Marking Our Progress

The Legislature recessed last Thursday and you could almost hear the sighs of relief from members and staff alike as everyone headed for home.  In the last calendar year, we had an election, two budgets, two throne speeches and 3 sessions.  If my count is correct, there were almost 80 sitting days in the Spring session.  That's about 2 weeks longer than usual and doesn't take into account the extended summer and fall sessions.  Small wonder the general consensus over the past few weeks was 'is it time to go home yet?'  

I always marvel at the sacrifices members and their families make to serve our province.  For all of the 'talk radio' rants about soft hours and public troughs, I've yet to meet a single person who serves in this capacity who is there only for themselves.  Politics aside, these are good people who give themselves selflessly to represent their ridings and constituents. 

God has helped us be a source of encouragement and blessing to the members during this past session..  I wrote about our Annual MLA Prayer Breakfast in my last email.  This was our biggest and best breakfast by far and is a strong indicator of the progress we have made.  While not nearly as 'big' as the breakfast, we've been able to develop some significant 'behind the scenes' ministries that have been very appreciated and fruitful.  Most significantly, we've launched a weekly prayer and ministry time.  It's been exciting to meet and pray with members in a context away from the Legislature in a place that has become their sanctuary.  The prayer times have often resulted in more ministry opportunities at the Legislature too.   God continues to open some significant doors of ministry to us and we are very grateful.

There's something new happening for us too.  Because of the length of the last session, I've been able to establish intentional relationships with staff who work at the Legislature in a number of roles.  This comes as a direct result of God's favour.  This is a natural outflow of ongoing ministry in the buildings and it's exciting to see what God is doing with it. 

It's important for me to say thank you to those who pray for us and partner with us financially.  We are only here because you stand with us on both fronts.  Thanks for everything that you do for us!