The #7 most-viewed post on our Top Ten list was written shortly after we left Ottawa and moved to Cambridge to begin serving at Heritage College and Seminary. It’s hard to believe that was over seven years ago. God is still doing new things!
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New Things. That’s our new life. We’re programming the GPS to find the next place, leaving our “new” house on a new street (to us), in a new town, (actually several of them!). Rick has enjoyed his first days as the new President of Heritage College and Seminary. It’s all a new thing.
We’ll never forget a life changing flight we had this past summer in Africa that pointed in this direction. For the short flight between Kenya and Tanzania, Ramesh Richard suggest that Linda trade him seats; he’d take her seat and she’d fly first class instead. The purpose was to discuss with Rick the possibilities of Heritage.
Linda grabbed her Bible, since flying alone was a good time to find the verse: “I will hold You by the hand and watch over you…” (Isaiah 42:6). But the next verses penetrated deeply:
“Behold, the former things have come to pass, now I declare new things; Before they spring forth, I proclaim them to you.” (Isaiah 42:9).
Winging our way just east of Mt. Kilimanjaro, these verses also came into view:
“Do not call to mind the former things or ponder the things of the past. Behold I will do something new. Now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it?” (Isaiah 43:18-19).
Twice: “New things.” “Something new.”
The first class meal was served, with beautiful African chinaware. Linda took the stickers “S” and “P” off the salt and pepper; they now remain permanently affixed next to these verses in her Bible, reminders of the day that God spoke through His Word.
So as we begin a New Year, find a new grocery store, new friends, and leave behind our old rhythms, we are letting God guide us into “new things.”
So, what’s new for you? Would you be willing by faith to step forward into something new? To forget — or forgive–the past? Are there whispers of His Spirit you’re pushing away…hoping to stay just where you are?
That little salt and pepper set sit at the front of a new buffet in our kitchen. (The steward was willing to give them to us.) They’re great reminders of “a new thing.”
We’re doing well. When God does a “new thing” — it’s also a really “good thing.”
Rick and Linda Reed 
Thank you Rick and Linda for this powerful message. What a wonderful way to start this new year with the promise of Isaiah 43:18. I think I gonna make of this verse my motto for this year. We keep praying for you. God bless you. Eufemio and Amy. Ottawa, ON.
It’s so nice to read your blog, It’s a blessing to see how are you enjoying your new place and environment.
and most of all serving the Lord in a great and new way for proclaiming His good news in Canada and beyond for His glory. Hoping to hear further lot more of exciting news and successful accomplishment.
Sincerely…………Insaf