Late December-early January has always been a great time for me to reflect back with gratitude for all the blessings God has graciously given me in the previous year.  As I think about the EPC in 2011, I’m amazed at the way He used us to make a difference for the Gospel and the Kingdom.

On May 8, GA Moderator Rob Liddon led an EPC delegation that included World Outreach Director George Carey and former Directors Dick Ostreicher and Jeff Chadwick that celebrated the formation of the Association of Reformed Churches of Kazakhstan.  EPC World Outreach missionaries were critical to the planting of this new denomination of six churches in central Asia.

In June at our General Assembly, we commissioned World Outreach missionaries Jim and Barbie Murphy, Bruce and Ellie Anderson, Dave and Rivers Partin, Pat* and George and Cynthia*.  In addition, we commissioned Home Missionary John Bueno who is helping us pursue Hispanic and multi-ethnic outreach in the U.S.

The Lord continued to bring new churches into the EPC; in 2011 we grew from 297 to 323 churches. The way our new churches and their leaders have enthusiastically embraced the doctrine, commitments and culture of the EPC has been a great encouragement to all of us.  To help accommodate this growth and to ultimately strengthen the life and mission of our presbyteries, three new presbyteries – Rivers and Lakes, Pacific and Alleghenies presbyteries were formed and began their ministries.  From the outset, the leadership of our three newest presbyteries has been outstanding.

What can we anticipate the Lord has for us in 2012?  I trust that we will continue to humbly and faithfully follow the leadership of the King of kings and Lord of lords.  He is on a mission and calls us to give our all to His work.  I believe in the coming months He will open more doors of opportunity for us in the U.S. and around the globe.  In all these opportunities, I hope we will move forward together with confidence, hope and joy in Him!

(*full name not included due to field of service)