Greetings in Christ,

Wow What a year!
It was January 1st of 2021 that Elaine had her profound stroke. Spent 30 days in the hospital, and has had a year of recovery rebounding to a new level of life, but far better than was expected.

2021 Was the year of seeing God's faithfulness!
In spite of all the events of this last year, both personally an globally, Haven of Hope Ministries has actually prospered and I have had the opportunity to expand how many young adults I am mentoring. In fact, I just accepted 3 more college students that I will be mentoring for the next few weeks, and maybe beyond.

This year, beyond the normal ministry, I have not only contiued preaching in Burlington once a month, but have had the opportunity to bring the message of God's Word in my own church fellowship once a quarter. I also got to perform the wedding of Levi and Kara. Levi is one of the young men I mentor.

It is exciting to see these young men prosper in their faith and relationship with God, as well as their growth as young men who you can be proud of. It is so encouraging to see their desire to know and walk with Jesus Christ. To see how they are discovering more and more about the Holy Spirit and His power for their lives.

The memorial service for my mentor, Jim Butler, was a powerful and blessed time as I worked with Dr. Jim Diehl and we were able to do the service together. It was so God honoring as we reflected on the godly life that Jim had lived. As we face this new year, the scripture God has given to me as a challenge for my life, as well as those I minister to, is 2 Peter 1:1-11. For more detail go to "First Baptist Church of Golden / Click on Sermons / January 16th, 2022". There you will see the message I preached on the challenge..

As believer and followers of Jesus Christ, may we be encouraged to prosper in our Faith in Jesus Christ and His mission and purpose for our lives. This is not the time to let up, shrink back in fear, or give up, but to rise up in the power of Christ's Holy Spirit that He has given to us just as He promised!

2 Peter 1:3
"His Devine power has given us EVERYTHING we need to live a godly life through our knowledge of Him..."

And in the words of Jesus Himself from Acts 1:8
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you..."

May 2022 be a year when Good's people live in His Divine power and grow in their faith so that we will be effective and productive in our knowledge of Jesus Christ!

May we not be discouraged by Satan's fanfare in our world. God is on the move!!!

Thank you for being a big part of this journey as you prayed and do pray for us. Your financial support to keep this ministry going is welcomed and appreciated as you feel led.

In Christ Love, Pastor Rick Messer / Pastor of a Church without walls.