So much for posting that last update when it was written! A month ago!

We have just returned from a lovely holiday in beautiful Polzeath. Steve and Ben saw to the Christmas shopping so that Julian and I could stay for the carol service at church where the children came up trumps with their readings and memory verses and singing. It was a wonderful Christmas service with a wonderful message by Charles on 'the shepherds'. We were able to travel down to Cornwall with Daniel, while Steve and Ben were enjoying the usual scrumptious Sunday meals with Hazel and co. Christmas Day saw Steve and Dan surfing and swimming in the sea, and the week's holiday was spent alternating between long walks and runs along the cliff top and relaxing indoors. It was an added highlight to be able to spend an afternoon with Alan and Lilias in their cosy home. I will never forget the day when the postman brought the letter bearing the news that Alan had given his life to the Lord.

The marquee carols by candlelight service involved so much work! And still more work! Memories of Penny and Tanya making huge pans of chilli con carne over the aga, Simon slicing garlic, onions and stewing steak, Daniel wrapping bacon strips around prunes will linger for a long time. As will the heater not working causing us to have our December 17th church carol services in Charles and Tanya's lounge. 216 people accepted invitations into the tent and everyone seemed very appreciative of all the effort that had gone into the evening. Tanya had decorated her home so beautifully, and directed Julian in arranging all the lights in the tent. Do see our church website for the pics! The serving of the food went so smoothly and many remarked on the lovely atmosphere. The vast majority of the people there are still yet unsaved and so our prayers must not end there. We need to pray on and trust the Lord of the harvest to see the increase.

New Year's Eve saw us at Eileen and Dave's home for an entertaining evening, although we didn't mean to stay 5 hours after church!
To everyone who is reading along I wish you every blessing in 2007, and that you will know much of the Lord's Presence as we journey on towards Home.