Christmas with Family-Feb 2009

“As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.” Exodus 17:11,12

Each of you is likened to Aaron and Hur as you have held my family up in your prayers. Jack has gone through heavy doses of chemo so the Leukemia will go into remission. I am sorry to say that I am not the right match for Jack for a bone marrow transplant. A search continues as I write this letter for the correct match to be found.

We had a wonderful Christmas in Canada! Jack was given a pass from the hospital so he could spend Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with family. The New Year was brought in watching fire works, enjoying family time and fun with Jack (he was granted another pass) and other family members.


Peggy, Jack and Cheryl on Christmas Eve

These past few weeks have left long lasting memories (some better than others) with us since venturing back to Canada. We have had our fair share of driving through white outs in the snow, battling the black ice on the highways and trying to find warmth in the cold temperatures that have dipped to 40 degrees below zero. It is apparent that we have become acclimatized to the warmer winters in Mexico.

Our time has raced by quickly due to a busy schedule, representing YUGO Ministries, deputation (raising support so we can remain in ministry in Mexico), visiting family and friends as well as visiting my brother is the Cross Cancer Clinic. Rebekah and I will return to Mexico before Rod but, not without seeing our daughter Jessica, son in law Ryan and our grand babies in Burns Lake British Columbia.

Driving through the Canadian Rockies is an exhilarating adventure this time of year. Everywhere we look hoarfrost covers the trees. It looks as though God has taken a can of artificial snow and sprayed the country side. It is simply beautiful! Most years we often only see our grand babies once or twice a year so enjoy every visit to the fullest. Our days were filled with tobogganing, sledding, trapping and keeping ourselves warm by the fire.


Rod, Cheryl & Maddy by the fire after tobaganning


Rebekah celebrated her 18th birthday while in Canada.

Soon Rebekah and I will return to Mexico as school starts for Rebekah February 3. Rod will remain in Canada as a representative for YUGO Ministries at Missions Fests in Vancouver, Winnipeg and Edmonton. His heart is to share with many how they can get involved in the Great Commission.

Thank you to each of you that have encouraged and prayed for us during our time in Canada. Your prayers have made a difference in all of our lives. My brother Jack is at home resting and regaining strength after chemo. We have had many inquiries about YUGO and the ministry we are involved in. Praise for the opportunity to spend Christmas with family.

PRAYER: For a bone marrow match for Jack. Pray for continued strength for Jack and our family at this time. Pray that Rod will inspire many to get involved in short term missions as he represents YUGO at mission fests.