New Year’s Hope

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures” (James 1:17,18).

As we enter a new year it is so reassuring to know that there is no “variation or shadow of turning” with our God and His purpose. By “bringing us forth” through spiritual rebirth, we have salvation and the dignity of being a pledge of the full restoration of earth in the future realm of God’s Kingdom.

The apostle Paul was also encouraged in this hope:  “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it [Genesis 3] in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?
But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance” (Rom. 8:18-25).

At GFI we give thanks for God’s faithfulness last year and joyfully anticipate what He wants to do through us in 2013!

In December we welcomed a new board member–Dr. Dan Riley. Dan serves as Senior Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Knoxville, TN. He was guest speaker at last year’s GFI Ministry Luncheon. (His testimonial video is on our web site’s video channel.) We give thanks for our other current board members: Bob Sorenson as chairman (Iowa), Mr. Peter Frey (Switzerland), and Chuck Solomon.

We are anticipating a more detailed report from GFI Africa Director, Westin. We have heard that his ministry trip to Nepal was a fruitful time. Europe Director, Peter Mihent, has been able to acquire land in northern Romania. He envisions a counseling and training center there!

We always appreciate notes from alumni and former counselees. Here is one that just arrived:

“Chuck, Thanks for all yo do in continuing the emphasis of the Cross! You have pioneered a message lost in today’s churches. I continue to be blessed by your ministry into my life and consequently into the lives of those God brings across my path. What a blessing to see the joy in lives set free. Paying for your continued health and strength. ” – R. A. (Montana)

And we thank our supporters and intercessors for continued partnership in the ministry of international biblical counseling, training and equipping. God bless and guide you in this new year.

Yours in Christ,
John