Christmas, 2002
Greetings in the name of the Lord!
Isn’t this an exciting time of year? There are Christmas Cantatas, Sunday school Christmas programs and decorations going up in many places around us. There are even songs about Christ being played in our shopping malls and on the radio. For many, it’s a wonderful time to be preparing for great family times – shopping for gifts, baking great-tasting treats (or at least testing – often repeatedly). I remember the great anticipation I felt as a child to see what was contained in those boxes under the tree with my name on them. Christmas is also a hard time for some, as they remember the loved ones they used to share it with.
This Christmas season is a special one for me. It has been a time in which I have had to say good-bye to many coworkers, friends, people I’ve had the privilege to serve along side of. I’ve been hit by how blessed I’ve been in the last few years. God has brought so many special people into my life, from many different places, and given me the opportunity to do so many different things. I’ve had the privilege to serve and work with many great people at my church, on the streets and with a great board of directors. I’ve enjoyed working for a great company, with great people, and doing lots of cool stuff. I’ve had a great time skating with my inline skating club, and have gotten to know many amazing people there. God has been so good!
This Christmas is also a special one as it is likely the last one I’ll be able to celebrate with my family here in Canada for a while. As many of you know, I am now on staff with International Teams Canada (ITC). I will begin 4 months of training in mid-January and then will begin my role as a Team Leader for Encounter Teams, with my first team starting near the end of August.
The last month has been an exciting time for me as I begin to prepare for what is coming. Since I completed my last job at the end of November, I’ve been packing, writing letters, meeting with people to share what God has called me to, and taking care of many other details that have needed my attention during this transition. Please be praying for me that these things do not distract me from having good times with Christ.
It has been exciting to see how God is providing. Several churches and a bunch of individuals have become a part of my team – praying for me and supporting me financially. It has been humbling to see the generosity of a few that have very little, and yet have still wanted to give. Thanks so much to all of you who have responded. You are integral partners with me in this ministry. At the moment, I’m at 24% of my target budget, with 57% coming from individuals. It will be exciting to see God supply as more individuals come on board. For anyone who would like to join my team, let me know, and I’ll tell you more about how you can go about it – or you can use that blue form that was in my last letter.
As you might expect, what sustains every ministry is prayer. I’ve included a “prayer card” with this letter. You can put it up on a bulletin board or attach it to your fridge, as a reminder to remember me in your prayers. Thanks so much for your intercession on my behalf. Here are some things you can bring before the Lord:
- Praise God for how He has supplied, and blessed in so many ways
- Continue to pray that I would be focused on Christ in everything I do, and recognize the attacks of the evil one
Thanks so much! May you have a wonderful Christmas, and a great New Year.
For His glory,
Steve Van Bruwaene
