Canal Ministries - on the Inland Waterways
Days of Elijah - David & Carole Brennand
Narrowboat Days of Elijah Newsletter Winter 2018
David & Carole Brennand.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the Truth and the Life.” John 14:6
Looking back, 2018 seems to have been a year of ups and downs, set amidst much change and we’ve yet to grapple with the ups and downs that Brexit may bring! This time last year we were getting ready for our Christmas and New Year Great Rail journey, an “up” to Switzerland and Italy. Soon after our return came the “down” of realising that it was probably our last overseas trip. However, in the event, we are looking forward to a very different “up” Christmas this year as we welcome Tony, Jackie and Catherine visiting from New Zealand. They happen to follow visits from several friends this year - a real blessing.
Another “downer”: we’ve hardly used our boat, “Days of Elijah”, this year for a variety of reasons - including some ups and downs of health. Nevertheless, it was very much an “up” when we hired(!) a boat to take part in the Canal Ministries Mission at Ellesmere on the Llangollen Canal in July and August. Time well spent, on what is still a very beautiful canal, and just as we remembered it from years ago. Next year’s Mission to Northampton will likely be beyond us - a “downer”, because the mobility and balance required for safe boating is now a problem, though we still manage day-to-day activities – though more slowly…..!
Woven into the year has been some wonderful “ups” when it comes to friends and friendships which grow and blossom as the years go by. Bereavement, when it has to come, is such a “downer". We have had to say goodbye to some very precious friends this year; friendships built on mutual commitment to and love of our Messiah, Jesus Christ, even though the sting of death really is broken, praise the Lord! We are still being blessed in our fellowship with Trinity Church and its many activities. We have also enjoyed three fairly short “mod-con” coach trips this year to Wales, Scotland and North Yorkshire, a couple of trips to the Midlands, plus a trip to Leeds to see how a cousin is recovering after major surgery. Of course, we have enjoyed several wonderful days in our beautiful Lake District, with a visit to Beatrice Potter’s farm at Far Sawrey, also, Lake Windermere and Langdale in glorious weather, but only one trip on a steam train…
Christmas is a wonderful reminder of Jesus, His love and why He came. May its real meaning shine out and in 2019, do join us in praying an end to the sicknesses of terrorism and anti-semitism.
Our warmest Christmas greetings and good wishes for the New Year.
In His Name
David and Carole Brennand
NB Days of Elijah
Canal Ministries - sharing God's Love on the Inland Waterways.