LIGHT UPON LIGHT

“I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but have the light of life.”

~ Jesus Christ

Dear Friends,

Earlier this month, some of your Christmas trees rested on roadside curbs for recycling, while some were put quietly away into storage for another year. Speaking of another year, because of you, BrookLink looks with great anticipation into 2022. Your amazing generosity hit our year end campaign out of the ballpark, and we just want to take a moment to thank you.

The landscape of adapting to COVID variants creates some ups and downs, but the light of Jesus always shines brightly. As we abide in Him, so will His light abide in us. We can not do anything without Him, and we long to continue helping, serving and teaching where we are invited.

Your generosity enables BrookLink to travel around the world to wherever there’s a need to reach others and will collaborate with organizations and ministries to strengthen the church. Our ministry has been conducted primarily in the “10/40 Window,” which is home to some of the largest unreached people groups in the world. The “10/40 Window” includes nearly 70 countries that are located between 10 degrees and 40 degrees north latitude. We look forward to returning to this region in 2022.

We recently had a wonderful Zoom gathering with some of our facilitators. Catching up, hearing about their ministries and praying together was a blessing! They are a hearty bunch, and we are thrilled to have their expertise, servant hearts and eager desire to serve the Lord in every season. Pray for Pastor Mark Kiekhaefer as he travels to Togo to resume teaching the “Pathways” course later this month to eager church leaders. It’s been a two year covid-induced hiatus. While some international in-person connections remain restricted, God has brought ministry opportunities to each of us through our American churches as we serve Afghan refugees.

You are invited to tune in to “It Can Be Messy,” a thoughtful podcast produced by our Children, Youth and Family Ministry team of Jen Akin, Leslie Osborne and Jan Ryder. These women faithfully continue to produce content to serve and encourage parents. Their insightful podcasts are meant to equip your navigation through sometimes daunting waters. One listener says, “I love listening to your podcasts when I’m folding laundry. The chats aren’t too long but give me good food for thought.” Podcasts are available on the BrookLink website under the “Media” tab.

In a few months, our board of directors anticipates a long-awaited in-person retreat to discuss the current and future plans for BrookLink. Following this weekend retreat, facilitators and staff will join the board for our first inclusive gathering like this in over two years. Your prayers for God’s wisdom and leading in our planning are needed and appreciated!

As we endure the throngs of frigid dark, winter temperatures in Canada (and finally in Wisconsin), may this epiphanic prayer from Gregory of Nazianzus (AD 325-390) fill your heart with God’s light:

In supplication meek

To Thee I bend the knee;

O Christ, when Thou shalt come,

In love remember me,

And in Thy kingdom, by Thy grace,

Grant me a humble servant’s place.

Shalom,