Bidding you “so long” but not “farewell”….

The following message from Janet Fowlow was received via Facebook:

Subject: New message from Janet Fowlow
From: Facebook (notification+zrdohiirioff@facebookmail.com)
To: blcfchurch@yahoo.ca;
 Date: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 7:08:31 PM
Janet Fowlow 6:38pm Feb 15

 Good Evening, Everyone

It is my sad regrets that I write to say that I will not have the chance to come by to say goodbye to you all before I leave town for Newfoundland this weekend. I have been trying hard to get the time to come by, but packing and last minute arrangements have now allowed it. I wanted to send a message of thanks to you all for all your service and quiet obedience.

Sofie, you are truly a dedicated warrior. Stacey, thanks for the support. Raul, thanks for the laughs. To Saul, much love from "Smiley" :). To Pat, a warm smile. I'll send you a copy of the cookbook when I get it done. :) To everyone else - thank you so much for your service. I know it has been some time, but working with you all has always been a privilege. Serving the underprivileged in their journey, has been instrumental and important for the reason I am leaving Toronto. I now leave to carry on your torch in my native Newfoundland, where I have been called to go into pastor counseling development to assist in spiritual homelessness prevention.

Many many months ago, when I first came back to Christ, I had a vision upon waking one morning that changed my life. I saw a dirty urban alleyway, and knew in the dream that it had to do with the urban homeless. It was then, that I heard a voice say strongly and clearly - "And this will be your harvest. You shall help save them, and some of the least of these will become the greatest in my kingdom."

Ever since then, my journey has led me to this defining point in my life. As I sat across from a prominent leader in Toronto who deals with homelessness, I asked him what I should do with this calling... he response was striking, "Go home. Back to Nfld. If you knew how many of your brothers and sisters from that Island end up at the doorsteps of homeless agencies here, it would scare you. You have seen Point B. Now, you must have the courage to go and contribute to preventing the problem at Point A." Months later, I would realize that this was the Lord talking, plain and clear, and the path was set.

 So I won't say good-bye, but just so-long. Years from now, I may be back, in your kitchen, helping again. There is nothing more powerful than being on the front lines, wagering it all on the power of Love. I love and cherish you all, You have all been such a blessing,

Janet Fowlow

 Janet,

May the Lord bless you on your new mission in life. We appreciated your help and company at the community dinner and we will always have the "Welcome Mat" out should your journey bring you back Toronto way.

-Steve and Sophie Mickelson on behalf of the gang at the BLCF Cafe