FREY, LES & SHARON (Elmira, ON; Local Church) PRAISE: Thanks for prayer for Les’ eye surgery on September 25. All went well and he is recovering and expecting to improve vision as his eye adjusts and heals. Praise for health and God’s help in ministry during the summer and for the opportunity to be at a seniors retreat in Guelph during September. PRAY: Pray for complete healing and recovery of Les’ eye and for wisdom in how and when to resume the activities planned for October. These include Bible studies, small group, marriage mentoring, Spanish ministry as well as two other preaching opportunities this month. All is in the Lord’s hands and timing.
Esther Frey - October 2023
FREY, ESTHER (Puerto Rico; Emmaus Correspondence) PRAISE: My knee therapies have been very helpful. I finish tomorrow, September 29. We just found out that some of our students in one of the prisons were baptized in June. PTL. PRAY: We found out that the correspondence slowed down because of COVID and Flu in the prisons. Brian also had the flu and his school closed down for a week. We are planning a family outing on October 21. They are doing body work on my car after a small accident. Please pray that I will be very careful with the rental car. They said it will take two weeks.
Raul & Jessenia - October 2023
ESPINOZA, RAUL & JESSENIA (Guayaquil, Ecuador; MSC) PRAISE: That our family continues to be safe and happy. That we had a good outing with the youth this past Saturday to a park on the outskirts of the city. We enjoyed a time of games, food and being surrounded by nature- such a treat when one lives in a city of cement. Recently the school celebrated “Bible Month” and there was an open-house where the students presented what they had learned about the Bible. We were encouraged by the number of parents who showed up. PRAY: For continued safety for the school, church and us personally as a family as the situation in the city continues to be somewhat worrisome. For the youth who went on the outing and who heard the gospel- that the ones who are saved would be encouraged to share it with others and that those who are still searching would have had some of their questions cleared up.
Jenn Brubacher - October 2023
BRUBACHER, JENN (Listowel, YFC) PRAISE: It’s been a gift to reconnect with staff and students this new school year, and I’m incredibly grateful for the chance I have to volunteer at the local high school. Along with coaching and assisting in a classroom, there are more opportunities to serve, allowing me to be present in the school four days a week. I’m thankful for the opportunity to attend the Youth For Christ International conference in the Netherlands from October 19-25. Please pray for safe travels. PRAY: For students walking with Jesus to join our leadership development program. (It’s been challenging to recreate this program during and since the pandemic.) We need more volunteers for our Thursday drop-in program. May this year be a year of transformation, hope and new life. As we continue to serve students from all walks of life, may they be filled with deep curiosity and a desire for new life!
Jenn Brubacher - Youth For Christ (Listowel)
Jenn's Ministry Update
A student I know quite well asked if I would be willing to meet with one of their friends. This friend had questions about faith, life and purpose, and we set up a time to meet. This student gave me a glimpse into their profound challenges and questions they were afraid to ask and said something I often reflect on:
“I’ve seen the difference [following Jesus] can make in other people’s lives. It’s made me curious about what this could mean for my life.”
- former student, 20
This is why we do what we do. Isn’t it bonkers that God invites you and me to join Him in this?! Your investment is meeting students where they’re at, giving them a safe, steady presence to walk alongside them, just like this student quoted above experienced. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for being a part of what God is doing in Listowel and surrounding area.
In January, my hours increased from 30 to 40 hours/week, and the ripple effect of having more time to serve students is astounding. To continue to serve students in this capacity, I need $1000/month in new funding. Will you join my monthly support team?
Youth camp at Conestoga Bible Camp is arguably one of my favourite weeks, and this year was a year like no other. Here are two highlights:
The counsellor team was filled with people I worked with as a day camp counsellor back in the day! What a gift to reconnect and serve with each other again.
Six students from Listowel were youth campers, two of them being students I coached in volleyball! When I asked a student who doesn’t have a church background if they would return to CBC, they said, “Oh yeah, of course, especially because of the leaders.” I’m thrilled to continue to build relationships with these students throughout the school year. Join me in praying for this student!
Volleyball Camp
Ben, from Youth Unlimited YFC North Huron, and I partnered and ran our very first volleyball camp at Between the Lines during the last week of July. It was a huge success! Nine girls joined us as we spent our time focusing on skill and leadership development. We also took the opportunity to share how our faith has changed our lives and how we live, think and act in the day-to-day. It was a fantastic time to build relationships with a new group of students and parents. We have big dreams to grow this, and we, alongside the students, are excited about where this will go!
Prayer
Our team is so thankful to have good relationships with the local schools and for the start of a new school year. Please pray for staff, students, janitors, EAs, Kevin and me as we coach boys' volleyball and Ainsley as she volunteers at a local elementary school.
May this year be a year of transformation, hope and new life. As we continue to serve students from all walks of life, may they be filled with deep curiosity and a desire for new life!
I’m thankful for the opportunity to attend the YFC Global Assembly in the Netherlands on October 19-25, 2023. Please pray for safe travels.
I’m reminded once again of God’s goodness in His provision and the gift it is to have a team surrounding me in prayer and financial support. I may be on the front lines, but you are a part of what God is doing in Listowel and surrounding area. Thank you!
All For His Glory,
Jenn