December 2006

"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." - Isaiah 26:3

Dear Friends,

First, this Christmas we like to greet and encourage you with the encouragement we ourselves recently received from the Lord, through
Richard De Haan, writer for "Our Daily Bread".

"Life can seem unbearable at times. Physical pain, difficult decisions, financial hardships, the death of a loved one, or shattered dreams threaten to engulf us. We become fearful and perplexed. Plagued by doubts, we may even find it difficult to pray.
Those of us who know the Lord through personal faith in Christ have in
Him a calm retreat in the storms of life, even while the howling winds of trial are sweeping over us. We can experience peace of mind and calmness of spirit.
Richard Fuller, a 19th-century minister, told of an old seaman who said, "In fierce storms, we must put the ship in a certain position and keep her there." Said Fuller, "This, Christian, is what you must do....
You must put your soul in one position and keep it there. You must stay upon the Lord; and, come what may - winds, waves, cross seas, thunder, lightening, frowning rocks, roaring breakers - no matter what, you must hold fast your confidence in God's faithfulness and His everlasting love in Christ Jesus."
Do you feel overwhelmed by your troubles? Learn a lesson from that old sailor. Fix your mind on the Lord. Ask for His help. Then trust Him to give you peace in your storm."

Second, we like to inform you that the “time of waiting” for Charles’ heart surgery has ended. On December 4th his heart valve was repaired. A week later already, he was well enough to leave the hospital. Though this period, and especially the week of the procedure, was very stressful on Petra, we are grateful for God’s faithfulness. His loving arms surround us in the form of friends and family, who support us emotionally and practically. His arms and healing hands are reaching out through the skillful expertise of the doctors and nurses. His loving kindness is encouraging us through Scripture, as well as through counsel, given by godly friends.

Currently we are in Abbotsford at Charles’ parents home. After
Christmas, we'll return to Cranbrook for the remainder of the recovery process. The last doctor’s appointment we are aware of is a visit with the surgeon 3 months post operative, which would be late February or early March. After that, Lord willing, we are returning to Guatemala.

Celebrate this Christmas in the midst of your Loved Ones, remembering that the secret of peace is to give every anxious care to God.

The Lord bless you and keep you with perfect peace and rest,

Charles & Petra, James & Jonathan Wirrell
serving the Lord wherever He sends