December 31, 2015

This is my last blog of the year. My friend sent me a list of questions he asks himself at the end of the year for the purpose of self-evaluation. I was impressed by his honesty and self-awareness. It got me thinking just how valuable it is to look within periodically and see what we find there. 

In 1 Corinthians 11 the Bible tells us to “examine ourselves”, but we don’t often do so as it can be a painful exercise.  However, the old saying is true, “no pain, no gain.”

Here are four questions you could start with: 

1.   Do people feel better about themselves after spending time with me?

2.   Are my expectations so high that I focus on people’s shortcomings instead of their strengths?

3.   When somebody speaks well of a person I don’t particularly like, do I feel the need to inject a disparaging remark?

4.   Am I so insecure and lacking in self-worth that I only feel good about myself by putting others down? 

I write today’s letter from Calgary.  My long-time friend and family member, Drew Evans, (husband to my niece Julie) is in a coma as a result of a single vehicle car accident. As he lay in bed, unaware of his surroundings, it came to me just how important relationships are, and just how fragile life is.  The four above questions are important for us to answer. And if we find ourselves lacking in any of the four why not go to prayer, seek counsel, and do whatever it takes to protect the relationships you have with those around you?  As we go into the next year let’s go with the idea of strengthening each and every important relationship that comes into our lives. 

I will be in Calgary this Sunday, but Griffin is on tap for the Sunday message. Griffin is a great preacher with good insights. 

Haiti Update

We have been busy planning our trip. There will be four of us going, Ralph Goodwin-Wilson, Mike Kootnikoff, Brad Wilson, and myself. Your prayers would be appreciated. Please consider giving a donation towards our project. We are finishing off the commercial kitchen in the Technical School. We will be putting in solar hot water, doing all the plumbing, and installing all the fixtures. Once this is done the kitchen will be fully functioning for training Haitians in Culinary Arts. I will be sharing in a number of churches while in Haiti. You can call our office and donate with Interac. Please mention Haiti, so it goes into the right account. All money received will go directly to Haiti, helping Haitians overcoming poverty. 

Mystery Dinners

We are planning a fun and entertaining social event called mystery dinners. The first one will be on January 10th. Mark your calendar and plan for it. 

Volunteer Celebration Dinner

You are invited to be a part of KCF’s Volunteer Celebration Dinner. This is your chance to thank, honor and celebrate those who serve us.   For just 20 dollars you can enjoy an awesome banquet and help us give back to all those that have served in the kitchen, made KCF work, and contributed to the success of S.H.A.R.E during the past six months. 

Our dedicated Volunteers will be receiving Invitations for the Volunteer Celebration Night which will be on Friday, January 29th, 6pm at KCF.  Volunteers and supporters will enjoy a catered dinner with entertainment. We will be providing gifts for each volunteer.  Childcare will be available. 

Volunteers must RSVP by connecting with the office.  Guests must purchase a ticket. No tickets available at the door. 

Upcoming Dates to Put in Your Calendar

• Volunteer Celebration Dinner, Friday, January 29, 6pm at KCF
• International Tasting Faire, March 3 at the Best Western
• Living Faith Bible College, Sunday, March 6 at KCF

Happy New Year to you all and I look forward to seeing and communicating with you next year.

Pastor Jim