New Year Letter

Dear Friends

Another year upon us, another decade. Last year for many, it was difficult. Our economy in disarray, terrorism around the world, it is as if each day the world teeters on the brink of extinction. I cannot imagine what it would be like to not know the Lord, in such times as this. How do people face tomorrow, without Him? There is no hope in the religions of man; they wage war against one another. Atheism tries to stand up an raise its banner, but it is no more than a dry wind in a desert. How foolish that there are those who believe all things came from nothing. Governments are frighten by what they see coming upon this earth. They cry out global warming, while just less than fifty years ago they said a new Ice Age was upon us. Truly the words of the prophet Jermiah ring true: Thus says the LORD: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his arm, whose heart turns away from the LORD. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." (Jeremiah 17:5-8 RSV) We are not held to the fear of men, nor do we dwell within the darkness of their wisdom, their frail plans. We are children of light.

This is the time, the hour for us to raise our banner high, to tell all those who dwell in darkness: The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalms 27:1 NKJV) We have such great hope, such a promise that has been sealed by the gift of His wondrous mercy. In desperate times let us shine brighter. There are many who are going to be looking for the answer in the midst of this fallen world. Let us not cower in fear, but arise and show them our God reigns. I am so thankful for the opportunity that has been given to me by the Lord, to go into all the world and preach His word. I am thankful for all those who have been such a wondrous part of this. There truly is no Lone Warriors in God's kingdom. We are His, and He alone must be our source. "for in Him we live and move and have our being,' (Acts 17:28 NKJV) This is not the time for us to hide the light under the bushel of our fellowship halls, to retreat to the noise and clanging cymbals of false worship. We need to be a distinct sound, the wondrous tune of faith and obedience. Let us, like those who have gone on before us, arise and go. We are in a war, the war for the souls of men. It can only be won by trust and abiding in the One who will lead us beyond our selfish borders, to reach out to those who hunger for truth. I pray this year, all of us will be a part of the Lord's great exploits. I know many will not be able to travel the miles, nonetheless, it is not the distance, but the devotion that matters. When we are in love with Christ Jesus, we will produce the fruit that remains.

By His grace I will be off to Africa soon, and than I am looking at other lands, other places, in which I hear the cry for freedom. I do not know how far He will let me go, but I am willing to go as far as He calls me. Let us bind our hearts to Christ, in this alone we will be bound together. This is what true fellowship is, true worship, vessels for His honor. Let us not be those who make a lot of noise, but those who will by faith, tear down the strongholds of the enemy, and set the captives free. Thank you all so much for being a part of my life. Thank you for the encouragement and strength that you have shared with us. Remember, each new day is a gift to behold His glory unfold in our lives: For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10 NKJV)

In His love

Tom Faunce