Greetings Dear Friends and Family,

During this festive season and in the weeks to come many of us are celebrating with friends and family. I love celebrations! Not only do we get to celebrate the beginning of a New Year but we also get to celebrate Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ who is the best gift of all! Without Him it would be impossible to receive the gift of forgiveness and eternal life! Christmas is a special time of year and thankfulness is a big part of the Christmas celebration! It’s a joyful event or so it should be! However, sadly enough, the meaning of Christmas has gotten lost in a world that has heard so many confusing and mixed messages. But as we celebrate may we remember the love of God and that He gave us His only son Jesus so that we would receive Him into our lives and know how to love others from the depth of our hearts. Let us find the time to share this love, be kind, and give to those who are hurting and struggling. Many people are searching for a life of meaning and truth amidst this world that is full of fear and hopelessness.

During this Christmas season Jake and I have had the opportunity to reach out to the needy in our own “back yard” as we prepared a meal and gave out second hand clothing to the homeless in Langley. We also helped out with the Cloverdale Christmas Hamper Distribution that is sponsored by many businesses and churches in the community and hosted by our church (Pacific Community Church). It is a blessing and a great way to meet and care for those who desperately need it during these difficult economic times.

The Highlights of 2009
This year was filled with blessings and many ministry opportunities, close to home and far away.

In January and February Jake and I were in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on missions. February 18th we celebrated the birth of our third grandson Jason! In March I was the featured speaker at a Women’s Retreat in Abbotsford and spoke on the topic of “Trust”. In the course of my ministry there been many opportunities to share my testimony but I had also been sensing God putting it on my heart the last couple of years, that I needed to speak more about His truths. So He has been putting those opportunities in front of me! Speaking in general is a challenge and it has stretched me as I have put my trust in God and relied on Him to work through me. I also had the privilege of speak again at another Women’s Ministry Event in May on the subject of “Seeking, Growing and Reaching”. Besides these opportunities there were others in May where I also had the opportunity to share my music ministry. I saw God at work, touching the lives of women and this was so encouraging! In the summer Jake and I travelled to Manitoba, to see family and to do a couple of ministry concerts. It was exciting to sing at the Corn & Apple Festival in Morden, Manitoba and a pleasure to work with some very talented musicians from Winnipeg that formed a band to provide backup. Thanks to Carlin Lemon who helped me put that together! In October Jake and I went to the Gospel Music Association Canada Conference and the Awards Ceremonies in Calgary. We also ministered at a church in Airdrie. My main focus at the Conference was the Songwriting workshop as I continue to develop my songwriting skills.

Throughout the year there have been a number of other music ministry opportunities at different church services and events including some Christmas events! I am so grateful and thankful to God for answered prayers regarding ministry opportunities and pray that there will be an increase in 2010!

Family Sorrow

We saw our niece Ramona of 26 years, go to be with our heavenly father on November 28th, 2009, after struggling with Sarcoma Cancer for 3 and ½ years. She was diagnosed about 3 months after her wedding December 3, 2005. We thank all those who have prayed and we continue to pray for the family that God will be their comfort and strength through this time of loss. We celebrate the life and the passion that Ramona had to be a missionary, to help the less fortunate and serve God with her heart and talents. May her vision be carried on!

Mexico Missions

In January and part of February and March Jake and I will again be in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This may have been a vacation destination for us a number of years ago, however, as the years have gone by and as we have become more involved with different mission efforts our hearts have warmed up to those less fortunate. Our main reason for travelling there has changed as we now help the community regarding humanitarian aid and to reach people with the love of God. Paradise Church has again asked me to come and share my gifts of music as I get involved with leading worship and ministering to the women at their women’s events in January and March, as well as throughout the week when they gather together for their Bible/Book studies. Jake will again be involved with building homes through CompassionNet, a ministry that is sponsored by Paradise Church. We will also be going to the Casa Hogar Orphanage to teach English, Math and to pour love into these kids’ lives. They know us from the many years that we have been coming back so it makes it more important to be there! Plans are also to get involved with the Agape home for abused women. Here we would also teach English and Math and show love and compassion. Jake and I are both looking forward to our ministry in Puerto Vallarta.

Upcoming Ministry Events for 2010

January • 7th - 31st Mission Trip (Leading Worship and Women's Ministry etc.) Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
February • 1st - 4th & 25th - 28th Mission Trip - (Leading Worship, Women’s Ministry, and Humanitarian Aid) Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• 6th - 22nd Open for Bookings in Canada
March • 1st - 25th Mission Trip (Leading Worship and Women's Ministry) Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
April • 11th 8:30 & 10:30 am. Lead Worship & Mini-Concert - Sunday Morning Service - Horizon Christian Fellowship North Clairmont - 4520 Pocahontas Avenue, San Diego, CA
May - Dec • Open for Bookings
December • 3rd 7:00 p.m. Concert and Speaking - Women's Christmas Tea – Newton Fellowship Baptist - 7328-144 Street, Surrey, B.C.

For an updated schedule check http://jeannettepetkau.com/concert_schedule.php

Are you interested in booking a service or event in 2010? I would appreciate hearing from you and would like to talk about the plans that you may have. Currently I have openings in February, May and for the rest of the year. I look forward to receiving an e-mail or call from you!

Artist In Christian Testimony (A.C.T.)

In previous newsletters, I have mentioned that I have been in the process of joining A.C.T.. After waiting patiently for 2 years A.C.T. finally received its Canadian license and in November was accepted as a Non-profit Charitable Mission Organization in Canada. This now gives me the freedom to receive contributions from donors as a staff member of A.C.T. If you are interested in supporting my ministry you can contact me or send your donations to this address:

Artists in Christian Testimony Canada
112 Guelph St.
P.O. Box 67
Georgetown, ON
L7G 4T1

I will be in touch regarding more information about the organization and how I sense God’s call regarding ministry.

Website and Communication Update

If you haven’t been to my official website recently you may want to check out and bookmark my new Blog http://www.jeannettepetkau.com/blog where I will keep you up to date about daily or weekly ministry and concert happenings. The Blog is also connected to Facebook and Twitter if you have an account with them. You may also want to join and bookmark my new Fan Page @ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jeannette-Petkau/163363494273?ref=mf , where you will receive concert updates etc. for your area. As well, I have a new Guestbook on my website where you can post your thoughts, encouragement and comments. I would love to hear from you! Also, check out the new pics in the Gallery!

Prayer Requests

· For safety and health in our travels
· For the ministry preparations and missions in Mexico
· For additional ministry opportunities for 2010
· For God to touch lives through the ministry by His Holy Spirit
· For the everyday operation of this ministry and God’s guidance
· For finances so that God can continue His work through this ministry
· Give thanks and praise for what God has done and will continue to do

Thank you for your prayers and support of this ministry. May God bless you and may you have a joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Keep Jesus right at the centre because He IS the reason for the season.

In His Service,

Jeannette Petkau

Ministry Bookings:

If you are interested in booking this ministry for an outreach, women's, single's or church event, conference or retreat contact by:

    * Phone: 604-881-1316
    * Booking: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
    * Other Questions: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
    * For more information and Calendar check out my website at http://jeannettepetkau.com