Atlantic Connexion

• The LBA warmly received the presentation and accepted the opportunity for their Lead Pastor to use this tool in their February session to discuss asking the District to help them in a season of “Dry Dock” revitalization. I am grateful for Luc’s leadership of these courageous leaders!

• Matt & Eric generously invested time and wisdom to share their respective district models to invite churches to work together in the discernment and preparation required for the launch of new Kingdom locations. Several Atlantic Lead Pastors who have expressed interest in considering this engagement were unable to be present for this Zoom in light of local church ministry demands. Please pray with us as we continue to discern the best approach for our context. Stay tuned for how your LBA/LAC will have opportunity to consider joining in the vision to partner with birthing a new Kingdom location!

• Speaking of generous giving – please note that last week’s reference to the La Gonave Hospital did happen but was from the previous year – totally my mistake. Here is what actually happened this year…

Moncton (Interim Lead Pastor Jim Clements) has continued to experience incredible generosity through the congregation and through outside donors. The annual Christmas offering goal was set at $100,000 involving 3 strategic partnerships:

1. International Needs to purchase property in Congo for a TB clinic for women and children. This initiative involved a donor matching up to $75,000.
2. Atlantic Teen Challenge to offer program admission fee coverage for those needing and seeking help but are financially challenged.
3. Love Your Neighbour, a new program of Moncton Wesleyan to encourage congregants to be more aware of needs of their neighbours that they can partner with the church in helping those they live in and around on a daily basis.

The result? The Moncton Wesleyan family believes what they say… Love Changes Everything – they exceeded their goal with $105K – $180K including matching donor…PTL! This will completely fund the purchase of the property in Congo with the matching donor; help many find freedom through Atlantic Teen Challenge and continue to Love their Neighbours. This is also leading to a relaunch of their global mission trips as a team is now being selected to head to the Congo in April as they renew their relationship with Clinic Papillon.

• It’s good to know that someone is keeping everyone in line – thanks Ruthie! Seriously, our local church ministries are served by an army of silent servants without whom those who are in the limelight could not lead. And we are grateful for each and every one of you (you know who you are!) – the secret sauce of Kingdom effectiveness.

• He was also the father of our district appointed lay leader, Mrs. Marcia Duff, for the Monticello Community Wesleyan Church where he served as a life-long member. CLICK HERE for his obituary with opportunity to post caring thoughts and prayers.

• If Jesus’ greatest prayer is for our unity, the devil’s greatest ploy is for our division. (Albert Tate)
• You don’t really need the fruit of the Spirit… if you are stranded on a desert island. (Brett Jones)
• Criticism is like a cartoonist’s caricature. Don’t protect your ego or you’ll never grow. Hear the kernel of truth. (Steve DeNeff)