Keeping up with the Joneses
Winter 2026
20 years of ministry (and winters) in Quebec!
Imagine how high this will be at the end of winter…whenever that is :-)
Hello everyone! We trust that you are doing well as we begin another new year.
2026 marks the 20th year of serving the Lord in Quebec. Our new newsletter subscribers probably don’t know this, but when we left Maryland in the summer of 2006 our plan was to serve for two years and return home. “Many are the plans in a man’s heart but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21
I could write a book about our experiences—our ministry and family life, the challenges and trials, as well as the victories, joys, and triumphs we’ve known as we’ve sought to advance the gospel in Quebec.
Many of you have fought along with us during this entire 20 year period. You’ve come and ministered with us, you’ve prayed faithfully, you’ve given generously, and you even read our newsletters . I’ll not wait until the end, but rather tell you right now: THANK YOU!
Fall and early winter highlights
Over the fall and early winter months we have had the privilege of serving in many including performing the marriage of a young man that we’ve known for almost 20 years, helping host children’s clubs, and overseeing the consecration of new deacons at a Haitian congregation.
The ladies Bible study got off to a good start by adding an additional meeting time for those who cannot participate in the evenings. The goal of the study is for each woman to put into practice what she is learning from God’s word. Toni is grateful that the women want to grow in their walk with the Lord.
Additionally, our daily time of praise and thanksgiving at church continues to be a source of encouragement for those who participate.
From a chance meeting on Main Street to recommitting to the local body of believers
One highlight since we last wrote involves P & C. One day while walking down Main Street, one of our prayer warriors ran into this couple and struck up a conversation with them. When she noticed the time, she cut the conversation short remarking that she was going to be late to praise time at church.
The following day C told her husband that he should go thinking perhaps this was an answer to their prayers. With the encouragement of his wife P decided to go even though his wife couldn’t because of her physical limitations. Upon entering the building the first thing he noticed was that our church had a motorized chair to take a person to the main level, exactly what his wife needed. This was another indication to them that the Lord might be answering their prayers of the last 4 years. Since that day hardly a day has gone by when we’ve not seen one or both of them at morning prayer or afternoon praise, They repeatedly share how our assembly has been an answer to their prayers and we praise God because they are an answer to our prayers as well.
Praise:
We had loaned out our car earlier in the day. Praise the Lord no one was injured!
“And all who were appointed for eternal life believed.” Acts 13:48
Lord, let us meet them and make us ready to receive them!
With Love in Christ,
Virgil and Toni
(The full 2026 winter newsletter pdf can be accessed below)
20 years of ministry (and winters) in Quebec!
Imagine how high this will be at the end of winter…whenever that is :-)
Hello everyone! We trust that you are doing well as we begin another new year.
2026 marks the 20th year of serving the Lord in Quebec. Our new newsletter subscribers probably don’t know this, but when we left Maryland in the summer of 2006 our plan was to serve for two years and return home. “Many are the plans in a man’s heart but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21
I could write a book about our experiences—our ministry and family life, the challenges and trials, as well as the victories, joys, and triumphs we’ve known as we’ve sought to advance the gospel in Quebec.
Many of you have fought along with us during this entire 20 year period. You’ve come and ministered with us, you’ve prayed faithfully, you’ve given generously, and you even read our newsletters . I’ll not wait until the end, but rather tell you right now: THANK YOU!
Fall and early winter highlights
Over the fall and early winter months we have had the privilege of serving in many including performing the marriage of a young man that we’ve known for almost 20 years, helping host children’s clubs, and overseeing the consecration of new deacons at a Haitian congregation.
The ladies Bible study got off to a good start by adding an additional meeting time for those who cannot participate in the evenings. The goal of the study is for each woman to put into practice what she is learning from God’s word. Toni is grateful that the women want to grow in their walk with the Lord.
Additionally, our daily time of praise and thanksgiving at church continues to be a source of encouragement for those who participate.
From a chance meeting on Main Street to recommitting to the local body of believers
One highlight since we last wrote involves P & C. One day while walking down Main Street, one of our prayer warriors ran into this couple and struck up a conversation with them. When she noticed the time, she cut the conversation short remarking that she was going to be late to praise time at church.
The following day C told her husband that he should go thinking perhaps this was an answer to their prayers. With the encouragement of his wife P decided to go even though his wife couldn’t because of her physical limitations. Upon entering the building the first thing he noticed was that our church had a motorized chair to take a person to the main level, exactly what his wife needed. This was another indication to them that the Lord might be answering their prayers of the last 4 years. Since that day hardly a day has gone by when we’ve not seen one or both of them at morning prayer or afternoon praise, They repeatedly share how our assembly has been an answer to their prayers and we praise God because they are an answer to our prayers as well.
Praise:
- God’s goodness and faithfulness to us and the people here these 20 years!
- The addition of a second meeting time for the ladies Bible study
- New families regularly attending
- Provincial and Federal laws are threatening to curtail the religious liberties of all Canadians (more on this next time)
- That Virgil can serve the 19 churches well
- Our car was recently totalled by someone we had loaned it to. No one was injured but we need to quickly get another vehicle
- That Toni would lead the Bible studies in the power of the Holy Spirit and not the flesh
- Wisdom and workers regarding adding child care as we grow
- Those mentioned in the last newsletter who are not far from the kingdom
We had loaned out our car earlier in the day. Praise the Lord no one was injured!
“And all who were appointed for eternal life believed.” Acts 13:48
Lord, let us meet them and make us ready to receive them!
With Love in Christ,
Virgil and Toni
(The full 2026 winter newsletter pdf can be accessed below)