We wish you a “Happy New Year!” and we hope 2009 has been a good year for you…

One of the special things about this holiday season is that it gives the opportunity to catch up with family and friends. If we can’t see you or speak to you in person, at least we can send you our love and blessings by card and letter.

Our latest news:

Jon and Beccy – we have enjoyed a good year, having adjusted to both Chris and Jess being at Uni. Our work with Turning the Tide has been so encouraging (please see the other posts on our website for more details).

It is now nearly two years since we left St. Luke’s and we are still loving the path that God has chosen for us, away from formal church. We continue to look to Him for our future in every respect.

Chris – having completed a highly successful year on placement with RBS in Luxembourg, he was pleased to return to Newcastle for his fourth and final year at Uni. At this stage it is hard work but he is enjoying it.

Jess – now in her second year at York, she is loving sharing a house with five friends. She lives life to the full: her course, church, Christian Union and an active social life. Jess’ heart for worship was recognised recently when she was asked to serve as the music co-ordinator for the Christian Union.

Some highlights from our 2009:

Choosing to go as a family to see ‘The Lion King’ in the West End followed by the real thing in ‘Howletts Zoo’, near Canterbury, in place of a holiday. Both experiences were outstanding and most memorable!!   

In August, a wonderfully blessed weekend of ministry with all four of us leading a youth event – Surf the Wave – at Dalesdown. Over sixty – young people and families – were encouraged to reconnect with God and to hear Him for themselves.

The launch of a new prayer movement for the UK, focussed on the youth – ‘The Roar’. In March Jon and Beccy were involved in leading forty or so – families and youth – in our first event, held at the Ashburnham prayer centre in East Sussex.

A very special ministry trip for Jon and Beccy in April, to Ohio. Jon was invited to speak at a youth prayer retreat for 200 12–18 year olds. We wanted to give the youth an opportunity to lead and to speak for their generation; we were delighted as many took the opportunity to share from the front as God led them. For a brief, online taste of the retreat, see www.youtube.com and search “Beulah Beach Prayer Retreat 2009”.

In October Jon and Beccy blessed by a special week in Rome with our dear friends, the Sumptions. We were invited to minister to the youth on their church’s retreat weekend, in particular encouraging them to hear God speaking to them.

In February Jon celebrating his ‘half-century’ in style, with family and friends at the Sussex County Cricket ground.

Chris taking advantage of his central European location to visit the Nürburgring in July for his maiden Formula 1 experience before celebrating the end of his Year Abroad with a holiday in New York with Cesca.

Jess finding a house in York with a piano! Leading worship at CU. Joining the ‘Zamar’ Gospel Choir in York and being asked to sing a solo during their Summer Concert.

Charlie and Aimee (our nieces / cousins) remain our delightful focus on Tuesdays. Aimee has come to the conclusion that Uni is the place to be. Her best quote of 2009: “I’m off to Unibersity! I have my suitcase and my handbag. I’m off to Unibersity!”

Thank you for your time in reading this and for all your love and support through another year (by the way, in June next year Jon will celebrate 20 years in ministry).

Wishing you a very Happy New Year with every blessing throughout 2010.

Sending much love from us all–

Jon, Beccy, Chris and Jess xxxx