Christmas is over and the New Year approaches. We find ourselves surrounded with year-in-review lists – biggest news headlines, blockbuster movies, celebrity passings and remembrances. Especially fun are the lists for predictions in the New Year and a look back to the prediction results of the prior year. As I ponder 2014, I see the blessings of another year poured out on me. I’ve welcomed new family members, made new friends, had a productive year at work, enjoyed good health and had the privilege of watching the What Then Why Now ministry grow.
What Then Why Now has continued to reach new audiences. One young couple excitedly relayed the story of their son. He had been quietly drawing while the Christmas class was in session. When they were headed home he was full of questions and observations about the “real Christmas.” A young child captured with the awesomeness of Christ’s coming into that sheep stable because He loves us. Kids get the pictures God uses so much more easily than we do.
A woman who had recently come out of homelessness conveyed her encouragement with the text. We had a delightful conversation as we agreed that the Bible is a source of Truth easily understood, but also a treasure to be mined and explored endlessly. With the aid of some of our resources, she plans to further her studies, but is also grateful for the Truth made plain. Yes! That’s what we are about – being used by God to ignite a desire for His text. And then watch the Spirit build up His church into communities that love Him and each other.
Visitors to the website and those subscribing to the blog continue to grow steadily – from across the U.S. as well as in Brazil, Italy, Canada and Denmark. The workshops have been presented this year in new churches in Los Angeles and Orange counties. We’d like to see it expand even further, encouraging communities with this important perspective.
Coming on the horizon in 2015 is the launch of a What Then Why Now Page on Facebook. We’re also in the process of upgrading the site for easier use, especially on mobile devices. We’d like to add several more teaching locations and are still considering what an Israel trip might look like.
Here’s where you come in. If you are not subscribed, please join us. If you are on Facebook, like and share the posts. Add your comments and questions on the website. Every person adds to the conversation in insight and perspective, but also is a conduit for a whole new set of eyes and ears to share the message. Plan a workshop. The schedule for 2015 is being built and I’d love to work with you whether you are looking at a weekly series, a single topic, or as one group is discussing, an all-day marathon.
Thank you for your partnership throughout the year. I treasure your prayer and encouragement. Your help in spreading the word through email, Twitter and Facebook has proved invaluable. Please continue to share. And as a reminder, yearend gifts are tax deductible and are invested in our website presence and educational resources. A gift of any size is appreciated and used with great care.
May you experience the richness of His blessings this coming year. I look forward to continuing the conversation of God’s great love.
