We thought it would be good to put into writing some of the highlights of 2005. For those who have supported us, prayed for us, and been part of our ministry and lives, we would like to share these thoughts and memories with you. We also want to say a Jesus-filled, Thank you. Like the Apostle Paul in writing to the Philippians, we say, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.”
January – the first meetings of Calvary Fellowship Toronto in the Koffler Building on campus at UT. We said “See you later” to Greg Gordon who left to go to CCBC in Murrieta, CA. The Lord used Greg to help us start the services in the location we chose. The day before he left we had a special service and had about fifteen people in attendance. We met Nang, a miracle from the Lord. She came to our bible study after seeing a flyer on campus. We also met Lynn, Sunil, and George. It seemed like the Lord was preparing us for something great.
February/March – The beginning of February we saw the Lord end the study in London, Ontario. In Toronto, we saw Nang grow in the Lord, learning from our study in the gospel of Mark. We also were greatly blessed by a visit from our friends Christian and Dulce and their son Daniel. Christian and Pat spent most of their visit designing a Calvary Fellowship Website. We also were blessed by a visit from a sister from a Calvary in Japan who was visiting Toronto. We met Lynn, Sunil, George, and Trista, who started coming to the study. We had our first “Sushi Fellowship,” where we all went out to have sushi after the service! We also started looking for a place to live in Toronto, closer to our study.
April – We found out that our unborn baby had a severe heart defect. This would change the course of our lives. We decided we needed to move back to Miami. We had the priveledge of baptizing Nang, what a blessing knowing her has been. We also met Joe and Andrea, and Yunoh, who started coming to the study.
May – Such a difficult month. Janet came back to Miami for a few weeks. Pat stayed in Toronto. The Lord continued to show areas in our lives that were minuses that needed to be turned to plusses. We announced to the flock that we were leaving. One of the most difficult things we have done. Questions abounded in our minds. A highlight of the month, and of the year, however, was spending a few days in Ottawa with our friends Andy and Gen Falleur.
June/July – We packed up and moved back to Florida. Our friend Ken, flew up and helped us
pack and load and drive. On the drive down, we were able to spend some time with our good friends, Paul and Joy Ting in Virginia. The Lord blessed with some opportunities to teach the Word and lead worship at some of the area Calvary Chapels. Pat was also able to secure some freelance work. We adjusted to living with the in-laws. Well, we didn’t miss these hot Florida summers! Not sure if we’ll stay in Miami, or maybe move to Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach.
August – The birth and surgery of our second child – Caleb Elijah Sieler. It’s good that Pat is not working fulltime as he can be around to help with the baby. We decide that we need to continue living with the in-laws for awhile until things become easier with the kids. Janet’s mom’s help is indespensible.
September – Doctors visits, therapies, etc. How could we ever have managed this in Toronto without the help of our family? Caleb goes back to the hospital for feeding and vomiting problems.
October – Pat joins the staff of Calvary Chapel Kendall. He’ll be developing a small group ministry, improving the sound and lighting systems, organizing the missions ministry, teaching in the School of Ministry, and praying with people after the services, in addition to other pastoral duties. We are extremely excited about the work that Jesus is doing at Calvary Chapel Kendall.
November/December – We had another scary episode with Caleb in the hospital, but prayers and the Lord saw us through. Through our church, we serve a Thanksgiving meal to the families in the CICU. What an opportunity that the Lord has given us for ministry! Caleb starts to really do well, and then not-so-well. It’s a day by day deal. Seasons of good growth, seasons of struggle. Pat’s dad came to visit us for Christmas. People from church have been such a blessing to us. Caleb comes to a leadership dinner with Mommy and Daddy. The evening ended as we all encircled Caleb and Pastor Pedro led us in a prayer for his healing and his life.
2005 has been a difficult year for us. It has been very unpredictable. One of the disappointments, interestingly, has been how we have seen our weakness in the time of trials and testings. We don’t always respond in a good way. This, in and of itself, is good in the sense that we are made aware of certain shortcomings so that we can then take them to the Lord. It has been a time for us to learn how to live what we believe; we are looking at the Scriptures and really trying to apply them to our lives. One such Scripture is Romans 12:12 – “Rejoice(ing) in hope, patient in tribulation, and faithful in prayer.” This year has also reminded us of the hope of heaven. This life is a journey, a pilgrimage, and we eagerly long for our Savior to lead us to that land of glory where everything will be perfect.
I saw Andrew Peterson in concert last night. Good stuff. Great songs. Great guy. I loved his stories. Real stories. Real situations - like his uncle Rick, who's in jail because he struggles with the same sins at age 54 that he did at age 18. That's probably familiar ground for most of us. It is for me. Well, I'm not 54, but I will be one day.
