BAUMAN, PHIL & ANDREA (Canada, International roles with SIM) PRAISE: For the successful SIM Canada virtual banquet. If you missed it you can watch the recording here. That Phil and colleagues have been able to complete a ministry review. Much more challenging to do virtually. For 3 new people accepted to go to the Middle East. That we were both able to get our first COVID vaccination. That we celebrated 26 years of marriage. PRAY: For Phil as he advises and coaches a number of leaders on ministry planning. We want to be good stewards of the resources God provides and that takes planning. Pray for Andrea as she provides support and training for new personnel coordinators starting their roles in the next month. Pray for Middle East colleagues making an exploratory visit to a very unreached area where we hope to be able to start a new team in the coming year. For Kieran and Mackenzie as they plan a wedding likely restricted to 10 people. For Cara as she is studying this semester but also applying for co-op jobs for next semester. For Liam to get shifts at his part-time job and wisdom in his leadership role in P2C.
Trevor & Hannah - May 2021
MARTIN, TREVOR & HANNAH (Waterloo, ON; Power to Change) PRAISE: For a diversity and oneness training that both Trevor and Hannah went through. It was helpful to learn about and grow in matters of race, culture, ethnicity and heritage. There's much more to learn, but it was a fruitful experience. For a female student who came to Christ in North Africa and who was led to Christ by our colleague Jocelyn who we worked with and coached a couple of years ago. This area of the world has hard soil, so we praise God for this new believer! PRAY: For a Discipleship Resources Project that Trevor is leading. He and his team will work to consolidate & highlight resources for our staff & students to use in discipling others. Our goal is to have this ready in August for next school year. For wisdom with our spring/summer priorities and to find ways to be a light to our neighbours amidst lockdown and the pandemic
Russ & Meredith - May 2021
MARTIN, RUSS & MEREDITH (Singapore; Power to Change / Lausanne Movement) PRAISE: Priscilla has started as our new Indigitous marketing leader. Some marginal progress with Heath's condition. 6 interns wrapping up work with our Indigitous Serve program. PRAY: Heath is experiencing a topical steroid withdrawal and he wakes during the night in a lot of discomfort, itchy etc... pray for healing and God to meet him in his pain. Many opportunities to support "GoMonth" as Christians around the world use digital strategies to share their faith during May 2021... including our family trusting God for opportunities at our apartment complex. God's provision for school bills due this month.
Robert & Susan - May 2021
MARTIN, ROBERT & SUSAN (Kingston, ON; Kingston Prison Ministry; MSC) PRAISE: “A” was granted day parole and now may have to wait for several months for an available bed in the halfway house. “H” has responded to our Easter letter and shared that he is in a good spiritual state; he is in his 70’s. Thankful for every contact and opportunity to connect with men; God is not restricted. PRAY: “S” has a day parole hearing April 30, he has asked me to be his assistant. “D” is grieving the loss of a close friend; loneliness and grieving are extra hard. “G” is still in hospital and not expecting to live much longer. His sister calls and I am able to have prayer with them over the phone.
Gord & Heather - May 2021
MARTIN, GORD & HEATHER (Waterloo, ON; Vision Ministries) PRAISE/PRAY: Indy, still stuck in Burma. It's very dangerous there. He says, “people are digging bomb shelters under their houses, I plan to start digging tomorrow.” Pray for peace in that country and that he will be able to return home to Canada to his family. It's been over a year now. A huge blessing! A church in China has provided a major financial gift to be divided among immigrant planters and pastors in Toronto. Frankly, it's beyond belief! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!! We are trying to launch an English speaking, 2nd generation, interdenominational church plant in Ottawa, somewhat bogged down at present, pray for a breakthrough!