Good Planning
Dec 31
Well, we did it! Our children and I were actually able to surprise Gary for his 80th birthday he is celebrating today. Our daughter Sara created an app – 4score.glide.page – on which we all contributed our birthday wishes for him plus added some interesting photos of both long ago and current times. We have over 50 family members and friends who have participated in this little activity which is amazing. I think he was quite overwhelmed and grateful when he realized what we had accomplished with good planning. If I missed inviting you to be part of this celebration you can still add your thoughts by typing that URL into your browser.
Did you know that the Town of Milton, named after the famous English poet, John Milton, is putting in some good planning these days for its future growth? It is expected that there will be an increase to 235,000 people moving into this popular town by 2031 even though it is one of the most expensive places to own a home in Ontario. It has tripled its population in the last 15 years. It is popular because of its proximity to Toronto, its natural beauty beside the nearby Niagara escarpment west of the town, its parks and conservation areas along with the newly built Mattamy National Cycle Centre. Do you understand how important it is for our Hillside Church to become well established next year and the years to come? After a turbulent 2024, please pray that Scott Lockhart will see some of his good substantial plans for 2025 that he has already planned come to fruition. The people of this town need us more than ever and what that will mean in their individual lives.
Our M & M Punjabi students continue to do well; however, the one gal really needs to find a better job as she is not getting enough working hours as a cashier where she is now employed. Also, it would be great if they would not have to work on Sundays so they can get out to our church more regularly which they are willing to do.
This past month our friend Thomas in Myanmar was in great need of replacing his motorbike which was stolen. Our church was able to send him enough money along with other donations so that he was able to purchase a used bike to his liking as well as 8 bags of rice, 5 containers of oil and flipflop shoes for all the children. They had a great Christmas with all the food but will have to plan well for their food requirements in 2025.
Gary and Richard Flemming are continuing to plan and work on their church leadership system. Check out breakthroughpathways.org. They would love to see their ideas take hold by many pastors throughout our land and beyond in the years to come.
God knows all about good planning. Many acquire comfort from the verse in Jeremiah 29:11 in the Old Testament, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” What are you doing about good planning for 2025? Sometimes God’s plans are entirely different than what we think should happen. We will have to see what transpires and I will tell you about them a year from now.
Happy New Year!
Wendy