As a Mission Canada worker, it is my heart to pour out love onto all of God’s people - to be so filled with the Spirit that it bubbles out onto everyone I encounter. More specifically, I feel called to serve Peterborough’s street-affiliated population. Unemployment, food insecurity and people experiencing homelessness continue to be an area of great need within the urban centre. Often our street-affiliated population also faces difficulties with unresolved trauma, addictive behaviours and mental health challenges that contribute to a cycle of hopelessness.

I am blessed to live out my Christian walk alongside those who not only need to hear, but they also need to see God’s Word in action. It is such a joy to see how God has opened doors and set out a path before me to serve this community in meaningful ways. Friendships are forged and trust is built, and on that foundation opportunities abound to share the message of hope found in the person of Jesus Christ.

It is my desire to be a positive and supportive connection point between local church communities in the city of Peterborough and those who live in the urban core. Assisting street-affiliated persons in their daily life, helping them obtain resources that are available to them, is much like being a bridge builder. You have the ability to lessen the gaps and break down barriers that often contribute to the inability to access available services.

It is through intentionally and purposefully engaging those who do not yet fully comprehend the love of a Father, that I can reflect His love and extend arms of care and compassion to those in need. Simple acts of kindness and care cause hearts to become open to so much more than meeting material needs. I am so thankful that God has chosen to use me as His hands and feet, providing for His people the very basics of life every day. It is through these tangible acts of obedience and care that the Father heart of God is seen, felt and experienced. What beautiful and transformational moments those are!

As I walk in this missional calling that the Lord has placed before me, the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:35-40 resonate within my heart and drive my desire to serve Him:  “For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. …I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to Me!”

The ministry of Street-Level Advocacy is about feeding. It’s about giving a drink. It’s sitting and listening. Welcoming the stranger. It’s caring, providing, clothing, connecting, visiting, and more. But ultimately, it’s showing the love of Christ … so Christ can be made known to those who need to know Him.