Spring 2025 testimony/Enrich
SPRING 2025 STORIES
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FROM THE EDITOR: A BRIGHTER DAY—God’s Heart for Today and Tomorrow
by Stacey McKenzie
“We may often be unaware of what is happening beyond our personal experiences, but a dilemma arises once the light is shone on others’ suffering. His intention for His followers is that we compare what we see in our lifetimes with what He has said throughout all time. We are warned of the dangers of engaging in injustice or turning our ears and eyes from those crying out under the weight of it.” Read more.
BEYOND THE WHY—Navigating loss without getting stuck
by Benton Gibbons
Are we really comforted whenever we mourn? How can we have the peace that transcends all understanding promised in Philippians 4:7? Benton Gibbons shares some of what he has learned through deep grief after losing his father. Read more.
A GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING—Mentoring for every generation
by Patricia Russell
Patricia Russell has enjoyed the benefits of mentoring and sees it as one of life’s most significant gifts. No matter your background, your struggles can help someone else navigate the same thing now or in the future. [Full content available to subscribers.]
BIBLE COLLEGE FEATURES
Our PAOC Bible colleges continue to train and release Pentecostal leaders. Read contributions and updates from Aboriginal Bible Academy, Summit Pacific College, and Master’s College and Seminary/Horizon College & Seminary.
ABORIGINAL BIBLE ACADEMY—Contextualizing Theological education for Indigenous Peoples in Canada
by Dan Collado
“Providing space to approach theological education from an Indigenous worldview can yield profound insights, particularly in areas such as creation care, community ethics and spiritual practices. Theological education must create room for these perspectives to inform and shape the learning process.” [Full content available to subscribers.]
SUMMIT PACIFIC COLLEGE—A holistic approach to developing leaders
“Summit Pacific College exists to educate, equip and enrich Christian leaders for Spirit-empowered ministry in the church and the world. Through a holistic approach of rich academics, spiritual development and healthy community, students leave prepared to serve in an increasingly complex world. It is a privilege to walk with students as they pursue the call God has placed on their lives, and we are continually proud of the impact past and present students are making for the kingdom as they faithfully pursue that call.” [Full content available to subscribers.]
MASTER’S COLLEGE AND SEMINARY/HORIZON COLLEGE & SEMINARY MERGER—Cross-provincial college collaboration means more Christian leaders for Canada
“Since the 1930s, Horizon and Master’s (known colloquially as MCS) have prepared lay and professional leaders for Christian ministry, each with historic ties to The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC). The need for Christian leaders in Canada today is high. As Baby Boomers move rapidly into retirement, too few young leaders are emerging to replace them—and training institutions are struggling as a result.” [Full content available to subscribers.]
MICHEL CHARBONNEAU—Paying homage to a true Christian hero
by René Lussier
Michel Charbonneau served as a PAOC global worker with dedication up until his passing. René Lussier offers a tribute to his colleague and friend. “Ever since he first believed in Christ, Michel’s life journey has shown just how powerful faith and commitment can be, leaving a lasting impact everywhere he went.” [Full content available to subscribers.]
A SURPRISING, COUNTERINTUITIVE REASON BEHIND PASTORAL BURNOUT— (And how to fix it)
by Karl Vaters
Exhaustion can come from excessive work, even if we’re doing something we love. Karl Vaters understands why pastors are prone to it and offers some advice that anyone can consider as a safety net from burnout disaster. [Full content available to subscribers.]
FROM NICAEA TO PENTECOSTALISM—Celebrating the 1,700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed
by Ewen Butler
2025 will usher in the 1,700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed. Read or spoken by thousands of believers since it was first written, Ewen Butler reminds Pentecostals of the special meaning it holds for them. Read more.
WHAT IF WE ALL PRAYED? —An invitation to Canada’s church leaders
by Shaila Visser
Shaila Visser of Alpha Canada invites leaders across denominations to pray for high schools across Canada in May and June. By visiting their map and selecting a school near your church or in your neighbourhood to pray over, she believers that our prayers can impact the spiritual landscape of Canada over the next 30 years. [Full content available to subscribers.]
Our Stories
MISSION CANADA: RIDING THE WAVE—The Christian response to immigration in Canada
“Yet those national-level concerns are not the same as God’s call upon each of us to be His personal representatives to people in the margins. God is concerned for the last, least, lost, forgotten, marginalized, unfamous and infamous. God is drawn to the margins.” Read more.
MISSION GLOBAL: A LIFELONG PASSION—Discipling the next generation
by Kathy Mizen
“Today, I’m living out this calling in ways I could never have envisioned at seven or even 18 years old. I have my ‘second dream job’ as a full-time missionary, leading our team at Schools of Hope to share the message of Jesus with children, youth and families. We partner with public schools, churches and local government agencies to share the gospel and bring hope to our communities.” Read more.
ERDO: NOT JUST A NUMBER—Raising giants through child sponsorship
by Alicia Kolenda
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