CBM Responding Winter 2024

Celebrating Together

Jennifer Lau, Executive Director

We have so much to celebrate and share with you in this issue of CBM Responding, particularly as we will be retiring this newsletter after the current issue. CBM Responding has served us well in these interim years as a bridge between the beloved mosaic magazine and what’s next on the horizon for CBM’s publications.

We will continue to share incredible stories from the field where you have helped bring about God’s transformation through the gospel expressed in both words and actions. Be on the lookout for the exciting new ways we will report on your global impact.

Your contributions in 2023 have made significant impacts on families and communities around the world. 121,102 people benefitted from our programs last year. With food security being one of our major areas of focus this past year, nearly 30,000 people received food assistance including sustainable programs for long-term solutions.

For the first time, the entire Canadian Baptist family joined together to raise funds for the Active in Mission campaign. We set a goal of raising $100,000 for food programs both locally and globally. We are thankful for the generosity of Canadian Baptists who helped us to exceed our goal!

2023 was a year of milestones, in which we marked 20 years of the Hopeful Gifts for Change Gift Catalogue and Kids Care mission resource for children. As a founding member of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, we joined in celebrating their 40th anniversary.

This year, we are excited to celebrate 150 years of Canadian Baptists serving in global mission together with you. You are part of a long history of faithfulness and prayer that has helped bring hope and healing to a broken world. We have embarked on a 14-month journey looking back at where we came from as well as forward to where God continues to lead us. None of this would be possible without generations of faithful service and the legacy we all share. Canadian Baptist leaders who have walked with us over the years have contributed 14 inspired words that reflect our history and shared hope for the future.

Our world continues to face unforeseen disasters and crises in addition to longstanding issues surrounding war, poverty, and the economy. As part of our creation care focus, our church partner in Togo has implemented a reforestation initiative. Our partner on the ground in the Philippines has started a disaster preparedness project. Topics such as waste management, resource conservation, reforestation & environmental protection are addressed in these programs.

We also look forward to working with our new partners in Egypt and Sri Lanka to provide social supports for women, children, and those living with disabilities by training leaders with strategies for integral mission. You can find out more about these new partnerships and your impact around the world throughout these pages.

Thank you for making all these programs possible, as together we embrace a broken world through word and deed.

Grace and peace,

Jennifer Lau Executive Director

What’s inside this Issue…

• Your 2023 Year in Giving – Year-in-Review · 4

• A Mother’s Voice from Lebanon – An Invitation to Address Hunger in our World · 8

• Celebrating 150 Years in Mission Together – CABA150 · 10

• Active in Mission 2023 – Your Generosity · 12

• Tribute to Gary Nelson – In Memorium · 14

• Praying Together · 16

• 2024 CBM Resource Dates · 18

• Kids Care 2024 – Celebrating 150 Years · 20

7185 Millcreek Drive Mississauga, ON L5N 5R4 Tel: 905.821.3533 communications@cbmin.org cbmin.org

CBM Responding is published by Canadian Baptist Ministries. Copies are distributed free of charge. Bulk quantities available by request.

Your 2023 Year in Giving

2023 HIGHLIGHTS

Your generosity made all the difference for families and individuals who struggled in various ways this past year. CBM’s local partners work in communities where conflict, changes in climate, disasters, and soaring costs pushed many into a life of uncertainty. Poverty, hunger, health, security are just some of the issues that have become more pronounced in recent times. But you help spread the gospel by bringing hope to a broken world through the practical expression of Christ’s love. It is by being the hands and feet of Jesus that the church is built, one local community at a time.

CRISIS RELIEF RESPONSE

James 2:14-17 reminds us of the importance of marrying our words with actions, especially in times of crisis. You helped CBM support several relief efforts that provided food baskets and hygiene items to individuals impacted by natural disasters such as flooding in South Sudan and Pakistan, droughts in Kenya, and intense storms in Malawi, Rwanda, and Cuba. We were also able to assist thousands of individuals displaced by conflict in regions such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Lebanon, and Ukraine, and in refugee camps in Greece and Cyprus.

121,102 total individual beneficiaries

CBM’s single largest relief project in 2023 was to support winterization efforts in Ukraine. This project provided blankets, heaters, fuel, coats, and other items needed for internally displaced people to survive the winter months.

Our emergency appeal for earthquake relief in Türkiye and Syria raised over $260,000 which went towards food, hygiene kits, winter items (blankets, bedding, jackets etc.), clothing, and psychosocial support.

NEW THEME! CREATION CARE

In line with our stewardship of the earth, we added creation care as a focus area providing our partners with an opportunity to gain knowledge and practical skills beneficial for implementing future creation-minded projects. We provided training for our partner organizations on topics such as waste management, resource conservation, natural disaster risk mitigation, and the theology of creation care. These include the Togo Reforestation Campaign which aims to strengthen the capacity of communities to reforest empty spaces and improve people’s lives. Another such project is the Philippines Disaster Preparedness project which focuses on sharing knowledge and skills among pastors and church leaders on subjects such as managing crises, climate change, reforestation & environmental protection, and food security so that they can pass along that knowledge to their local communities.

PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENTS IN 2023 AND INTO 2024

CBM recently formed a partnership with the Baptist Convention of Egypt. Our 2023 collaboration efforts included a project to develop church leaders as well as support for two recreational centres, one for women and another for children and youth. The purpose of these spaces is to create a safe place where individuals have access to social support and educational opportunities.

Our new partnership with the Togo Baptist Convention (TBC) resulted in a successful drinking water project, a conservation agriculture project, and training in both reforestation and integral mission. We look forward to continue collaborating with TBC in 2024.

In Sri Lanka, we began work with Asia Pacific Baptist Aid beyond previous relief-based projects. One endeavour has been implementing the Disability Inclusive Ministries project aimed at training church leaders and congregants on how to include and support individuals with disabilities, an often neglected and isolated segment of the population in Sri Lanka. This project will be continuing in 2024.

CBM’S FIVE KEY CAUSES

55,850 refugees supported

18,426 women empowered

*Note: Beneficiaries are counted once in the total but may be included in multiple categories if they were part of multiple projects

25,614 kids at risk supported

5,863 leaders equipped with theological & integral mission training

29,921 people received food assistance

2,990 farm animals distributed for income generation

A Mother’s Voice from Lebanon

An Invitation to Address Hunger in Our World

We recently shared Emily’s story in our February letter of how efforts from Canadian farmers helped her gain greater food security in Kenya. Here is a story from Lebanon where, through our partner MERATH (Middle East Revive and Thrive), we are able to deliver humanitarian aid and sustainable programming for vulnerable refugees, including food programs.

Pictured right (centre) is Mazen, who works at the distribution centre of his church in the Bekaa Valley, he says:

“The people we serve are in desperate need of help. They suffer from the terrible economic situation and the lack of work, and they can’t even provide food for their children to eat. Many families cannot buy milk for their young children, they tell us they mix water with corn flour or bread instead. These families are not used to being taken care of with unconditional love. It makes a huge difference when we are able to help them in a way that reflects the unconditional love Jesus showed us. It is amazing to them – and to us –that people who don’t even know them and are living very far away, as far as Canada, are thinking about them and have on their heart to help them without asking anything in return. This thought alone fills their hearts with joy and hope. Through our help, you are reminding them that they are not alone, but that we are one family in which we are all brothers and sisters in humanity.”

Heifa* is a beneficiary of the food packages Mazen helps distribute. She shares her story of how you have helped women and families like her own by giving and doubling your impact.

“We were in a difficult situation in Syria. Our house was damaged after being hit by a bomb. Thankfully, we had fled to my brother-in-law’s house at the time. Life was not safe there.

I came to Lebanon with my husband, two kids, my parents and two brothers, and rented a house near the church. I was told that my children can join the school and that the church offers some assistance. We have seen a big difference in our children’s education…they were able to catch up with the rest of the class due to the help and extra effort of their teachers… they get along very well and that makes me happy. They learn hymns and Bible stories.

The church doors are open to all. This is the humanitarian message, to help each other, even though we come from different religions and backgrounds. Once a month, my parents and I get a box of food aid which makes a big difference in our situation. The church also provided us with mattresses and blankets upon our arrival. Our God is a good God. We were all welcomed in the church, although we had no relatives or acquaintances here, we feel a part of this community.

I never expected this kind of help. At Christmas, the church gave us a gift of 20 litres of diesel (for heating), biscuits, chips, chocolate, walnuts, and milk for the children. They were enough for two months. It is costly to provide diesel for heating.

The church is home to us, we attend the meetings and feel comfortable here. My biggest dream was running away from Syria, and now my husband and my children are safe, this is what counts.”

*Name changed for privacy and security purposes.

Help feed families like Heifa’s by giving today cbmin.org/donate

Will you stand with us? Support CBM as we respond to the call to

Celebrating 150 Years Together in Mission

The Canadian Baptist journey in mission over 150 years is a testament of partnership and mutual support. Since 1874, Canadian Baptists have worked together in God’s mission to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to a broken world. In response to His love and grace, we have sought to be a faithful presence and witness to hope and healing through word and deed.

We invite you to journey with us as we embark on the next 150 years. Each month, from December 2023 to January 2025 for a total of 14 months, we’ll examine an inspired word with insights that will take you further into our shared Baptist identity. Through podcasts, articles, resources, and more, we’ll dive deep into what has shaped us in our mission as Canadian Baptists.

These reflections from 14 thought-leaders around the world, who have accompanied us along the journey, can be incorporated into devotions, church services, or prayer and discussions. You can share your own thoughts using our interactive tools as we Reflect Light on our past and explore all the possibilities of our future as Christ leads us.

CBM’s commitment to theological depth, moral vision, and thoughtfulness is a defining characteristic of our organization. We strive to captivate and inspire people as we incorporate this into everything we do. We seek to provide a theologically rich foundation for our efforts, particularly as we tackle issues and challenges of our modern society. As we continue on this path, we cherish the key themes that define our organization and strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

Called

Reflection by Rev. Dr. Harry G. Gardner

Our first word is Called by Dr. Harry G. Gardner, President Emeritus of Acadia Divinity College. Here is an excerpt of the associated Reflecting Light Discussion Guide:

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last…

John 15:15-16a

For 150 years, Canadian Baptists have responded to God’s calling to serve Him through faithful witness. Our mission is born out of the fact that there is a caller – God – and that we have been called. Our mission is our act of obedience to the one who has called us.

For individuals and for churches, His call is often well outside our comfort circle...Being called requires corporate and careful listening to the Spirit. Sometimes we need to wait before we engage the work, and to worship and pray before we manifest the muscle of our efforts, as good as those efforts might be. Sometimes, it is not only knowing what we are to do, but when and with whom.

caba 150 .ca

We encourage you to read the full reflection, download the discussion guide and share your own reflections using #CABA150, as well as follow along for the latest news and events on our website.

Active in Mission 2023

The Results are in from the Steps to End Hunger Campaign

You raised for food security

$100,000+

Thanks to you we exceeded our Active in Mission goal of $100,000 toward food security programs all over the world, including right here in Canada. You have helped feed vulnerable families and provided new hope to the marginalized. Here are a few ways sustainable food security programs are making a difference across Canada and in our world today!

The CBWC has a committee known as the Justice and Mercy Network (JMN). This committee picked up from where the broader CBWC community left off after a successful summer of raising funds for CBM’s Active in Mission initiative in partnership with our sister conventions: We ended up with 21 churches applying for assistance with local food security programming…it was a real challenge…but so encouraging to know how many of our churches are currently involved in food security programs. There is talk of forming an affinity group moving forward so they can network together. We are hopeful that this initiative continues and are grateful for the chance to participate! (Louanne Haugen, Director of Communications & Development, CBWC)

Approximately 350 volunteers for Mission Nouvelle Generation in Brossard, Quebec feed about 1,500 families each week of the year. They also offered a variety of important services and initiatives to serve the community such as practical services at low costs and a community garden allowing families access to freshly picked fruits and vegetables. They have a dehydration project to maximize donations and minimize waste by taking the oversupply of fruits and vegetables and transforming them into long-lasting products while preserving their nutritional value. Mission Nouvelle Generation has helped new immigrants and those on the margins of society get back on their feet. Many of them come back as volunteers to give back to society. During the holiday season, Christmas Food baskets were distributed to 2000 families. In Nairobi, Kenya, Stephen lost his job when his company had to downsize. He decided to move back to his hometown and become a farmer to support his family. He followed the farming practices of his neighbours, but they all experienced crop failure due to the lack of precipitation in the region. He received training

in conservation agriculture from CBM’s partner, the ACC&S, alongside several other farmers who were experiencing the same challenges. They all learned how to mitigate the effects of changing weather patterns. Stephen has had a successful harvest from implementing these new measures. His youngest son has also shown interest in conservation agriculture by joining his school’s 4K Club and taking care of his very own plot of land.

We’d love to hear your story of how your church community is addressing local food security through Active in Mission. Feel free to post your own stories using #AIM2023, #AEM2023, or #ActiveInMission2023.

Tribute to Gary Nelson

General Secretary of CBM 2000-2010

Gary Nelson was one of the most influential Christian leaders in Canada with a reach that spanned across the world. We mourn his passing in January 2024 but also celebrate his fruitful and abundant life of ministry:

The Baptist World Alliance thanks God for the life and legacy of Gary Nelson! During his long involvement with the global Baptist family, Gary served as BWA Vice President, Chair of the Baptist World Aid Committee, and as a member of the General Council and Executive Committee. Gary helped shape the BWA on the Baptists in the 21st Century Committee and the Implementation Task Force. He welcomed new groups to the BWA as part of the Membership Committee and called others to missional living through his involvement with the Living Water Evangelism Program and Church Leadership Commission. Yet Gary’s impact on the BWA far outreaches his involvement on committees and commissions. Gary left a mark that will be felt for generations to come, and he did so with grace, humor, wisdom, and most importantly, with love.

— Julie Justus, Director of Global Partnerships & Unity, Baptist World Alliance

Some people we meet leave a pleasant and lasting impact on us. Gary Nelson was one such person. I first met Gary in 2002 when he was General Secretary for Canadian Baptist Ministries. LSESD was a fairly young ministry at the time, yet I remember being very impressed by the depth of his knowledge of our ministry, and both our Lebanese and Middle East contexts. I could see that his interest was genuine as was his offer to help. He instantly put his words into action. Gary was a resilient, solution-oriented leader. Able with his reassuring smile and sensible wisdom to tackle situations of crisis with a contagious sense of calmness. Gary loved the Middle East. He loved the people of the Middle East. And he certainly loved the Church in the Middle East.

— Nabil Costa, CEO THIMAR (LSESD), Lebanon

I first met Gary in Kigali at the inauguration of the AEBR (Association of Baptist Churches in Rwanda) office and again in India where we spent an afternoon playing volleyball together, shouting to celebrate each point. I remember those times with joy. Gary loved people and was very humble approaching everybody. I was amazed by his humble leadership and observed his influence on those around him. Gary led by example. He was my role model in my own leadership position, and I will continue to imitate him. May God continue to help us lead by example as Gary did.

— Gato Munyamasoko, CBM Peace and Reconciliation Specialist, Africa

Dr. Nelson’s hard work and visionary leadership manifested through his big heart for Africa and especially for us in the ABC (Africa Brotherhood Church) ...we collaborated to establish several community and social intervention projects that have helped us to preach, both in word and action, the message of the love of Christ to a [hurting] world. We celebrate the rich life of a brother that loved the church in Africa and a committed and honest friend ...we loved and cherished our time together, especially at ABC. May the Lord rest his soul in peace.

— The Most Rev. Dr. Timothy Ndambuki, Archbishop of the Africa Brotherhood Church (ABC), East, Central and Southern Africa.

Praying Together

Support God’s Work Around the World Through Prayer

At CBM, we believe prayer is vital to our work. Prayerline is a free, monthly prayer resource included in our monthly e-newsletter and on our website, which you can use to guide prayer individually or together as a church.

MARCH 1 · Zero Discrimination Day

In some parts of India, widows face stigma and discrimination along with limited access to resources and support for their children. Without rights, they can’t access resources left by their husbands (property and inheritance). Through the local church, CBM equips widows with business skills training and a loan to get started. Pray that the women involved will feel empowered and welcomed to participate in community life with dignity.

MARCH 8 · International Women’s Day

In the Middle East and North Africa, opportunities for women to be theological educators and church leaders are scarce. Arab Baptist Theological Seminary empowers and equips female staff and students through theological education and leadership formation. Pray for the women in this program as they follow God’s calling to play an active role within the Arab Church.

APRIL 7 · International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda

Pray for continued peace in Rwanda and that Rwandans will strive to reconcile with their neighbours and learn to build bridges of peace in their communities. Pray for CBM’s Family Ministry Project, which helps to promote safe home environments for families. This ministry offers parenting clubs where families can discuss issues at home and seminars and workshops related to gender roles, caring for your spouse, and other topics related to the family.

APRIL 14 · World Chagas Disease Day

Chagas disease is a silent killer among the poor in Bolivia, but if it’s detected early, Chagas is treatable. CBM’s Chagas project provides prevention, education, and treatment of the disease, along with support for home renovation. Pray for healing and early detection of those suffering from Chagas disease, as well as resources for medical treatment. Pray that the CBM Chagas program will continue to save lives and promote greater health and well-being.

APRIL 22 · International Earth Day

Pray for our partner Kabuganaan Philippines Ministries (KPM) as they begin a new project, called Church Action to Restore the Earth. KPM’s project will focus on building solutions for deforestation and flooding in the province of Capiz. Pray for KPM as they train church leaders on environmental protection, disaster preparedness and disaster risk reduction.

MAY 16 · International Day of Living Together in Peace

Pray for CBM’s Peace and Reconciliation projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Pray for the hurting and broken, for comfort amid global and civil conflict. Pray that participants will promote and build peace in their communities using the skills they have studied.

2024 CBM Resource Dates

The following are highlights of the many resources and opportunities to stay informed and engaged in God’s Global Mission with CBM this year. Your CBM Regional Representative can help make YOUR goals happen!

WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA cbmin.org facebook.com/cbmin.org @canadianbaptistministries youtube.com/canadianbaptistministries

Whether you’re looking for information on our partners, projects, or ministry staff, our website and social media channels are always available to keep you connected. Access stories, prayer requests, and updates by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

150 CELEBRATIONS caba150.ca

2024 marks 150 years of Canadian Baptists serving together in missions. This year, we are excited to reflect on our history while also imagining our future as a ministry. Each month, content will be released on the caba150.ca website celebrating the various aspects of who we are. Keep an eye out for events, resources, and more throughout the year!

UPDATE VIDEOS cbmin.org

Twice a year, a video update from our Executive Director, Jennifer Lau, provides an overview of what’s been happening with CBM and what you can look for in the coming months. Watch it yourself or share it with your church and others!

SOLIDARITY SUNDAY

cbmin.org/solidaritysunday

On the first Sunday after Easter, we invite churches to set aside time to remember, pray, and stand in solidarity with the global church. Video and print resources will be available for your use.

WESTERN CANADA

Dennis Shierman dshierman@cbmin.org

Searching for our next Central Canada Represenative

CENTRAL CANADA

Contact Barb Keys bkeys@cbmin.org

Randy Stanton

rstanton@cbmin.org

KIDS CARE

kidscare.cbmin.org

CBM’s annual children’s educational mission resource gives kids the opportunity to learn about children in another part of the world through fun activities, crafts and games, Bible lessons, and more. (see the back cover for details)

ACTIVE IN MISSION activeinmission.ca

This summer, we’re getting Active in Mission with our Canadian Baptist partners (CBAC, UEBFC, CBOQ, CBWC) to raise awareness and funds for food security programs both locally and globally. It is a fun opportunity for you, your church, and your community to get involved. Pick a date that works best for your group this summer, choose an activity, set a goal, and have fun as you make a real difference in the lives of those experiencing hunger.

NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION cbmin.org/nationalday

CBM is working with our denominational family to create resources to mark this important day for our country, stay tuned for more.

HOPEFUL GIFTS FOR CHANGE CATALOGUE

Your mailbox . hopefulgifts.ca

Our annual gift catalogue will arrive in your mailboxes in October to provide you with opportunities to give meaningful gifts that contribute to community transformation through our local church partners. Call us at 905.821.3533 to join our mailing list.

Kids Care Lesson 1

As 2024 marks the 150th anniversary of Canadian Baptist mission, this year’s Kids Care curriculum will focus on key themes to celebrate this occasion. As in previous years, children will hear stories from different parts of the world while expanding their view of community. Each lesson will include thoughtful curriculum on what mission is today along with fun activities, crafts, and Bible lessons. They will have the opportunity to respond to God’s love through prayer, sharing, and giving.

Each of the lessons contain the following:

• Bible time discussions and questions to dig deeper

• Stories from the field

• Engaging activities and games

• Snack ideas

• Prayer

Visit kidscare.cbmin.org for your free resource download in the spring.

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