March - Prayer, School, and Youth Trips

Good Afternoon Friends, Family, and Internet Wanderers

March has been another month of some Highs and Lows, yet overall my month has been a good one. In this month I have had the privilege to spend more intentional time in prayer, learn about scary and new things that I had not before considered and enjoy the support and guidance of my family at home and at church.

Thankfulness

The end of February and beginning of March is my favourite time of year. This is not just because spring is almost here, but because it is tax time, and the tax man normally owes me money. Yet this year I jumped the gun and submitted my taxes earlier than normal. In doing this I realized a mistake I had made on my taxes and for about a week thought I would end up owing a lot of money. Yet my bringing this up here is in thankfulness. Thankfulness at my family for listing to my concerns, and for working with me to figure out solutions. Thankfulness to the treasurer at the church who issues my tax forms and was able to talk me through my problem. All in all, and after a stressful week, not only did I not end up owing, but I actually got a little bit more back. I truly am blessed.

This past month I have also spent a lot of time looking into legal issues around ministry, as a part of my class work. To alleviate any concerns, I do not actually have a legal issue, but a hypothetical last semester sparked a desire in me around this topic. As such i was able to meet with the churches insurance people at a conference, and pick their brains. I was also able to meet with a representative of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities, and not only find answers to my questions but a valuable resource for future questions. I have also begun to realize just how much of my life and work is governed my administrative needs and how blessed I have been to have people in my life and ministry who not only know this but are themselves resources to me in this regard.

I have also been blessed this month as a part of my course requirements to spend more intentional time in prayer. As a part of this exercise I have spent a lot of time in prayer and specifically I was once again invited to pray over the youth groups of SOAR, an inner city mission trip. In these moments God has been growing in me an awareness of just how much he desires my prayers and my devotion. It has also been amazing to see how he answers prayers and addresses my needs and the needs of those I have been praying for.

Prayer Requests

Speaking of prayer. Most of you know that late in March my mom was taken to hospital due to severe stomach pain. Shortly after that they found that she had another tumour that was causing the complications. This was both shocking and discouraging for her as the doctors had been believing she was improving. Please remember my mom in your prayers, pray for healing, pray for strength of spirit for her and for those of us who surround her to know how best to support her.

Last month I shared that I am planning a youth trip, this is still the case. So in addition to continued prayers for wisdom and discernment I would ask that you pray for me as I relate to parents of my students. For the last 3-4 years I have largely not had to think about parents too much. Occasionally they would ask for updates about their kids, but mostly they were just happy for me to be investing. Recently I have been having more interactions and while the vast majority are positive, a few are not. I have been encouraged by my lead to see myself not just as the pastor of the students, but also to the parents and to try and be a resources to them, but this intimidates me. Pray for positive parent interactions and that I can be a blessing to them.

Finally I ask for your prayer for the upcoming summer semester. Last month I shared how light this semester has been because it was only one class. As summer approaches this will change. Pray that I would be able to schedule myself and my ministry well. Pray that I would find a good balance for life, ministry, and school.

Thank you again for your prayers and support, they mean the world to me.