Christmas Greetings

Greetings to our circle of family and friends.

Here is in short the review of our past year.

Great and marvelous are the works of the Lord! He has once again led us through another year of life and service to Him. This also has been another year where we have learned to lean on the Lord even more as we journey through this life. Again and again we are reminded how little we can do in our own strength and need to be in step with the Master.

This past year has taken us over many pathways that we had never traveled before. The beginning of the year started off with wedding plans and showers for our daughter Rebecca and her soon to be husband Josh. We has a wonderful experience with all this and once again were reminded how sacred and perfect God created marriage to be. It brought back many happy memories of the time Henry and myself stood before the marriage alter. How exciting to see a young couple so much in love start life together as husband and wife.

We have also gone through another season of spring time and harvest. With it have come the challenges of farming life. It was a very cool summer and we would have adjusted the temperature different had we been in control. But thankfully that is not possible and the Master of this universe gave us just what He thought we needed. What a bountiful harvest we were able to gather into our bins. We were so clearly taught that God has the sun,wind and rain in His hands.

Our garden yielded bountifully again this summer. We were able to fill all our jars with canned goods and stock the freezers with the needed produce for another year. It is such a satisfaction to see the supply of food ready to be used in the winter months. I count it a privilege to be able to pass this heritage on to our children. There is alot of work involved in gardening and putting up canned goods,but I am thankful that I can do it together with the children. It tends to save a lot on the trips to the grocery stores.

Besides being busy with the regular work and chores on the farm this summer we were able to take a few short holidays. As a family we went camping and visiting to Sask. for a few days. Friends invited us to their cabin at Kenora and we spent a few days there. We enjoyed the beautiful handiwork's of God as we went out on the lake and saw the awesome scenery and wildlife. Fishing was a highlight for the boys. In early summer we went to camp with the youth and did the cooking for them for the weekend. Our other camping was done close to home. We ventured out into a bush across the road where the children had made some campsites(very primitive)and we have spent several nights there. Seeing it is close to home we did the chores in the morning and then went back for a breakfast that was cooked on an open fire. These are things that take the least time,money and effort but build lots of memories.

This past year has also been an eventful year for our children. Some good others great and some not so good. In Feb. Reuben had an accident where he broke both feet and had to be in a wheelchair for 6 weeks. Something that a boy of 11 is not designed for. Reuben being very active on the farm found it very difficult to be confined for that period of time. Both legs have healed and he is very thankful for feet that take him where he is needed. In the summer we had the joy of experiencing Ryan,Raechelle and Rita's baptism. An exciting event to see young people make the decision to follow the Lord. Ryan has once again been helping his uncle with his baling business and when that season was over he has been working for a building contract er. Raechelle reached a milestone in her life where she finished school and is now helping with teaching her younger siblings. The children have all grown in taking on responsibilities with work around the farm and in the home. Summer is busy and there is always an opportunity to help out with farm work which they have been very faithful in doing. With some of the older ones doing more of the farm work it is time for the younger ones to step up to the plate and do some chores as well.

Henry and myself had been serving in the church as a commissioned deacon couple for the past three years. Now this month we were ordained to further serve in the church. At times we do not feel that we can d that which is required of us. We ask for your prayers as we do this work for the Lord. That He would give us wisdom and insight to serve Him. We want to thank each one of you for your prayers and support.

Another very exciting moment that took place in our lives this past year was when we became grandparents in Nov. To get the message"IT"S A BOY" almost swept us mothers off of our feet as we had been waiting for this call. Andrew was born 10 weeks early and weighed 3lbs. 2 1/2oz. AJ is still in the hospital and needs a little more time to get used to life here on this earth before he can come home with his proud mommy and daddy. God to had a plan for this to happen in such a way and we trust Him to see Josh and Rebecca through this time. What joy to receive another little person into our family! His aunties and uncles are almost beside themselves as they have not been able to see their little nephew yet. But all in good time they to shall be able to hold and hug Andy! We thank the Lord that Andrew has been doing so well and has not had any major setbacks.

As we sign off for another year we pray that the God of all help and strength will be with you and your family in the time to come. And to our Great God we are thankful that He has provided a way for us. The birth of our Lord Jesus gave us the gift of eternal life. But it cost Jesus His life.

Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift. 2 Cor.9:15

From our family to ours,Blessings this holiday season

Henry and Esther Josh and Rebecca,Andrew Ryan and Yvonne Raechelle,Rita,Reuben,Ruth,Raymond and Randy Penner