Author Archives: Deb Stimphil

Many reasons to be thankful

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By Deb Stimphil, RF Board Chairperson

At this time of year, I always want to thank the people that have meant something special in the past year. I want to thank, on behalf of the Board of Renewal Fellowship, all our wonderful supporters. You are very special to the Renewal Fellowship. This year at Renewal Fellowship we have much to be thankful for. Our focus this past year was on Prayer, Listening and Supporting each other. We did this in many ways this year. There is our daily Prayer Calendar. At our Renewal Day we heard great encouragement from Stephen Farris, a past moderator of General Assembly and visiting professor of preaching at Knox College. Andy Cornell ran several Renewal Cafes where people could talk about how they were feeling and realize they were not alone.

We sponsored Pray for GA — A time of prayer, in the four weeks leading up to General Assembly, and before and during each sederunt. There was a six-week online book study on the book “Prayer-does it make a difference” written by Philip Yancey. We started Listening Ear Here, which paired people with an individual who would listen and offer support to the other person in an attempt to facilitate a community and encourage believers. Then there was “Come to Me, a Retreat for PCC Pastors.” It was a great success by all accounts.

Renewal Fellowship could not have done any of these things without your support. Whether your support is prayer, financial or participatory — our supporters make the Renewal Fellowship continue to be a presence for orthodoxy in the Presbyterian Church in Canada. A shining light for the people that are staying true to the traditional views of the Christian Church. You help us live out our Mission: To lead each other and the Presbyterian Church in Canada to authentic Biblical thinking, powerful Spirit-led prayer and effective Gospel witness.
I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and God’s blessing in the New Year.

A Time of Transition

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By Deb Stimphil, RF Board Chairperson.

In Psalm 40, David says “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire. He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.” (vs 1-3)

Many of us are waiting patiently for the Lord. Some of us may have experienced God hearing their cry, and they have a new direction; they are standing on a firm place.

Others are in a place of transition. We feel like we are being lifted out of the pit but are not just yet on the rock.

Others are still waiting patiently on the Lord. They haven’t yet heard from God. But they know He hears them and will answer their prayers.

We at St. Andrew’s Welland are in a time of transition. Our pastor retired and a new chapter is opening for us. We are on a journey. I am sure that if this church is faithful to God’s Word, He will set our feet on a rock and give us a firm place to stand.

Many of us who are holding fast to orthodoxy are still waiting patiently for the Lord. Renewal Fellowship, along with Vaughan Community Church, are holding a Pastor Retreat in November. This will be a time where pastors can get together, share fellowship with one another, share burdens with one another and wait patiently on God.

We are tired and worn down from many things. This retreat will be a time to recharge in the Spirit of God. Fellowship is so important to the body of Christ and all of us have missed the fellowship during the last couple of years. So, plan to attend this event. It can be a time of renewal for all of us.

We turn to God in prayer

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As I am writing this piece, General Assembly has just finished. I spent the time before, during and after the sederunts praying for the moderator, the commissioners, the clerks, the help desk people and the technology. Having been a commissioner last year, I knew what a challenge everyone would face and how important it was to be covered in prayer.

We in orthodoxy have felt the need to be tough this last year with the way things are going in the PCC. And the future doesn’t look any easier. So we turn to God in prayer realizing that nothing that happens is a surprise to God and that He has a plan and it will be fulfilled.

Our Lord spent much time in prayer (Matthew 14:23; Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16), therefore it behooves us to spend much time in prayer.

After this GA, as after the last one, we may be asking God, “Why?” The prophets before us asked why. Job asked why. “Why have you made me your target?” (Job 7:20). David asked why. “Why, O Lord do you stand far off? Why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 10:1). Jeremiah asked why. “O hope of Israel, its Saviour in times of distress, why are you like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who stays only a night?” (Jeremiah 14:8).

In order to experience God’s care in the midst of affliction, we must call out to Him in faith and persistent prayer. It is through prayer and trusting in Him that we experience God’s peace. We receive strength from the Lord, and God’s mercy, grace, and help in time of need. Nothing can separate us from the love of God.

Be reassured my friends: God is on the throne, He is in control. Our job is to pray continually and seek His face.