We started 2025 with a single word: Build.

The Lord invited us into a journey with Isaiah 54:2:

“Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes.”

As I spent the whole day today reflecting on 2025, I have to say that much has been built in me in ways I never expected. In fact, much has been built in me in ways I never enjoyed. It was a mixture of trials and breakthroughs, storms and peace, battles and victories, pain and healing, and so on. Some of what God used to build me, I would never have chosen. Yet none of it was wasted.

Jeremiah 18:4 reminds us that the vessel is formed in the hands of faithful Potter. What you and I often label as failure, loss, or disasters, God reshapes into something good and perfect for His glory. He never abandons; He never walks away.

Through every moment of 2025, God has proven Himself incredibly faithful and gracious. He has kept me, protected me, preserved me, provided for me. I know this was the same for you as well.

But there's more! In 2025, God has developed, refined, deepened, equipped and prepared me to be ready for this year. And as we step forward into 2026, His invitation continues:

to keep building, expanding, embracing, connecting, increasing, multiplying, maturing in Him!

Trust Him in this new year because He is trustworthy. He has so much for you than you could possibly imagine. He wants you to discover all that He has prepared for you in 2026.

But it will require you to trust Him, depend on Him - not once, not occasionally; but always and continually!

This year will have its own ups and downs, shakings and turns. Some moments will catch you off guard. Some moments will interrupt and disrupt you. Some will surprise you and test you about what you believe about God and about yourself.

When those moments come, don’t be afraid.

Embrace Him! Lean into Him!

Let Him be your Potter who will faithfully build you according to His perfect plans.

Happy New year Life as ONE family!

with love, Pastor JP