"But for us, there is one God, the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live." I Corinthians 8: 6
Together we have begun a new year and are already closing in on the end of the second decade of the second millennium. What will this year hold for you? For me? Perhaps, like me, you look ahead with a twist of fear that the challenges of this year could be overwhelming. However, I have been strengthened recently by the writings of the elderly apostle, John, as he writes in the uncertainty of his day near the end of the first century where false teachers were besieging the early church. He begins.at "the beginning" and whether that is before time was created (John's gospel) or at the event of Christ's incarnation on which all time hinges (1 John), the outcome is certain - as believers we have fellowship with the Father and joy (John 17, 1 John 1). Our Father knows how this year will play out - so join me in holding on to God's faithfulness and stepping into this year knowing He is present as we walk by His side through 2019.
Looking back, we give thanks for the months we have been on furlough in Vancouver. We cannot honestly describe this time as restful since we returned from Angola, but we do feel re-energized spiritually and in mind and body for the challenges of serving again in that land. We have had the privilege during our furlough of sharing about the Lord's work in our area of Angola with assemblies on the west coast, in the Toronto area, and all the way to Sherbrooke, Quebec. I have also had the opportunity to take some continuing medical education courses in obstetrics and fracture management. Zachary had a successful first semester in university, and we continue to be convinced that being available for our boys as they transition to life in Canada has to be our top priority. We were also encouraged by our son Seth's recent baptism in December. God has been so good to us As our Canadian home-base has re-located to Vancouver due to our sons' education, we are now commended by the Carleton Gospel Hall. We appreciate the support and care they have shown to us while we have been on furlough, and we look forward to being accountable to them as we return to Angola.
There has been heartening news from Biula, our home in Angola. Local brothers, mainly young men, have been consistently going out in gospel outreach over the months that we have been away, cycling significant distances on a Sunday to take the Word to small assemblies in outlying villages. We see this as evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives and rejoice as a result! The medical work has continued on faithfully. We are glad that the water supply system has continued to function well in our absence, though a tank in the village now needs replacing. We would appreciate prayer as Ethan (our second son), and I return to Angola on January 28th to renew the family's visas. Elizabeth plans to return with the younger three children once our visas and passports are in hand again. In Biula there will be a lot of practical logistics to work out from replacing a transmission in our trusty Toyota to replenishing the medicine supply.
We need wisdom from the Lord to know which spiritual outreaches we should resume that will lead to spiritual maturing of the local believers and further stir their desire to live for and serve Christ.
Winter 2018 Written by Samuel and Elizabeth Simonyi- Gindele - Angola sgsangola@gmail.com