Memorable moments of 2020
Jan: I visited Toronto and Hamilton to stoke some 24-7 Prayer fires. Always good to hang out with dear friends whom I don't see often enough.
Feb: I travelled to Wales for an Infinitum International Team retreat/planning session. Thought it was strange to see about half the passengers in the airport wearing masks. We hiked through misty and hail-ridden Welsh mountains and talked about prayer postures and discipleship. I had no idea this would be my last international travel of 2020.
March: Matt moves into our house, and there is much rejoicing. I begin work with Jacob's Well, and we get through two whole weeks before the world is quarantined. We begin weekly street outreach to those who are utterly isolated and desperate due to the lockdown.
April-July: I recall very little of what happened these months. Most of it was the daily repetition of prayer, reading, outreach, time at home, following the news cycle of protests and racial injustice At one point we hosted a time of communal Lament in Crab Park for the DTES Churches, acknowledging the staggering overdose numbers we were seeing. At another point our family went camping. Austin moved in, and there was much rejoicing. Ciara and Joshua both graduate high school.
August: Travelled to Integrity Foods Farm in central Manitoba for the 24-7 Prayer Canada discernment week. We listened and mapped out vision and strategy. Here also was where the vision for the Apprenticeship was born. My book was also released this month.
September: I began teaching weekly with Westminster Theological Centre in the UK, and through The People's Seminary, all over Zoom. I do not really like Zoom, but it has enabled us to carry on connecting, for which I am thankful.
October: The pain in my back, hip and leg have become so severe I can barely make it out to morning prayers. I arrange to start seeing a chiropractor.
November: Back into lockdown. This one seems harder. Rob starts coming over daily after he stops using hard drugs. Back pain continues.
December: Huge month for 24-7 Prayer. We raised over $80,000 and set up connections with significant church networks across Canada. I lead a prayer retreat for Journey Home. Finish my teaching, and agree to start two new podcasts in 2021. Austin gets married and movies out. Finally get our grad/family pics done. Subdued Christmas celebrations where we go around carolling and giving food and presents.
Obviously a difficult year in many respects, but also a year with some significant beginnings and highlight moments. God is present with us.
