So Graham how have you and Rebecca been adjusting to life in Newfoundland?

Pretty good. Not much different than New Brunswick but a whole lot more laid back than Ontario. Newfoundland has everything, even a Wal-mart.

What's your favourite Newfoundland expression?

It would have to be "out around the bay" which is said really fast and means that the person is not from Mount Pearl or Saint John's. It can be frustrating when you are asking where someone lives and they respond "out around the bay". That really doesn't narrow things down very much.

How is the church going?

Really good. Last Year's average was 27 and so far this year we are averaging in the mid to high 40s. There has been steady healthy growth. I inherited a church that was well looked after by both Pastor Sam Johnson and Pastor Stewart and Phyllis Steeves. They brought excitement and hope to the church. I got a chance to see the farewell video that they made for the Steeves and not only was the video great but it was obvious how much the people loved them.

What are the biggest challenges you are facing?

I would say the biggest challenge is trying to get young people in. The age rango of the church is mostly in the 50-70 area. We have been trying different things to get teens and young adults in, and recently have been seeing some fruit from these efforts. Another thing would be preaching every Sunday which is something I had never done before. Right now Pastor Johnson and I (and Rebecca sometimes) are sharing the preaching duties.

Are there some events that we could be praying for?

Yes, we're working on bringing a C.O.I. group over next summer. We hope they will be able to help us with some of our outreach efforts. Also we would like to be starting some small group Bible studies and need prayer as for direction and timing with this. Just pray that God's will, will be done and we will be willing to obey. (God willing)

Is there anything else you want to add?

One interesting thing is our evening service attendance is consistently larger than our morning attendance. We are seeing new couples pretty much every Sunday night. Lastly I feel bad that while none of the rest of you can watch hockey I have access to tickets to see the St. John's Maple Leafs almost anytime I want. Go Leafs, and thanks for praying.