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By the end of February I had packed away my winter boots — unheard of in normal Canadian winters! The unusually mild winter this year meant excellent traveling conditions as I ministered throughout Quebec and eastern Ontario from the middle of January until the end of March. It also meant that people could more easily attend the services.
In one town the daughter of some friends attended the special meetings. It had been years since she had participated in any church service. The first evening she received prayer, and was instantly healed of a long-term stomach illness. The next night she called another un-churched friend who also came for prayer with a serious physical condition. She too was deeply touched by the Lord.
The first evening in another city, a man and his wife who were visiting the service came under great conviction of the Holy Spirit. He came forward for prayer to give his life to Christ. They returned to every service. His life had been completely transformed by the Lord.
Although the itinerary plans had been carefully put in place for several months, there were a number of unexpected changes. (I am reminded that one can only steer a moving car, so the Lord directed the steps as I was moving forward) To my amazement several effective doors were opened at the last minute. I could clearly see the direct intervention of the Lord in each of these circumstances.
For example it had been planned for me to go into north eastern Quebec the end of March. It had to be postponed until the beginning of May because of the pastor's wife's health issues. Instead, with less than ten days notice, I went to another church where the response was overwhelming. Many responded for prayer. Among them were two older women who had never surrendered to the claims of Christ. They had a wonderful encounter with the Saviour.
I later discovered that by postponing the services I had avoided some serious winter storms that had hit the northeast corner of the province! Later in May, when I went into that area there were many who were touched by the Lord – and several who came for prayer to welcome Jesus as their Saviour.
Although I was only briefly in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, in every place people were refreshed and encouraged in their walk with the Lord. I was also speaking and singing in several locations in Ontario during these last few weeks – in almost every corner of the province in fact. Besides praying with several who desired to commit their lives to Christ, I was greatly encouraged by several who told of healing they had received in answer to prayer.
One pastor emailed this testimony: "…Florence was healed of a condition that she has had for 28 years. It was worsening and she was having tremors in her hands. She returned home and noticed that the tremors had stopped. She was able to move her legs in a way that she hadn't for many years. She was able to walk up her stairs without problems."
Itinerary:
During the summer I will be ministering at several local locations, and outreach camp meetings. The Lord willing this fall I will return to Europe. Your prayers are so deeply appreciated. This is the outline of the itinerary for the next few months.
July 3-10 Veteran, AB D. Durksen
13-15 Wolseley, SK J. Dolter
Sept. 25-27 Nyon, Switzerland JF. Bussy (W. Droz co-ordinator)
29-3 Geneva, Switzerland W. Zanzen
Oct. 5-10 Pontarlier, France P. Cheron
14-17 Charleroi, Belgium D. Inslegers
19-24 Mons, Belgium C. Colant co-ordinator
26-28 Henin-Beaumont, France
31 Nykoping, Denmark J. Fuchs
Nov. 1 Hedensted, Denmark H. Gregersen
3 Logumkloster, Denmark E. Hansen
6 Vejle, Denmark B. Sonderhegn
7-9 Horsens, Denmark G. Berthelsen
11 Kolding, Denmark B. Vestergaard
13 Ikast, Denmark E. Pedersen
Personal Reflections:
During the winter the sap of the Canadian sugar maple descends into the roots of the tree. The beginning of February until the end of March it returns up into the trunk preparing for the summer season. When the sap begins to flow, small holes are drilled in the side of the trees into which a short pipe is inserted. The sap is then collected, either by pails, or by a network of pipes bringing the sap into large vats. It is then turned into maple syrup by an evaporation process. I understood that on the average it takes fourteen litres of sap to make one litre of delicious maple syrup.
As I reflected on this process, I thought about the refining work God does in our hearts. Although there is very mild flavour in the sugar maple sap, it is thin and diluted. However after the heat is applied to evaporate the excess water, the richest flavour and purest quality is realized. Its immense value is released, bringing pleasure to all who taste it.
Although we greatly dislike the heat of pressure and trials in our lives, that is what helps to develop the deepest pools of character and dependency upon God in our lives. Through this refining process much of the unnecessary baggage is removed and the most important values remain. Those around us can then be refreshed with courage and joy. Don’t fret against the pressures, but yield to the purifying heat, letting the Lord produce His character within.
The ministry schedule included a drive of several hours northeast of Quebec City, traveling along the coast of the St. Lawrence River. I had been told that I was about to see spectacular scenery. However, the day of my journey turned out to be filled with heavy rain and dense fog.
As I slowly counted nearly 500 kilometers along the tortuous, winding route, I had only insignificant glimpses of the forests and rocks along the way. Concentrating on the few meters of road that I could see, my impression was of nothing but the endless twists and turns of the highway.
However, my return was on a bright, sun-bathed day. What a difference! I was amazed by the beauty, which had completely eluded me. The height of the cliffs and the density of the forest astounded me. I was extremely glad I had driven prudently on the hairpin curves—particularly when I saw the sheer drop-offs into the river below!
One verse of the familiar song, "Amazing Grace" states:
"Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come.
T'is grace hath brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home."
In the darkness, the fog, the difficult moments of life, we may not be conscious of the protecting, merciful hand of the Lord guiding us. It is only later we may realize His great faithfulness to direct us when we didn’t even know the dangers, and to understand at last the purpose and the beauty of the trials we have passed through.
New Book:
My new book, which has just been released, "Joy in the Journey", follows the pattern of "Above the Storm". It is filled with personal illustrations, and spiritual applications. You may laugh, you may cry – but you will certainly be challenged to recognize spiritual lessons in daily experiences.
Web page:
We invite you to check out our web page at www.inspirationministries.net. Monthly updates with recent news of my adventures, as well as itinerary details, including the names of co-ordinating pastors are listed. Each month there is a new sermon, a fresh Bible study and links to Christian counseling centres. You may also order music and ministry material directly.
Correspondence:
All letters and correspondence reach me through the following address. When you write, you may request the updated catalogue of the music and ministry materials that are available.
Anita Pearce
Inspiration Ministries
Box 44
Margo, SK
Canada S0A 2M0
Office fax number (306)324-2144
e-mail: inspiration@sasktel.net
website: www.inspirationministries.net
Inspiration Ministries is a registered Canadian Charity, and is sponsored by the financial gifts of friends and churches. Tax-deductible receipts are available upon request for donations received. (Canada Only)
Monthly Update:
Each month we send a news update to all who sponsor this ministry financially. It gives a current account of my latest adventures and a praise report of God’s faithfulness. Your donation will automatically put you on this mailing list. This update can also be viewed on the webpage.
Sermons in a sentence:
(some authors unknown)
There is no point in burying the hatchet if you're going to put up a marker.
Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
Too many people are ready to carry the stool, when it is the piano that needs to be moved.
Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.
-Abraham Lincoln
They say kids brighten the home. That's because they never turn the lights off.
Don't look for a perfect Christian, be one.
Stop telling God how big your storm is. Tell the storm how big your God is.
The world is full of willing people, some willing to work, the rest willing to let them.
-Robert Frost
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