PRAISE: Even though I lost my OHIP, I had the opportunity to send documents to be reviewed. May the Lord be glorified in this as I await the results. A large bill which was not covered by OHIP was cancelled. Bless the Lord oh my soul! Hurricane Dorian passed by Puerto Rico. For the opportunity to instruct inmates studying courses through New Life Prison Ministry online. I will continue to help these students while in Puerto Rico. My time here in Ontario and the fellowship of so many people. Time spent with family. PRAY: My departure date is September 10 from Toronto. For safety. For my OHIP status. Adjusting to life in Puerto Rico and making decisions regarding the Emmaus ministry, my apartment, and meeting with ones who would be interested in the camp ministry.
Raul & Jessenia - September 2019
PRAISE: We had a group of American teachers come to give support and creative resources to our teachers at the school. Camp organized a family camp at the end of July that went really well. We had about 140 people there from 4-5 different communities and churches as well as two Canadian families who joined us from Halifax. Families left encouraged after such a sweet time of fellowship. PRAY: That our teachers would be able to use the ideas that were shared with them to help form critical thinking in our students. For a continued hunger in our youth group to know and serve God.
Jenn Brubacher - September 2019
PRAISE: For a safe trip to South Africa (July 16-31) where we served alongside our host couple, EJ and Koekoes, in their community of Kamieskroon. We spent a lot of time with children and youth at the public school and youth home. We ran children’s programs in very disconnected and remote villages and shared the Gospel through the story of Zacchaeus. We spent time with several churches and youth groups and even had the opportunity to be part of a radio program that EJ hosts. Aside from colds, our team was healthy! From August 24-30, I am at Conestoga Bible Camp as a counselor for Youth Camp. So far, we are having a blast! PRAY: For the school and youth home in Kamieskroon - they have limited staff and resources. Many of the students come from broken homes and have experienced things we can't begin to understand. The staff at the public school wrestle with a lot of behavioural issues in their classrooms. Pray for unity in the community; the apartheid has been over for years and a lot of brokeness remains. Pray blessing over EJ and Koekoes’ ministry as they serve on the Youth For Christ Africa and International team. Please pray for youth camp, that God would use this week to move the hearts, minds and attitudes of the campers and bring healing and transformation! And please pray for me as I begin to work at the youth centre and high schools starting September 9.
Phil & Andrea - September 2019
PRAISE: That Cara has a new job - now for some shifts; that Kieran has found he can save money and take public transit to work; that the boys have accommodation starting September 3; that Phil had a profitable week meeting with various people at the SIM Int'l office August 19-23; that Phil's sermons on August 11 & 18 went well. PRAY: For Cara as she settles into university life - she moves in August 31. Pray that she will have a good roommate; for Liam as he starts his next coop job in the ecology lab at the university and that he will be a testimony to his co-workers; for Andrea and Phil as they are in the UK Sep 13-21 for the next module of their Integrated Mission Leadership course. Then on to Italy for a Leader Development Event to connect with the leaders they are mentoring; for a good few days visiting Rome at the end of the month with Kieran and his girlfriend; for healing for Taz Martin, husband to our niece Lorissa, following his motorcycle accident on August 26; for continued guidance regarding our future location and ministry.
Trevor & Hannah - August 2019
PRAISE: That Trevor is recovering from his mental health crisis from the beginning of the year; that Hannah has had an encouraging summer meeting with students and helping student leaders at the University of Waterloo; that the outreach event, ‘Chill with a Christian’, helped Christian students take steps of faith in evangelism and started conversations with those who don't know Jesus. PRAY: For preparation for the fall as students prepare to return to University and College; that God would prepare Christian first year students to walk close to Him as many of them venture out on their own for the first time; that those who have never encountered Jesus before would be open to knowing Him; for favour in the eyes of the administration on the University and College campuses; that we would continue to know how to help Trevor's heal well and know at what pace to move forward; for patience and grace as we potty train Amelia.