“How are you doing?” That is a question asked of each of us many times, isn’t it? When I get asked that question, my usual response is, “Praising the Lord!” This should be the sincere response of every born-again child of God! Regardless of the trials, circumstances, and difficulties we have to face, we all have so much to praise the Lord for! The book of Psalms concludes with this command! “Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.” (Psalm 150:6)

For the last few weeks, we have been regulated here in Ontario to being allowed no more than 10 people in attendance at any given service. In spite of the obstacles, God still allows us to have opportunity to minister to others and to win souls to Christ. On the first Wednesday evening of the New Year, we had 10 scheduled for the service, but something prevented one of our ladies from making it in. Just as the service was ending, the back door opened, and a young man walked in from off the street to make our #10 for that service. As I dismissed the service, I went back to interact with this young man. As others were fellowshipping and dismissing themselves, the young man told me, “As I was walking by, I just felt something compelling me to come into the church.” He went on to tell me how that just that morning, he’d had a friend who had died. As he said that, he paused. Nearly in tears now, he said, “I feel so LOST!” We sat down together at the back of the auditorium, and I shared the Gospel with him. Twenty-six-year old Lucas accepted Jesus Christ as his Saviour, and now he can also truly say, “I once was LOST, but now am found!” Praise God for His amazing grace!

Previous to the tighter lockdowns that we have faced starting in mid-December and getting tighter now as we have entered January, we had a Neighbours November Emphasis for the five Sundays of the month of November. We got busy inviting neighbours and friends to church. Even though we had to keep our attendance below 50 per service, God blessed our month-long efforts with over 30 visitors who attended. Our family was able to have 10 of our neighbours from our own neighbourhood come be our guests at church (2 families of 4 and 2 other adults). That was such a blessing to our hearts.

As we enter the new year of 2021, our theme here at our church is “New Life in Christ!” None of us know what all 2021 holds in store of us, but one thing is for sure, God wants us and enables us to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus each day! For us as born-again believers, THE BEST IS YET TO COME! Let us not be dismayed; let us keep pressing on! Thank you for helping us faithfully serve the Lord here in London, Ontario, Canada! May we all keep pointing people to Jesus!

God bless you and keep you all!

The Phil Powless Family
Galatians 6:9