Ian & Lucy Fisher

Been home for a couple of weeks now, and Sydney is feeling more like home again. After the cool of Europe the weather has been a nice change, as the days seem to be getting better and better. Christmas has come and gone and it was a really great time to be at Church and catch up with some of the crew again. The Christmas Spectacular this year was really amazing, as it is every year, but the team really turned up the heat and the performances were totally excellent. As I write it is the day before New Years Eve and the holiday season is in full swing, but at the same time 2009 is approaching and we all need to take a look at 08, and be reminded of all that God has done for us throughout this past year. I'm sure that for all of us there have been some highlights and some low-lights, ups and downs, mountains and valleys, which always seem to be the pattern to a successful year. Maybe we can look at the highs as building momentum and the lows as building strength and determination, because in a day or two we begin another year, which will add another year to our age, and if we keep our lives focused and on track the new year also brings us a step closer to more of what God's will and purpose is for our lives. I know that the past 2 years, 07 & 08 have been significant years for me, where God has played His hand in my favor, and guided my steps and dreams toward what He has in mind. My vision and purpose has become clearer and has gained momentum, and gradually confidence and influence toward what I believe can be done in Europe is being established. I really believe that the Church is the only answer to the concerns of a secular Europe, as it always has been the Answer. What has happened is that the Church has become out of touch with the world around it, and has sat back and watched the secular advance over the years to a very strong position of influence and belief in the communities that it leads, and in many ways the Church has become a historic icon representing the past, and a past that no-one wants. I'm very excited about what is ahead for 2009 because this coming year gives us all as Church Leaders and Builders another opportunity to take what God has given with the Church, and create a strong and sure foundation for the future generations that are ready to serve God in Europe and in the Church. For 2009 those that are called to lead must lead with vision and purpose, and be bold in making necessary and innovative changes to their church structures, methods and presentation, especially on Sundays. 2009 will start with the world in an economic downturn, and we cannot allow this to colour our world in regards to what God is capable of achieving in and through us all. The Church in Europe in 2009 will need enormous injections of finance and funding, because there are many needs in the Church that must be addressed, if we are ever to take the Church to a level where our relevance and influence in society is viewed with respect. There are many Pastors in Europe, who are leading Churches while they are committed to part time or full time secular work positions - this is something that must change. We cannot expect these men of God to work full time at another job, and then be expected to look after the vision of the Church, look after the needs of the Church, and attend crisis situations, sickness and dysfunction in people's lives, and also attend to the needs of their own marriages and families - this is a burden no Pastor should have to carry, and I don't believe that God ever saw it this way. It is time to change this most desperate need, because churches cannot function effectively while the shepherd is watching over some other flock in the business world. So as we approach the beginning of another year, let us all approach this new year with a determination to do what ever it takes to bring increase, efficiency and prosperity to the churches in Europe. 12 months of focused change and innovation can achieve an incredible amount, if pursued with a positive outlook and a determination to serve God with vision and purpose. Sundays in 2009 must explode with vision and purpose, and become a relevant and effective tool that connects and influences our communities, and builds and develops our people. Be blessed this coming year, and let's be determined to be builders and developers of God's House, determined to keep full of faith and vision all throughout this coming year.

Cheers and God Bless

Lucky and Fish cool