Hello friends and family, and merry Christmas!
The snow has fully hit us here in Winnipeg, and by the time you read this letter, it will probably already be December. As a result, the Edge is packed full again every night and we are keeping busy with all the chaos to distract us from getting things done. Yet, somehow we still manage to move forward here in our ministry. My bike ride to work has become a bit colder but the roads are regularly cleared and dry, and the winter wind has not quite hit yet. Therefore, I am still managing without too many complications, but it promises to become an exciting adventure once we hit the -25 temperatures.
A few things have shifted for me here lately; first, we now have enough volunteers to have our Monday night sessions open again. This is the age 16 and older night, and I have started working on this night. Having worked only on the junior high nights in the past this is a huge change for me because many of the guys that come are as old or older than me. I have also started working with a 16-year-old kid on a one on one basis. He has been coming to the edge regularly and, is part of our junior volunteer program. I meet with him once a week as his personal mentor. Tonight will also be our first older guys bible study. We have come up with a lesson plan and have spread the word about it with the hopes that guys will show up. Hopefully, I will be able to report some good news about this program in the next newsletter. The new club room is now totally finished and has been used for the past few weeks. This is exciting because the kids love the new room and the number of regular kids that come has really grown. We usually end up packing the room full of kids every Wednesday for our bible study. We have also set a new table tennis table that promises for some exciting competition with the kids and staff. However, our kitchen construction has been at a bit of a standstill over the last few weeks but an electrician has come by and promised to come back to volunteer some time. As a result of our kitchen still being unfinished, we have not been able to start supplying meals for the kids. This is sad because many kids come not having eaten dinner due to their various home environments. Often kids will end up buy a chocolate bar, a bag of chips, or skipping dinner altogether. Many kids never eat at home with their families either and we hope to provide a bit of a family setting around a dinner table for them here at the edge. We already have a few donors who are willing to help us with this, and we are now only waiting for the electrical to be done, which will hopefully happen soon.
As usual, the Edge has many prayer requests. First, I won't be posting anything about any kids online, but please pray for the kids that have been involved here at the Edge. second, We are currently looking for more volunteers; we have a bit of shortage and are in need of more guys to help us out with our evening sessions. And of course, if you could keep the Edge and our staff in your prayers as well that would definitely be helpful. In terms of supporting me, I am still in need of more financial help. On average I work around 27 hours a week and only get paid for about 26% of my hours. This is not enough to cover all of my expenses, and therefore, it would be greatly appreciated if you would be able to help out financially. Thank you for all of your prayers and support already, and hope the Christmas season is treating you well.

If you would like to support me or the Edge, or want more info on what we do here, you can reach us at the Edge: 204 947 2677, or email me at pnickel@cmu.ca

ill be putting some pics up but im in ladner for christmas right now and i don't have any pictures on my personal computer. ill try to keep this blog updated with little stuff to, if i remember. but mostly i'll just be putting my newsletters on here. merry christmas
patrick