*¨*Rejoicings from the Igloo*¨*

THE SNOW IS GONE! Wow! After living most of our adult lives in a very hot, arid climate, Leah and I are so fascinated and amazed by distinct and regularly changing seasons here in Ontario. Lately, as spring has finally muscled her way to a knock-out victory over winter, I have been considering many of the parallels between seasonal cycles and spiritual growth cycles. 

      We have lived long enough to be able to look back and reflect on the various “spiritual seasons” we have gone through.

      There were times when it felt like the winter would never end and God seemed so far away. At other times we have enjoyed the rich and satisfying experience of growth!

      During the “summer” times, the flowers are so fragrant and the color so vivid! Everything screams “Life!” and fellowship with the Creator is very sweet and intimate. What we also see, in retrospect, is that our loving Father has been with us through both winters and summers, and has sovereignly arranged these seasons to accomplish His purposes in our lives. We thank and praise Him for walking with us through each season and understand that He is committed to our training.

     Among the many things that we are thankful for is the amazing privilege we have to support and care for others as they experience a myriad of life’s difficult challenges. Often we are blessed to have a front row seat to watch God at work in hearts and see spiritual dormancy give way to amazing growth. Our awesome God not only keeps the weather cycles in order but He also uses the tough seasons of life to grow us up and make us more like Jesus. 

Recently, we were blessed with a quick visit from my brother Paul, and his wife, Kathleen. Paul has been in a long battle with cancer, and it was healing for the whole family to have this special time with both of them. Praise God for the health Paul is experiencing now – and please continue to pray with us for his complete healing.

      Thank you for partnering with us as we serve our fellow missionaries here at Still Waters. We could not be available to care for these dear folks if it were not for your prayers, encouragement and support.

      We always thank God for you. 

Here are a few things for which we would appreciate your prayers:     

>>permits from various agencies to replace the retaining wall, clean out the pond and repair flood damage

    >>materials for various summer projects needing to be completed

           >>wisdom as we continue to care for and mentor several couples

                  >>continued health and safety

 We are praising God for our excellent health and energy to accomplish His plan for us here. Your interest and involvement in the Still Waters ministry is deeply appreciated – thank you so much for writing to encourage us, and for your prayers and gifts.

 We love you!

Pete and Leah Humphreys

Still Waters, May 28, 2011