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Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance, and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:11-13
It has been said, “The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails” – John Maxwell. As we enter the seventh month of the pandemic, our team adapts our efforts to our changing missional context. Ministry is ramping up this fall. Most things are similar to before but different. Today I would like to highlight a few of our ministries and missionaries who have had to find new ways to adjust their sails and engage in their ministries.
KAIROS Canada - Once again, we are hosting KAIROS courses across Canada. We have fourteen classes scheduled for the fall, but they are all virtual. The added benefit of making these courses available virtually is that people can participate from anywhere. We have new students participating from more remote locations or smaller towns where we can not provide a traditional twelve-week course.
| Campus Ministry - Two of our missionaries, Gord and Ute Carkner, are involved with campus ministry at UBC. This is a difficult time for students and faculty with so many courses online and fewer international and graduate students on campus. The Carkners have continued to pray with and disciple grad students. As an intercessor and spiritual mentor, Ute is never out of work. Gord has been working on writing projects, blogs, podcasts, and lining up virtual seminars for the fall, like the zoom lecture today with Dr. Sy Garte called, “A Sense of Wonder: The Long Journey of a Scientist to Faith.” |
Did you know that Outreach Canada has 29 Missionary Members, 45 part-time or bi-vocational Associates, 18 contracted Ministry Assistants, 3 support staff, and 23 OC Global Alliance Associates serving around the world?
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Serving Canada - Some of our missionaries have found a new rhythm of ministry as they serve the people in their neighborhood. Sharon Walraven has filled her lost teaching time with care for some of the seniors in her community who need a lot of extra help because of the COVID restrictions. Barry Whatley’s ministry in Quebec came to a screeching halt in March, but this fall, he is back to teaching virtually at ETEQ in Montreal and serving as a virtual mentor for some graduate students. Barry is also invited back to do transitional pastoral leadership with two Quebec churches, and he is giving direction to our ministry partnership in Burundi. Additionally, many of our team members continue to support, encourage, and coach pastors and missionaries through these challenging times. I don’t know how many we are coaching right now, but I have gone from around two or three per month to two or three per week.
Our ministry continues to grow and shift. We have added a new couple to our team this summer. I have two other couples considering applying to be international missionaries with Outreach Canada in the Philippines and France. These are challenging and exciting days at OC. God is at work here.
Would you please join us in praying for our search for a new Income and Partner Care Administrator. It is a three day per week position, responsible for receiving and tracking all income to Outreach Canada, corresponding with partners (donors), and provide receipts, invoices, and reports as required. Please share this link with anyone you know who may be interested (Must be able to work from our Delta office).
I know that your time is valuable, and I appreciate you taking a few minutes to read this update and pray for your ministry partners at Outreach Canada.
In His grip,
Dr. Craig Kraft
Executive Director
Outreach Canada Ministries
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