Dear Friends,

We really can’t sugar-coat it. 2021 was another difficult year. COVID-19 is continuing into ’22 with a vengeance. We’re still isolated, restricted and cautioned. We returned to live services for almost half a year but are currently limited to virtual (online) only once again. What shall we say to this?

First of all, we can give thanks to God for the unprecedented rapid development of effective vaccinations. These are saving lives, guarding our health and helping us feel safe and hopeful. I truly believe this to be an answer to our prayers – but keep praying!

Second, we can take comfort in the certainty that God is sovereign over all things and always acts in love, even when we don’t understand what He is up to.  Scripture tells us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who are called according to his purpose” Ro. 8:28. In his master plan “he works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.” Eph. 1:11

Third, we’ve been reluctantly propelled into the age of technology. As Lisa Harrison recounts somewhere in the ensuing pages, it’s been a journey. It’s interesting, and probably not co-incidental, that the world got shut down just at a time in history when ‘virtual church’ was a possibility for almost every congregation – at least in the west. As I have repeatedly said, it’s no substitute for in-person worship, but it’s far better than nothing. Many have benefitted both locally and at quite a distance from the ‘studio’. We need to be careful and thoughtful with our use of this technology, but I feel it will be on the whole a great blessing and especially useful as a resource to reach our communities with the wonderful good news of Jesus Christ.

Many, many thanks to those of you who contributed to this report. I’m especially grateful to Lynne Bertrand for her hard work, support and care. Thank you to all of you who have attended church, tuned in online, encouraged us and supported this ministry with your gifts and prayers. May the rich blessings of Jesus our Lord be with you in 2022!    

In Christ’s love,

Harry