On November 21-22 the ARC hosted its first-ever Life Together Days at the Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute (CLBI) in Alberta, Canada. Leaders gathered from Saskatchewan and Alberta for two days and one night of fellowship, worship, teaching, and prayer and prophetic ministry – and some great food!

It was so wonderful to see brothers and sisters coming together in the same place at the same time with Holy Spirit and one another. During our days together some new relationships were begun and existing relationships were reconnected and nurtured. Leaders set aside “to do” lists, relaxed, and were refreshed and renewed in the depth and freedom of worship. Many received God’s ministering touch in a variety of ways: just by being with one another and sharing conversations over coffee and good food; by receiving personal prayer and prophetic words; and by God just sovereignly downloading healing and encouragement.

A special highlight for me personally as former president for The Master’s Institute (MI)Seminary was being with and working alongside MI alums Jay Dyrland, Joy and Richard Frenette, and Garfield and Marianne Vikse. Jay was our worship leader, Joy shared a wonderful teaching on Tending to Our First Love, and Garfield led us in celebrating the Lord’s Supper. It was so good to be with these MI alums again and to see how God is using them for His kingdom purposes since their graduation. Another highlight was the presence of long-time Canadian pastor and Lutheran Renewal Canada leader, Glen Carlson. Glen is one of the fathers of the Lutheran renewal movement in Canada and it was a blessing to have him with us.

Thanks to Harold Rust and the staff and students of CLBI for their warm hospitality and the Spirit-filled atmosphere of this wonderful school. And thanks to all the ARC leaders and friends of the ARC who made time to come together these days. God continue to bless, guide, and empower you all in carrying out the mission He has given you in Canada.