Ministry Update No.4 — December 2017 – Sabbatical/sick leave
Dear friends, Merry Christmas and all His blessings for the next year ahead (aka 2018).
Thank you so much for reading this update and taking an interest in my ministry and Among the People Ministries (AtP). It takes a team to make a difference, thanks for being part of it. If you don’t wish to receive these emails, use the “unsubscribe from this list” option at the bottom. I would really appreciate any helpful suggestions, encouraging comments and questions about this ministry update. Please email feedback to AtP.
I am writing to keep you up to date with my progress while on extended sabbatical/sick leave. As you will recall from my last update (September 2017) I began my leave on Saturday 26th August and will finish no earlier than 11 February 2019. Thank you for respecting my request for no public or private ministry during this time. Your messages of support and acts of kindness mean so much to Christine and I.
I acknowledge in some cases it is unusual to be supporting a ministry while on sabbatical/sick leave/furlough. I am so grateful and humbled by your ongoing financial and prayer support, without it I could not achieve the goals (see below) of this season of recovery and self care, study, and missions projects as we prepare for what the Lord has instore for the future.
The goals of my sabbatical/sick leave remain the following:
1. To address a number of very treatable health, personal and self care issues. These will require some surgery, disciplined focused rehabilitation and recovery time.
2. To allow me the time and energy to complete study and work on writing, recording, resource development and mission focused photographic projects long overdue.
To date I have been focused on my health concerns, personal and self care issues, meeting with doctors, specialists, mentors and support groups to determine the best way forward holistically and how to maintain momentum.
My most pressing physical concern at the moment is a very damaged left ankle from a motor vehicle accident when I was 18 years old and while I have had almost 35 years of good movement with little pain, it has deteriorated considerably in the last three years. A significant amount of metalware, rod and screws, was successfully removed from my ankle on 19 December 2017. Although in a significant amount of pain I am grateful my condition is treatable and there is progress.
The next step will be to consider three options for my left ankle, being; full ankle fusion, ankle replacement (though each ankle replacement would only last three to five years, and then would need replacing) and finally possible amputation of lower left leg and fitting of a prothesis (click here for a information on the prothesis I am looking at).
As for my study, writing and resource projects; these are in their formative stages as I focus on rest, rehabilitation and recovery and I look forward to increased momentum in the New Year.
As I reflect on serving the Lord over this year primarily in the local church through prophesying, preaching and teaching/training, I am reminded of the privilege of hearing the God stories of how the Lord has touched people’s lives through AtP. It makes the 70 flights in six months and over three months away from home worth it.
There were many highlights of 2017 as I worked with 28 churches in New Zealand, overseas and with many individuals around the nations. I have been encouraged by the heart of worship and fellowship in the faith communities across our nation and around the globe. In the next section, Stories and Testimonies, are some testimonies I hope will encourage and inspire you. Without your support these events are impossible.
Finally, thanks for your understanding, care and honour you have extended Christine and I. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. I look forward to reporting on my progress in March 2018.
God bless and take care.
Together we’re making a difference.
Appreciatively yours, with all respect and gratitude,
Tony Saxon