praying over him that Jesus would draw near to him and bring healing to his body.  I love my boys with a my heart, but times like these truly remind me of their mortality. It reminds me that this is not ultimately our home, and that these bodies will not last forever. Many times when I tick my boys in at night I lay my hands on them and thank Jesus for the day He gave me with my boys, and if he gives me another day with them I will praise Him, and if he takes them home-as difficult as that may be-I will praise.

Cecil

Rhyson's devotion

When I was living in Abbotsford I met an extraordinary young man by the name of Rhyson.  I met him around the Fall of 2012 and I ran into him again at Red Robin.  I went home for Christmas then we ran into each other again.  He shared about his marital struggle and as he was vulnerable I felt the Lord compel me to connect with him on a more constant basis.  Even though I was living an hour away in Vancouver we began a relationship wherein I had the honor of driving to Abbotsford once every two weeks to meet with him at Denny's.  It was a time in Rhyson's life where he desperately needed someone to listen, pray with, and offer counsel and encouragement.  Ironically, it was a time in my life that I was yearning for a friend and in Rhyson I found a strong brother in Christ who had a resolve to fight for his marriage like I have never experienced in my life.   It was truly my honour to see him every two weeks.  I was privileged for the late nights he would call me when he was feeling that the weight of the world was on his shoulders and he needed someone to pray over the phone with and offer counsel.  When scripture talks about "loving your wife like Christ loved the church" the man who comes to mind is Rhyson.  There were a few times where I was wondering if I was on the correct path as a father and husband and I would talk to Rhyson, to which he would respond to me with words and counsel that was richly rooted in scripture.  I thank the Lord that He put him in my life.

Cecil

Christ City

So Tracy and I have been working with Brett Landry--the Church Planter, and Pastor of Christ City Church.  We have been so blessed to have Brett allow Tracy and I to discover the City and to have the freedom to interact with people and really enjoy and get to know the City.  My family and I have certainly learned from his courage and leadership ability.  Christ City will always have special place in our heart.

New West

We were able to share and preach at New West.  This congregation has been a great blessing to Tracy and I.  They have had a bilingual service, in both Thai and English.  We certainly will miss them.

Indian Birthday Tradition

So I was involved in a Birthday Haze with the guys downstairs.  When it's your Birthday all of your friends break eggs on your head,shove cake in your face