Cannon, Bruce & Linda

Aaron, Zachary

skr. poczt 2553

45-286 Opole 18

POLAND

Phone: 011-48-71-389-5393

Email: BLAZCannon@cs.com

SEND

February 2011 Update

One of the things I am going to miss most about living here in Opole is the view out my kitchen window. The houses here are fenced and situated rather close to the street. Just outside the window is a big sprawling pine tree that offers us some privacy from those walking along the sidewalk. Under the tree stands a birch birdfeeder which I keep well supplied with seed during the winter months. The tree provides protection and a multitude of perches for my feathered friends. The feeder is frequently visited by one pair of doves, two pairs of chickadees and numerous sparrows. The chickadees, however, are my favorites. They are bright and lively and they never stray far from their mates. The sparrows often come in flocks and are difficult to distinguish from one another. So why the discourse on bird behavior? Besides being inspired by the view outside my kitchen window, the biblical illustration of the sparrow from Matthew was the topic of the kids’ sermons in church last month. Yes, these lessons are for all the children of God—young and old!

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Matthew 6:26-27

Lately, I have had a number of interactions with various people on the subject of trust. These individuals are not new believers, most of them have walked with God for more than 20-30 years. Yet, we still struggle to trust God, especially when unexpected situations arise whether it be health, financial, relational or other. While for most of us our first reaction may (should) be prayer, more often than not worry and anxiety are bubbling not far beneath the surface. We are quick to come up with various contingency plans based on all the “what ifs…” we can imagine. I confess, I do this too often. Why? Do we dare not believe and trust that God has it all under control? This is a hard thing—to feel like we have no or little control over a situation and to relinquish it to another. Often the Lord requires us to wait in these circumstances. We hate waiting! We become impatient, we want God to DO something or we try

to take over for God!

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31

The other reason we may struggle to trust God is that we may doubt our value to Him. This seems to be the root issue addressed in the above verses. I guess it really comes down to the nature of our relationship with the Living God. How does God view us? How do we view God? AND how do we view ourselves in relation to God? Is He worthy of our trust? (Yes!) How much does He love us? (Enough to send His Son to die for us!) The source of these answers is His Word. We need to be reminded daily of who He is, then trusting Him may not come easily, but it certainly will make a lot more sense.

“The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,” Nahum 1:7 “But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my God.”’ Psalm 31:14

Here is what we are trusting the Lord for this month…

* Aaron’s wrist: The cast is off and the doctor says it looks good. He gave Aaron the go ahead to resume full activity even though, he still does not have full range of movement. Please pray for complete healing.

* The car: The insurance company totaled the car and gave us about half the value of the car in cash. To recoup the rest, we need to sell the damaged car which now sits in our driveway. Please pray for a buyer who will pay a fair price for the “remains”. So far we are managing okay without a car.

* Competitions: Please pray for both Aaron and Zachary as they take part in academic competitions this next week (Aaron: Feb 4th Math, Zachary Feb 8th English).

* Winter break trip:

> Part One: We leave very early in the morning on Feb. 12th and fly to Detroit. Please pray for safe travel and smooth connections. We have meetings scheduled Monday at the boys’ potential new schools. Zachary will take an admissions exam. We plan to meet with a real estate agent to see some houses to get a better idea of what we are looking for. Michigan is fairly unknown territory for us! We will also get together will several people in the area.

> Part Two: On Thursday Feb 17th we fly to Florida for a week of R&R. We will be staying in St Petersburg at a missionary home complex that is very reasonable in cost (PTL!) Please pray for warm, sunny weather and relaxing and fun times together as a family. Our return flight to Poland is Feb 25th. Again, pray for safe, smooth travel.

* Health: There are a lot of colds and flu going around. Please pray that our family stays healthy, especially for the upcoming trip.

* NCE Leadership transition: Please continue to pray for the man of God’s choosing to take over Bruce’s

position as NCE Area Director and that the transition goes smoothly.

* Evangelistic concert: Philadelphia Biblical University is sending their concert choir to Poland in May to perform at several of the church plants and churches that SEND missionaries are working with. They came 5 years ago and were very well received. In Opole they will be performing at the Philharmonic Hall in a benefit concert for an foundation that works with autistic children and adults. Please pray for all the preparations taking place over the next several weeks and that hearts will be open to hear the gospel message in song.

Praises!

* For the continued progress being made in the church renovation. We now have a beautiful stained glass cross made by one of our members, coat racks on the entrance wall and speakers hung in the main room.

* A group from Wolow (the church plant we served at from 2000-2005) visited and led the Sunday service in Opole. It was refreshing to hear their testimonies and witness their passion for the Lord!

* For safe travel, good meetings and the Lord’s daily grace and strength.