Year after year, He is faithful

As 2009 draws to a close, we can be grateful to God for the many ways He has provided for His persecuted children around the world. In the past year, we have witnessed prisoners released, families reunited, false charges dropped, faith strengthened, and the truth of Christ received by many. We have much to be thankful for.

But even for those whose situations seemingly haven't improved -- those who spent Christmas in prison, those who are being physically or verbally abused, those who know that 2010 will bring many difficult days -- we can still be thankful to God for providing for and sustaining them in the midst of their suffering.

At the end of the year, while we pause and look back on what has happened and anticipate what is to come, we can see God's hand in the lives of persecuted Christians. Their testimonies make us grateful to serve a God who is so intimately concerned with all our needs. By recognizing what He has done in the past, we can look ahead confidently to 2010, knowing that He will continue to guide and support all His children. Year after year, He is faithful.

It is imperative to know God's constant faithfulness as we enter a New Year. Many will undoubtedly suffer in the year to come, and without understanding that this world belongs to God -- at all times, in all situations -- it is easy to lose our footing and grow weary over the amount of suffering our Christian family faces around the globe.

We are so grateful for the ways Christians in Canada and around the world have supported the persecuted Church this year. We ask that you please continue to stand with them in 2010. We know that God is faithful year after year. May we too be faithful to the Lord and to each other in the year to come.

Blessings to you!