ESPINOZA, RAUL & JESSENIA (Guayaquil, Ecuador; MSC) PRAISE: That we got back to Ecuador safe and sound. That the boys have adjusted quickly to life back here. The new principal has been fulfilling her duties very well and the school has felt very organized. For the time of fellowship we had at the church picnic this last Sunday. PRAY: That things at the school would continue to run smoothly. For the beginning of the new youth group season which will start in two weeks. For continued safety for us and our community.
Jenn Brubacher - June 2023
BRUBACHER, JENN (Listowel, YFC) PRAISE: I’m thankful for my training opportunity at Keats Island, BC for Arrow Leadership. This program continues to be a source of refinement, and I’m becoming a better leader because of it. My co-worker, Ainsley, and I spoke and led a time of prayer at a youth collective in Tillsonburg. I spent around 25 hours this month at track and field meets– 25 hours of relationship building, encouragement, sitting in the disappointments and cheering students on. PRAY: I met with many students one-on-one this month who are struggling with self-harm, suicidal ideation, identity, sexuality, the death of a loved one…and the list goes on. Please pray for God’s peace and presence to be with them as they sit in the dark, lonely and brutal spots of life. The E family suddenly lost their mom three weeks ago, a shocking loss with enormous implications. Please pray for provision (housing and finances) and health to the full for the five children, several of them we know through our drop-in program. Father, be Lord over it all.
Phil & Andrea - June 2023
BAUMAN, PHIL & ANDREA (Canada, International roles with SIM) PRAISE: That we got to spend time with FC and Seihnai as we kicked off a two-year mentoring relationship. Even though Andrea and I are to be mentors to FC and Seihnai we know that they will have much to teach us as well. For the opportunity for Phil to spend time with global finance colleagues. For a long weekend for rest and refreshment at the end of many weeks of travel. That we look forward to having a few months in Canada without any overseas travel. For a chance to visit briefly with colleagues from the Middle East who were close to our home. PRAY: For Phil as he is visiting Angola to work with the team to further develop focus. That the next few months at home (after Phil returns in early June) will be refreshing as we enjoy Canadian summer. For wisdom as we seek to mentor FC and Seihnai and that we ourselves will be good learners as well. For Andrea as she's home alone while Phil is away.
Charlotte Martin (Power to Change)
On the road to Ottawa
As you receive this update I will be on my way to Ottawa to visit our PRAXIS mission trip which has seven students and four staff participating in the five and a half week trip.
This mission trip focuses on helping students grow as missional leaders by integrating spiritual formation with missional practice. The trip helps participants go deeper in knowing God by incorporating spiritual practices like sabbath and Examen into their weekly schedule as well as living out a communal rule of life together. For ministry activities, participants will be engaging with different urban ministries across the city that are serving vulnerable populations.
I am looking forward to joining this group for a few days of ministry as well as their mid-point retreat. Here’s what a few students said in their applications about why they applied for this mission trip:
"I realized part of my initial reluctance to go on missions was rooted in my desire for control. I already had a plan that I wasn’t excited about redoing . . . I realized this trip was a unique opportunity to deepen my faith and gain valuable skills to better share Christ's light with those around me."
Emily, 4th year
University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition, and Health
"I want to learn more about how to live missionally in my community. I will be finishing university at the end of this semester, and I want to see how to live on mission afterwards."
Alana, 5th year
University of Saskatchewan
Education
"I fell in love with missions during PRAXIS Edmonton [last year]. . . . This year I felt God calling me to Ottawa, but I was fearful of the unknowns. In response, God challenged me and asked: ‘Do you trust me?’. . . I let go of my perceived control and trust that God is guiding me. He reminded me that ‘growth does not happen in comfort.’ So, as a leap of faith, I am applying for PRAXIS Ottawa."
Jeneya, 3rd year
University of Alberta
Economics
Here are some prayer requests for my time in Ottawa, May 30 - June 5:
Pray that I would see opportunities to serve and care for the participants and leaders. Pray for good connections and conversations and that I could be an encouragement to those I interact with.
Pray that scheduling would work out so that I could experience some of the ministry opportunities along with the team.
Pray for safety as I drive to and from Ottawa
Excited to serve Him,
Trevor & Hannah Martin - Power to Change
Engaging The Campus
Just as Jesus had compassion on the crowds, Laura and Kayla looked at their campus and knew they needed to do something. They worked hard to rally other Power to Change students to join them to engage the campus in spiritual conversations using a tool called 'Perspective Banners'. The Banners lead people through a conversation of their views on the nature of God, meaning of life, state of human nature, view of Jesus, and source of spiritual truth. It is rare opportunity for people to have deep yet open conversations on campus, and many people shared how much they appreciated the conversations.
Kayla is with Aman and Kat in the picture above. Aman and Kat are on the Laurier varsity basketball team. They took time out of their very busy schedule of school, training and competition to have conversations with people. In taking this step of faith, they not only got to talk to people that day, but also learned how to have deeper spiritual conversations with their friends. We are excited to hear what opportunities God brings for them to have conversations with their friends. Please pray for these Christian students as they continue to find ways to help their friends take their next step towards Jesus.
PRAYER REQUESTS
1) For Daniel, a Laurier student, who is recovering from a stroke and heart surgery this past semester. Plus his mom who also had a stroke not too long ago.
2) For Jared and Carissa, new staff on the Waterloo team, who are building their support team so they can be full-time on campus in September!
3) For Amelia who has been having nosebleeds almost every night. It is interrupting her sleep which has been impacting different areas of her life.
Do you have a a prayer request? Please drop us a line and we'd be happy to pray for you.
