MISSION CANADA URBAN WORKER
Ministry Location: Quebec
Ministry Focus: Urban Ministry
A few years ago, this Mission Canada worker had no idea what to expect when they responded to God’s call to get involved with those incarcerated within the prison system in Quebec. As doors of opportunity opened before them, they walked through, and favour for bilingual ministry in a prison setting is what they would describe to you as being “joy beyond compare.” They were blessed with opportunity for connection and prayer with inmates and times spent studying the Word together. They could see what God was doing in the lives of those often considered the least in society. And then the pandemic hit in early 2020 and much of the world came to a screeching halt due to COVID-19. Prison systems went on complete lockdown immediately. Absolute solitary confinement. Each person alone in their own cell … all day, everyday. What an intense silence and sense of utter aloneness that bred in an environment where mental health issues already existed, and hopelessness was prevalent. Thank God that some inmates already had a growing knowledge of God and His Word to hold to.
A few months into the pandemic, this urban worker (name withheld for security purposes) was finally permitted to continue this important ministry, but only by telephone. That reignited a hope within them, and also in many of the inmates they had been connecting with. Over time, this Mission Canada worker was able to get inside facilities for some “face-to-face” time in addition to the phone calls. Those “inside” visits were sporadic at best as virus outbreaks and case counts determined who, if anyone, could go in. We were thankful to the Lord for each visit that could be made! The consistent telephone ministry demonstrated incredible exchanges that would have seemed impossible to attain by phone in the natural . . . but God! He works in a way that goes “beyond the impossible!” when we don’t give up, but rather stay engaged and remain available to do His work, despite the challenges.
Quebec Prison Worker
Urban Centres
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We are thankful for the ongoing opportunities that continue moving forward, even as pandemic restrictions appear to lighten. God provided access to three different federal penitentiaries four times a week, and we trust and work within His plan - that what He began pre-pandemic, will expand beyond what we could have dreamed or imagined, and that many will come to the knowledge of who He is and receive the saving grace He provides.
Quebec Prison Worker Urban Centres
Donate
We are thankful for the ongoing opportunities that continue moving forward, even as pandemic restrictions appear to lighten. God provided access to three different federal penitentiaries four times a week, and we trust and work within His plan - that what He began pre-pandemic, will expand beyond what we could have dreamed or imagined, and that many will come to the knowledge of who He is and receive the saving grace He provides.
