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Acknowledgements

Ultimately, aside from being a writer’s grand indulgence, I find that an author’s acknowledgements section is predominantly two things. First, as I stated in my last book, it is a unique sort of time capsule, vaulting names and relationships that represent a distinct chapter of one’s life. Second, it is an inimitable opportunity for sincere thanksgiving committed to print. Not to be taken lightly. Taking all these things into account, I am humbled to process the names and communities that have shared in graciously cheering me or standing with me in one way or another while completing this book.

No space is a sacred as home. This I know only too well. Especially when home is filled with great love and much laughter. To my lovely wife, Diane, and our wonderful (now young adult) children, Sarah Jane and Jake—endless thanks for the comfort and joy you bring me always. Words do no justice to all you mean to me. I love you.

My mom and dad (Arlene and Liv) have modelled sacrifice, faithfulness and love in immeasurable portions. Added to the great blessing of their care is the love and support of my brothers, Liv Jr. (and Verona) and Danny (and Karen), and their families, as well as Diane’s family (Keith Johnson, Linda Revie and sons, and Barbara Ward and her children and grandchildren). I pray for each of you every day, always with great thanksgiving.

To my publisher, Larry Willard, and his dear wife and associate, Marina Hofman Willard—my continual thanks to you both for believing in my writing and all the endeavours I purpose them around, and for your generous friendship. Castle Quay Books has been so good to me, and for me, personally and professionally, in so many ways.

Julia Beazley is always the first person to read and process any and all of my material, for initial content, first copy-edits, and gracious feedback. Julia’s thoughtfulness is always a gift to my projects and to me personally. Our years of work and friendship together are truly priceless. Thank you, dear Julia.

Anne (“Annie”) Brandner’s work on this project is much more than just bright and insightful writing. Watching and hearing Anne pour her gentle soul into working and reworking the chapter-by-chapter reflection and discussion guide over a number of seasons has been an absolute inspiration. I knew from the beginning that Anne’s tender heart and giftedness were ideal for this project, and I am so thankful for her fantastic contribution. And always, I am so very thankful for the blessing of her dear friendship.

I met Moira Brown many years ago through a series of television interviews I did with her. Having already met countless people in the media, I was particularly struck by Moira’s unique grace and kindness, before, during and after the cameras rolled. Moira continued on to faithfully support me over many years, consistent with her reputation as an astounding encourager. Her foreword is but one more sign of her humbling goodness and encouragement to me.

Lorna Dueck brings extraordinary credibility to anything and everything inclusive of her good name and revered reputation. It is a distinct honour to have Lorna provide this book’s closing words of benediction and blessing. Thank you, Lorna, for this gracious gift and for the standard of excellence you model in all you do.

Steve Bell is known nationally and internationally as a great many things—an award-winning singer-songwriter, a skilled musician, an inspirational storyteller, and a modern-day prophet—so how could I not be overjoyed and proud to know him as one of my closest friends? His words on “comfort” in this book are especially profound because of his vast reputation as a comforter.

Greg Paul is as much a brother to me as he is a friend. Inevitable, after years upon years of processing the complexity of raw street ministry with one another, numerous writing trips together, shared band gigs, serving side by side on national social justice projects and teams, and countless hours of laughter. Greg’s words about “joy” written in this book bring me great joy.

To Terri and Miller Alloway—once again, you, your family and Maranatha Foundation and Lightworks are at the forefront of my sincerest thanksgiving as you continue to stand with me in friendship, ministry and faithful support of my writing projects. Know always of my heartfelt and humble thanks.

To know the warmth of community and thrive inside of it is wonderfully life-giving. I have been blessed to know this personally for over a quarter of a century within the Youth Unlimited (YFC) family in Toronto and across Canada. Likewise, I am so grateful for the wellness and care I have known in community with my Street Level kin across Canada, Muskoka Woods friends, Chartwell Church and Weston Park Baptist Church.

I have lived my entire adult life via “faith-support,” dependent on the generosity and kindness of those who have believed, and continue to believe, in the charitable and ministry endeavours I pursue. I am forever thankful for the support of so many individuals, families, churches, businesses and groups, shown in countless ways throughout my life and as I proceed—as donors, partners, encouragers, prayers and volunteers. To all of you, my endless and sincerest thanks!

I am continually humbled by, and grateful for, the gracious gestures of support and encouragement I receive from the Honourable David C. Onley and the Honourable Hilary M. Weston.

Over the span of time I spent writing The Yuletide Factor, and in context to this project, there were some very dear people in my life who provided unique inspiration and abundant encouragement in the process. Know that your support, generosity and love while I was working on this material hallmarked the very heartbeat of this book for me: Cheryl Bear, Nanci Bell, Marisol and Trevor Brisbin, Cathy Dienesch, Jan Fukumoto, Susie Griffin, Alison Hardman, Jodi and Mike Janzen, Sarah Lester, Gail Masson, Lori and John McAuley, Scott Moore, Melissa Morrissey, Carl Nash, Kelly and Brad Pedersen, Pauline and Ron Peneycad, Angela Porter, Ingrid Smith, Ruth Smith, Scott Snider, Brenda Tennant and John Wilkinson.

It is impossible to list the names of all the people who help shape, or have shaped, one’s world, ultimately impacting one’s writing. The names, voices and faces seem wonderfully endless and are similarly “time-capsuled” in my previous books. This is such a blessing, for sure! However, while it is no doubt a grand challenge, and subsequent risk, I cannot help but want to give thanks in written form to those whose goodness has felt particularly poignant or timely in context to the writing of this book: Patrick Boller, Paul Brandner, Laura Jane and Gordon Brew, Sue and Dave Bolender, Julia Cabral, Karen Chambers, Dale Cheslock, Colleen Clarke, David Collison, Marianne and Danny Deeks, Alan Davey, Jocelyn Durston, Teres Edmonds, Cheryl and John Frogley-Rawson, Bob Fukumoto, Mieke and Dave Geldart, Heather Graham, Pamela and Brian Hanford, Darrin Henein, Suzi Higgins, Julie and Steve Hill, Denise Holland, Lori Holtam-Weedon, Andy Levy, Jennine and Bruce Loewen, Louise and Kevin Loten, Debbie and Don Morrison, Len Janzen, Raymond Jung, Heather and Dave Kiteley-Gill, Sue and Mark Kocaurek, Donna and Clark Kostik, Diana and Stuart Lender, Marie MacNeill, Jennifer and Keith Martin, Dawn Millar, Sister Sue Mosteller, Pat Nixon, Dion Oxford, Maggie Paul, Cynthia Plett, Gino Reda, Shelley and Derek Rumball, Gordon Russell, Iona and Rob Snair, April Snider, Scott Taylor, Rick Tobias, Cindy and Dean Westacott, Trish Wilkinson, Collette and Lino Zecca, and Dave Zeglinski.

To the guys in the band Outrider (Pete Bowman, Steve Kennedy, John Russell): here’s to all the years we’ve been playing the music we love, and cheers to all the music, fun and friendship yet to come.

I am so grateful for those whose names appear in the author’s acknowledgements pages of this book and all my previous books. I am deeply thankful for them all, whether they represent a season, seasons or a lifetime of poignancy. However, this book is dedicated to a different group of people. The chapters that follow will introduce readers to some people who have impacted my life or stirred my soul by sharing mere moments with me, and some without even meeting me. Vital and too important to dismiss or forget, these too are undoubtedly torchbearers of the yuletide factor.