Hard to believe that Erin turned 11 this week.  It was a week of celebration.  On Tuesday we had 20 people over for a special dinner.  On Thursday–February 11th, we had a birthday breakfast together with our family and then a supper together with just our family. Then on Saturday she had a group of friends meet at a coffee shop in town (the Baku Roasting Company) and then come to our house for dinner.  I sure hope Erin feels the love of so many in her life.  It is great to celebrate all her wonderful qualities and the person God has made her to be.  Erin is tenderhearted and kind.  She has a heart for animals and one day would love to work with animals in some capacity.  She is a great helper in the kitchen and has a natural touch when it comes to cooking.  She makes a mean chocolate chip cookie.  Erin has a beautiful smile and if you catch her at the right time, you may get to see those pearly whites.  We are so blessed to have her in our family.  We couldn’t imagine life without her.  Happy Birthday Erin.  You are a treasure!

There isn’t that much snow it’s really more icy than anything. The roads are very bad in this kind of weather. But just after 7 AM we got a call that school was canceled. They enjoyed getting outside and sliding around in the yard. The wind is quite cold and made it much colder than the -3 degrees it was. This afternoon it has remained cold but the sun has come out. The kids are hoping for another snow day tomorrow but I doubt it will happen. Well, once a year it’s a treat but too often would become boring.

I will at some point write a proper introduction for the year but I wanted to ask today for your prayers. Our church, Baku International Fellowship, was required to re-register with the government in order to continue our legal status. However, we have had some discouraging news about our registration and really need to pray that we will have favour with the authorities and be able to re-register. Registration allows us to hold services, enter into rental contracts, hire local workers and issue visas for foreign staff. At the moment, it is not clear to us what the status of our registration is. But you can see that is necessary for the church to continue.

Our family and two others need new visas this month in order to stay in the country. We are awaiting word on whether or not we will get our visas. One of the other families was denied due to the legal status of the church. This is a period of instability and uncertainty for our church and our family.  We have been having good prayer meetings about this issue but would ask that you join with us. Please pray that our church will be granted registration and our visas will come through. We will keep you updated. Thanks, David

The kids enjoy having her in the house and there have been several rounds of ‘hide and go seek.’ Nanny seems to find the best spots. The other night we had to start dinner without her because the kids couldn’t find her and she didn’t want to give up her good spot. There is no school for three weeks so its great to have company and family here. While she is visiting, Grandpa John is putting in a new bathroom at the farm. We all think that’s a great idea and look forward to see the new room in the summer.

Thanks for coming Nanny. You were a great Christmas present this year!

If you have been following this blog you know that we love our church. The elders and spouses are an amazing group of people who support and encourage our ministry here as well as care for the needs of the congregation. Thanks to all our leaders for their great service this year!

We feel blessed to have Jacob in our family. I’ll never forget the excitement of his birth and finding out I had a son. It’s been quite a change for our family. We love his creativity, inquisitive nature (lots of questions),his keen eye for observation and even his endless energy is a gift. He is a hard worker, loves the outdoors, is excellent at doing math in his head and puts himself to bed if he gets too tired. Jacob loves his mother and while he thinks part of his purpose in life is to bother his sisters, he is quite protective. He’s popular with other children, handsome, thoughtful and easy going. In short, a joy to have around. We love you Jacob, Happy Birthday.

Love Dad

There are many ways that people can be persecuted for their faith. We in the West don’t really understand how significant and wide spread this issue is. Losing your job because you follow Jesus is not uncommon for people in this part of the world. Having to move from your home or building because of your faith is persecution. Not being able to send your children to school because you are a believer, that is persecution. While there are concerns over those who are sent to prison, millions of others Christians face a more difficult life because they trust in Jesus. So take a moment to look at some of these sites and pray for some of your brothers and sisters.

www.idop.ca

www.forum18.org

www.opendoorsca.org

Thanks, David

Since September the sermons at BIF have been available on the church website, click here. Follow the links for podcast and you should be able to find the audio version.

Blessings, David

God’s Faithful to Forgive Sins

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:9

God’s Faithful Presence

Jesus said, ”I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

God’s Faithful Power

Fear not, for I am with you;

Be not dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you,

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10

God’s Faithful Provision

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

God’s Faithful Rest

 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29

God’s Faithful Goodness

 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;

The Lord will give grace and glory;

No good thing will He withhold

From those who walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11

God’s Faithful Guidance

The humble He guides in justice,

And the humble He teaches His way. Psalm 25:9

God’s Faithful Future

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:3