Joy to the World

So often our joy is dependent on our ability to produce something.
Christmas is about real joy having come.
What a wonderful life, just to bask in the wonder of the Good News, and to enjoy it.
Less and less am I worried about production (maybe because after many years I see how fragile much is....) and more and more seeking to be less distracted by plans, aspirations and 'production' and to enjoy every day with His joy.
Works in progress, but... enjoying it!

Swamped?

No.
Swamped is like: you're drowning. That's not the way it is. No way.
Were this a personal, private enterprise, well yes: drowning.
But what a comfort to know:
- activities in no way define us
- His work is what counts and lasts
- we can REST in who He is
- we can super-involve ourselves and fully enjoy it!
So, swamped? Yes! Bring it on!

Some of recent 'opportunities'
- Annette meeting to open the Bible with a neighbour
- JD trawling around schools and other places to set up opportunities for the upcoming Thanksgiving outreach
- multiple pastoral conversations online
- multiple organisational committee meetings online (relating to Italy and beyond! - super exciting...)
- local pastoral input: conversations, visits, Bible teaching...

Pray for several urgent needs:
- additional help (long-term missionary couple, strong Christians to join our small church-plant, Italian interns?....)
- more significant contacts with 'lost' people. Its great to have a growing sense of family as a small, growing church, but we are praying for inroads into the vast 'lost community' of Palermo.
- breakthroughs; pray God's Spirit might convict people of sin and graciously draw them to salvation!

Grazie!