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This last year, nine months ago to be exact, God extended once again His steadfast love. Because of Him doing so, I offer God praise for placing in me the need to find a new church for my family and I, along with my thanks to Him for leading us to the Well.

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God heard the prayers of those that stepped in to pray for myself and my family over the past few years. We prayed for healing, His peace, His joy, His presence, and for Him to keep my children in His Hands while I went through cancer treatments. He is so good. I am now in remission (Praise the Lord!) and my children remain in love with the Lord - always looking forward to being in His house with our family of faith. Thank you for those that prayed over us and covered us with your prayers. God is good!

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A Prayer of Blessing

I want to bless you with the gift of persistent love. May we learn to look outside ourselves - our needs, our wants, our desires. Instead, may we learn to be humble like the Lord Jesus, and may that humility lead us to a keen awareness of the needs of those around us in a way that is clearer than what our eyes can see.

May we be persistent and reckless in our love for each other so that the love of Jesus can be magnified and made more visible to others.

May we never give up on someone, when the 'going gets tough', when we are unable to relate to them, or because they are different from us. And when we feel like we have no more left to give, may we draw from the well of His 'unlimited resources' such that our hearts would overflow with His love, and out of that abundance, His love for others would naturally flow out of us.

May our love for others may be a mirror image of the love that Christ has for each of us and may others feel the warmth and embrace of their savior through our love for them.
May we learn to live a life so marked with persistent love that any trace of darkness would be swallowed up by that vast love.

'Let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and truth' so that the love of Christ is magnified through our lives.

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At the beginning of last year, me and my husband were going through a rough patch. We were facing some huge decisions and we found it hard to reconcile with each other's decision. Thanks for prayers from close friends, and home group friends and the grace of God, and with getting help with marriage counselling, we were out of the woods in a couple months. God helped me to learn to him from his perspective, and learn to accept certain things as it is. I am thankful that God has walked us through as a couple, and carried me through personally.

Also I wanted to share something from a few years back: I used to have trouble forgiving someone that's significant in my life. No matter how much counselling or personal prayer, I still had trouble truly forgiving her. At the time, the well sent out invitations to renewal prayer session, it was during COVID times, and it was held online. God worked powerfully through that session, and was able to dig into deeper areas that I have never thought I needed to pray through. And after that session, I find myself walking on a path to forgiving this person. I find myself lighter and able to see myself a bit clearer through the Holy Spirit. I truly thank God for allowing me to be renewed through thoughtful prayers, and I would encourage everyone to at least go for renewal prayer once. I also want to thank the church for such a remarkable ministry. And thanking God for his Grace and mercy unto me.

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Launa had recurrent ear infections impacting her health and ability to learn to speak. She had an ear surgery in May to put tubes in and is now progressing much better.
Layah was scared of starting grade 1 - having to go to a new school, with a new language (French immersion) and take a bus, but ended up doing really well with the change.
In 2022 Liam had a scare with a flare up of the lining in his stomach that put him in hospital for a week. This year he hasn't had any incidents.

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My name is Alexandra Balasoiu and I have been attending The Well Church since 2018 Palm Sunday and was baptized on Easter Day in 2019. Over the past year, as I faced the daunting challenge of breast cancer, I've experienced a journey that has profoundly tested and strengthened my faith. Standing before you today, I want to share my story, not just of struggle, but of grace, healing, and unwavering support. When I was diagnosed, it felt like my world had turned upside down. The multitude of tests, visits to the hospital, awaiting test results, biopsies, surgeries, radiation sessions, IV treatments, and new medications were physically and emotionally draining. Yet, in these moments of weakness, I found an unexpected source of strength: my faith in God. I've felt God's grace carrying me through, giving me the fortitude I never knew I had.

This journey has brought me closer to God than ever before. I've learned to trust Him completely, to see Him as my healer, my protector, my rock, my shield, and the One I feel secure in. In my darkest hours, it was this trust that lit my path, reminding me of the blessings that still surrounded me. Because of cancer I learned lessons I needed to learn. Because of cancer, I discovered a new dimension of depth of love for our Lord, faith in our Father, and gratitude in our God that I never knew were even possible. Because of cancer, I allowed the Holy Spirit take every thought of mine captive and assume his rightful place as the ruler over my thoughts and mind. Because of cancer I was able to surrender my worries and completely trust our Heavenly Father to release healing over my body, soul, and spirit in Jesus’s name.

I am deeply grateful for the medical team God guided into my life. Their expertise, combined with world-class facilities, has been instrumental in developing a treatment plan tailored for my recovery. I see God's hand in their wisdom and care, ensuring that I receive the best possible treatment. I am indebted for my family’s support. Once I overcame the guilt, I realized that my family, especially my children deserved to witness a mother who would refuse to give up the fight. Their bright and shining lights, their love, affection, and compassion carried me through my toughest days and taught me to slow down and take more time in enjoying moments with my family.

But it's not just the medical professionals and my family that I need to thank. My church community, you all, have been a pillar of strength for me. Your daily or weekly check-ins and help with my medical appointments made a challenging time more manageable. Your heartfelt messages and conversations as well as companionship lightened my burden. Your prayers, your unwavering faith, and your love have been a constant source of comfort. Knowing that I am lifted in prayer by this loving community has been a beacon of hope in my journey. Words fail to capture the depth of my gratitude for your unwavering support during my cancer journey. So, today, as I stand here, I am a testament to God's unfailing love and healing power. Through this journey, I've found a deeper connection with Him and a renewed sense of gratitude for every blessing, big or small. My heart overflows with thanks – to God, to my medical team, to my family, and to each one of you, my church family, for being my rock through this challenging time. Alexandra Balasoiu

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Dear Church, I wanted to express how God showed up for me on the eve this past New Year's Eve as I found myself in a harrowing situation on the 401. I was listening to a Christian radio station that had just reminded me of the importance of being thankful in all things no matter what may come in 2024. In a matter of moments, more than ever, I came to realize this true significance. You see, little did I anticipate what would soon unfold in my rearview mirror would be an unforgettable scene. Traffic on the 401 ahead of me had slowed to a stand still. I glanced behind me - all was good. As I looked back a second time, however, panic struck as the highway was transforming into a chaotic and surreal spectacle - something you'd only witness in an action movie.

My heart stopped, my hands clenched the steering wheel and I began to brace for impact ... In what felt like an eternity, I witnessed quite a few cars being hit , flung across the highway, and even an air-bound car being caught up in this multi vehicle crash on the path towards me. I repeatedly and desperately pleaded with God to spare me from being hit. The car behind me got clipped, wildly spun, and landed perpendicularly stopping all cars behind it.

Miraculously, my car was the last to remain untouched and unharmed. God's armour covered me. I was a hair's breadth away from becoming entangled in a horrific accident that could have altered the course of my life. I pray for the families and the victims that were caught up in that terrible crash.

That day, as I pulled away from the aftermath, in amazement, I couldn't shake the overwhelming sense of gratitude, as I still have now knowing that God spared me. All the headlights shining beyond the last hit car, serves as a stark reminder of how God blessed me to come home and embrace my son and husband that night. My heart is filled with gratitude for the protection that God surrounded me with that night and as he continues to show up time and time again.

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A rich valuable lesson has been taught to me in a way that came through loss and trauma.

How necessary it is to be open to learn deep spiritual truths in the midst of mistakes made, and emotions of shame and failure needing to be worked through for healing to begin. I chose to keep my heart open despite wanting to run and hide and I in turn experienced love and help from my church family and home group.

I set out on a path that had real financial gain and prayed my way through the process. We live in a world of such evil and scams and deception are increasing in unbelievable numbers as I have come to learn.

I have been a victim of a terrible investment scam that left me shaken to the core and that is an understatement.
Lesson: Venturing out into a path that I thought I could be blessed in asking God to come along.

And there it is that’s the lesson. Stepping into Gods plan and not MY OWN letting him show and instruct what’s best for me ……He Knows what’s best. But even in failure thinking I knew what was best and being wrongly treated he can use and he is. Thank you to my church family to Vijay and my home group praying for me through this terrible experience of loss and shame and embarrassment. Providing help and hope to my family in the Christmas season.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you plans to prosper you and not to harm you to give you a hope and a future.

This has been so painful and I am thankful I have a wonderful church family to help me through this.

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God is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine.'

This past year, God has shown me His incredible power and what He can do when when we take steps of obedience for Him. Like the 5 loaves and 2 fish, He multiplies the little we have and uses it to do His miraculous work. God has shown me that I need to be faithful and obey Him in the things He asks of me and not be concerned about the results, that is His domain. I am here to plant the seeds but only He can make it grow and so I have to keep trusting Him in all areas, faithfully following Him and leaving the outcome in His loving hands. He is the God who turns water into wine and makes a way when things seem hopeless and so may I never underestimate His power and what He can do in my life and in the life of others around me. I pray that this year, we may all experience His love and power in incredible ways as we take steps of obedience for Him. May that cause us to have greater dependence on Him as we see, first-hand, His power at work in and around us. Amen.

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A year and a half ago, I shattered my shoulder. I was told that it would never be the same and I would live with limited mobility and pain. I accepted that, until the healing prayer night in January 2023 when one of the prayer warriors heard God say he wanted to heal shoulders. I know I wasn’t the only one with a damaged shoulder, but I figured if God had healing for me, I wanted to receive it. I realized that I had not given God room to work because I did not ask. I went forward for prayer. Later that week, my physiotherapist asked if something had happened because she noticed a difference in my shoulder, which began a very interesting conversation. Since then, I have continued to ask for and receive more and more healing, to the point where I forget about it most of the time. It is a reminder that God does more than we ask or imagine, but He wants us to ask so we learn to trust Him. I continue to ask God for whatever healing He wants to give me, and give thanks and praise for what He has done.

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In November 2021 I had been praying about work growth and opportunities and applied for internal positions within my then company, however I wasn’t the successful candidate for the posted roles. God affirmed through answered prayer requests with specific asks I was looking for, that I switch companies after being with the same company for almost 14 years. He provided an opportunity to me directly without my searching and when I accepted the role and started there, I planted all the seeds for Him in my day to day work and was thankful for a new opportunity and workplace to share His love. This change took a leap of faith and it was encouraging to see God opening and closing doors for me.

Near the end of 2022 (a year into my role) I was having issues with management and in Feb 2023 my manger ended my employment without cause. I was in shock after the termination meeting as I work in HR and this didn’t make sense to me. I turned to God and gave the situation to Him fully. I immediately started to apply for jobs and my prayer was very specific letting Him know that whatever door He opened first I would walk through it.

I made it to the final round of interviews with a financial company and was like yes this is it!!! At this point I had a couple of other first round interviews which I wouldn’t have proceeded with if an offer was extended to me. This role was a lateral move and I was super excited. I got the call after my final interview and was told that I didn’t get the role. I was disappointed but I told God I was trusting him knowing that he had something better in store for me. I had my 2nd interview with a company that the role was a step up a manger with direct reports - something I was really interested in. I ended up getting the offer for this role and was given extra blessings through compensation benefits and a role that has been super satisfying.

This journey has increased my faith and walk with the Lord - I am working for for the Lord and not man Colossians 3:23! He has blessed me and I am so happy where I am, I’ve been in the role for over 8 months! I continue to pray He uses me to share his love with others. A colleague who started in the same day as me has made comments to me like don’t you ever get mad or upset you always seem happy - to which i point it right back to Jesus and let her known that he is the reason why I am the way I am. Its not me , it’s Christ in me!

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After a year of chronic pain and my surgeon giving up on my post-op lack of recovery, I went to God, telling Him that I could not accept the doctor's prognosis that I was destined for a lifetime of chronic pain. The Lord impressed upon me to take up a specific kind of prayer and fasting, which I did. By the end of the 2 week fast, all my symptoms subsided. Jesus often told people to do something in order to be healed. I've learned that it's important to follow both doctors' instructions and God's instructions. And that healing comes from God's revelation through scientific knowledge and spiritual knowledge, working together, not working apart. Working in healthcare, I've seen people limit themselves to one way only. I hope my story can encourage someone to have the faith, and humility to seek and follow both doctors' orders and God's orders at the same time. I've seen some version of this multiple times. I've also seen family relationships repaired in ways I never expected. Just spontaneous 180 degree change in people. It's pretty clear that was a Holy Spirit thing. There's just too many stories to tell. Prayer and fasting season in January (over the last 5 yrs or so) has been one of the most faith building experiences of my Christian journey.

For me, personally losing my dad to cancer as a child has had a profound impact on me. So when God answers my "daddy please prayers" it reveals the father heart of God in ways that no amount of Bible study can do. (A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows is God in His dwelling place. Ps. 68:5).

I hope that it helps someone else to have the faith to ask; ask whatever you want, it's Abba after all. There's no need to polish up the request cause that's just not how healthy father-child relationships work. It's Abba (daddy). It's a safe space. Just ask. He doesn't give a stone to a child who asks for bread. He knows how to give good gifts (Matt 7:11). If it's fine by him, he'll say yes, so no harm in asking as long as one knows that all answers - yes, no, may be later - all come from a place of LOVE. As for me, all I know is that I asked, and God answered. And I'm not afraid/or shy/or reticent to ask for anything no matter how big or small. Doesn't matter.

For now, I'll just TRUST that it's all from a place of LOVE.

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It's hard to be thankful and to thank you Lord. Trust challenged in family, friends and former faith community. I have felt afraid to risk sharing when life is still under daily under construction, reconstruction and at times I feel fear filled, anxious, depressed, lost and hopeless quell.... yet noticing these fears being extinguished with an undercurrent of deep peace from living waters, like mana from heaven, drawn at The Well.

But God - is at work, He calls me his child and is healing childhood, teen and adult traumas, C-PTSD, hurts and pains from mistakes, grief of losses from all areas of life.

God is showing me how Jesus was there with me in the trials and is here will me amidst the storms through specific memories, pictures, words and using every day life interactions and occurrences to communicate new things to me...

When the enemy continues to try to attack with the same predictable tactics threatening to steal, kill and destroy even so God says; No more, that is not for you, I have more for you.
Jesus says I am calling you to me.
I am here for you, I love you and gently am grasping onto your hand to pull you out of the pit.
I draw near, look upon you compassionately,
and want to heal you from afflictions and abuses you have suffered of every kind.

Will you accept my invitation?
Do you believe me, the healer?
Will you receive what I am offering you?

I came here for you at this very moment to restore your relationship with my Father....
I know that you have felt lost, hopeless and alone.
Welcome home my child, my daughter, my love.
You don't have to do anything more than simply come to me honey.
I am the one who can mend your broken heart, for I created your heart and I know what you need and I have blessings and gifts for you that you don't know about - let alone opened yet which I have designed especially for you.

"And they overcame and conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death." Rev. 12:11

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In our home group, and more recently during our prayer week, we have spoken about our “doubts”.
I’ve been a believer my whole life and never really doubted God and His promises. However, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve been thinking more of death and passing from this life to another. Well, when you really think about it, the concept of another life seems so hard to imagine and could even be considered far fetched.

Now that it’s colder outside, I do my workouts inside on the treadmill, and to help pass the time, I listen to music, and have some little que cards with memory verses.

Anyway, while on the treadmill and mulling over my doubts, I picked up the stack of que cards. The memory verse on the top was:

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Heb 11:6

Then just as I finished reading this verse, the following lyrics played on my headphones:

Well I know it sounds
Just too good to be true
But if He lives in you
You'll never die,
You'll never die,
You'll live forever
You'll never die,
You'll never die,
Take care of forever now
Keith Green – Soften Your Heart

Just a coincidence?
Or was God trying to tell me something?