Dear friend,

Do you remember back to the early days of the pandemic how people around the world would applaud front-line workers and first responders? Across Canada, and where I live near Vancouver, people would bang pots and honk horns at 7 p.m. to express appreciation for them. It was a wonderful and creative way to show support!

A fresh appreciation for our front-line workers and first responders has been one of the positive things to emerge from the pandemic. While we may have always been grateful for them before, we are now more aware of them and of the stresses and sacrifices they make to help keep us safe. I think it has been good and important for us to express appreciation for people like them.

I love how the Apostle Paul made a point of expressing appreciation and gratitude to the churches and believers in his day. He thanked them for their spiritual gifts, their financial provision, encouragement, hospitality and service together. “I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you…” (Romans 1:8; Ephesians 1:16; Philippians 1:3; Colossians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:2). “I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you…” (1 Corinthians 1:4). “Timothy, I thank God for you…” (2 Timothy 1:3). “I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon,” (Philemon 1:4).

I echo Paul’s thoughts and prayers when I think of the family of God and especially our Insight for Living Canada family spread across this country. Each staff member appreciates your prayers, words of encouragement, and partnership in proclaiming God’s Word throughout our country. Just as Paul could not have fulfilled his mission without the prayers and support of God’s people, neither can we. This is a true team effort and I thank God for each one of you.

I especially appreciate your faithfulness in giving. A little over a year ago when we were heading into the pandemic, I didn’t know how Insight for Living Canada would fare financially. Many supporters lost work or their jobs and it seemed inevitable that our ministry finances would diminish—perhaps significantly.

But God did what only God could do as He moved you, and people like you, to continue to faithfully pray and give to provide for our needs. Now, as we near the end of our fiscal year at June 30, I say to you, “Up to this point the LORD has helped us!” (1 Samuel 7:12). You have been God’s instrument to help continue proclaiming His Word.

As I look to the future I am confident that just as God has been with us and supplied what we needed up to this point through His people, He will continue to meet our needs by Christ Jesus. What a great God and how precious and faithful are His people!

If I had a pot to bang or a horn to honk right now, I would do it to show my appreciation for you and our faithful Insight for Living Canada family. You have stood with us on the front line of sharing God’s Word through this past year.

I am hopeful as we close this fiscal year on June 30 and enter a new one we will do so with the resources we need as you continue partnering with us. We rely on your support and could not be more grateful for whatever the Lord places on your heart to give.

I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you.

In His Service,

Steve Johnson

Executive Director

PS When you support Insight for Living Canada you are God’s front-line worker with us in proclaiming His Word.