Wishing you a very Merry Christmas
And
A Happy New Year
It always seems this time of year that everyone sends out Christmas letters and cards to keep in touch and allow everyone to know where life has taken them in the past year. So, here I am finding myself doing the same thing! It always seems to amaze me how quickly a year goes by, so it is a good idea to send these as a way of staying in touch (whoever first began Christmas family update letters…thanks for the great idea!).
JOSIAH
Josiah turned a year old in October…what an adventurous year we have had with him. He has definitely surprised us! When he was born, we were convinced there was something wrong because he didn’t seem to interact very much, he would just stand (even as early as 2 weeks) and NEVER sit, stare up at the ceiling and he almost never smiled or made eye contact. With a few visits to see the specialist, the Doctor concluded that he is just incredibly strong and very intelligent as he is taking in a lot of the environment around him. As time passed (he did eventually sit) we came to the conclusion that he had Dave’s personality…very laid back, gentle-spirited, and content. WELL…that didn’t last long. Quickly he started crawling, then pulling himself up on furniture, then walking, then climbing, feeding himself, communicating either through some simple sign language or gestures, saying a few words, and put simply he is a real “go-getter”. He is incredibly independent, wants to do everything like his big sisters…and did I mention “playful”? Yes, Josiah loves his little friends. Its quite amazing how social he is, how he tries to share, and how he knows to stand up for himself…he reminds us of a little HULK. Built up emotions…appears easy going, and then…WHAM!!! We love him dearly, and strongly believe he will live out the meaning of his name for the Lord’s work.
LEIGHA
What can we say about our little “fire cracker”? Still full of spunk and energy…yet in other ways has really changed. Lately she has been really shy, extra cuddly, and attached to Mommy and Daddy (which is nice in some ways because when she was younger she would have nothing to do with us in terms of cuddles or even being held). Since having a younger brother, she has had to learn what it means to share everything, and wait her turn! This is really hard for a 2-and-a-half year old! Her vocabulary constantly astounds us…she is a little lady, and definitely is a prayer warrior! Every time we hear a siren, she says, “Lets pray Mommy”. So we fold our hands, bow our heads and pray! Lately, she prays for everything…and makes sure everyone in the room participates (she will get very “verbal” if you don’t)! When she is scared, she will say, “I’m not scared…God loves me, He takes care of me! Let’s pray, Mommy!” She always loves to go for walks, point out and discuss everything we see along the way and thank God for it all! She loves everyone in her family, and is very loyal to her friends.
MERCI
Can you believe it…she is already 12-years-old! This past summer Merci really turned a corner and became a real young lady who we are very proud of! In September she started her second year at M.E.I. Middle School. She has made some really good friends, enjoys all her teachers and classes, and in these ways has even surprised herself! This year Dave and I decided we wouldn’t help Merci with all her homework and supervise as much as we have…to allow her to own her school work and efforts. Well, this past report card, she received High Honors!! Way to go Merci! With 5 A’s, 3 B+’s and 1 B, Merci is well on her way learning how to be a good student and develop good self confidence in her abilities at working hard. In September Merci took her babysitting course and since then has been doing numerous babysitting jobs, saving money for things she would like for herself and for others…she has a real heart for others and one of compassion…it’s beautiful to see how the Lord is working through Merci in reaching her friends. In terms of her spiritual growth, you always hope your child will not be the typical, stereotyped “Pastor’s kid”. We know she knows God’s Truth…but it’s easy to wonder how much she really “gets it”. Well, during one service Pastor Warren asked us to ponder a quote and respond if we think it is correct or not. The question was, “What is better, to be kind or right?” Nettie Neufeld, who usually sits behind us, took the time to lean over and have Merci participate with her and she later shared with us Merci’s response. At first Merci said the answer is to be kind, so Nettie took it a step further and asked what if that person was suggesting that Jesus isn’t the true God…Merci’s response was, “Then I would kindly tell them that He is!”
MELISSA
Well, besides having 3 children to care for and taking care of our home and marriage, I have also been incredibly busy with other things! When my maternity leave was nearly over, I began pursuing job options and the Lord blessed me with a job back at MCC Supportive Care Services, but this time as the Independent Livings Options Manager, part-time. I manage a day program which includes a full staff, I also manage 6 client’s who live in family-care and liaison with the government (particularly CLBC) for funding and file management. It keeps me quite busy and stimulated. I really feel that I am using my spiritual gifts and education well here, a definite fit for me! Last January I started a Mom’s Time Out Group here at Grace Church. By the end of June we had a consistent number of ladies coming, both from within our church and outside…everyone seemed to enjoy it so much that I had a lot of emails over the summer break requesting its’ return in September. With answered prayers for more nursery helpers I was able to start it again. Now we have up to 14 ladies who attend, around 17 children who are in the nursery and 7 ladies (all from Grace Church) who help watch them for us as we meet. The majority of those who attend are from outside our church and the way that these ladies have connected are amazing and it’s excited to meet every Friday morning. Lastly, I have started helping out at youth on Wednesday’s again. It has been great to see the youth on a regular basis and to be more involved in their lives, as well as more connected with Dave’s vision and heart for ministry!
DAVID
Ah, David! The Lord has definitely blessed me with an amazing husband! In this past year he has been incredibly busy so, last summer we decided to relax a bit more than we normally do. The Youth ministry has definitely grown and so the need for more adult sponsors also grew! We spent a lot of time praying that the Lord would bless us with helpers, as many of those from last year were not able to help in September. And again, the Lord proved his faithfulness. Working with Youth and their families is never dull…it is full of highlights and hardships. We celebrate with the youth who make stronger commitments to their faith and their callings, and cry with those who appear to be distracted and dragged away. Dave is highly committed to the Lord and serving Him by serving the young people in the community of Abbotsford. It is always encouraging to see and hear how much they recognize and appreciate Dave’s involvement in their lives and the impact that the Lord has on them. One encouraging card Dave received read, “Just thought I would write to thank you for everything you have done in our youth ministry, especially for me…I honestly couldn’t imagine our youth group without you. You have truly been standing strong through the good, the bad, and definitely the ugly! Thank you for all your hard work and energy, you have made a huge difference in all our lives…Thanks for always sticking by my side, pushing me, encouraging me, inspiring me, kicking me in the butt (spiritually, hehe…when I was going off track), and just always being there as my big brother, role model, youth pastor, mentor, supporter and friend”. In terms of family life, Dave has been working hard at having better boundaries so he can spend more time with his family. The children adore him and look forward in their “wrestle” times on the floor.
As Dave and I look back on not only this past year, but on all our years, we are constantly reminded and shown how loving our God is! He has been so good to us and blessed us with our family, friends, church, jobs, and so much more! Thank you for all your support, prayer, encouragement, gifts and love that you have shown our family and your support towards the youth ministry.
Our constant prayer is that we will live a life that reflects Christ’s love, power and grace. Our Christmas prayer this year is that we all will experience more of God, that He will expand our boxes that we have put our understanding of Him in, in ways that cause us to share with shouts of praise…where nothing will cause us to hold back. We pray that our passion will spill forth on all those around us. May this next year be full of such things, where you are passionate in your faith and willing to share that passion with everyone around you!
With much love!
Dave, Melissa, Merci, Leigha and Josiah McVety
