We could not say it was all plan sailing on our arrival to Stratford, Ontario, in fact in all honesty, due to various things, we even wondered if we had a made a big mistake. There was nothing for us to do apart from house hunt, which was a priority as we were living in an attic room of a house with four girls! Paul had to get up early to make sure he could get in the bathroom! We soon found a house that a Christian couple were selling, and Christine took possession of the house whilst Paul was on his way back from a ministry trip in the Gulf.

The house soon felt like home, and amazingly the few things we had shipped arrived the day after we had the key to the house. The Lord's provision has been overwhelming, as it has been like setting up home and starting all over again. We gave away all our electrical goods (different current in Canada) so it was answer to prayer that included in the house sale were a washing machine, dryer, fridge and cooker (which we are told is unusual). We could give you a long list of the things that we have been given, like furniture, television, CD player, lamps, kitchen, beds and bedding etc., that is a testimony to the goodness of God. We have also had some amazing bargains as the local thrift store. We have seen so many answers to prayers re our needs. We praise the Lord for His faithfulness; we know His hand is upon us. There has been so much that has happened, some wonderful friends that were of immeasurable help in getting settled in the house and area.

The area that has proved most difficult and frustrating for us both is ministry, as it was almost three months before there was a preaching opportunity at the inviting church. When you have spent over 30 years in leadership and had a busy preaching/teaching ministry, training and equipping, you can imagine how frustrating it has been for both of us. During this time Paul did minister in Toronto at a family day and saw over 30 come to Christ. Paul also spent two weeks in the Arabian Gulf, first ministering at a conference for children's workers from Arabic nations, then to another Arabic nation to minister at an International Church. The time in the Gulf proved immensely fruitful along with the offer to stay there for the winter as Canada is cold!

It does seem that everything that we thought Canada held has not materialised. We are in good spirits, though, and rejoicing in the goodness of our God that we have seen. We have found a place to be involved and help, at a church plant in a town called Baden. It's about 30 minutes from Stratford. As for the days ahead in Canada, we will see. Our eyes are upon our Heavenly Father, so watch the website for updates.

In  November we had a very sad return to England. Paul's best friend died unexpectedly in hospital, and the circumstances are being investigated. Alan's death was untimely and he was robbed from family and friends. Paul had the privilege of conducting his funeral. With Alan gone Paul has not only lost a friend but a confidant and a buddy in coffee drinking, curry eating and Gospel preaching. Do pray for Alan's wife Diane and his children and grandchildren.

Christmas - Well this was our first December in Canada and the snow fell, causing Paul for the first time ever having to clear a drive of snow to get the car (another provision) out. It showed him how unfit he was! We have had plenty of snow since, giving some very picturesque scenes around the Stratford area. Both of our mothers were able to come and see our new home and spend Christmas with us, along with Helen and Jonathan. Thanks to Skype we were able to talk and see many family including Andrew, Elizabeth and our grandson Charlie and friends via the computer.
 

We are writing this newsletter whilst we are on a ministry trip to Uganda. We have both been invited once again to conduct two weeks of teaching and training for lay readers, many of whom lead churches in the Central Buganda region. Week 1 saw 65 + in attendance and week 2 saw 140 +. The weeks have been an incredible demonstration of the Power of God. Over 500 people came to Christ and others made recommitments in other ministry opportunities. In the weeks of ministry we saw deliverance from demonic influence, many were healed and so many were baptised in the Holy Spirit. It is always good to see wrong thinking about the person of Father God corrected in their lives. So much baggage is picked up and carried. It is always good to see it dropped and a correct Biblical view taken of the goodness of Father God.  It is also good to hear how the Revival Fire is still burning in the two other areas we ministered in the past years. Nearly three weeks of steamed bananas and the bland food in Uganda (oh for a curry!) is made up for in seeing transformed lives. There is such hunger here and a great openness to the Gospel. Church leaders and workers need to be trained to press in for all that there is in God. Often that means breaking a spirit of poverty. It is such a privilege for us both to go and minister together and see the mighty hand of God at work in people's lives and be vessels in His hands for His Glory.

The Days Ahead

Well it's probably the first time we are not sure. We have no regular ministry opportunities in Canada, everything is so uncertain. As we are in the country on clergyman's /pastor's visas we are not able to go and get any jobs to earn any income. Having said that, we have at this time, received several tentative job offers with Evangelism missions and to stay in Africa to develop missions. We have also been asked to consider relocating to another Western nation. There is also the land that Paul has been offered to have in Goa, India to develop a training centre, a place where Indian Pastors and evangelists can go and receive some teaching, training and encouragement. We are praying about all these things. Uganda was the last of our planned overseas trips. We are looking to planning an extended trip to India to visit several areas later in the year. We are looking to return to England in May, where there are a number of ministry opportunities for us. Other than that, we are open to the Lord's leading and for the doors He will do.

In spite of all the uncertainties and disappointments we can honestly say that our heavenly Father has not been a disappointment. We have known His presence and care towards us daily in so many ways, as we keep our eyes upon Him he does sustain us. We have known Him using us to speak into individual's lives and show His love and care towards them. Many have said we are in Canada for them. There are many hurting and disillusioned people in the Church at large over here. So we have sought to be like Jesus in all that we do and say and to know Him and make Him Known.