Fall 2024 testimony/Enrich

FALL 2024 STORIES

Have you heard about our prison sponsorship program? You can help us reach out to prison inmates across Canada by sponsoring a one-year subscription to testimony/Enrich. Read more.

FROM THE EDITOR: CYCLES AND SEASONS—Trusting God’s Word to see us through
by Stacey McKenzie

“I often reflect on the complexity of the time we live in, where technology has made everything that may once have seemed far away visible in real-time at our fingertips. We can see and hear our neighbour’s anyone’s—joys and struggles, whether we can relate to them in our current season or context or not (as long as they choose to make them known).” Read more.

HOME CHURCH—Where hope lives
by Elyse Brouwer

Vancouver Chinese Pentecostal Church recently celebrated its 75th anniversary and officially became HOME Church. Associate Pastor Elyse Brouwer highlights God’s work through the church since its inception and describes the congregation’s journey toward renewed mission and vision for their neighbourhood. [Full content available to subscribers.]

A LEGACY WORTH LEAVING—Why I pay my kids to read
by Jordan Hageman

Avid reading from an early age can bring a lifetime of benefits, but youth may be losing out by choosing more screen time instead. Jordan Hageman explains why she is intentional about encouraging her children to read. [Full content available to subscribers.]

OUR CITIES MATTER—Facing the opportunity and the challenge
by Earnest John “Ejay” Tupe

Urban Mission Canada worker Ejay Tupe reminds us that our cities are a mission field, and that in them, we as Pentecostals have a unique history. What if we allowed ourselves to once again be a conduit for God’s power to be poured out, as it was at our inception? Read more.

A SEMINARY STUDENT WINNING “SURVIVOR”?—Maryanne Oketch’s story
by Barbara Hein

“So, when it came time to play the game, Maryanne decided to represent Christ on the island by treating people with kindness and respect. She would be strategic but never hurtful or malicious. In fact, when she did need to lie as part of the game, she would always explain when she had lied and why at each Tribal Council.” [Full content available to subscribers.]

REFLECTING ON CHRISTMAS—Don’t stop believing
by Patricia Russell

Life’s challenges can make us weary at any age or stage, but Patricia Russell understands that focusing on the birth of Christ can help us keep hope alive. Reflecting on Zechariah and Elizabeth’s experience in Luke 1, she invites us to take courage from their story and live with daily expectancy for what God will do in our own lives. Read more.

EXERCISE—An undervalued leadership priority
by Doug Phaneuf

“I have come to see such value in pursuing fitness that it is no longer merely an option for me. Exercise is not something to pursue if I can find the time. Instead, like all important things, I make time for it. Exercise is an investment in myself that is guaranteed to bring a return.” [Full content available to subscribers.]

NO ROAD HOME—The persecuted church in Sub-Saharan Africa
by Gary Stagg

Christians in sub-Saharan Africa are experiencing mounting challenges and record levels of displacement. Gary Stagg reminds us of the importance of praying for persecuted Christians and gives us specific ways to intercede and advocate for their needs. [Full content available to subscribers.]

EVERY CHURCH A HOUSE OF PRAYER
by Peter Cusick

“Here’s my concern. Where is prayer? What does prayer look like? When and how do we pray? Do we even need to pray, or is prayer primarily a personal matter? I can pray by myself quite easily. I can’t really preach by myself. Is there a corporate dimension to prayer?” Read more.

REFORMATIONAL INNOVATION
by Jonathan Smith

Reflecting on the impact of the invention of the printing press on church history, Jonathan Smith is mindful of the church’s need to meet today’s challenges—but in transformational ways we may not have practised before. [Full content available to subscribers.]

Our Stories

MISSION CANADA: A PUBLIC FAITH—Pivotal moments on our journey with God
by Brian Egert

“What if we developed a ratio and considered how many people in your congregation it takes to see one person come to Christ? You can do the math! The crucial time where these stories come alive is when we get to watch new believers take the next step in their discipleship by following the Lord in baptism.” Read more.

MISSION GLOBAL: CELEBRATING THE CHURCH—God’s people in action
by Murray Cornelius

“The church has the answer. It offers the lifechanging good news that Jesus died for our sins, and today, He reigns, seated at the right hand of God in power and standing in intercession for us.” Read more.

ERDO: A SOBER CALL—Following God to Yemen
by Alicia Kolenda

“These local leaders are trained on good project management, peaceful conflict resolution, serving community needs regardless of political affiliation, and treating people with dignity—especially those who are marginalized or have special needs.” Read more.