As you know, we have been praying for God to supply the leadership necessary for us to be away for extended deputation ministry.  We are thrilled to announce that God has provided new pastoral leadership in Simon Ouellette.  Simon, who is one of our former Bible Institute students, has been helping to establish a new church near Montréal with another of our former students.  We praise God for the vision that He is giving Simon and wife Elyse for ministry in Québec City and for our church.  We ask you to pray with us for wisdom in the whole process and that God would be glorified through this transition. 

Simon can assume leadership of the church as early as May.  Though it will be difficult for us to concentrate fully on deputation until then, we will continue doing what we can.  Our current support level stands at less than 60%.  It is estimated that due to the many economic challenges currently facing American churches, deputation could last for at least two years.  We have prayed over many different scenarios, but have come to the conclusion that for the beginning, we will be based out of Quebec City and make trips of one or two months duration.  We believe this to be best for our daughter Catherine's health situation, but also to facilitate a healthier transition in the leadership of the church.  One very serious need that we have is for a newer vehicle.  At nearly 290,000 kilometers the odometer on our van is quickly approaching the 200,000 mile mark, and at this point, we simply do not have another option.  However, we enter this chapter of our lives with the same assurance that guided us when we began our original deputation travels nearly 30 years ago: God pays for what He orders! (1Th 5:24)  "Brethren, pray for us." (1Th 5:25)