In the Potter's Hands

Prayer Request - With Continued Gratitude

2011-05-15T00:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

We are so grateful for all the wonderful people in our lives who faithfully stand with us to see God's kingdom come in our lives and through our lives. We have listed some prayer requests that we have at this time. Over the next few months our updates are going to be profiling the work in Spain that Ronnie is leading with NLI in partnership with the Salem church of Spain. If you would like to receive our updates please send me an email at ron.zerr@nlieurope.com

Thanks again for your commitment and love. We look forward to hearing from you.

Please Pray for:

• The church planters in Spain. That Holy Spirit would continue to give them vision, wisdom, hope, love and Spirit led, and empowered encounters in their communities.

• The NLI Emerge women's leadership development team who will be taking part in a conference in Spain on the weekend of May 20-22. Please pray that they would be a blessing to the women of Spain as they are inspired, challenged and refreshed through NLI Emerge's ministry.

• Finances that are needed for the work in Spain. Ronnie is still needing to raise $20,000 CND to cover the committed cost for the work NLI is doing in Spain in 2011.

• Janelle as she applies for her master program in nursing. That she would find favour and know what area is best for her to pursue. That God would provide financially for that to take place.

• Caleb, Jaden & Trae, that they would continue to grow in love and bond together as brothers. That they would continue to build friendships and relationships in the community.

• Ronnie, that he would have God's heart and wisdom as he leads NLI's partnership with the Salem church in Spain and continues to engage leaders and churches in Kelowna.

Many Blessings & Much Gratitude

Ronnie, Janelle, Caleb, Jaden & Trea †

Treasured Sacrifice

2010-11-30T19:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

We just wanted to say thank you for the overwhelming response and love sent our way at the birth of our little (big) Traeton Wyatt. We are delighted by him and so grateful for his safe birth and good health. He is a sweet little guy who has completely recovered from his fluid on his lungs. Traeton and Jae came home from the hospital on Thursday and we are enjoying being home as a family of 5. Janelle's parent's have been a huge blessing and the church down the street (Kelowna Gospel Fellowship) that we have been to a few of times (of which the Pastor's family are our neighbors... and becoming friends) are blessings us with some meals. So we are very grateful and blessed by Jae's parents and the church.

MEANING OF TRAETON WYATT

We had a few questions about the meaning of his name or where did it come from so here it is:

TRAETON - village near the trees - Trae (Trey means third) - Spiritual connotation - Treasured (Traeton) Sacrifice (Trae)

WYATT - little warrior - Spiritual connotation - Immovable

Our Reason for the Name:

The significance behind the name for us was the journey we have walked this last year. As you may or may not know, Traeton was not planned. In fact our plans, especially Janelle's, were looking very different as we moved back from England to Kelowna. Our plan was to be back in Canada to be closer to family and allow Janelle to re-engage in her nursing career, as she was approaching the time she had to re-engage nursing without loosing her license to nurse. Well, Traeton changed all that for us, especially for Janelle.

Just like when we began this journey 4 1/2 years ago in England and had plans to have Janelle nurse in the UK and be a large part of our income to cover our cost of living, we once again entered into life in Canada thinking and making decisions based on Janelle working. But just like when we started on this journey of faith God has taken us down a different, unexpected and I am sure, a wonderful road. Janelle has had to loose her nursing credentials for the time being (she will have to take a couple semesters of school and do a practicum to be re-certified), we have lost the income we were trusting would enable us to afford to live where we are, Janelle has lost the sense of freedom she was discovering as the boys became more and more independent.

So Traeton Wyatt is our Treasured Sacrifice, especially for Jae. Janelle has had to make many sacrifices and even shift her focus to being an amazing, nurturing and loving mother to an infant once again, instead of re-engaging her career and discovering a new sense of freedom. As well, we know that because of the financial reality this has created for us there will be sacrifice we will have to make, however we will treasure them, knowing there is a new blessing in our lives.

We are so blessed and do treasure Traeton more than words can say. Thanks for walking this journey with us and being a part of our lives, it is people like you who have made what we do possible. We are glad to share with you in all that we put our lives to so that other's may know Jesus' love, forgiveness, grace, freedom and transformation in their lives.

With much gratitude.

Ronnie & Janelle †

Traeton Wyatt Zerr

2010-11-23T19:32:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends,

here is our newest addition Traeton Wyatt Zerr. He was born at 8:23am and weighed 8lbs exactly. He had some fluids on his lungs and has spent the day so far in the NICU. He is recovering very well and hopefully will be able to come to see mom in an hour or two to start feeding. Jae is doing great just really wanting to spend sometime with her new boy!!!!

I have been able to spend much time with him in the NICU and he has had some family visiting already. He is a big boy with good sized feet and hands. Looks like we may have 3 boys the same size in no time. Caleb was really excited to meet his new brother and has been so great with him already. Jaden has to wait till tomorrow as he was not allowed to go into the NICU.

Thanks for all you prayers!!! Please keep praying for Janelle & Traeton's fast recoveries.

Proud dad,

Ronnie †

Life & Ministry Update

2010-11-20T20:18:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

What a year this has been so far for us as a family. We have had numerous transitions, many days apart, hard goodbyes, a chance to spend time with great friends on the roads traveled, and many new ones beginning. So far things have been such a whirlwind of life that we are still trying to understand what life is like and will be like living in Canada and ministering in both Europe and Canada. We know that 2011 will bring much more clarity and a more realistic balance to what we have experienced in these last 11 months.

Well for us the journey these last eleven months has been full on, but filled with many wonderful joys and excitements along the way. One of those is coming to join our family this Tuesday (at the latest), as Janelle is scheduled for her third c-section on Tuesday, November 23rd to give birth to our third son. We are delighted to have him join us and become part of our family. We are blessed!

Please pray for Janelle and baby Z as they take on the next few days and either go into labour or have the c-section on Tuesday, we truly covet your prayers on their behalf. Please also pray for Caleb & Jaden as they welcome the new baby into the family and adjust to having another brother.

Ronnie is thankfully back in Canada now until the end of January, we are all delighted to be together and have time to be a family as we learn, adjust and embrace our new realities. We will let you all know when baby Z comes and joins us.

Romania

Ronnie has recently returned from his last trip of 2010 where he joined with around 40 others in Romania to celebrate the success of the church planting project he has overseen in the South East corner of Romania for the last 3 years. Ronnie has learnt much from this experience and has really enjoyed having an opportunity to work with some amazing people. From the church planters who have sacrificed so much and allowed themselves to be stretched in so many ways, to the trainers who have shared with such wisdom and experience, to the staff in Romania who have done an amazing job and become good friends along the way.

In the last 3 years we have seen 11 churches established and one mother church rescued from collapse, 30 missions teams mobilized into Romania to work with and support the church plants, increase in leadership of all the church planters as they have received high level training during 12 weekends over the 3 years. We have seen lives changed by coming to faith in Jesus and people being healed and set free along the way. How awesome is that?!

Ronnie is so thankful for everyone of you who have joined with us in partnering with the church plants in Romania, without you partnering with us Ronnie would not be able to do what he does. You are an essential part of making this happen! So THANK YOU!!!

Here are some of the comments from the church planters during the graduation:

"NLI stepped in at just the right time, they were God's timely blessing for the work in Negra Voda. The team from Canada was instrumental and we still talk about them today, their impact was extra ordinary" - Dorel Toma, Negra Voda church plant

"There is a great battle in the old city of Constanta for the young gypsy people, with the work we were doing in the church plant there you could see that something clicked in the children" - Matthew Duru, Old City Constanta church plant

"NLI taught us to go out and meet people where they are at. We have seen people filled with Holy Spirit and giving their lives to follow Jesus" - Ionel Druga, Lumina church plant

"We were challenged to go out and meet the people, with your help we were able to enter people's homes with the Gospel. We saw that people were welcoming and open to God's word, we have experienced amazing things" - Sami Bobocea, Culdalbi church plant

"NLI has been a gift from God and the timing of their partnership was perfect for enabling us to plant the church" - Nelu Chirita,Galati church plant

"You helped us when it was hard and enabled us to carry on the work in Babadag" - Paul Benko, Babadag mother church

Ronnie had an opportunity to congratulate all the leaders in the church plants for getting this far, thank them for the opportunity to be a part of their journeys of faith and encouraged them to allow Jesus to continue to build the churches in a real, relevant and replicable way. For Ronnie it has been an honor and a privilege to serve the church in Romania and see God use him to assist, challenge and encourage the church planters and see lives changed through the church in Romania.

Spain
Ronnie was a part of a team that spent 10 days in Spain at the end of September to pray with the church planters and mother church leaders in this nation. NLI is currently assisting the Salem church movement in Spain to see 3 churches planted in the cities of Alcala, Aviles & Toledo. There were 7 individuals from Canada who came to join Ronnie and Jesus (one of the Spanish leaders of the Salem movement) to visit both the locations and the leaders of the church plants and the leaders of the mother churches in Madrid and Bilbao.

Barb Shram from CLF in Warman was asked by Ronnie to lead the team as we prayed for the people of Spain. Barb did an amazing job hearing from God, leading us to seek repentance for the people of Spain and pray blessings over the cities. Barb and the whole team were instrumental in allowing God to speak through them to release many prophetic words over the leaders in Spain. It was exciting to hear and see God touch, inspire, challenge and reignite so much in those wonderful leaders. We look forward to seeing all that God has done and hearing of the impact that this team has made on the spiritual reality that exists in Spain.

Thank you to each of those people who gave of their time, money and lives to come and be a blessing to the church planters and church in Spain. Thank you!

Ronnie will be concentrating even more on the work in Spain and that region of Western Europe come 2011 as he transition out of leadership in Romania. Our hearts are to invest our time and efforts into seeing the church expanded and movements created in the countries of Western Europe. Thank you to all of you who so faithfully join us in prayer and financial partnership we could not continue to do the work God has given us in Europe without you!!!!

Prayer Requests

Janelle and baby Z, that everything would go well with delivery if it is before the scheduled c-section or during. That baby Z would be healthy and that he would take to feeding really well. As well that Janelle's birth surgery and recover would be as pain free as possible as well as quick and complete.

Caleb & Jaden as they work through welcoming and embracing the new addition to the family.

All of us as we adjust to 3 boys and the realities of having a new born in the home again. That Ronnie would be able to take care of Janelle, Caleb & Jaden and help with the baby as much as possible.

The church plants in Romania, that they would continue to allow Jesus to lead and guide them. That all they have learnt and experienced over the last 3 years as a part of the NLI project would help them in establishing a genuine Jesus following community that would bring his love and transformation to their cities.

The church and leaders in Spain, that they would be able to build off of all that God has done through the prayer team that was recently there. That God would ignite their hearts and give them renewed vision to bring his transformational grace, love and truth to the nation of Spain.

Huge blessings and many thanks!!!!!

Ronnie, Janelle, Caleb, Jaden & baby Z †

Spain Mission - Please Pray

2010-09-28T14:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

As many of you may or may not know, we have begun a prayer mission in Spain today with the teams from Canada's arrival. We will be spending the next 7 days praying for this nation as well as the church leaders and church planters NLI is working with in Spain. If you could please remember to pray for us during the next week that would be greatly appreciated.

Here are somethings you can pray for:

Some of the (4 people) have not yet received their luggage, please pray that the airline finds it first off, and that it is delivered as soon as possible.
For the teams health, well being and safety as we venture through these communities in Spain. That Holy Spirit would lead us and that he would be our protector and defender, that God would go before us and allow us to be a blessing to the leaders and people we meet in Spain.
That Holy Spirit would give us His gifts to share with the church leader and people we meet in Spain. That we would have the gift of the spirit that they are needing (desire the greatest gift) at that time and place and that it would be planted in their hearts and bare much fruit.
For our families and loved ones who are still in Canada, that God would watch over them and protect them as they release us to be here in Spain asking Jesus to bless and liberate this nation with his power and love.

Thank you so much for taking time to read this and pray for us. We greatly appreciate it!!!!!

I will try and update our blog as much as I can (www.moldableclay.blogspot.com)

Many Blessings and much Gratitude.

Ronnie Zerr †

Family & Ministry Update

2010-09-25T15:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

We hope this email finds you all enjoying your summer and hopefully getting a chance to take some holidays and get some good sun to refresh you for the journey ahead.

We have been on a fairly full on journey ourselves the first half of this year, from intense ministry time in England, Romania and Spain in February. Then saying good bye to so many great friends, wonderful life memories and our journey in England, to reengaging back into Canadian culture in March. Heading back to Saskatoon and taking time to reconnect with many of you. Thank you to all of you who took time to be with us while we were in Saskatchewan, we were grateful to see so many of you. For those of you who we did not have a chance to catch up with please come and see us in Kelowna, we would be glad to have you. As well for the rest of you we would love to see you come and visit us in Kelowna and enjoy the realities of one of Canada's nicest cities!!!

Ronnie had two trips in the spring to Europe, one in May to England for the NLI HR week in the international office with many great people who were considering joining NLI in the work that Jesus is doing in Europe. Ronnie's other trip was in June to both Romania and Spain. In Romania we had one of our 4 Church Planter trainings, while in Spain we had some Holy Spirit inspired and empowered Advanced Leaders Training. It was great to have Holy Spirit join us in each of these places to see something imparted and released to the heroes in Romania and Spain who are giving their lives to see their nation transformed by Jesus' love and the truth of God's Kingdom.

Then in July we had a great friend's wedding that both Janelle and Ronnie were a part of her wedding party. It was a great day and wonderful privilege to stand beside her and celebrate this great joy of marriage with her and her husband. After the wedding we packed our house up in Saskatoon and then headed off to Kelowna. We were blessed by so many of you who helped us get through this part of the journey, from helping pack, to loading the trailer, to being lent a couple of trailers and a truck, to pushing us through the tough hours when we felt overwhelmed or even driving the truck and trailers to Kelowna. Thank you to all those who helped get us to Kelowna, we couldn't have done it without you.

Since arriving in Kelowna on July 8th it has been full on, we have had a full house a few times over and many things that we have had to take care of to begin to settle into life in Kelowna, BC. We have been blessed to have family around, friends around and a great house that is a real blessing to us and others already.

Ronnie has been working to keep up with all the things taking place in both Romania and Spain while trying to help us as a family settle into life in Canada. Although it has not been easy with all the things that needed to get done in Europe and Canada, by the grace of God we have been able to get through this season and are looking forward to being established in Canada and being able to concentrate and focus on what Jesus is continually calling us to in Europe.

As a family we headed off to Europe at the end of August to be with Ronnie's family in Copenhagen, Denmark. We had the privilege of going to Denmark to be with Ronnie's sister Mandy and her danish fiancee Rasmus as they joined their lives together in marriage. This was a great celebration for us as a family and was completely redemptive in my sister's life and ours as a family. We were so blessed by the great time we had, the amazing wedding that was put on and we are overjoyed with the love and joy that Mandy and Rasmus have for each other.

From Denmark we have headed to England to be with the NLI team at the international office in Coventry, UK to be together for our In House Week. NLI In House Week is a time where all NLI staff are together to meet, train, strategize, pray and inspire one another for the work in Europe. This is a strategic time for Ronnie and all the NLI team to focus themselves on the work that is taking place in Spain and for Ronnie to work with the team involved in Romania as he transitions out of the work in this nation.

We are also blessed by our time in the UK as we have the chance to connect with so many of our great friends that we have made over the last four years living in England. It has been great to see so many of you again!!! We will be heading to Enfield (London) as a family this coming weekend to be with some friends and join them and their church on the Sunday, September 19th. Ronnie will also be sharing with the church they are leading in the community of Enfield.

Then on Wednesday, September Ronnie will be parting ways with Janelle, Caleb & Jaden for a few week. The family will be heading back to Canada with my mom who is meeting them in London to fly back to Canada, while Ronnie heads off to Romania with Thomas (NLI Canada Director) to visit some of the church plants and be a part of the NLI Training taking place in this nation.

On Sunday, September 26th Ronnie will travel to Spain from Romania for the purpose of meeting with the Spanish leaders and to be a part of a prayer team that is going to be traveling through Spain from Sept 28th to Oct 6th. The team will be visiting some of the church leaders and church planters

Thank you to all of you who continue to partner with us financial, in friendship and mostly in prayer. We are so grateful for your faithfulness, generosity and friendship, we would not be able to do what we are doing for Jesus in Europe without each of you.

Please Pray For:

Janelle as she continues to carry our new baby boy in pregnancy. Please pray for her and the babies health & safety. That she would be able to continue to support the work we are a part of in Europe by doing such a great job raising and looking after our amazing boys Caleb & Jaden. That she would have the energy needed to do this well and with much strength and grace.
The prayer team traveling to Spain from Sept. 28 to Oct. 6, that Jesus would protect us, lead us and guide us as we call on him to see the spiritually reality in Spain transformed. There are 9 of us (Jesus, Barb, Erin, Kevin, Al, Dorothy, Esther, Sara & Ronnie) traveling throughout Spain to visit the leaders and cities where we are working to see churches planted in Spain. We covet your prayers as we pray for this nation.
The church planter training and church plants in Romania. That God would impart something supernatural into them through training taking place and that as we move toward the completion of the church planting project in Romania that God would establish the churches and for all of them to be both self-sustaining and eternally impacting.
Us as a family as we settle into life in Kelowna that we would be able to do all we are needing to do to prepare for the new baby, figure out life in Kelowna and continue to empower our Europe family to transform, equip and expand the church in Europe.

Thanks again,

Many Blessings

Ronnie, Janelle, Caleb, Jaden & Baby Z †

Our 2010!!! Hope we see you along the way!

2010-02-10T13:17:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

We hope this letter finds you in a place of faith and hope. Our prayer is that all God has put on your heart will bring fruit and life.

During the beginning of February all the NLI staff gathered at our new international office in Coventry and had a chance to share, plan and strategize about the work God has for us this coming year. We were also able to mail out our annual NLI Dream Magazine, we hope that the dream magazine challenges, inspires and informs the reader about all that NLI is doing here in Europe. We are privileged to be a part of this great work and being ambassadors of Jesus to the nations and people of Europe.

If you would like to make sure you receive your own copy of the NLI Dream magazine send me your mailing address and I will make sure we send you one.

We are currently asking Jesus to help us as we walk through this busy season of our lives. As you may know we are in preparation for our move back to Canada in March. We are excited about the move but sad to be leaving our friends and colleagues that we have grown to love and cherish here in the UK & Europe. We are glad that God is still calling us to this continent and we will have a chance to stay connect with them.

We just want to thank you for all you have invested in us to make the work that we are a part of possible. We are so grateful for all the relationships God has given us and we know we could not do this eternal work alone. Thank you for sharing in the eternal fruits of our labour as we journey together.

Here is an outline of what we have in store for 2010. We are trusting Jesus to make it as fruitful and focused as it can be with all that is going on in the next 11 months.

February:

Ronnie will be in Romania (Feb 11-15) to visit the church plants and be a part of the training taking place on Feb. 12 & 13.

Ronnie will be in Spain to meet with the national leaders and church planters of the Salem church movement from Feb. 18-23.

Ronnie will be in London to take part in a conference and meet with a church movement in the UK that is instrumental in bringing faith into communities through schools, social work and community involvement on Feb. 26-28.

March:

Whole family will be moving back to Canada arriving into Saskatoon very late in the evening of March 10.

Whole family will travel to the Moose Jaw area sometime in the 3rd week of March or 3rd week of April for strategic meetings and reconnecting with friends.

Whole family will be traveling to Calgary areas around March 19-23 for strategic meetings and reconnecting with friends.

April:

Ronnie and Janelle will be traveling to the Edmonton area at the beginning of April for strategic meetings, reconnecting with friends and picking up some guests traveling from England.

The whole family will be in the Kelowna/Vancouver area the last week of April/first week of May for strategic meetings, reconnecting with friends and determining future living arrangements.

May:

Ronnie will be in Edmonton from May 10-14 for the annual general conference of the PAOC.

Ronnie will most likely be in England from May 22-30 for NLI Connection week.

June:

Ronnie will be in Romania (June 14-22) visiting the church planters and being a part of the church planter training taking place on June 18 & 19.

Ronnie will be in Spain (June 22-28) visiting with the national leaders, the church planters and being a part of the Advanced Leaders Training that will take place on June 24-27.

July/August:

The whole family will be moving from Saskatoon to Kelowna the first week of July to settle in Kelowna.

The whole family will be in Saskatoon the last week of July/first week of August for a wedding, strategic meetings and reconnecting with friends.

September:

Ronnie and Janelle are looking to be in Europe and England from around September 6-20 for NLI in house week (Sept. 14-17).

Ronnie will be in Romania (Sept. 22-27) visiting the church planters and being a part of the church planter training taking place on Sept. 24 & 25.

Ronnie will be in Spain (Sept 27-Oct 6) leading a prayer team (email me if you are interested) visiting the church planters and church plants in Spain.

October:

Ronnie will be in Vancouver for a few days to have strategic meetings and work with the NLI Canada director.

November/December:

Ronnie will be in England and Spain during November and/or December for 10-12 days to reconnect with the NLI UK team, as well as to meet with the national leaders and church planters in Spain.

Ronnie will be in Romania (Nov. 24-29) visiting the church planters and being a part of the church planting graduation, taking place on Nov. 27.

Thank you again for joining with us on this journey. We look forward to seeing many of you during the next few months. Please continue to pray with us for all that God has in store.

Many Blessings

Ronnie, Janelle, Caleb & Jaden †

More of Jaden James

2009-04-27T15:08:00.000-07:00

Jaden's early days

(To view entire web album click on photo.)

Here are more photos of Jaden James settling into our family!

Jaden James Zerr

2009-04-24T17:43:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce you to the second Champ in the Zerr house. His name is Jaden James Zerr and he was born on April 24th @ 21:04. He weighed in at 5pds 14ounces. He has already eaten a couple of time and is doing well, as is mom.

An emergency C-Section was needed again, just like his big brother. There was fluctuation in his heart rate during a contaction and then fluctuation after that. Which meant to the doctor that a C-section was needed.

Everything from there went great!!!!
Jaden is Hebrew in origin and means "God has heard", James means "supplanter" or to take another place.

Enjoy the pics!

We look forward to having a chance for Jaden to meet you sooner or later.

More pics to follow in the coming days!

Blessings and Love,
Ronnie, Janelle, Caleb & Jaden +

2 Days in my Life - England to Romania

2009-03-26T15:14:00.000-07:00

I have just finished a full day in Romania. This is a trip that I have to admit in many ways I was not looking forward to...

It all begins with the current global financial reality and the increase in the Euro and decrease in Canadian Dollar and British Pound. In our Romania Church Planting project the money that is coming out to Romania to enable these courageous men and women to make disciples and work with Jesus so he can plant His church was committed in Euros. However the vast majority of our partner churches in this project come from Canada & the UK (in fact all but 1 church comes from a country who's currency has declined against the Euro). So we have had to make decisions that will affect the church planters here in Romania, not by choice, but out of necessity. The first reason I was not looking forward to this trip was this was my responsibility to explain this to the church planters and regional leadership team. Something I was not looking forward to as I would love to have another story to tell them. One about amazing provision and increased support, but that one is still in the making at this time. IN JESUS NAME!!!

Reason 2 is the simple fact that it is not easy leaving Janelle & Caleb for any period of time, but 9 full days is a long time to be away, especially with Janelle being 8 months pregnant :(

Reason 3 is the fact that the airline I was flying on Wednesday had changed my flight from leaving out of Birmingham @ 10am to 6am. Meaning I had to leave my house at 4:40 in the morning. Not fun!!!!

Reason 4 was because of this flight change I would either have to wait in Bucharest for about 4 hours in the train station, just to catch a 5 hour train ride. So this meant I had to take the dreaded bus for 3:30 hours. You see the train takes longer, but is so much more comfortable, no need to smell everyone else (like it is on the bus) and much easier to work on or watch a movie. Anyway, just another thing that I was not looking forward to.
So I guess my attitude was not really good to begin with?!

Isn't it great how God uses those situations to totally blow us away when we are obedient to doing what he asks of us. I think it is.

So I finally arrived in Constanta close to 7pm, where I was greeted by my good friend and our project director Traian. I have to admit that seeing Traian and listening to his English when I first arrive is always a treat for me. He is a great brother with a huge heart and so much love. The English part is that he always seems to start my trips with broken English (as he only really learned to speak it 15 months ago at the start of the project) and ends them speaking in full sentences like he has done it for years. He is so brave to translate for me with a number of the church planters. I love him.

Traian and I are able to meet for an hour and talk about the project, the church plants and what is happening on this trip while we wait at their church office (Traian is the pastor of a church in Constanta, mother church of the church plant in the Old City - Turkish/Gypsy area of Constanta) for a truck full of Crocs, Car Seats and Beans to arrive from Canada.

I was able to join with about 20 other people from their church for the next hour or two unloading these goods that will be used for the church and a great ministry they have here called Heart to Heart.

It was really fun and rewarding to be able to do this with them and to see how grateful they were for these gifts. In fact it was humbling to see how excited they were that each of the young guys who helped out was able to take home 3 cans of beans each. They were totally blessed by that.

Then it was off to Traian's for a late unplanned dinner. The cool thing was because it was unplanned, I had to have a traditional Romanian meal. Which was excellent! Tasty homemade chicken noodle soup followed by the Romanian version of Pork & Beans (which I have to admit is much better then the Canadian kids staple meal).

So after dinner it was off to the missions school where I am staying and the training is taking place on Friday & Saturday. Got to talk to my family on Skype, send a few emails and off to bed. Made it through the travel day that started at 4:40 in the morning and was looking forward to meeting with a number of church planters tomorrow.

My attitude had already began to change and I was feeling blessed to be in Romania.

Day 2 was going to be a long day, I knew that. But what was going to happen in the meetings was nothing you can ever really prepare for. You see meeting with these amazing people and seeing what they are sacrificing, asking, believing and needing Jesus to do is truly humbling. Seriously.

You see we spent 12 hours today visiting 5 church planters and having one meeting with a mother church leader of a church plant that is unfortunately not able to be part of the project anymore. But it was so encouraging that I am sitting in my room here in Romania at 1am writing this article to tell you all about it.

Matthew from the old city was the first church planter we met with. We joined him in the Old City to have breakfast and talk about what is happening in this poor, spiritually deprived, moffia driven area of Constanta. You know, God is working in the lives of these Turkish/Gypsy people. Kids are committed to the club they run and use to teach them about Jesus and help them make better choices, stay in school, get better grades and realize there is someone who loves them more then they could understand. But because they have recently lost the use of the building they were meeting in and the prices of rentals in this area are so high and moffia owned they are at a place where they are desperately needing Jesus to find them a place where they can continue meeting. They have started an alpha coarse in a house owned by family who has been saved this past year and Matthew has invested so much time into. However just recently the son has left his wife and kids and moved to Germany with another lady; devastating this family and attacking their faith.

We also met with the two Gabi's. These young men have been trying to plant a church in Eforie Sud, but it has not been easy. You see there is a small group of older believers in this place and when they began last year they wanted to work with them and were invited by one of them to use their house to begin meeting. However this lady was not very open to new people coming and the group was only committed to prayer. As valuable as that is, it was not going into Eforie and sharing the love and truth of Jesus with the people there. So they knew they needed a new place to meet. Praise Jesus, at the beginning of this year they were finally able to find an old, run down pub to rent and renovate. This is the start they have been needing and are very excited about all the ways that God is going to be able to use this building to create community and allow them an opportunity to share the truth and love of Jesus. However the renovations have been even more than they had anticipated with a large section of the ceiling being damaged by rain and all the electricity in the place needing to be redone. They are ready to clean things up and begin the work again with the building they have finished, but this is just a shame as they do not have the £1000/$2000 needed to complete the renovations. However they press on and continue to believe Jesus and are committed to remaining faithful to the work he is calling them to do in Eforie Sud, to make disciples and watch Him build his church in this city.

The last couple I want to share with you is one that has gripped and touched my heart in a really powerful way. You see in many ways the season of life they are in is just like mine. Irenel & Christina are a younger couple (late 20s, early 30) and they have a 2 year old son, Sammy. This couple has planted a church in Lumina of about 20 adults, 10 kids and 10 youth. They are faithful, growing and have faith that really challenges mine. You see they are not really getting by, they live in a home with his mother & step-father and have just enough money to pay their utility bills. Irenel is unable to work as he has only the use of one of his arms and it very much limits the things he can do. Christina works part time, but is only able to do that so that Irenel has some time to invest in the church, while they share the duties of watching Sammy. You see their living situation is not as good as it may sound. Irenel's step-dad is an alcoholic and the environment that is created when he is there is not good for any of them. They are unable to have guests and notice a real difference in themselves and especially Sammy when he is around. I say when he is around as both Irenel's mom and step-dad go away to (Germany & Italy) work from time to time. During this time their family thrives, they are able to enjoy the house, each other and open their home to others as they so desperately desire to do. But the problem is the parents are on their last trip as they are getting to old to go work abroad and will be coming back to Lumina for good. Irenel, Christina and Sammy just don't have the money to rent their own place and that is a real shame and detriment to the work they are trying to do with Jesus in Lumina.

So you see I come back to my room tonight, not thinking the same way I did before I left. Not looking at life the same, not wishing I wasn't here. But feeling humbled to be a part of these peoples live, being able to encourage them in the work they are doing, pray with them and believing with them for God to show up and work things out.

I consider it an honor and a privilege to come alongside these courageous men and women who are living sold out lives for Jesus, trusting Him to meet their needs when it doesn't even seem possible. All just to see other come to an understand of how much Jesus loves them and wants to change their lives with His amazing love. How great is that!!! How great is my life!!! How blessed am I to be here!!!

It doesn't mean I am not missing my family loads, cause I am. But really it does make the sacrifices we each have to make as a family worth it. That is why we do what we do, that is why we are willing to make those sacrifices. Because people just like Matthew, Gabi, Gabi, Irenel & Christina. Thank you for them Jesus, they are heroes of our faith and examples to us all!!!

Camp Hill Outreach

2009-02-24T19:03:00.000-08:00

This morning we were able to get some sleep - we didn't have our normal routine. So we went and got some shopping done - I am sure you all are now experiencing your stuff. Hope they shopped well.
But the afternoon was dedicated to sharing Jesus very publicly to this crowd. It was a day where the kids we hung out with all week were able to bring their parent/guardian so it was deemed a family day. Lots of people showed up. We were doing a program. So Taylor lead the songs, we did 4 dramas, we had Jazmyne and Candra share their testimonies and once again did very well. There were games, and food - we made poutine (which none of them had ever had) they were a hit. Huge thanks to Torry and Holly. Also Jarius a friend of mine from Spain came and joined us, a chef from Spain, he helped out in the kitchen.
But this day was about Jesus, and leaving that message. The amazing part was that our students led kids to Jesus personally, I think this was a big deal. Josh personally led this boy to Jesus - Cory - an amazing kid. Our last 2 days, we were seeing people giving their lives to Jesus. WOW.
The kids even made us a gift, which we will hang in the church. A banner to remind us of ministry in Camp Hill. Walking in there at the beginning of the week, it was different and difficult. But Jesus really opened the doors and we saw some amazing results.
After this event we were officially done our ministry aspect of England. We went to Ronnie and Janelle's house for one last team dinner - so good. Then everyone went home early that night to pack, and hang out with host families. We had an early morning the next day heading to London.

AWAKEN

2009-02-24T18:24:00.000-08:00

Well our whole week has been geared for this day. Sorry it took me so long to get this but our last few days in England were very busy and internet free. But I will do my best to fill in the blanks.
Anyway, this was our last day for Create (Dance/Drama) and sports ministry. We had an awesome last day. Janelle shared her testimony with the sports crew and shared on her deathly allergies and how it relates to her relationship with God - very impressed. We were preparing everyone for the night event Awaken - done at the church - evangelistic in style. In the afternoon, although not in our original schedule was a trip to Warrick Castle - they convinced Ronnie to find us a driver to take us. So we spent the afternoon there checking our something older than our nation. I think everyone really enjoyed themselves. History is very intriguing and this was no shortfall.
Then it was showtime - All of our relationship building through the week was directed to this night where we could speak Jesus with no hindrances. As a leadership team we chose Joselyne to host the night in an MC format with Chris the youth pastor from the church. We also chose Letitia to be the one student to share her testimony with the whole crowd. Her story we felt was the one that could reach a non-Christian crowd - and she speaks very well. Needless to say she did amazing. Got a great response from those who were there. She was fantastic on the trip, I am glad we chose her for this chance. From here our team did a dance they were working on all week. Preparations for this dance didn't go as planned but the team committed the night before to get it accomplished and they delivered so well, very proud of them. You can even see Shawnee in this picture, boy was I impressed with her. She was strecthed tons in this process.
Our team also performed a couple of other dramas, and then Matt and Janelle did the Heart Drama for me at the end of my message. As you can see the theme of the night was LOVE. So as far as the heart was concerned, it was a fitting drama for them to do.So much hard work really paid of for us as a team on this night. We had a tremdous result that night as teenagers made decisions for Jesus for the very first time. This is what it is all about. I cannot express how I felt at the end of this night. A year of accomplishment, study and desire came down to this. And they brought it!! The comments I received from their leadership, volunteer base, and students was overwhelming. Everyone loved our team and what we were able to bring. I just love that we saw salvation and incredible growth in our own students. Praise God. We needed to take a team picture, so we did. But there is still one more day to go.

2009-02-20T02:05:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone! Its Holly here today -- just filling in for Pastor Shawn on the blog today.

We had a truly fantastic day yesterday. As far as activities go, the morning started off as per usual -- half the team went to the sports camp in the morning, while the rest of us stayed for drama and dance at the church. The difference today, was the time we spent as a team prior to breaking off into our groups. The Lord met with us as a team. Through his word and prayer, the Lord challenged us to be strengthened and renewed and to take the opportunities He'll provide to share His love with others. We were especially challenged to do this, not just through our actions but through our words. And with this, we started our day...

DANCE SESSION:
The vision of the dance sessions this week was to host a dance camp for unchurched kids and put on a big production at the end of the week where friends and family could attend. The students have been working hard all week to prepare for the production. I have personally watched Carly, Ashton, Jocelyn, Latitia, Taylor, and Candra through each day of dance. They have been stretched, and sweated -- and taken the opportunities to share the love of Christ as they work alongside other students to create this dance production. Its awesome! Props to Jocelyn for stepping up and teaching dance for a portion of the morning.

Its hard to believe its already Friday and the production is happening tonight. Pastor Shawn will have the opportunity to share the gospel message with all the families who attend. Please be praying for him today!

SPORTS CAMP:
The team working the sports camp this week have been fantastic. They've played relentlessly all week. I had no idea playing could be so hard! Actually, they've had to be very creative with their sports because they haven't had all the right equipment. In addition, the heat in the school hasn't been on due to underground construction in the area -- but they have been troopers and it has paid off. They have built great relationships with kids, teenagers, and even some moms in the area. This is exciting because they have been building a bridge between the community and the church.

CAMP HILL:
In the afternoon, we were off to Camp Hill to spend time with the local kids and serve the finest in Canadian Cuisine -- Hot Dogs grilled on the George Foreman! Before heading to Camp Hill we stopped for lunch at a Chinese Buffet! The food was awesome -- and we took full advantage of the 'all you can eat.' We were stuffed -- except for Matt who seems to have a hollow leg. He was first in line for Hot Dogs upon arriving at Camp Hill.

We were in Camp Hill for only a few hours, but God opened many doors for our student team to be a witness. Taylor shared her testimony -- it was very moving and it set the tone for the rest of the evening. I've heard stories from Josh, Jasmine, and Candra about opportunities they had to share about Jesus -- I'm sure there were many more.

Its obvious that God is working in the lives of each person on our team! Please keep praying for us. We still have a few that are struggling with cold and flu. Taylor stayed home again today to rest; Carly is spending a lot of time resting; and a few others are extremely tired and suffering from cold symptoms. We know that the enemy wants to hinder the work that God has given us to do, so please pray along with us for health and strength to make every day count!

Villa, Villa, Villa

2009-02-19T02:34:00.000-08:00

Another day has come and gone now. And our routine is very similar every day, but different stories evolve in them. But the great part is that our whole team was back together again. Taylor and Carly joined us. Holly joined us later in the day. Shawnee and Letitia brought the testimonies today to the students, and like everyone else did a great job. I really love how attentive these students are when listening to their stories. The cool part is that our students are doing their testimonies non-verbatum. They are leaving their notes behind and just flowing with whatever God brings back to mind with what they wrote in the beginning.
Our morning sessions are developing quite nicely. We even had a mom from the community come and play football with us. The best part is she was so aggressive, not backing down to any male on the floor. She would be knocked down, but would get back up. She even scored the game tying goal on Micah. Please ask him about that. The cool part is that her son was playing with us - a mother/son tandem.
This afternoon we went back into Camp Hill to distribute the last of the flyers. This is our bus ride getting over there. You can see you noticed.This picture shows the land scape but it is only a minor part. This area is much more larger. We had some time doing acts of service for their community. We picked up garbage and kids who we have made relationship with showed up to help us do this. That is very unique.
I was able to get the camera out today, but still need to be discreet in it. It is sensitive especially when children are around because of legalities within families.
The Chess Center is where our home base is when it comes to Camp Hill. It is where we play sports, make food, and hang out. A multi-million dollar facility, which is barely touched by the community - very weird situation. But this is where we spend our afternoons.
And then it was off to Brimingham in the evening where we would all witness one of the most amazing events in our lives - a European Football Match. This blew the doors off of any Canadian hockey team and its fans. 40,000 people, all singing, cursing everything under the sun when the play didn't go their way. It was sensory overload - I loved it and so did all of our students. The funny part was all of their singing was to church hymns, nursery rythmes and holiday songs. They of course create their own lyrics, we even had the song When the Villa Go Marching In. The team was Aston Villa - the only Premiereship Team that sponsors a Christain organization (very unheard of). Anyway our team decided to buy lots of Villa sports stuff.
We then headed home to bed.
Pray: We are past day 4 which means we should be losing our fatigue factor, so they say. So everyone seems to be coming around. But pray for attitude and attack of the enemy. We recognized our defenses were down yesterday - and it showed in us. We have been walking through the armor of God in church, maybe pray along those lines. Have a great day, talk to you tomorrow.

Best Day of Ministry so far . . . . .

2009-02-18T02:07:00.001-08:00

Today was an amazing day of ministry. We went on with our normal routine in the morning, doing dance/drama and sports. Today was stronger in numbers for sports, which was a real encouragement to those involved. But us Canadians were introduced to the game the English call Football - the game where actually use your feet, not arms!! We call it soccer. But these guys are good. We would rule at hockey, well they rule at football. It is funny when an 8 year old kid is running circles around us.
It was lots of fun. We look forward to playing, it is growing on us. Meanwhile back at the church our dance/drama team was in form. We were minus Carly and Taylor as they took the day off to sleep and recover. As I write this, they are back with us this morning. Still not 100% but feeling better. Our students are having lots of fun with the dance component, which I am glad for.
Joselyne and Jazmyne shared their testimonies today and did a fantastic job. Students are very attentive when they talk and enjoy their stories.
In the afternoon session we went back to Camp Hill - we rented a center in this project where we had a gym a games room of sorts and a kitchen. As soon as we arrived their were students waiting for us because of our advertisement the day before. They were lined up at the doors, trying t break in which is a big NO-NO there. Anyway, when we get ready to go, kids just stream in. The idea for this day was to have a football game, other gym games. We would teach dance, do crafts and cook a Canadian meal - which was pancakes. Everyone loved it, the staff at the center encouraged us not to get our hopes high, and saying that no respect would be given. You should have seen their demeanor after we were done, they couldn't believe what they witnessed. It was awesome. And the staff even liked the pancakes. As well as the kids, they came back several times for more. Thanks to Holly and Torry for prepping everything.
But throughout the afternoon we played with the kids, got to know them. Several of our students shared testimonies to the crowds, and they sat their with full attention. It really was great. Students hung around until we had to kick them out. We go back Thursday to do a similar day, we can't wait to go back.
And then tonight we were all taken to a Pub to eat our meal. We would liken it to a local restaurant so hopefully Charmaine didn't just fall off her chair. The meal was great. Many of our students went with the staple meal of Cheeseburger - something familiar.
Prayer: Still strength. Couple more people not feeling well this morning. Fatigue and jet lag aren't helping.

Create and Camp Hill

2009-02-17T01:54:00.000-08:00

Day 3 - This is the heart of our opportunity here. Every morning we have linked with a ministry called Create. They work in the local school system teaching dance and drama. So 8 of our team are helping in making Create work. The end goal is an event that happens this Friday called Awaken. It is an event where all the students who have participated through the week come and participate in the spiritual end of things. It is a service where I will speak, and our team will perform their dramas and share testimonies.
So for 3 hours in the morning they are in rigorous training in dance and drama. We have partnered with their leadership, and Torry is taking the lead on our part. Ashton is the only guy involved with dance, and all the girls from England are enjoying that!!
The other half of the team is just down the road running a sports camp of sorts. Micah is our key leader on this one. Students from church and community are coming to play the Canadians in sports, it is a great chance to build relationships. This is a branch of Create that they have never done before. Again the goal is to push students towards the Friday event. Everett and Jazmyne went and canvassed the area with Ronnie which is why I don't have a specific picture of them today.
Carly and Josh each shared their testimony to the the crowds in both events. They did an awesome job sharing where they have come from, what God has done with them, and what He means to them. I was very proud of them for what they did.
In the afternoons we are going to a community 10 minutes away called Camp Hill. It is what we would call a Project. Run down, lower income, and alcohol and drugs everywhere. A picture you typically wouldn't think of in England (for the most part). We were instructed not to take cameras to this location yesterday, but that tomorrow we would talk further on it, so sorry for no pictures on this.
But what we did to start in Camp Hill was walking around picking garbage for a couple of hours. People everywhere were inquisitive on what was going on, who we were, so it opened many chances for us to talk. We encountered several children and students yesterday and they just wanted to hang out. So we told them all about the Canadians who will be in Camp Hill all week, to come out tomorrow and eat some Canadian food and maybe challenge us to some football (soccer).
Then in the evening we did a prayer walk around the community and distributed flyers with Christian content into several hundred homes. When evening struck the demeanor of the area changed. Spiritually speaking, it just became unruly, rude, it was an eye opener to say the least.
We finished the night by having a staple English meal - fish and chips. It was awesome.
Please pray - Taylor is pretty sick, run down - today she is taking the day off to sleep, drink fluids and relax. The home she is in - they are doctors, so she is in good care. But we also have 3 other girls in there, Carly has not been feeling well also. So pray for health, we need it. And sleep, the adjustment is has been harder than I think for our students.
And pray for our involvement in Camp Hill, like I said it really is unlike anything we have in Saskatoon, even when compared to the Westside. Will report tomorrow!!

First 2 Days in England

2009-02-16T01:37:00.000-08:00

Well we arrived in England after a very long day. Several of our students lead the way by not choosing to sleep - especially Carly and Letitia. And boy were they giddy!! It was a great flight, no problems whatsoever. We were able to eat, sleep, and relax.
We arrived in London at 10:30am on Feb.14th - Valentine's Day. Never thought I would share Valentine's with 12 students, but I did. When we arrived we had some lunch, then started our training session lead by Ronnie and Chris (local youth pastor). During this time, we were getting sleepy, so they decided to stop and take us for a walk. It was very much needed. The temp had been around 10 degrees, warmer than home. Great to be outside walking. We went into downtown Bedworth. We came back to the church and finished our debriefing. Our schedule is very full!!
That night we had Valentine's supper together - we were taken to an Indian restaurant and had a fantastic meal. The senior pastor and his wife from the church came with us, so it was great getting to speak with him. But through the course of the dinner our team was all fading fast. It was kinda funny to see. Needless to say, sleep was needed, so we called it a night because Sunday was coming.
Sunday was jam packed with stuff. Our team lead all the kids ministry that morning, 2 different groups. Taylor lead worship and did fantastic. Other team members helped with teaching and games. These kids from England are so well behaved Candra said, we just wanted one of them to be naughty for a moment. Funny. As they lead with kids, Torry and I had the opportunity to be in the main service. Torry lead some worship with their team - as he did a special and then continued with them. I was able to bring some thoughts to the congregation, it was a great service for sure.
After this, our host families came and joined us for lunch, a smorgasbord, good to meet with them and get to know them better. Ashton and Everett love their host home, they were fed bacon and eggs and bragged to everyone.
Then we practised the afternoon away - because that night I lead worship with some of our team and others from the church. We lead a youth/young adult service. Micah brought the Word, and did amazing. Our stud ents performed dramas, ministered at the altar, and sang. Then to conclude the night, we ate pizza and drank soda, and ate crisps (chips).
But we are tired, still adjusting, but having a great time. Will log in later with more report.

Dare to Dream... Again!

2009-01-19T16:15:00.000-08:00

Have you ever stepped out in faith, left the comfort and security of what you had known, trusted, and been a part of for a while to start something new? To go and do something that you had always wanted to do, but weren’t sure if it would work, knowing it would not be as easy or secure as what you were leaving? Yet something inside you just knew you really had no choice, if you wanted to keep dreaming, thriving, living, you had to go and do this no matter the cost.

This is what Nelu Chirita in Galati Romania did as part of the NLI church planting project in South East Romania. Nelu was the leader of the largest church in the city of Galati. He had lead this church for over seven years and was comfortable and well established in that community. However God was doing something in Nelu that he could not shake. You see God had burdened Nelu’s heart for the city of Galati. Galati is the most under evangelized city in Romania; with a population of around 300,000 inhabitants and only 7 evangelical churches. Nelu knew that God was calling him to leave the comfort and security of his well established church and to venture into a new location of the city and establish something, fresh and new.

So last year Nelu began to do that, with the support of 50 members of his previous church he moved across the city into a rented building to start a new church just down the street from a couple of schools. He stepped out in faith and said, “Jesus, I am going to do this because you have given me this desire to reach a new generation in Galati for You.”

Nelu has embraced this challenge head on, stepping out of the traditional mind sets that can be prevalent in Church culture and saying I am willing to do something different to reach someone different. He has opened his building up after school for students to come hang out and build relationships with people from the church. Providing a safe place for them to come, spend time, and play games. He has created opportunities for youth and young people to come and experience Jesus in a real way. Let me tell you that Nelu’s faith has been rewarded. His church has grown to over 80 members and close to 100 people meeting together on a given Sunday in less then a year. Not only that, but Nelu has had many others come see, experience and understand the church and the truth of who Jesus is in a whole new way.

So ask yourself, is there something on my heart that I long to do? Is there something that I desire so much but I am not willing to leave my trusted, secure, mundane, day to day, to do it? If so ask God to give you the passion and desire you had when He first birthed that dream in your heart. Dreams never die, just the dreamers. So wake tomorrow and live again, follow your dreams. It is awesome what we can do when we step out in faith!!!!

Pregnancy & Us

2009-01-19T15:41:00.000-08:00

We are all doing very well as a family! I am feeling well in my pregnancy now, though the usual tiredness is certainly present. We are keeping very full with ministry but are blessed and encouraged by the fruit being produced.

We are believing and hoping these next months will be blessed with rest (for Janelle) and great family times in preparation of our new little bundle of joy whose coming soon! We can't wait! Even Caleb has been preparing and getting excited for the baby! He will be such a great big brother, he's so helpful and loving already!

Thank you for all your amazing support and prayers, we highly value them.

New Wheels

2009-01-19T14:37:00.000-08:00

We also have been enjoying and utilizing the full capacity of our new vehicle as ours was written off after a minor accident last fall (see story below).

Though it is still a faith journey in paying for the vehicle, we feel very blessed by having such a spacious, practical and reliable vehicle, especially with our little ones! (It is a 7-seater minivan.)

It enables us to travel in safety, and has enabled us to be an even bigger blessing. Janelle has been able to bless many of the Young Adults with rides to and from worship, as well as driving them to and from other adventures!

We want you to know that we are still needing to raise close to $3000 Cnd to cover the cost of the minivan. So if God is or has put this on your heart, it is not to late and would be a huge blessing for us if you followed through in faith and joined us in meeting this very practical need.

Thanks so much to everyone who has helped us with this thus far!! We are extremely grateful for your generosity and sacrifice, it makes a big difference in our life and ability to be a blessing.

(Click on photo to view more.)

New Wheels

Home sweet home

2009-01-19T13:18:00.000-08:00

Willowfields house photos

(Click on photo to view more of house.)

Well we're finally feeling like we've settled into our new house. We moved in November 1, (with help from some great friends! And Caleb tried to do his part to...)but then had a busy season of Ronnie traveling, Janelle getting over pregnancy sickness and plain old living life to the fullest. We are loving the extra space and will be filling the house full over the next month with guests (10 or 11 from Jan. 16th to March 5th), so we will really be loving the space then!!

It is a 4 bedroom house, allowing a room for Caleb and the new baby, while still maintaining our much used guestroom! We have been blessed to be in a lovely neighborhood with a great park and beautiful walking paths into the town center! Which Janelle will especially appreciate after the baby comes in spring! We have so much closet and storage space by British standards and are really appreciating that!

We have already been able to utilize the house to fullest, as we hosted the young adults for a wonderful Christmas Turkey and all the fixings (was truly splendid Janelle!). We also opened our house for them to have a place to come together and have a great time on new years eve. It was truly a blast, and a great way to bring in the new year with friends.

So we have been blessed with this great new place. Our hope and desire is that it will enable us to be a blessings.

Baby Zerr Again (how amazing is this)

2008-11-08T17:41:00.001-08:00

Here is the second baby zerr! Due date is May 4th. We are very excited and really look forward to meeting this new bundle of joy. Please continue to pray for both mom and baby.

Trip to Slovakia (articles to read)

2008-11-08T17:30:00.001-08:00

Here are a few links to the NLI website that has some article about our time in Slovakia and what Janelle & I were doing there.

Digging Wells for Lipton - by Ronnie Zerr

NLI gives birth to EMERGE - by Linda Howell
EMERGE Testimonies

Hope you are able to take some time to read them and enjoy what they have to share.

Blessings and thanks to all you who make all this possible. We really appreciate your partnership and sharing in all the eternal fruit of our labor.

Caleb as Pooh (halloween special)

2008-11-08T16:55:00.000-08:00

Here are some pics of Caleb as Pooh Bear (his favorite) for Halloween.

Janelle and her moms croup had a Halloween party and I am sure he was the star of the show!!!

Mom was a toy box, as we had 90% of the house packed and only boxes and toys around. How creative is that.

Even enough room to fit in a pooh bear!!!

He is the cutest!

NFL in London (Ronnie is blessed)

2008-11-08T15:46:00.000-08:00

So two Sundays ago I was blessed with a great surprise by a friend of our here in England.

Our friends name is Lawrence, and him and his son (Josh) had found some tickets on the internet for the NFL game in London between the Chargers & the Saints at Wembley Stadium. They decided that I was a worthy candidate for the extra ticket they had gotten and I was very willing and excited to receive this blessings ;)

After calling me Sunday morning to invite me and let me know that my dream of going to the game had come true. We were off to London early that afternoon, caught a quick nap in the car and help with the guiding to the stadium once we arrived into London. Had some great & crazy driving by Lawrence and found ourselves a place to park near Wembley.

Once we arrived at the stadium (after realizing we could have parked closer for the same price) we took some time to check out the surroundings of Wembley. We then headed into the stadium and found our seats. We had great seats on the 40 yard line up in the 3rd level, but they were still great seats.

Well the first quarter was slow, but after that it was all scoring. We got to witness a great display of offensive prowness from both the Chargers and the Saints. Dree Brees put on a show and I caught myself cheering for both teams (and the guys I have in Fantasy football).

The final score was Saints 37 - Chargers 32, it even came down to the last play of the game with Rivers throwing into the endzone, but no luck. However I would have to say that over 83,000 fans went home with a good impression of American Football and that is a good things.

Thanks Lawrence and Josh!!!

The Broken Car (blessings from heaven)

2008-11-08T01:29:00.000-08:00

So we have had a crazy and exciting October. I think most of the craziness began with me getting hit by a lady in the street behind our house and totaling off the old beater.

This was a blessing, as this bad boy was breaking down slowly and would not have been with us much longer. So we have to trust and see that Jesus knew what he was doing.

I was coming out of our yard when a lady was backing up in the alley behind our house. She was looking over her left should (driving on the right side, this is England) and did not see me emerge from her right and stop once I noticed her reversing.

Still waiting to see if insurance deems it mutual fault or her fault. I am convinced it is her fault, but I would say I may be bias.

Busy -but great- Summer

2008-08-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

Well its been so long since our last update blog that I'm not too sure where to start. After our return from Spain we had a few visitors. Sheldon from Slovakia and Jeremy from Canada. We had a great time with all visiting and seeing some "British sites".
After a busy summer with going to Canada, Spain, and then having guests for nearly the next month, it was perfect timing to have some quality down time together over the weekend of our 5th wedding anniversary! So I thought that I'd just post some of the highlight photos and fill you in with more of our life later....

5th Anniversary spent at Safari Park

(Click on photo to view entire album.)

July Update - Pics Included

2008-07-31T18:10:00.000-07:00

We have had a busy and exciting (as always) month of July. Some of the highlights were:

- A trip to Spain to explore a church planting project out there with the Salem Church. We have been working alongside the Salem Churches in Spain for 3 years now training leaders and have developed a great relationship with them. They have a strong desire and passion to see churches planted and people reached with the love of Jesus in Spain. We feel privileged to journey with them and see relevant, community impacting churches initiated, growing and thriving in communities that so desperately need to know the truth and life that only a relationship with Jesus brings. There will be more to follow on Spain in the next year, as I have been asked to give leadership to this project and the work we are doing in Spain as we move forward.

- Janelle was able to join me for the last weekend of the above trip to Spain and meet many of the wonderful people we are working with and building relationships with in Spain. They are wonderful people and I was very honored that they were able to meet Janelle & Caleb and vise versa. We had a great time of fellowship. I was also able to preach at the main church in Madrid on the Sunday, it was one of the larger gathering I have been at in the church with most likely over 800 people there. We had a great time of ministry and many people responded to what God was doing amongst them, through me, that evening.

- We had our good friend Sheldon visit us for a few day here on a work trip. He arrived in the UK the same day we arrived back from Spain. He is a fellow Canadian and NLI missionary and it is always a pleasure to have him in the UK and be able to fellowship and have fun with him.

-We also had my good friend Jeremey from Canada make his summer trip to visit us for 2 weeks. I was great to have Jeremey here with us and be able to host him in this land. The joys of being a teacher having 2 month off to travel the world (oh what we don't give up for Jesus). Jeremey and I spent 2 days in London together which was very memorable indeed! We also went into Oxford for a day to vist CS Lewis' House and visit the famous pub where he and JR Tolkien would hang out, the Eagle & Child. It was so great to have Jeremey here and spend sometime together.

- Our young adults group had a chance to go and hangout one evening at one of the local historic parks called Coombe Abbey. We had a great night together having fun, eating some good BBQ and playing some american football. It was lot of fun teaching them the game and watching them catch on a little and have some fun.

- Unfortunately this month the one mom, other then Janelle (praise God), in her community mom's group who has not had to go through tragedy or hardship up till now, was diagnosed with the same rare condition as one of the other mom's in her group. She is pregnant again and this time they have discovered that she is in a situation that can be life threatening to her and her unborn baby (stage 4 placenta previa). She is currently in hospital at 29 weeks. Thankfully, Sam (the other mom with this complication) has successfully had a beautiful baby girl named Annabel. So we thank you for your prayers and we know that God is able to bring baby and mom through this. Please keep Janelle, this mom (Cheryl) & baby in your prayers.

Always love hearing from our friends, so please drop us a line and let us know how you are doing and how we can pray for you.

Also visit our prayer page for a prayer update there (click here)

Blessings

Ronnie, Janelle & Caleb +

June Update

2008-07-03T00:50:00.000-07:00

As many of you are aware the month of June was spent in Canada reconnecting with friends, partners and sharing with many people the heart we have for the people of Europe and how God is using us to see His love shared throughout this great continent. We had a an excellent trip and a great time catching up and spending time with the many people in Canada we love so dearly.

Some of the ministry highlights of our trip back home were:

Being able to speak in six different church setting, in five different cities about what we are doing with NLI in Europe.
Being able to preach on four different occasion and seeing a number of new believers come to faith in Jesus and many other believers allowing Holy Spirit to come and heal and empower them, enabling them to be instruments of Jesus to the world they find themselves in.
Having an opportunity to meet with new contacts and share what God is doing in Europe and how they can get involved.

Some of our personal highlights of our trip back home were:

Being able to be a part of my Dad's retirement and sharing in honoring him for all the many years(36) of hard work and life, he put into his teaching and investing in the generations of youth.
Being a part of Kevin and Kristin's Wedding. It was a great time and a great day of celebration.
Being able to spend some time with and see our wonderful friends.
Being able to spend time with family and especially for Caleb to have them as a part of his life.

Even though our main purposes for coming back to Canada were to be there for a few significant personal events and to establish partnerships that will enable to continue doing the work God has called us to do here in Europe. It is awesome to know that when you live a surrendered life and are obedient to the things God calls you to do, He is able to do work everything together for our good and allow us to be used in mighty ways to see His love change hearts and lives along the way. This trip was just that for us.

So thank you to so many of you for making this trip so memorable and special. It is always a great pleasure to spend time to together and allow our hearts to be reunited.

Thank you for partnering with us in both finances and prayer. We highly value the role that plays in enabling and releasing us to do the work God has called us to and allows you to share in the eternal fruits of our labour here in Europe.

Spain iTeam - Truly Wonderful

2008-05-21T15:26:00.000-07:00

WOW! What an experience this awesome, God ordained mission was.
For any of you who are not sure what Spain iTeam is let me begin by telling you. One of our great STM coordinators had a burden to see those individuals who were not able to be a part of a team mission trip to have an opportunity to still experience the value, benefit and joy of a short term mission. So what he came up with was iTeams.

These are short term mission teams that would be made up of individuals from different churches, cities and even countries. So from May 1-12 I had the privilege of leading the first ever NLI iTeam into the great country of Spain.

14 gifted, talented and uniquely wired individuals who mostly did not know each other were brought together by a common desire to serve the church in Spain and see lives changed by the love of Jesus. This was a truly unique and memorable experience for myself and the others involved.

We spent 12 days in Spain working with and ministering to the church in 4 different cities in Spain. God really put together a great team of individuals who all had their hearts and attitude aligned with their heavenly Father. Two of those guys (Shawn Chapman & Chris Prees) are good friends of mine, and contributed so much to the team, so that made it extra special for me. It was great to have you guys out there serving the kingdom together.

Some of the highlights for me in the 12 days we were there were:

Ministering to around 150 women in a prison outside Madrid. They were so blessed by us being there and moved by what God had to say to them. 38 ladies responded to the message and many tears where captured by God that evening.

Spending an evening with some young couples who are leaders in the church in Toledo. We had a chance to share some wisdom with them & equip them with some practical tools for their marriages. However the best part was praying for each couple individually, God really spoke to them through us and encouraged and edified them with His words of love.

Being able to preach in the church in Cordoba on the last Sunday morning. God really showed up, challenging the people to step out in faith and allow Him to equip and enable them to reach the many who are without Jesus in Spain. Calling them to share His love, mercy, reconciliation and the truth of living an abundant life in relationship with Him.

So we had a lot of fun and I felt really blessed to have this opportunity, joining with all these amazing individuals from Canada, England and Spain to share all that we had to offer.

I hope this inspires you. Maybe this is something for you to consider? If so please let me know as I would love to see any or all of you have an experience like this, it truly is wonderful!

Blessings

Ronnie +

Happy 30th Birthday Ronnie!!!!!

2008-05-15T08:06:00.001-07:00

I would just like to take the opportunity to say a huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my fabulous husband! In honor and celebration of his 30 years of life I would like to thank him for being the man that he is! Thank you for being such an amazing husband and awesome father! You have led our family with great faith, strength and love. You bring soo much laughter and fun into our home and lives and we are so blessed to have a man like you to lead us through and together in life! May God richly bless this next year of life and the many to follow! We love you! Happy 30th you old man!!!(haha) In light of Ronnie being a big kid at heart and being born in the 70s, I planned a 70's birthday bash for him this past Tuesday. We played lots of goofy games (space hoppers races, hoola hoop contest, pin-the-afro-on-Ronnie, Twister, etc), ate lots of cake and partied in good old 70s style (clothes that is...). Here are some snapsfrom the celebration.

A Trip Down Memory Lane!

2008-05-15T07:50:00.001-07:00

Trip Down Memory Lane

(Click on Photo to take a trip down memory lane!)

More from the party...

2008-05-15T05:41:00.000-07:00

Ronnie's 30 Party

(Click on this photo to view more groovy photos of Ronnie's 70's bash!)

Cycling Expedition

2008-05-10T16:11:00.000-07:00

Mom's been going on about wanting to take me on a bike ride, something about waiting for her bike, fixing her bike after it fell off the car onto the highway on the way home from the shop and then hitching my trailer up to her bike...So I guess we had finally heard the end of this whole saga and were finally ready to roll (literally!) So it was Monday last, a bank holiday and mom had arranged a bike trip with Judith and we were all to go cycling to Coombe Abbey and stop for a tea or something I figured (I've learned that this is what ladies like to do with their spare time!) So we were off, cycling to the lovely land of lush green fields, stream of swans and gardens of glory! However all of a sudden I feel this rattle tat tat, and suddenly the stability I once felt beneath me was gone! Mom came to a screeching halt and began muttering " oh dear, oh no!" Well the nut on her back spoke bearing had come loose and my trailer hitch had followed suit! (fortunately my trailer had a double safety, or so mom says!) We were not impressed to say the least! Anyway Judith had to cycle all the way back home to get the car, and that was that. The cycling trip as we knew it was over! But while Judith cycled home, I got to enjoy my snack and drink, so life wasn't all that bad for me. Then I just got a ride home with Judith while mom cycled uphill all the way home without even getting to Coombe Abbey for tea! I'm not sure why, but as soon as we got home, mom packaged up the trailer back into its box, and now I sit in a bucket seat right behind mom...at least we still get to go biking, I think I could get used to this cycling thing, after all, mom says I'd better!

Fabulous Day out at Sea Life

2008-04-30T01:21:00.000-07:00

We went to Sea Life this week for a special family day before Daddy left for Spain for two weeks. We had such a lovely time out! Caleb kept pointing and saying "ohhh" and "ooooo" and "ahhh". He simply loved seeing all the fish and sea creatures swim right by his face. Mom especially loved the turtles and I think that Dad loved it all as well. We got to see Nemo, and Flo and all sorts from the movie "Nemo" and I even got to drive a really cool yellow sports car you see in the pictures. It was such a great day out!!!!!!

"Happy Birthdat to Caleb..."

2008-04-29T10:05:00.000-07:00

1st Birthday Celebrations!

2008-04-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

"Happy 1st Birthday Caleb!" is how my day began yesterday. Mom and Dad can hardly believe that I'm one already! (I'm not sure why, I'm so big and smart!) What a fun year its been, filled with so much fun, laughter, hugs and giggles! I had a fabulously fun birthday party on Sunday afternoon. I had lots of friends play and party with me. I must say the highlights for me were my friends, balloons, the fab presents I got and tops was the cake and icing on my bear/monkey cake!!! Then on the day of my birthday I got lots of e-cards, and phone calls from Nana, Papa, Gma and Gpa, and other family which was great. Mom also took me to the "Playpit" with Josiah and Sam and we had a blast playing all afternoon. So I must say...I like this Birthday thing! When can we do it again?!

Caleb's first Birthday Party

2008-04-24T06:07:00.001-07:00

Caleb's First Birthday

(Click on Photo to view entire Web album)

Momentus Moments of Recent Days....

2008-04-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

Belfast

(Click on photo to view entire album.)

Oh, how time has flown! It was just last week, on April 10th, that we celebrated being in England for two years! And this coming week, April 23rd, we will be celebrating Caleb's first birthday! We can't believe it!! Though we most certainly miss Canada and all our beloved Canadians, we do indeed feel settled here and are enjoying life, as busy as it is. We are grateful for all the friends we've made and for our church family. Our taste buds have been tested, our language tweaked, and our driving skills stretched and improved. Though we've become a bit europeanized, we're still hearty Canadians! We've also been blessed by having so many of you visit us here and understand our lives here a bit better. Looking back on our time here, its been so amazing! So many fabulous experiences and opportunities and now we're looking forward to another two years packed with excitement, adventure and growth! So thanks for sticking by us and growing with us... and we look forward to the future together.

(Above is an album of photos from life at home and our trip to Belfast, Nothern Ireland with dear friends "Grandma & Grandpa" Guenther. We had a lovely time of exploring and fellowship.)

Janelle, Ronnie and Caleb

Have a Wonderful Easter

2008-03-23T03:18:00.000-07:00

We want to wish you a wonderful Easter.

What an amazing time of being able to reflect on the greatness what God has done for us, in sending Jesus, to take our sin and shame on the cross and conquer sin and death through his resurrection. How amazing it is that He who was righteous and had no sin, gave who had sin, righteousness.

Easter is a time of great celebration for those who have received God's grace and forgiveness through Jesus and have given themselves over to the Lordship of Jesus. We celebrate the new life He has created in us and how He allow us to share this ministry of reconciliation with others.

For those who do not know him, the truth is that what we celebrate at Easter is as much for you as it is for me. It is a chance for you to reach out and open you heart to the love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and Lordship of Jesus. He died for you, for your forgiveness!

He is offering it to you. He loves you with an everlasting love. He is waiting for you to receive what He is offering, a new life, a new heart, a hope, a future, a full life, a life everlasting. No it is not always easy, but it is worth it.

So blessing to you all today, no matter what your faith is or who it is you follow. We are so grateful for you in our lives and hope and pray that more then anything, you would understand the reality of who Jesus is and what He has done for you in His death and resurrection.

May you know the truth and may it set you free.

Much Love,

Ronnie, Janelle & Caleb +

February Update

2008-02-26T04:57:00.001-08:00

We hope you are well and living life to its fullest. We are presently enjoying life and all the opportunities that have come our way. We are excited about the things God is calling us to and the ways he is stretching us in our thinking and leadership. We love that He is taking us to a new level and helping us to see the realities that are before us to impact and influence others to see them living lives that are full of Jesus' love, truth and blessings. What an amazing thing it is to live with Jesus in control of your life, He is so intimately involved in every area and longs for us to live that abundant life everyday. What a joy it is! No it is not always easy, but it is always amazing when we let Him lead!

This past month we have had many exciting things happen both personally and ministry wise. We have accepted the role as leaders of the Young Adults ministry in the church. This will be a volunteer commitment of 3 evening a month. We are very excited to be entering into this opportunity to impact and lead this age group of men and women together. Having the ability for Janelle and I to lead this group together is really exciting for us. One of our closest couple friends, Chris and Gemma, are also joining us in leadership of this ministry. We feel privileged to help mentor them and work alongside them in this ministry.

I also had the privilege of being at a church up in Wakefield with a colleague of mine from NLI last Sunday. This is the Church that Smith Wigglesworth died in while doing a friends funeral! How cool is that! I was asked to speak with the youth in the morning service and preached in the evening service. In the morning two young ladies from the youth. Enyo and Kirstin committed their lives to Jesus and asked Him to be there Lord and Savior. How awesome is that! Then in the evening we had a good response from the church and a number of individuals where prayed for and ministered to, including one 10 year boy who was running the power point and came right from the back booth to the front asking God to strengthen him and fill him with the Holy Spirit, so he would not loose perspective of the influence he has to impact those he has relationship with.

Please continue to pray for us and those who we have the privilege of having relationship with as we serve Jesus and the calling He has given us for Europe.

Please visit our prayer page (click here) to see specific prayer requests we have this month.

Blessing to you all,

Ronnie, Janelle & Caleb

* If you did not receive our email update but would like to please email us at moldableclay@gmail.com and we will add you to our email list.

Quite a Little Pooper

2008-01-25T02:57:00.000-08:00

Ok so I am now 9 months old and my mom and dad thought it was about time I started pooping on the toilet (probably more my dad then my mom, he thinks I can do anything ;) ). Well over a week ago now my mom decided to give it a try and to her delight and my relief (I had been holding it for hours) I actually laid one down in the toilet. That was even before I was 9 months old.

So because of the early success, mom and dad began to try it on a little more of a regular basis. Guess what, I have now tried to poop on the toilet 9 times and have successfully achieved poopage each time I have tried. I have also tinkled on a few of those occasions as well.

This morning was my first morning poo, after going the whole night holding it in (I think the song, "Mommy wow, I'm a big boy now" would fit well here). So I have now had a poo in the morning afternoon and evening! I guess this cloth nappy thing does work, cause man I am looking forward to getting out of these things.

I will keep you all posted on my poop adventure and the other fun things happening in our lives, but for now enjoy the pics from this morning.

Mom hopes this isn't to inappropriate for public viewing, but hey I am only 9 months old, what do I know about that.

Talk to you all later,

Caleb +

Looking Forward to 2008

2008-01-24T14:16:00.000-08:00

We hope you had great Christmas holidays and the new year is going well for you. We would love to hear how you are doing and what the new year holds for you.

Many of you may already be aware that our original commitment of 2 years working with NLI, would be coming to close at the end of March. However the opportunity and potential that exist within Europe and the direction that NLI is going to impact Europe, has excited us. We firmly believe that God is calling us continue to work with NLI in Europe for at least another 2 years and have therefore extended our commitment. Within that reality my personal responsibility in the Church Planting department will also be changing throughout the year. I will be taking on even more of a leadership role in some of our current church planting projects and working closely with the church in Spain that we have relationship with, to begin developing a church planting project in that country.

We have recently been asked to take on the leadership of the young adults ministry at our local church. We are presently contemplating this opportunity from both a time and relationship perspective. We see that there is some great potential and leadership growth for both of us in this opportunity. It is an age group that we both would be excited to work with and invest into, allowing us to minister and lead together.

So we enter into 2008 with great expectation and much to anticipate:

The extension of our time here in the UK and Europe, the personal growth that will bring and new challenges ahead of us.
The working out and development of NLI 2.0. So that as an organization we can strategically move forward to most effectively reach our goal or having a functional ministry relationship in all 46 Nations of Europe by 2020.
The church plants officially starting in the church planting project in Romania.
Ronnie's opportunity to coach the Coventry Jets Football and his promotion from last year, as he takes over the role of Defensive Coordinator. (Please read the article below)
Janelle's continued relationships with the other mom's in her local mom's group and the difficult circumstances that exist within that group.
The potential opportunity within our local church to have a significant ministry with the Young Adults.

Blessings

From Us ...
to You

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2008-01-07T00:08:00.000-08:00

We are just wanting to wish all you wonderful people a happy new year! We hope you had great time with family and friends over Christmas and had a chance to enjoy the season and the gift that God gave us in Jesus.

We are very excited about the new year and all the anticipation and excitement it brings. We would love to hear from you and know how your last year was and what you are looking forward to in this coming year. Send us a email or give us a call.

We will be updating the site real soon with news about what the new year hold for us hear in Europe. But for now visit the link below to read about Ronnie new role with the American Football team he is coaching here in the UK.

Blessings and love, we miss you all!

Ronnie, Janelle and the great Caleb +

Saskatoon native completes Jets coaching line up

@
www.bafl.org.uk

First attempts with Cheerios!!

2007-12-07T15:54:00.000-08:00

Sorry about the poor video quality, but thought I'd share Caleb's 1st Cheerio moment! I'm soo proud!

Snaps from our lovely visit from the "Zilkie's"

2007-12-07T15:50:00.000-08:00

Visit with the "zilkie's"

Here's some photos from our lovely time with the Zilkie/ Van Calsteren's! We were blessed with such an awesome time! Truly a time of encouragement and building up! Thank you for that!!! We love you, appreciate you, and miss you!

Making Music with Joshua

2007-11-24T17:21:00.000-08:00

Tickle Time

2007-11-13T08:11:00.000-08:00

Where has the time gone...

2007-11-13T06:31:00.000-08:00

Caleb six months

(Click on photo to view entire web album.)

Wow, where has the time gone?! Caleb is six months already, well, nearly seven actually!!! Though these past months have been incredibly busy, they have been filled with utter joy!!! We absolutely LOVE being parents!!! Every day is filled with new joys and adventures (like currently we are experiencing the fever, runs, diaper rash, and wingeyness of teething...and Caleb sitting on his own !!!) We have had a busy fall with many work trips and are finally at home for some needed down time and normal routine (well Caleb and I atleast!). But this fall has consequently been filled with some awesome meetings with many Europeans pursuing God full heartedly! Its been so exciting to be a part of it all! Here's a few photos to recap bits of our life here in England....and around Europe!

Austria

2007-10-16T15:59:00.001-07:00

Vienna, Austria

(Click on photo to view entire web album.)

Caleb has now added 3 new countries to his passport....what a crazy fall! We have been very busy with work travel and a little visiting of friends as well. Life continues to go very well for us, which we are soo incredibly grateful for. But I must say, its nice to be at home and settle into a bit of a routine...

Slovakia

2007-10-16T15:57:00.000-07:00

Slovakia

(Click on photo to view entire web album.)

Promised Pictures- Poland

2007-10-16T15:45:00.000-07:00

Krakow, Poland

(Click on photo to view entire web album.)

Thankful for life, health, and travel...

2007-10-08T12:34:00.000-07:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM A PLACE WHERE THIS HOLIDAY DOES NOT EXIST! I wouldn't have even known today was Canadian Thanksgiving if it weren't for family, friends, and the internet!Funny how such momentous occasions can seemingly just be erased from your mind when you're immersed in a different context...

Well here we are in Slovakia, all three of us are here, yet not all together. Ronnie, Caleb and myself have all just come from Krakow, Poland from a conference; Eurosummit. It is a conference that NLI(the organization we work with) holds every two years to gather together people from all over Europe that work together to reach Europe for Jesus (this is what NLI does). So it was a fabulous time of celebrating what God has been doing over the past couple of years in growing His church and loving His children. We heard stories of communities changed, people being physically healed, and lives being restored! It is always so wonderful to meet with the European church planters and be united in Spirit and purpose. It was also a time of encouragement, challenge, and vision. All in all it was one busy, but very fulfilling week! (We also enjoyed seeing a little bit of Krakow- what a beautiful city- it actually reminded me quite a bit of Kelowna, minus the castle and large city center square, with high clock tower, cathedral and market!)

After this wonderful whirlwind of a week, we were off to Slovakia. Caleb and I caught a ride with our good Slovakian friends who were also at the conference, Anna and Sheldon (well, Sheldon is Canadian, but quickly becoming Slovak). And Ronnie stayed in Poland for some further meetings and made his way to Slovakia via Rail, where he is continuing to work as he meets with several of the newer Slovakian church plants. We will meet up later this week to enjoy more time with Sheldon, Anna, Mia, Babka, and Babinka! So we're looking forward to that. But so far, it has been lovely seeing the beautiful country side of Slovakia and getting a little more insight into Slovakian culture (including attending one of the church plants on Sunday where I reunited with some old acquaintances). I'll have to post pictures later, I forgot my camera computer cord...so with more to come later on the Slovakian sunshine, I'll bid you farewell with a Slovakian "ahoy"!!! (I have no idea of the spelling---please forgive me Anna!!)

Giggles.

2007-09-24T02:59:00.001-07:00

Chatterbox

2007-09-24T02:45:00.000-07:00

Overdue update of Caleb

2007-09-20T02:10:00.000-07:00

Caleb 5 months

(Click on photo to view entire Web album.)

Caleb is doing very well for all those whom are curious. He is overall loving life (particularly when mom is around!) He loves smiling, laughing, and eating toes, fingers, or whatever is in site! He is also my little chatterbox! More later....my little man is awake and hungry!!!!

Hello All

2007-09-04T09:39:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to let you know that we have sent out an update email and prayer request for September today and hope you have all received it. If you haven't please visit our prayer page on the right hand side of this page. If you would like to be added to our mailing list please email us and let us know. Our email address can be found on our partnership page on the right hand side of this page. Just click the link.

I am also wanting to let you all know that if you would like to, you can listen to my sermon online from our time at Alexis Park Church Vernon, BC this summer. Just click on the word sermon or visit there website @ alexisparkchurch.com . Feedback is always welcome.

Thanks again to so many of you for making our trip back to Canada with Caleb so great.

We will keep the pictures coming.

Blessings

Ronnie +

Good Summer Times...

2007-08-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

Back in the UK

2007-08-24T02:35:00.000-07:00

Well it is nice to be back in our home in the UK. Finally settling back into a routine. My neighbor was out in the garden the other day and we were chatting and I said, "its nice to be back." and she said, " what, to the rain?" Well, okay, the rain isn't so great , but the sun is shining today!!! And it shone yesterday too as I joined a couple of friends for a walk at Coombe Abbey.
We've been home for a week now and I'm still putting away laundry and tidying up the house (not to mention the work that needs to be done in our jungle of a yard!) I think it took Ronnie a few hours to mow through our small yard (with our little electric mower) in which the grass had grown to be a few feet tall!!! But we're getting there, and enjoying catching up with our friends here whom we have missed while away.
Well, as I had mentioned, the sun is actually shining again, so I'd better not use up any more time sitting indoors on the computer!!
Thanks to everyone in Canada in for an absolutely marvelous visit and fantastic holiday back home for the summer (with loads of sunshine!)

Canada Tour '07

2007-07-28T14:08:00.000-07:00

Loving Life in Kanata

Click on photo to view web album.

O' Canada

2007-07-24T21:38:00.000-07:00

Well we have been in Kanata for a few weeks now and to be totally honest, apart from a few days in Moose Jaw and a couple in Calgary, for me it has not felt like a holiday at all. Don't get me wrong it has been so great to be back here and for everyone to meet Caleb and share in the joy that he brings, but it has been busy and intense (in a good way).

I have been having a number of meeting and had the opportunity to speak at a church 4 times since we have been back and those meetings and church times have been excellent. I am hoping they will help us see a great number of short term mission from Canada in 2008 and some churches in Saskatchewan become a part of the Church Planting project we are doing in Romania. So I am not complaining in the least (as it has been very beneficial), just sharing the reality of the trip.

It has been excellent to catch up with such good friends, we really are blessed by all our friends, they are so supportive and caring. We have enjoyed seeing our relatives and allowing them to get to know the new addition even if it has been brief. So thank you, to everyone who has shared this with us and taken the time for us while we have been here. We have enjoyed seeing you all and getting a chance to hangout.

We will be posting some web albums of all the thousands (no not quite that many) wonderful pics we have from the trip so far. So all of our GREAT (we think you are great) British friends can see how much he has changed! Really he has.

Talk to you all soon, we miss you all!

Spanish Excursion

2007-06-27T14:13:00.000-07:00

Well, we had a wonderful time in Spain. The meeting in Spain went wonderfully with the pastors there and the foundation is laid for the iTeams missions trips next year (ask us about more details or go the NLI website). Caleb's friendship with Lauren also grew as they got to spend lots of time together (and us moms and dads had a great time too:). As a bonus, it was a great trial run to see how Caleb would do with flying and we're pleased to say that he did very well indeed!! So we're off to Canada tomorrow morning and we're super excited! Can't wait to see you there!

It arrived!!!

2007-06-18T13:48:00.000-07:00

Caleb in June

(click on photo to view entire web album.)
Horray, Caleb's passport arrived!!! In time!!! Thanks for all your prayers!

Life flies by...

2007-06-18T13:36:00.000-07:00

Wow, Caleb is two months old already!!! I can't believe how quickly time passes. Well I must inform you all that life as a mother certainly is wonderful (and as a father for Ronnie!)! I must admit that some days monotony does get the better of me, but as soon as Caleb flashes me a smile or cuddles up under my chin, all joy returns... Well, major celebration; Caleb's passport arrived today! Thank goodness too, because we leave for Spain Wednesday! and for Canada the following week! (Taking baby passport pictures- quite the experience!) Caleb and I are joining Ronnie on a work trip to Spain, building relationships with nationals there in preparation for missions support and future, potential church plants. A very exciting opportunity! We can't wait. We'll be going with fellow co-workers and friends, Doug and Kara Watson, along with their baby girl, Lauren.
Then of course off to Canada, which we're very much looking forward to... Summer in the Sun with friends and family! Does it get any better than that?! We can't wait to introduce Caleb to everyone!! So we look forward to seeing everyone back home and will miss our British friends here. More to come....

A Look into our World...

2007-06-08T07:44:00.000-07:00

Here is a recent article that Ian Green (founder of NLI) wrote to put in our local churches bulletin. Please enjoy.

Are we insane, maybe... but its worth it.

Bedworth may seem like an unlikely spot for the headquarters of an international organisation. But it is just that. You may not be aware but in Dovedale House on Bulkington Road, next door to King Community Church, houses the offices of Next Level International and the Proton Foundation. The extraordinary people that make up the team of NLI and Proton are passionate, visionary, ordinary, sporty, whacky, conservative, shockingly funny, skeptical, radical, post-modern and modernists, local and international. They are indeed hard to define as they are a coalition of unique individuals. It takes all kinds to make up the powerful team that has helped churches go from struggling to strong in the post-communist continent of eastern and central europe.

You may spot them at church and then not see them for weeks or months but let me tell you they are not slacking off. No, most of them split their time between Bedworth/Nuneaton and the nations they work in. Lucky them, you say. Well absolutely. There are incredible blessings but equally there are intense sacrifices they must make as well. Take Steve & Michelle Melnichuk, heading up the Leadership development team, Steve splits his time between home and the road. He spends a great deal of time investing into young, emerging and senior leaders in the nations of Europe and raising funds and support from western churches and sacrifices precious time with Michelle and the kids.

But my question to you, is have you ever wondered what causes these guys to make the sacrifices. What about the ever-optimistic Missions Pastor Kev, who is forever trying to recruit anyone and everyone. What about Ronnie and Janelle, having their first baby in a strange land without their family and friends close by. What about Scott and Daniel Thomson, you may recognise them as father and son playing bass and guitar in the worship team, what made them leave Australia for the sun-starved county of Warwickshire. And the Swinamers, what caused them to bring their kids so far away from home, grandparents and friends to England. And not only that, but what makes them stay... These people make daily sacrifices with amazing passion and excitement. Are they insane? Do you ever wonder what makes them tick? I mean, it’s a good cause we all agree that. But is it worth it?

As founders of Next Level International and the Proton Foundation, Judith and I know first hand that everyone involved in the ministry whether out on the road or our operations team are essential to our success and are a constant inspiration and encouragement to us. Without each person the work just wouldn’t get done. And the work is not just to achieve goals or to raise money, the goals, the funds, the work is all about people, our friends and comrades in Christ.

Take our recently launched project in Romania which had its official kick off recently with a Church Planter Training Seminar in the City of Constanta. This project began in January 2007 and will be ongoing for the next 4 to 5 years. During the first year, we lay a solid foundation of training and casting vision building into the potential Romanian Church Planter. We also begin to identify and release some local staff from Romania who are instrumental in the success of the project. By the end of this year we will have a Romanian Project Director, Short Term Missions Coordinator and Administrator. They help to coordinate with us in the UK office and support the church planters in Romania. Then from January 2008 until December 2010 we will be helping the Romanian Church in this region plant churches through the partnership of Western Churches working with NLI. We are excited about this project and know that God is going to do great things in and through each person involved in reaching the people of this region. For us, it is not about “planting another church” but the people of this region are incredibly destitute economically, socially and spiritually. Our heart breaks for them and we hope to be able to bring them back to life again. Our focus is that this region would see an insurgence of light, faith and hope and all that they have lost to political regimes would be regained and replenished until they are overflowing and able to minister to others.

But no matter where our work takes place, our aim is the same. To see people grow in all aspects of their lives and become a stronger, more passionate, more God-inspired version of themselves and ultimately we will see the strong force that the church in Europe is destined to be, take shape.

For more information on the work of Next Level or the Proton Foundation, check out our websites at www.nlieurope.com and www.protonfoundation.com or talk to one of the team.

Ian Green

More of our little Man...

2007-06-04T14:21:00.000-07:00

Caleb in May

Click on the picture to view complete web album.

Exciting Times @ NLI

2007-05-30T18:38:00.000-07:00

It has constantly been exciting for us since we began to venture down this road less travelled. We have been challenged, stretched, encouraged, strengthened and many other things since we started this journey to be a part of seeing the vision of NLI fulfilled throughout Europe.

Really it was the faith and vision of Ian Green that began this organization. He had a heart to see the people of Europe have an life changing experience and foundational training in the things of God, that would allow them to fulfill their personal destiny and see their communities and nations changed by God unfailing love. It was this initiative that has allowed NLI to have such significance and authority in nations such as Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, Romania and most recently Spain.

However as a ministry we at NLI have recently felt that God was calling us to step out into new challenges and levels of faith that will allow us to fulfill the mandate that God has put on each of us who are a part or NLI. The anointing as a ministry to empower and release a generation of Europeans to love their neighbours and share the grace, mercy & forgiveness of God, in Jesus, that can change a life and give hope to the hopeless.

The entire NLI family has expressed a new determination toward God's call on NLI and each of our own lives that will enable us collectively to, empower a whole new generation of radical leaders to equip, transform & expand the church throughout Europe.

Specifically three goals have been established as the team looks to fulfill it's vision.

Outworking the Vision - bringing the vision to life

Missional Goal - To have a functional ministry relationship in all 47 nations of Europe

Organizational Goal - To be structured [shaped] so that we empower and multiply a new generation of leaders to create movements [organisms] to facilitate the expansion of God's Kingdom in Europe

Cultural Goal - Our observed organizational culture would be a true reflection of our stated core values.

Please continue to pray and support us both as a ministry and personally. Please pray that we would do our part and continue to contribute significantly in helping see this vision become a reality and lives, communities, & nations changed.

If you would like to become a partner with us, please visit our partnership page (link on the right of this page). We would be very grateful to have you join us on this journey.

Much Love & Many Blessings,

Ronnie, Janelle & Caleb +

Please Vote for Janelle & Caleb

2007-05-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

Just copy and paste the link below to you address bar and vote for Janelle & Caleb's picture:

www.babyexpert.com/index.php/gallery/caleb/36151

once you get there simple go down to the RATE THIS ITEM title and select:

5 excellent

Cause it is!!!

PLEASE NOTE: you can vote more then once,just has to be at a different time!!!

Thanks
Blessing to you all...
ps. please read our new prayer update on our prayer page linked on the right of this page, under monthly prayer updates!

Nana Reimer's Visit

2007-05-24T11:07:00.000-07:00

Thanks mom for coming out to visit and HELP!! Your help was soo appreciate- seriously. Now its just getting into a routine without you....

All in all things are going really well here for us! We're settling into to being a family and loving it! Of course there are challenges, like lack of sleep, crying baby, feeling like I'm feeding all the time etc etc... But that's all normal stuff to be expected right?! So thanks to everyone for all the congratulations, encouragement and advice. We appreciate it and even moreso appreciate you!
On the advice topic....for all those nursing mothers (or those who have in the past), I'm just curious what foods you found you needed to avoid while breastfeeding? I know we're all different, but thought I might do a little research here if you don't mind helping me out.... Thanks
And now for more of Caleb (you might as well get used to it!) who is now 1 month old!!!

(Just click on the photo to view web album)

My time with Nana Reimer

Happy Birthday Ronnie!!!

2007-05-14T16:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my dear sweet husband who has also turned out to be a wonderful father (no surprise!!). I hope you have a fab day and pray that your year would be hugely blessed Ronnie - which it already has been having Caleb join our lives... Speaking of which, I couldn't resist posting more pictures of him, even though its Ronnie's day...I know you won't mind Ronnie.

Got Milk?

Caleb's Early Days

2007-04-29T07:33:00.000-07:00

Caleb's Early Days

Caleb Roan Live

2007-04-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

Ok it's not live, but the closest thing to it! Hope you enjoy!

We are loving being parents! Thanks for all your love, support, encouragement and kindness right here in England and from so far away! We really appreciate you all.

We will be bring him to Canada for a "Welcome Home Tour" on June 28th.

Looking forward to showing him off and seeing you!

Blessings and enjoy the show,

Ronnie, Janelle & Caleb (the coolest little man)

Day 2

Caleb Roan Zerr the 1st!

2007-04-23T06:44:00.000-07:00

Caleb Roan Zerr (bold, without fear, brave in victory)
Born April 23 @ 5:00 Am
6 Pounds 8 1/2 Ounces
20 Inches Long

Mom & Baby are doing great. Thanks for all your prayers. Had to have an emergency C-section, ends up the cord was wound around his leg. Everyone is doing great and we are already loving this little guy!

Please click on the picture to view the Web Album online.

Many Blessings

Ronnie, Janelle & Caleb Roan!

Caleb Roan Zerr - April 23rd, 2007

One Year!

2007-04-15T10:22:00.000-07:00

Here is a pictorial remeberance of how the last year has been. We have had a great year and are loving the privilege of being here in England working with NLI and serving the church in Europe!
Blessings to you all and thank you very much for your prayers, support and encouragement that has made it all possible.

Leaving Home, Family and Friends, so many mixed emotions...

Life in England and the many visitors!

Working In Europe, serving the great people who want to see their counrties changed by God Amazing Love!

Coming back to Canada, because God plans were different then ours. He is so loving and faithful! So Great to see our wonderful friends and family again.

Settling into life in England and more encouraging visits from great friends & family!

Thank you for all you prayer, support and encouragement we could not be serving Europe without you! We are very grateful for you all in our lives!!!

Hasn't arrived yet...

2007-04-08T17:10:00.000-07:00

One and a half weeks till due date! So just waiting around, keeping busy and trying to take in some R&R and sleep while we can!

More lovely guests...

2007-03-28T05:57:00.000-07:00

As previously mentioned, we had more lovely guests this week; my brother, Steve and two of his friends, Chris and Damian. It was soo nice having them, we just had a great few days hanging out together, seeing a few local sights and relaxing at home. They had just finished 3 months of travel and were on their way home, and me being as pregnant as I am, the relaxing visit was very welcome for us all! Not to mention that the guys were all in the kitchen doing dishes before I could even leave the supper table, so they were amazing and I actually felt quite pampered (not that Ronnie doesn't pamper me, but I had four guys helping out instead of one)!!! Needless to say we had a great time and I miss my bro already!!!!
I know everyone is probably checking the blog to see if baby Zerr has arrived (like Alison)but, you'll just have to let my guests entertain you as they have me- it's better than getter bored and anxious that's for sure!!!! I'll try to update the blog more regularly so that there is atleast something new to check all the time. But I'm getting lots of Braxton Hicks contractions and the baby seems to be dropping, so hopefully things will keep progressing and the baby will come on time (April 18th)!!!!

Lovely guests

2007-03-20T08:31:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely last minute surprise last week when our friends Rob and Cynthia (from Saskatoon) decided to come and visit us on their holidays!!! We had such a great time with them and were so encouraged by their visit! So thanks guys, for coming to visit us, and to everyone else, our doors are open....(we might need a little time after the baby, but the doors remain open, we still have a guest room free!)
This week Ronnie's off to Czech Republic with work to meet with potential future church planters (see our prayer post) and then my brother, Steve and a couple of his friends are here for 4-5 days before they head home from their world travels! So we are super excited to have them, I can't wait! Its nice to be kept entertained in these last few weeks before the baby comes, as we're starting to get super anxious for our little miracle to arrive!!! The hospital bag is packed and waiting by the door, and everything else seems to be in place, so its just a matter of waiting now....

Janelle's Baby Bump @ 34 Weeks

2007-03-03T09:09:00.001-08:00

Jae's Baby Bump at 34 weeks

(Click on the above photo to see the complete web album.)

Showered With Blessings!!!

2007-02-28T09:21:00.000-08:00

We have been so blessed recently (and throughout this whole pregnancy) that we just wanted to give a little "praise report" so to speak. It all began with our trip back to Canada back in October when we were blessed with bags of maternity clothes (from jackets to bathing suit and all in between), gift certificates and beginner baby supplies- thank you again!! Then we've been continually blessed throughout these past months with more of our baby supply needs being met. We were given a beautiful crib/cot from some friends and co-workers here in England and I found a fantastic deal on the bedding and curtains at a local charity shop. Then we were blessed by finding a great change table at a seriously reduced price at
IKEA, thanks to Ronnie's great shopping skills! He managed to find the change table that we wanted in a very tattered and torn up box with only a slight scratch on it, needless to say, they gave us a 40% discount on the change table! We also were able to buy me my dreamed of nursing chair with some saved up christmas money (a local baby store has a "seconds" section to their furniture section and after much looking, waiting and continuous monitoring of their items, the chair we wanted finally arrived in their "seconds" department- horray!). Furthermore we were very blessed by some other friends and co-workers who, very regretfully, had to return to the States prematurely due to some VISA complications. Needless to say, that if we end up having a baby girl, she will be very well dressed for at least the first year of her life. As well as being blessed with some very practical items along the way like baby monitor, cloth diapers (they have come a long way and are fabulous!), baby bath, travel play-pen, and a goorgeeousss stroller !!! We just feel soo overwhelmed with blessings that we wanted to praise God for HIS amazing provision for us through so many of YOU and your generosity!!!!! So thank-you and praise God, we are so blessed and appreciative!!!!!! Not to mention ful l of anticipation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Farewell Friends!

2007-02-28T08:56:00.000-08:00

I would like to take this chance to say Good-bye to our friends Nathan, Lindsay, and Jocelyn! They are a family who was working here with NLI and are originally from the States. Due to some unfortunate VISA complications they had to return to the States prematurely. We just wanted to firstly say thank-you to you guys for blessing us with your friendship. We will certainly miss you here!!! Lindsay and I were only about 2 weeks apart in our pregnancies (her second child) and we were soo looking forward to sharing this special season together (we'll have to connect on Skype!) And Nathan and Ronnie shared many similar interests including their love for North American Sports, being social and enjoying good competition (even if it was just darts)! We also wanted to say a big thank you for blessing us with so much of your stuff that you couldn't ship home with you. Between shopping at your "moving sale" and being given extras along the way, we were so blessed by your generosity and are praying for the same generosity to be given to you upon your return home!!!
We would like to ask all of our other friends if you could pray for Nathan, Lindsay, Jocelyn and their new baby as they integrate back into the USA. Along with reverse culture shock they have many unexpected expenses like paying for the birth of their child in the States. Thanks in advance for your prayers and concern for our friends! We know they are in God's hands and just as He has already began to provide for them in huge ways, we pray that this would continue!!! Be blessed!

I'm 32 weeks old now!

2007-02-23T16:45:00.000-08:00

Here I am growing like crazy! Although I'm a little on the small side, I'm growing well. I'm now 3.5 lbs with 8 more weeks to go. I play with mom all the time, kicking and squirming. Mom loves it though, she giggles almost all the time when I move and dad loves it too. I get a little shy though when mom asks me to show off to others, but when we're alone I really get active. It's starting to get a little crowded in here now though, so I can't do flips like I used to. I don't know if you can tell, but I have one hand over my forehead and another in the background behind my nose and mouth. My cute little button nose stands out as a sillouette against the black background in the middle of the picture, my left eyelid is closed and looks a little darker than the rest of my face.... hope you can see me well! Next time you see me- it'll be a much clearer picture and won't be in black in white, so I won't need to explain!!!

crazier things....

2007-02-17T15:58:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it you Canadian folks....they cancelled school here for this much snow?!?!?!? This snow was from last week and only lasted two days, but those two days equalled no school for two days!!! Just thought we'd share this strange reality, especially with the winter you Saskatchewan folk had this year (and all of Canada for that matter)!! But hey, we're not complaining;)

Great Beginnings in Romania

2007-02-08T06:41:00.000-08:00

Last month I spent a lot of time setting up and organizing the official kick off for our Romania Church Planting Project. This specific project began in January of this year and will be ongoing for the next 4 to 5 years. Stage 1 of this project is from January 2007 until December 2007. Stage 1 is the developmental stage where we lay a solid foundation of training and casting vision building into the potential Romanian Church Planter. We also begin to identify and release some local staff from Romania who are instrumental in the success of the project. By the end of this year we will have a Romanian Project Director, Short Term Missions Coordinator and Administrator. They help to coordinate with us in the UK office and support the church planters in Romania. Then from January 2008 until December 2010 we will be helping the Romanian Church in this region plant churches through the partnership of Western Churches working with NLI.

This past week I had a chance to travel again to Romania for five full days that included meetings with regional leaders and potential national project staff, a church planter training seminar and having the privilege of preaching at 2 churches on Sunday. The Romania Project is still in its foundational stage as we are just beginning to develop and identify national staff that will run the project in Romania, potential church planters as well as we are still recruiting partner churches.

65 nationals made up of potential church planters and potential mother church pastors joined us at the conference. It was an exciting time of sharing the joint vision that NLI and the Regional Church Leadership in the Constanta Region have to see 12-15 churches planted in the 4 areas that make up this region in the South East corner of Romania. It was truly inspiring to see God begin to equip, empower and inspire them to believe for the vision God has given them to see a church planted in the target city He has put on their heart.

On Friday evening we were able to have Ian Green join our celebration service, and he brought us a message that not only had us all laughing hysterically but also challenged and inspired us to believe for the things God has put on our hearts for Romania and to know that He is capable of doing exceedingly and abundantly more then we could ask or imagine if we make ourselves available to Him. I know that the Romanians who attended the conference were talking about what Ian shared for the rest of the conference. It was great to see them encouraged and so passionate about what God is going to do in Romania through them.

One of the other exciting things for us as a Church Planting department was being able to identify and release the Romanian Project Directors into their role for this project. Traian & Elena Pascalau will be the Romania National Project Directors for this Church Planting Project. They will help oversee the project and be a liaison with the NLI staff as well as a support and mentor to the church planters. This is a wonderful couple who lead a church that was planted in the city of Constanta and have a real heart for church planting and a desire to serve and love the church planters. We are very excited to have them as part of the project and know that God is going to do great things in and through them.

So for us this was a very successful and foundational trip that has encouraged us. We are very excited about what God is going to do out there and to see churches planted that can change communities and lives with the Good News and hope that comes from having a relationship with Jesus who loves us all so much and longs for relationship with us.

Thank you for sharing in what we are doing.

Blessings to you all,

Ronnie +

What about when we hurt???

2007-01-29T13:55:00.001-08:00

I was at a worship meeting tonight and a friend was sharing his heart on where he was at and what God was speaking to him during this time. It really impacted me, so I thought I would share… He firstly shared about the parable in Matthew 20, how a landowner hired some workers for the day and agreed upon a wage for their work. As time passed throughout the day, the landowner hired more workers who didn’t have work for the day. The day grew later and later and the landowner continued to hire workers into the late hours of the day. At the end of the day the landowner gathered the workers together to pay them their wages, he paid the first hired workers their agreed upon sum and then continued to pay all the other workers hired throughout the day and even late in the day, the same wage as the initial hired workers! Those who had worked the longest hours of the day were furious! They felt this so unjust, to be paid the same wage as those who had only worked a small fraction of the long laborious hours they had! How unfair!!! (Feel Free to read the whole story for yourself if you want the story in its entirety and full meaning.)

Isn’t that how many of us feel in various seasons of our lives?! I know I have several friends right now, of whose circumstances, I think so unfair!!! Why them? Why now? Why still? Why this?

He continued to share from John 11 regarding the death and resurrection of Lazarus. Jesus was in another city (a nearby city), away from his friend Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. The sisters sent news to Jesus that Lazarus was very ill- could He not come and heal their brother?! But Jesus delayed and continued with His work in the other city and came once He was done. But he came too late! Lazarus was dead. Then, Jesus wept. He wept! But couldn’t He have saved Lazarus had He come earlier? Why didn’t He come earlier?! Why didn’t He come when the sisters called? Why doesn’t He always come at the timing when we call? The parable continues, and Jesus tells them to remove the stone from in front of the tomb. But they replied, he’s been dead for 4 days, it will really stink… really stink….really stink!!!! Isn’t that just it?! Sometimes our circumstances really stink!!! They really are horrible to experience.

But Jesus doesn’t stop there, and nor should we. It’s far easier to walk away from the smell. It often seems easier just to not deal with, or get bitter about. But He says “Unbind him, and let him go.” In other wards, take his grave clothes off! Remove the sorrow, free him! It is time to move forward, it is time to praise. It doesn’t mean it’s easy, but let’s remove the grave clothes.

Jesus didn’t give us life to be bound, but to be free. If this is where you’re at, I pray (and have been praying) for victory and breakthrough in your life, and for the freedom to rejoice!!!

Prego & lovin' it!!!

2007-01-20T06:51:00.000-08:00

Well I promised to send updates of mine and our babie's growth...so here it is. We're growing, and loving it! These pictures are of me between 24 and 27 weeks. Time is passing quickly. I'm maybe a little sad to see this second trimester end, it has been soooo wonderful! But muchly looking forward to next few months, every day is a new kick, a new movement, a new emotion and a new joy. Thanks for your prayers and support, the baby and I are doing very well, everyone's healthy and all is on par. (I think that dad's coping with it all pretty well too, expect maybe some of my hormone surges:) But he's loving the belly and all the baby's interactions!)

Serbia Church Update

2007-01-19T01:06:00.001-08:00

Here is a quick update on Sasha and Sara in Serbia.

With the fire bomb in the church right before Christmas, the church received alot of damage. One of our Staff has just talked to Sasha again and he was quite happy saying that God has really used this event to make the church and HIS NAME known. Sasha has been interviewed by 6 different news stations both locally and nationally and the police have put into writing that they will bring some level of protection to the church, I know it doesn't sound like much but from the way Sasha has been treated over the years from town officials this is a miracle. Let's pray that all theirs repair needs are met. If you want to see a picture and an account please read the article below.

Many Blessings to you,

Ronnie +

There’s no persecution in Europe…right?

2007-01-08T10:21:00.000-08:00

Imagine you are the only pastor in a city of 70 000 people…people who are mostly suspicious and hostile towards you. Every day is a struggle to serve Jesus and make his name famous to the thousands of people who label you a sect or cult. You work primarily with the down and out, refugees and gypsies, which doesn’t help your reputation much. Nothing is easy for you but you press on because you know that these people desperately need Jesus.

Now imagine that one day, after years of hard service with little fruit you come to your tiny church building only to find smoke billowing out the windows. You’ve had your church fire-bombed in the middle of the night and everything you have is gone. All the equipment, chairs, bibles and aid that others have given you from around the world is now ashes.

This is what has really happened to one of our close partners in Serbia. That’s right in Europe, not a muslim country, not Africa, not Asia…but in Europe in a supposedly Christian nation. Sasha Vitakic and his wife Sara have served faithfully and in isolation for many years in Kralajevo because they know that people there need Jesus. Sasha found his church in ruins after vandals smashed his windows and threw a petrol bomb into the church in order to stop the work that they are doing. This is the edgy reality that he has to live and work in. This is not the first threat they have received but the most serious and violent.

This is what Sasha wrote to me in an email:

bombed churchWith great sadness we want to inform you that during the night between Sunday and Monday (17 & 18 Dec.’06) our church has been attacked by a petrol bomb. The unknown attackers first smashed the windows of our church with stones and then threw in a petrol bomb that caused a great fire in our hall. When we came in the morning the fire was still burning and we couldn’t go in because of the very thick, black smoke.

We opened the doors and windows, then with water tried to put out the fire which was still burning. We then called the police and the firemen who came and finally put out the fire. Our hall has been burned and it caused great damage. Our floor is burned and the carpet, our air-condition system is burned and the chairs in the front too. All the walls are black and our church looks like a horror movie. It is exactly that. They burned our church in order to destroy us so that we would not exist. Please pray for our boldness and protection.

We are sending to you some pictures from our burnt church, so that you can see for yourselves what has happened. We also want to tell you that despite all of this we are still very committed to the vision God has given to us and that is to reach central Serbia for Christ.

Please pray for the church in Kralajevo that they would not have fear but that they would be strong, courageous and filled with grace and love. Remember Sasha and the persecuted church in Serbia and others all around Europe that face persecution that doesn’t get reported. If you have a blog, please link to this so others can know and pray for Sasha, his family and the church in Kralajevo. If you want to help Sasha rebuild his church please contact me at: moldableclay@gmail.com and we will help you in this matter.

T'was indeed a Merry Christmas!!!

2007-01-07T13:27:00.000-08:00

Well we had a marvelous Christmas together as the Zerr family- thanks Mom & Dad. It was such a blessing to have you here!!!
I was also blessed to see my brother, Steve in London for a few hours as he was passing through New Years day!!
We feel very blessed to have such wonderful families and are so excited to have them expanding in this next year. Ronnie and I are both soo excited to see all that this New Year holds for us as a family, in ministry and individually. Hope you'll stay along for the ride....

Merry Christmas

2006-12-18T15:05:00.000-08:00

Thank You for your prayers, support and generosity in 2006

We Love you all

Ronnie, Janelle & Baby Zerr +

Ukraine (OOu-krayne)

2006-12-14T04:13:00.000-08:00

What a great time we had in Ukraine!!! Firstly it was so wonderful for me (Janelle) to get to be a part of this trip. We went to Ukraine to celebrate with the 12 churchplanter couples their graduation from the 3 year church planting project with NLI. It was so great to see them and their excitement for the growth of God's church throughout Ukraine. They were also given some assitance from NLI to help set up a small business to contribute to providing for their families and churches while they continue to establish their churches and see them grow.

We spent the majority of our time in Kiev celebrating with all the church planters together and then our team split up and went to visit several of the church planters in their own towns and attended their Sunday morning services. Ronnie preached at the church we visited in Sumy (and shared a great word I might add- very encouraging and inspiring!) It was such a pleasure to be there with the people and they were so excited to have us and spent much time visiting and praying with us afterwards! The trip went by quickly, yet its amazing how quickly you can build relationships (Some of our team have been building these realtionships for years, but we were obviously newer to these folk). Anyways, we had a lovely time as a family together and certainly ate enough potatoes to last us the year (and yummy borscht too!)!!!

We also had a chance to go to our first european football match (that's soccer) and Ukraine was playing Real Madrid Ronaldo and David Beckham were playing!! It was sooo cool- such a great game! I will try to post a short video soon.

We also took a family photo in the Armsterdam airport , with clogs for the whole fam
ily!!

Who do I look like?

2006-12-14T03:50:00.000-08:00

Well here I am. Baby Zerr at 20 weeks old (even though I'm already 22 weeks old)! Incase you don't know how to look at these in-utero photos, in the right hand corner, half way up you're looking at my face from a side profile, forehead, nose bridge, lips, my chin is tucked right up on my chest and my eyes appear to be gazing upward. Actually gazing up towards me holding onto my toes. Yes, I'm quite flexible! So for those of you who are pro at interpreting these snapshots, you can try and guess who I look like. Now, keep in mind that no one but God knows whether I'm a girl or boy, so please lets not be too sexist. But any thoughts? Mom or dad? (To be honest, I don't think I even have an oppinion on this one!)

Encouragement in Turkey

2006-12-05T05:06:00.000-08:00

(The Blue Mosque in Istanbul)
We have just returned from a week long retreat in Turkey with the PAOC (Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada) missionaries from around Eurasia. How exciting it was to hear about what God is doing in soo many parts of the world!!! However, the connections and new friends we were able to make was the highlight of it all. We were very encouraged through all the sessions and relationships that helped renew our passion to reach the nations for Christ. We were so blessed to have been invited to be a part of this wonderful group of people walking along the same kind of journey as us!

Tomorrow we leave for Ukraine to celebrate with the body of Christ there. The church plants are celebrating their graduation from the partnership with NLI and we ask for your prayers for these churches for sustainability and strength as they continue to grow and bear fruit in Jesus’ name. It will be such a privilege for me particularly to be a part of this celebration and see the hearts of these wonderful people first hand. Look forward to letting you all know how it goes!

(Turkish Apple Tea- a must have!!)

Isn't She Wonderful!!!

2006-12-03T13:55:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that my wife is the most amazing woman I know. I would like to take the next few sentences and celebrate her life and the person she is to so many!

On Friday was Janelle's 27 birthday and I want to honor her for the person she has become and the blessing she is in the life of all of us who know her. So here it goes...

Janelle you are the most beautiful woman I know and so very sexy (the baby belly is very hot). You have the ability to affect others by your presence, you have a joy that radiates and shines right through you.

You are:

honest, caring, sincere, true, genuine, selfless, patient (you have to be being married to me),gentle, radiant, humble, faithful, kind, compassionate and loving.

You are truly a wonderful wife, and a great friend (I know I am not the only one that thinks that!!!).

So Janelle for all that you are and all that you mean to everyone who knows and loves you!

Thank you for being you and making our lives better for having you as a part of them.

Happy Birthday!!!

All My Love

Ronnie +

Super Heroes

2006-11-22T02:01:00.000-08:00

Why is life always so busy?! If you're anything like me, this thought crosses your mind frequently. Even in this seamingly quiet season of my life, with no official job, no schooling, no official responsibilities at the church etc, I find myself busy. Its true that my time is moreso filled with things that I've dreamed of having time for for years, like helping a friend pack up her house to move, having new people from the community over for dinner, being there for a friend when they need someone to talk to....just having time to be available to people. I love that! ButYour results:
still why is it so hard to find a quiet space in my day to sit and "be still"? I've often felt like I need super powers to accomplish all that's on my plate. Like being able to fly from here to there, 'zap' supper into existance in a moments time, or have super hearing and eyesight to see into others hearts and souls and see what they're truly needing me to be or hear as a friend. "If only I were a Super Hero" I think to myself, " then I could accomplish everything that needs to be done". Yet two truths remain:
1- I somehow know with certainty that if I were a super hero, I would just hear more cries for help, and feel more responsibility to achieve greater things.
2- I actually DO have access to super natural powers if I only tap into the power source. How often I forget in the midst of business the power I have access to if only I ask. If only I prioritize my day to tap into God's mighty powers through His spirit, rather than try and survive on my strength alone. 'Cause with His power and strength I can achieve so much more, and hear and discern the cries that I am to attend to.

Mission: to be a super hero through God's stength, not my own, and therein find peace that passes all understanding.

(I got this link off a girlfriend's blog a few months back and thought it suiting. So I'll be WonderWoman- who are you?!)
You are Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman		95%
Superman		90%
Green Lantern		80%
Supergirl		75%
Spider-Man		60%
Robin		52%
The Flash		50%
Iron Man		50%
Hulk		35%
Batman		30%
Catwoman		25%

You are a beautiful princess
with great strength of character.

Click here to take the Superhero Personality Test

These are Ronnie's results, I guess he got his two favorite super heroes first. But Iwatched him he answered honestly!

Your results:
You are Green Lantern

Green Lantern		95%
The Flash		75%
Catwoman		65%
Iron Man		65%
Hulk		60%
Spider-Man		55%
Robin		48%
Supergirl		48%
Superman		45%
Wonder Woman		38%
Batman		30%

Hot-headed. You have strong
will power and a good imagination.

Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz

Bumpity Bump Bump

2006-11-19T14:57:00.000-08:00

Alright, so these really aren't the best photos of me, but I said that I'd post some shots of my belly as its growing, and its certainly growing! I'm not really sure of the most flattering ways to take these types of photos, but I'm sure I'll learn. The bottom picture is from this Saturday when Ronnie and I popped in at the German Christmas Market, eating our German sausages. Yummy!! Super cute christmas boths with crafts, foods, hot ciders and great christmas decorations. I love the environment and christmas feel! I'll have to post a picture of our tree next.

Back in Jolly Ol' England.

2006-11-10T15:28:00.000-08:00

After what seems like two days solid of sleep and laundry, it hit me today that we're indeed back in England (after a brilliant time visiting in Canada-man, we love you all soo much!!!). After the realization that there was absolutely nothing in our fridge this afternoon other than some Ketchup and Soya Sauce (and some other varying condiments) it was apparent that a quick trip to the village centre was inevitable to at least pick up a few staples before the big Tesco grocery shop to replenish our shelves. So I threw on a hoody and a scarf and out the door I went (Notice I didn't say my big winter parka and boots!). As I continued out our front door onto the sidewalk, a friendly smile and wave caught my attention before I could get too far. (Our block of row housing all faces inward towards a park, creating a nice neighborly feel. This also means that you pass all your neighbors front kitchen windows as you pass along the sidewalk, at a much closer proximity than your typical sidewalk. Therefore I always recieve plenty of waves and smiles and visits on my strolls into town.) Anyways, so my lovely neighbor Fran quickly openend her kitchen window to facilitate some nice neighborly british chatter. Of course she had noticed that I had been gone and guessed that I might have returned home for a visit. And since I hadn't had the chance to tell her our exciting news yet, I quickly proceeded to gush out that I was pregnant, as I'm sure only a newly expectant mother does... Hence proceeded from Fran's mouth my realization that I was indeed back in England...but sorry, I can't repeat what she said! No, not because it was foul, course language that a missionary should never repeat, but beacuse I had no idea what 3/4 of the words were!!! Seriously, I know that she was excited for me, and that they were good things that she was saying, but who knows what she actually said?! Jolly well...and bonny were the only ones I caught. She can't wait for me to start looking bonny...or something to that affect. Hopefully I'll look good "bonny"?! Will someone let me know when and if I start looking "bonny" and if I should be doing something about it?!

Come join us!!

2006-11-01T16:22:00.000-08:00

If you're not in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, or have never heard of this place before and are wondering if I'm even speaking English, then this probably won't apply to you. However, if you live in Saskatoon or would like to visit, we'd love to see you this Saturday night!!! We're having a desert evening where we'll be sharing a little of what has been happening in Europe, what the future holds, and having fun while we do it. If you're interested in missions or in Europe particularly it will be a great night for you to come out. And if by chance you're just interested in Ronnie and I and want to come see us and chat, we'd still love to see you there, and bring a friend if you like...Hope to see you there!!!!

Elim Tabernacle Church
3718- 8th Street East
(Beside Zellers- Circle Centre Mall)
in the foyer at 7:30pm
Saturday evening, Nov.4, 2006

Oh Canada!

2006-10-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

Well as you may know already, Ronnie and I are returning to Canada- for a visit. I've found it funny how many people have mistaken this as returning to Canada for good! NO. We are enjoying England and believe very much that that is where we are to be at this season of our lives. Another common question is " is everything alright with the baby or with you guys?" The answer is " Everything is very well. No problems." Well no problems other than needing to increase our financial support as my job situation (that is me not having a job) is only complicated by being pregnant. So our trip will be a quick one while together. (I am actually already in Canada at my parents in BC sharing the excitement with my family of our future newborn miracle. While Ronnie remains in the UK with work and will be going to Romania for a week early this coming week.) So once Ronnie and I have reunited in Canada, our hope is to meet up with as many of you as possible, but hope you will understand that our time is very limited and spread in a few different directions, so we appologize if we miss seeing you or if our time together is brief. I must end with saying how blessed I've been by the crisp firey bright fall leaves, the incredibly fresh fall air, the warm glowing Okanagan sunshine, the fabulous taste of turkey and stuffing and mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, the finally fulfilled pregnancy craving of Kraft Dinner (you can't get it in the UK), the wide north american roads, the beautiful lake, my beloved dog Buddy, pepperoni sticks, overall great food and the BEST of course: old friends and family. I am so proud to be Canadian.

Baby Zerr

2006-10-05T15:40:00.000-07:00

It's not all bad...

2006-09-27T04:16:00.000-07:00

I want to thank all of you for your prayers, hopes, well wishes etc for me with my interview yesterday. I must regretfully report that I did not get the job. However, this news isn't just plain old bad. I received the phone call first thing this morning, and the manager proceeded to inform me that regretfully they weren't offering me the job, she however felt very obligated to tell me the reasons why. That the nurse they hired had 14 years experience with chemo and oncology and had experience setting up clinical trials from scratch!! I held no competition to that- I knew that! The funny thing however, was that I somehow had. The manager proceeded to inform me that the panel of three interviewers were all very impressed with my interview and felt that I had done an excellent job throughout the interview and that they felt that I had a lot to offer and were all very regretful not to have a position for me!!! She asked if I would be interested if another position became available ?! OF COURSE! was my reply in a far more eloquent manner. Needless to say that she said that she was wanting to pass on my details to the heamatology, oncology (cancer), and chemotherapy suite wards and wished to keep them on file! (Not just in the typical way "oh I'll keep that on file" kinda way, but very sincere and interested!) So although I didn't get this job, I seem to find myself with a great connection, and even advocate for future positions in their various oncology/heamatology areas of the hospital (very large hospital). So thanks for your prayers and please don't give up on me. I'm taking this as a huge step forward, even recieving SUCH positive feedback from a very straight forward, matter of fact manager of the department was a big encouragement. Thanks again, and I'll continue to keep you posted!!!