Well, it is Christmas 2021. It has been a tough year, but also a year of great blessing. I praise God for the announcement of the angel in Luke 2:11, “For there is born to you this day in the city of David (Bethlehem) a Savior, who is Christ the LORD.” That verse tells us that God has come to us as a little baby, who would grow up and prove to be the promised Savior of the world. Because of that birth, I can declare to you that GOD IS WITH US. What a comfort that is.
A year ago, I had my back surgery for spinal stenosis. I praise God that all the debilitating pain is gone! I can walk again.
In January, I was hospitalized with COVID-19. I came home on the 21st and my beloved Joyce went to be with the LORD on the 22nd. She is no longer suffering. I miss her so much, but now I will see her again when Christ comes for His church. (John 14:1-3)
Three months later, I had the vaccines. The second one put me in the emergency room. I praise God that, for the most part, my health has been restored and I am able to give myself fully to serve the LORD and His people.
Another blessing is having Jim Merillat as our Associate Pastor. Jim, Pam, and Caleb now live with me, so I am not alone, just lonely. What a blessing Jim and Pam have been in the church. Like me, they quickly fell in love with this church family and the people have embraced them with wide open arms and hearts. Praise God!
In March, we, as a church, moved into our new facility and everyone seems to really love it. This too is a great blessing.
We are still dealing with the restrictions, caused by the COVID. We have been able to resume more and more of our ministries which have been so encouraging. It is wonderful to watch as the people see each other again after being separated for so long. Christ formed the church to be a family and to enjoy fellowship. I look forward to the day when our total church family is together once again. I pray it will be soon.
Jubilee is a dynamic fellowship with a heart to take the good news about Christ to the entire world. We help support a total of twenty world missionaries and local ministries. The combined impact is huge.
I pray that all of you who receive this letter will have a truly Christ-centered Christmas. I love you and thank God for you. Thank you for all you do to enrich my life and partner with us to advance the cause of Christ.
For His glory,
Pastor Leonard
