Hitchman News December 2020

Taking new paths and trying new ways

Ministry Update

It’s hard to believe it’s the beginning of December; it seems that this year has gone by in a blink for us. It’s been a busy year but very different than our usual sort of busy! Just like everyone else we’ve had to make readjustments to the way that we do life and do ministry. We were reminded of that when we went on a walk on Sunday, we frequently tread the same old tracks but on Sunday we took a new path. It led to an area of the hills that we hadn’t seen before but wasn’t actually that far away from us. As we walked, we realised that this year we had been forced to take new paths and try new ways of ministry because the old ways of doing things were blocked. We know many of you know exactly what we are talking about because you have had to go through the same readjustments too. Our Sunday walk was a reminder of the beauty in new paths and that we can often miss out when we stay with the old and familiar ways.

Roy took these photos on our walk. Don’t be fooled by the blue sky, it was freezing!

ISAIAH 43:18-19 Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

In ministry, our new ways have included doing a lot of video production. It has been a steep learning curve, and that’s been time-consuming. Just like learning any new skill, it’s brought a mix of fun and frustration. With the box almost checked against the Mission Academy Member Care videos (thirteen 20 minute videos completed, two more to go), our focus will be back on putting things online pertaining to marriage and relationships.

Unfortunately, for many couples, uncertainty and lockdowns have been tough. It’s been a privilege to help people in their journey. Having said that about three or four weeks ago I was feeling a little low after a particularly challenging call. I have to admit to asking God, ‘Is this worth it? Is it making any difference?’ Thankfully God sent the answer really swiftly and that evening we received a message from a couple we had worked with which brought encouragement and hope. That same weekend we saw a huge breakthrough in another situation we’re dealing with. On the following Monday, we saw someone who had walked away from the Lord ask God to be the centre of their life and their relationship with their spouse. Please keep praying for the precious couples we are working with.

As we approach the Christmas Season, we are mindful of the fact that Christmas will look very different this year for many of us. We’re facing our first Christmas without family in our thirty-one years of marriage but we know that there are many who are going to be completely alone. Please reach out to those you know who won’t be able to visit friends or relatives this Christmas, it really will make a difference!

We want to take this opportunity to wish you a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Your love and support have meant so much to us and we are thankful that you are in our lives.