Truth 4 Utah

 Truth 4 Utah Mission | January 9th, 2022  

“Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard --Isaiah 58  

Dear Family & Friends, God asks a question in Isaiah 58…what type of fasting pleases Him? Draw your attention to the primary thing He mentions as the purpose of fasting. It is to remove the chains of sin. He desires that people are set free from sin & darkness & oppression. The next thing He desires is that we have our hearts & our hands open to bless others.    Our culture talks often about New Years’ resolutions this time of year. We are aware that we need a fresh start. We also recognize that there is action required on our part. There is often an issue that we forget. It’s an issue that often flies under the radar. As disciples of Jesus, we are not the master of our own destiny, He is. We have willingly submitted ourselves to His plans. He is the captain of our ship. He is the cruise director. This year let’s spend the rest of January in prayer and fasting to seek God’s will for our life. Before we decide on our Yew Years’ resolutions and before we embark on implementing them, let’s ask God what sins He wants us to repent of and focus on. Let’s ask that God speaks to us the things we need to work on and the plans we need to make for 2022.    A challenge for all of us this year is to lay our sins, thoughts, plans & desires down at His feet. From that point, we can walk forward with confidence in 2022, not because our circumstances are perfect but because we belong to God, and we have freshly laid ourselves down in worship before Him!  

General Update

Noelle Elizabeth Pensabene was born on December 16th. Things were fine throughout the day and then they weren’t. AnneMarie’s uterus ruptured, and an emergency c-section was how she came into the world. It was a very surreal & scary experience, to say the least, being in a position where we could have lost them both. God graciously spared their lives that night. They are doing well now and we’re adjusting to all that comes with a new life. AnneMarie’s mom is here which is a huge help, and my parents came in December which was also a huge help! . 

Gospel Seeds & Opportunities

While there were some really cool things that God did in December with various opportunities to share the Gospel, we decided not to send out a missions update or to emphasize ministry but to slow down, prepare for Noelle & spend extra time to focus on worship during the Christmas season. We needed it more than we thought.    God did bless with a couple of Gospel conversations this week at work, which always brings joy. One co-worker, after I shared the Gospel with him, replied “you don’t have to be on drugs to believe that do you?”.   

Wrap-up

As 2022 begins, God has exciting things in store. Our family is seeking God’s direction and asking to Him work & provide in some specific ways and we look forward to sharing about His faithfulness this year!    We continue to be thankful that you all are following what God is doing here in Utah.   

Remember to go to church and spend devoted time reading God’s Word, in prayer & in fasting as this year kicks off. 

GO PREACH THE GOOD NEWS!!  Love & blessings in Christ to all!   

In Light of Eternity, 

Corry, AnneMarie, Brendan, Alana, Patrick, Daniel, Emmie, Micah & Noelle