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 Summer is finally over and I thought I'd take the time to update you on how we've been keeping.  We pray you to continue to look up and not around, as we navigate these challenging times.  The Lord sees and knows all that is happening.  HE does inded hold the future as well!

On the home front: This summer we had a lovely visit from Tracey's mother, Connie, who lives in Ontario.  Both kids and grandkids were so glad to visit with her.  Together we enjoyed all the fresh produce from the garden, picking blueberries, and going camping around British Columbia. We also had the opportunity to go to Alberta for Interact's conference in Medicine Hat.  We drove through the smoke from many forest fires on the way there, and enjoyed clear skies on the way back through the Canadian Rockies.  It was comforting to hear the many stories from people about how our missionaries carried out ministry during this time – it has not been easy for anyone. Restrictions have made visiting for pastors very difficult. This continues to be the case. Please continue to pray for creative and safe ways to help hurting people.  We held our 39th annual Punjabi conference in Abbotsford. It was held at South Abbotsford church, where John and sometimes Tracey help on Sundays. About 100 people attended. Most people were local this year with restrictions etc. However, that did not stop the working of God's Spirit. Three people came to faith in Jesus Christ at the conference. Praise the Lord! Covid cannot stop Him! We had 5 different speakers, all Punjabi. They included our pastor, Lakhbir, and former pastor David Manuel.  We enjoyed good Indian food, fellowship, music and biblical teaching. This conference was especially important this year to encourage people in the faith as well during these strange times.  Please also continue to pray for Nitu. Her husband Yad, our good friend and fellow believer in Jesus, passed away last September. Pray for her and her daughter as they transition from a regular house to a new condo, full-time work, grieving etc. They recently sold the family camper and truck. Many good memories but the goodbyes are hard. Thank you. The South Abbotsford Punjabi Church is also open again for regular church services, for which we are grateful. John usually helps with the children on these mornings and has been the one to write down contact info through covid. As is the case for many of you, the restrictions change and so for now we continue to gather for worship. 

We also thought you might enjoy this recipe for Jeera Rice. We used it for the conference and it's very tasty with salad and butter chicken. Enjoy!

Jeera Rice

4 cups water

2 cups white basmati rice, rinsed and drained several times

1 tsp. salt

1 Tblsp cumin, or jeera(Punjabi for cumin)

1 small onion, finely chopped 1 cup peas

Fry onion in small amount of oil with salt added, for a few minutes, until onion is translucent. Add jeera and cook another 2 minutes. Have 4 cups boiling water ready and add onion mixture, rice, and peas.  Stir to combine and cook until the rice has absorbed all the water. Serve with butter chicken, chicken curry, and a salad.