JOHN SHIRK – Before my blogs move into the theme for this year, I wanted to make a quick comment about 2010-the Year of Missions.  It was the focus of WJTL not just to teach on missions, but to be part of God’s mission outreach to the world, and you stepped up to the plate to join us in extraordinary ways.  Through the 26 Hours of Compassion, at least 177 children were sponsored. Over $21,000 was donated in Bibles, rickshaws, and livestock to help poor and struggling families in Asia through Gospel For Asia. Through Lisa Landis’s trip to Guinea-Bissau through Eastern Mennonite Missions, $3,500 was raised on behalf of Christian education.  You also helped raise money for Food For The Poor to help people in Haiti who were suffering through a devastating earthquake. At the same time, you also helped WJTL to meet budget for 2010.  This is an example of how God is moving in people’s hearts to give generously so that lives might be transformed for the Gospel. 2011 will be the Year of Opportunity at WJTL. I will share more about the year ahead in a future blog.  Concerning the spiritual fruit of 2010, thank you for expressing faith in Christ in these generous ways. May God bless you with His wisdom, peace, and strength to do His will in 2011.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com