This past Monday we gathered as a staff along with the Deacons and Elders for our annual Christmas Party. In preparation for the event I was thinking about how to open the evening. I started to write down things that I saw the Lord accomplish in 2010. Before long I was overwhelmed and amazed at all the things that were coming to mind. His faithfulness to us as a church and His undeserved grace upon us is truly worth recalling. I hope that as you read just a few of the things God was up to at Harvest Oakville in 2010 you will be filled with gratitude and worship.

Some of the many blessings that immediately come to mind are:

• New staff additions...

  • In Oakville - Jon Miller, Darren Vaithilingam, Rony Mikhael, Maureen Kelly, Milda Romanoff and John McMullin who stepped into a much needed role

  • In Brampton - Jameson Evenden and Debra Springer

• In Brampton, we have seen the Lord’s favour on a church plant in her first year as evidenced by salvation, baptisms, and growth (averaged 300 people per weekend in November)

• As elders we have seen a great year of unity among us, and the Lord raised up Brian McGrath as our newest elder

• The Lord gave us clarity and vision regarding a church plant in Niagara, along with directing us to Daryl Molyneaux who is currently wrapping up his time at the Harvest Training Centre in Chicago

• George Schuurman and Stu Jones who are leading fruitful ministries have transitioned from “Directors” to “Pastors” this year

• Significantly improved health of ministries such as Higher Ground and Young Adults

• We have seen record numbers at the Seniors Bible Studies and Agape, Women’s Ministry, Harvest Recovery, Youth, Blakelock lunches and Awana

• We have seen fruitful new ministries start up such as Discipleship 101 and 201, where we have seen salvation, as well as Single Moms, and a Spanish Small Group

• Growing attendance leading to a 4th service so that more and more people can come under the unapologetic preaching of God’s Word and have their lives changed

• After years as a dream, we launched our Harvest House Compassion Centre and are anticipating all that the Lord will do there for His glory
  

• As closing on our new property is imminent, and while we were delayed and waiting to close, we did save $275,000 in mortgage interest costs

• Joshua Seller made a pretty sweet record!

• Another year of maxed out attendance at Party With The Pastors

• Another year of missions spending of over $700,000

• We had the privilege to send a missionary family to central Asia to translate the Bible

• Strong giving from our faithful people keeping us on track with our budget

• New flock leaders and small group leaders in our Small Groups Ministry

• New Section Heads in Higher Ground Ministry
  

• A growing number of Deaf folks coming out on Saturday nights, with one of them now looking to be baptized

• We have seen the Lord draw big numbers to the monthly prayer meetings, which is one of the best, true signs of health and growth

So as 2010 draws to an end, I am truly thankful to God whose name is to be praised for all He is doing in this place. We can rejoice together at this Christmastime and praise The One to whom we desire to give the glory; “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.” Isaiah 9: 6-7

Merry Christmas!

Greg