Missions Newsletter January 2022

James and Kristen Minor

Redeemer family,

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year! What a year it has been with all that happened in 2021. I hope that you are able to look forward to 2022 in anticipation as to what the Lord will do in our midst at Redeemer and around the world.

One of the big lessons that God has been teaching me personally over the last year is that of patience; our Father displays such patience towards us, His children, whom He lovingly walks with to sanctify for His glory. We read about the patient heart of God as the apostle Peter writes in his letter. 2 Peter 3:8-9 says, "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." God's heart is patient for all peoples to submit and follow our King.

As we live in a world and culture where it is easy to long for immediate results in all areas of our lives, including our spiritual growth, the Father has been reminding me that His kingdom and ways are upside down to this world. What we may consider as slowness in our eyes may actually be the Father's perfect timing towards purifying our hearts in holiness and rescuing the lost from the domain of darkness. Remember the promise that He is patient with you and that His heart is for all to come to repentance, both in Birmingham and to the ends of the earth.

I hope this encourages you as you look to the new year and seek to abide in Jesus, waiting on Him in all things.

Grateful,

James Minor