My name is Benjamin, and I'm 23 this year. It's been a rough year, ups and downs and even taking the odd step sideways, if you know what I mean. Church camp was a real hammer blow to me - it challenged me to think about remaining single. I know now that it's alright to be single, and yet still look for you.

There's not much to say other than what I've already said. As I grow in my faith and understanding of God and His Word, I pray that I am continually equipping myself to be a better leader, in any situation. Especially for you, I am trying my best to learn to be a true leader - one that leads with conviction and humility, constantly seeking to serve rather than be served. In that way I hope to serve you, to tend to your every need, always recognising that you are not, in fact, a useless lump, but rather my helper - someone who will always support me in times of need, someone whom I can help to grow in Christ. I also hope that when we do get together, our relationship would be a testimony to non-Christians, to show them what a right relationship looks like, rather than the broken relationships we see in our world today. I will also make sure that our relationship would be a pure one, accountable and uplifting to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, that we may be faultless, and a blessing to all those around us.

I've not much to say this year. It's not because I don't want you - I do. Immensely. My focus has been shifted, however, to be on God's Word instead. If I am to lead you in the ways of Christ, I have to become more Christ-like myself. Although it is not through my efforts, but rather the work of the Spirit in me. I have taken to reading the Bible and trying to understand it. It's starting out slow, but I hope to learn much on my own first. Perhaps someday you will be there for us to help each other. I would look forward to that day.

So what are my promises this year? Are they to be any different? I think not. My promises will always be the same, no matter how I feel, no matter what I've done.
 
4) I will devote all my time to helping us grow in God
5) I will learn all I can, so that I can fulfill my spiritual duty to you as a husband

Your brother in Christ with all my heart,
Benjamin