Category: Former Chapters

April 28, 2026 Many of you know the song “Blessed be Your Name” by Matt Redman.  Almost a Christian worship classic by now, it is a song that has had particular meaning for me these past months.     Life as a follower of Jesus does not come with any guarantees of comfort or ease from…

April 9, 2026 Visitors from Canada…   We first “met” Sam and Naomi via video chat in March of 2022.  A GEM Canada staff member passed on our contact information to them as they were seeking advice on travelling in France with kids.  Having visited France as a family the year before, we met to…

April 3, 2026 “Jesus told them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies.  He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised form the dead.’”     Matthew 17:22-23 “Jesus said to her: ‘I am the resurrection and the life.  The one who…

March 17, 2026 What can St. Patrick teach you today about being a disciple?   When Patrick was a teenager living in the late 4th century, a band of Celtic pirates from Ireland invaded his Briton village (in the northeast England of today), captured many of the young men and sailed back to Ireland where…

March 3, 2026 Hey Friends,   We enjoyed sharing the stories of Brigitte and Peter, Romi and Cal.  “Thank You” to those of you who wrote back to us to share personal stories of the people whom God has called you to love!     There are many other stories to share.  You haven’t yet been…

February 24, 2026 Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ ” Matthew 22: 37-39   Meet  Cal*   Cal is what you would…

February 14, 2026 Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ ” Matthew 22: 37-39   Meet  Brigitte & Peter*   In early January…

February 5, 2026 Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ ” Matthew 22: 37-39   Meet Romi*   Romi owns the top floor…

January 27, 2026 Who do you LOVE?   Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandement.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ “ Matthew 22: 37-39   With the…

December 29, 2025 Dear Friends & Family,    I don’t know about you, but I always find these few days between Christmas and New Years to be rather disorienting.  When I reflect back on 2025 my mind is filled with so many memories: the joys, blessings, challenges and lessons we experienced.  But in thinking ahead…