FALL 2020 STORIES

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FROM THE EDITOR: OUR ULTIMATE FOCUS—Strengthening the confession of our hope
by Stacey McKenzie

“There are many unknowns as the last quarter of 2020 begins. But what we do know is that we’ve all been interrupted in a profound way from regular routines and pursuits, whether they were noble or base. Wherever we stand on the continuum of faith, what we believe about God is being tested by our circumstances and deferred hopes. COVID-19, politics, natural disasters and gross displays of injustice are converging to bring out the best and worst of our true spiritual condition.” Read more.

 

EXPERIENCING EMMANUEL, “GOD WITH US”—A reliable promise revisited
by Anna Rust

“Thirty-two years ago this Christmas, my husband and i went out on our first date. A week later he proposed, and we were married four months later. He was a pastor, widower, and had three children.”  [Full content available to subscribers.]

 

LET THERE BE LIGHT—Taking courage in a darkened world
by Stephen Kennedy

“They are the opening words of God’s creation song, the very first words spoken by God in Scripture—let there be light! Remember that. God spoke His word into the darkness and there was light.” Read more.

 

THE MEASURE OF MY FAITH—Spiritual discipline in a time of isolation
by Laurel Archer

How has 2020 been changing you, especially during isolation? Laurel Archer believes that paying attention to “holy heart postures” can deepen us spiritually and help us engage the outer circumstances in the world with faith, hope and love. Read more.

 

PREPARING FOR PERSECUTION—Building endurance for trying times
by Cheryl Ritskes

A children’s pastor, Cheryl Ritskes sees the increasing threat of persecution that awaits the next generation of Christ followers. As she works to prepare them spiritually, she reminds us all of scriptural principles to build endurance for trying times. [Full content available to subscribers.]

 

THE PANDEMIC AND THE PERSECUTED CHURCH—A lived reality intensifies with COVID-19
by Gary Stagg

Many Christians who were facing persecution and living with limited resources are now facing even more difficult trials with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Gary Stagg brings attention to the threats they now face. [Full content available to subscribers.]

 

ACTS AND COVID-19—Finding hope and peace in God’s call
by Innocent Sezibera

“Our last Sunday on-site was March 15. During the following week I was under heavy pressure, wondering what would be next. I had never led a service online, nor had I posted a video on Facebook, YouTube or any other social media platforms prior to the pandemic. While I was wandering into uncertainty, the following Scripture verse came to my mind: ‘If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land’ (2 Chronicles 7:14).” Read more.

 

SEVEN QUESTIONS FOR REGGIE NEEPOSH—Life lessons from the former Chief of the Oujé-Bougoumou Cree Nation
by Jordan Hageman

Reggie David Neeposh is the Senior lead pastor of the Oujé-Bougoumou Cree Pentecostal Church (Jishemundo Mijwap) in Quebec. His story gives us insight into his childhood and the unique journey of the Oujé-Bougoumou people. [Full content available to subscribers.]

 

CARING FOR COMMUNITY—Staying “essential” in difficult times
by Kyvenz Amédée

Kyvenz Amédée takes us on his church’s leadership journey as they steered through an unpredictable year, keeping their congregation’s and community’s needs top of mind and sensing that there would never be a return to “normal.” [Full content available to subscribers.]

 

LIVING AND LEADING IN MOUNTING CHAOS—Perspective and tools as the world comes apart
by Jeromey Martini

What does leadership look like in a world becoming ever more defined by chaos, uncertainty, and a lack of love? Jeromey Martini recognizes the power of surrendering his own sense of control and of abiding in Jesus. Read more.

Our Stories

MISSION CANADA: CLOSED DOORS, OPEN HEARTS—A small church on the west coast grows in influence
by Corinne Storms

“Some of the amazing churches that make up our Fellowship are smaller congregations with a high concentration and reach into a variety of cultural groups. Our West Coast Punjabi Masihi Church (PMC) is one such congregation.” Read more.

 

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS: A COSTLY FAITH—The precious gift of sharing in Christ’s suffering
by Gord D. and GP

“As evangelical Christians, we often speak of our personal faith. We ourselves made the decision to follow Christ, so it is indeed personal. But what else might we have assumed it means or does not mean for us individually? Is this faith something we think we own? And does that mean we get to define its impact upon our own lives? Or is the precious gift of this Christian faith something given to us with a set of parameters defined by Jesus, wherein the promised transformation is tied to the embracing of risk in unwrapping the package?” Read more.

 

ERDO: ELEVATING AND ALLEVIATING—God’s work through ERDO during global crisis
by Alicia Kolenda

"With so much need in the world, Matthew and Amber were looking for a guiding star to bring focus to their work in the developing world. They settled on this statement: ‘God elevates and alleviates.’ He builds us up and He takes away our suffering.” Read more.

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