December 15th, 2011

Dear friend and partner,

In the early days as Executive Director, I am increasingly aware of some of the realities we face as the Renewal Fellowship. First, our membership is growing older each year. Second, there continue to be tough financial times in Canada. Third, the Fellowship continues only by faith each month without financial reserves and depends completely on the regular partnership and support of God's people who understand the importance of this witness.

This could challenge my resolve except that during these early days, I have experienced strong encouragement that is straight from the Lord's hand. First, many of you have promised to pray for the Fellowship and my leadership as we move forward. Second, as we organize events, I have been struck by the cooperation and excitement I am experiencing, especially in younger folk. Third, the turnout at the first prayer meetings I have attended was especially encouraging. Here is one important example: A senior minister called together his Presbytery for prayer in November. Attending were four veteran ministers, and to my joy, four new ministers, all recently ordained and inducted into their charges. The time together was prayerful and powerful, and everyone came away committed to ongoing prayer for each other and our families.

As I write this letter, I ask myself the question, "Will there be a Renewal Fellowship for these four new ministers for the next few decades of their ministry?" I pray that there will be. I know that your heart is to pray for this also. Prayer support is critical to our ministry going forward.

As we approach the year-end, we also need your financial support. It is only as our members and donors invest in this ministry that we can ensure that the Fellowship can continue to stand as a beacon of conservative and evangelical values within our denomination and as a tangible presence to our congregations and ministers. Would you consider investing in our future at this time? I ask, not because there is a grave financial crisis today, but because there is so much to be done and it requires financial resources. To strengthen our Fellowship and to encourage renewal from British Columbia to Newfoundland will call for more travel and more regional events. Ensuring a strong voice is always in place can and will have an impact on future direction for this denomination and its people.