Winter in Pennsylvania is one of our favorite times. That may sound crazy, and sometimes I think we are crazy for loving it, but between the clean, white snow everywhere, bundling up in sweaters and coats and cuddling near toasty fires, we find it a place of quiet and renewal. Like caterpillars that spin dark cocoons and inside transform to butterflies. In winter darkness we draw near to God and reflect.

Since 2011 it has been a special time set apart to consciously go after God for the coming year. It is a time of vision and dream casting and setting into place the meetings, trips and times for the year ahead. It is also the time of our annual board meeting for Firstlight International, and we were truly blessed this year as our board gathered in our home to rejoice in all the Lord had done in 2017, and to vision cast together for 2018. We were extremely blessed, as well, to be able to be a part of Times of Refreshing, both in Covenant Church of Pittsburgh, as well as Oasis City Church in Columbus, Oh. Oh! And our wonderful Son-Burn Encounters School of Passion began its third year this January. So many hungry hearts in so many places. It is not simply revival. It is a move of God. We are beyond blessed to live in these times!

~ Debbie Ecker