Good Summer Times...

Back in the UK

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

Loving Life in Kanata

Click on photo to view web album.

O' Canada

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

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!!!

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...

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...

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...

Caleb in May

Click on the picture to view complete web album.

Exciting Times @ NLI

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

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

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!!!

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

Caleb's Early Days

Caleb Roan Live

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!

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!

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...

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...

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

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....