The Canadian Baptist 2016 by CBOQ

CBOQ SUNDAY 2016

The Open Door 6 An Unexpected Journey 14 I Was a Stranger 24 The Adventure of a Lifetime 34 Blizzard Wrap-Up 37

you. As you read the following pages, I trust you will be inspired by the faithfulness of Collected here in this year’s The Canadian those who are trying different opportunities Baptist are your stories of how God, through and options and find purpose and meanthe power of the Holy Spirit, is opening ing as they carry out the effective work that doors of ministry and mission all around us. awaits them. I am consistently encouraged and amazed by the impact you are having on your com- You’ll read about the victories and challengmunities through your efforts of advancing es of participating in God’s mission and the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout On- may find resonance or divine inspiration as you consider how to get involved in the days tario and Quebec. and years to come. I talk a lot. Especially about CBOQ and the exciting ways God is blessing our fam- CBOQ, this great family of churches, transily of churches. For 128 years now, our lo- formed by Christ, is revealing God’s kingcal communities of faith have been caring dom through stories like these and stories for others and seizing opportunities for the like yours. Thank you for your significant sake of justice and mercy, mission and edu- part in advancing and supporting the miscation, teaching and equipping in the name sion and vision of CBOQ. We are better toof Christ and under the banner of Canadian gether because you are walking with us for effective work. Baptists.

Dear Canadian Baptist Friend,

Paul writes in I Corinthians 16:9 “…a great door for effective work has opened to us, and there are many who oppose us.” I am grateful for those of you who recognize what God is doing in your communities— the doors he is opening—and are confident of the effective work he has lined up for

Cover photo: Greg Banik, youth pastor, and the youth of Heron Park Baptist Church, Scarborough.

Editor: Jacqueline Solomon Communications Associate

May the strength and joy of the Lord be yours,

Tim McCoy Executive Minister, CBOQ

TABLE OF CONTENTS About Assembly

Great News for Fragmented People

The Open Door

For I Was a Stranger

The Big Risk

How Is your Church Praying: Part 2

Seven Signs You Might be a Church Planter

Connected by Association

It Takes a Village

The Holy Intruder

Americus V. Timpany: Canadian Missionary to India

Building Up, Tearing Down

How Is your Church Praying: Part 3

Breadalbane and Aylmer: The Overcomers

The Adventure of a Lifetime

Blizzard Wrap-Up

An Unexpected Journey

How Is your Church Praying: Part 1

Quiz:Are You Open to Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leading?

Wonder, Story and Play

â&#x20AC;Śa great door for effective work has opened to us, and there are many who oppose us.

I Corinthians 16:9

CBOQ ASSEMBLY 2016 JUNE 9-11, 2016

Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale | 6750 Mississauga Rd | Mississauga, ON | L5N 2L4

BAPTIST.CA/ASSEMBLY 4

ABOUT ASSEMBLY W

e live in a world of opportunities and options. Doors are everywhere. Which doors of opportunity has God placed before you or your church? Through which doors will we venture? What will we encounter on the other side of that door?

in a complex world might help us to the sake of the gospel. navigate these troubled waters.

Open: Following God’s Lead to New Opportunities is our theme for Assembly 2016. For many of us, that call to follow into new situations forces us to confront the unfamiliar. It calls us to pass through doors that may have been closed for a long time. This year’s plenary speakers are Anna Robbins, Academic Dean and Associate Professor of Theology, Culture and Ethics at Acadia Divinity College, and Tim McCoy, Executive Minister of CBOQ.

At Assembly this year, we will explore the remarkable opportunities for ministry and mission that God has placed before us. Mission, church planting, ministry to the next generations—all are before us. With those opportunities there will be challenges—no doubt about that. But will we use the strength we have PLENARY 1: TIM MCCOY to move ahead with God? WALKING THROUGH OPEN DOORS Whether we see it or not, God is alChristians are called to bring forth ready at work in our communities the gospel in the midst of stormy and welcomes us to partner with him. seas. What things prevent us from What doors is God opening around being bearers of the good news to you? What is easy to see? What might our culture today? How do we deal we have missed? How can our famiwith them so that we can present to ly of churches engage more fully and those who have never met Jesus an effectively in what God is doing? Toopen door to the gospel? Jonah’s gether we will learn how to walk toexperience of bearing God’s message gether into new places and spaces for

PLENARY 2: ANNA ROBBINS RUNNING SCARED Rapid change, and a sense of insecurity about who we are in Christ, has left the western church disoriented and afraid. Like Jonah, we find it easier to run away from culture than be open to our mission. How can we acknowledge our fear, and build our confidence so that we are open to what God is doing—and wants us to do—in the world today?

PLENARY 3: ANNA ROBBINS ANGER MANAGEMENT The gulf between what it means to be a Christian and what it means to be a Canadian seems wider than ever. Sometimes Christians find it easier to confront culture with a judgmental attitude than to present an open door of love and grace. Jonah thought God forgave too easily, and he was angry about it. How do we move past our anger to consider that God loves the world and is already at work all around us?

THE OPEN DOOR W

BY ANNA ROBBINS

e stand g a t h ered— no, huddled—clinging together as much from fear as for warmth, looking up at a large wooden door looming over us, dark and foreboding. Inside for such a long time, we look up with hesitation, unsure of whether we actually want it to open or not. We seek the key, the password that will open the door and make everything how it used to be. Except that it will never be that way again. We got used to traffic coming in, not going out; the hinges warped into the groove of inward direction. Now, it’s clear that we have become stuck in here, making what was once a refuge into a prison for ourselves. Surrounded by the things we love and things that make us comfortable, we have little sense of what might be out there. Whatever it is, it is alien. Threatening. Risky. Here, we have safety. Here, we have our God. His song is in here, not out there. In here is harmony; out there is noise. And yet, we have heard whispers of the Spirit that we have been in this place, in this way, for far too long.

Slowly, hesitantly, one bold soul steps forward and utters a word. The sound cuts through the stillness and we wait, warily

hopeful. Silent expectation is soon dashed. Wrong word. Wrong code. Wrong program. Wrong agenda. One after another, nothing seems to work. The door won’t budge. Some, afraid of what is outside, linger at the edges, ready to run. This has been their safety. They feel uncertain of what to do if the door should swing open wide. Anything could happen. It’s best to be prepared. Others stand to the side with weapons at the ready should the door open to the unwelcome. They are ready with an assault of words, and dogmatic demands. If you enter here, you enter on our terms or not at all. Our numbers grow smaller by the day. Although the door opens inwards, few come this way any more. When they do, they often wait by the door to sneak out again when another comes in. We are the remnant, in hushed mourning. In the silence, we hear a song. It starts down low, and then grows strong. We press our ears to the door, together pushing in to listen to this sweet sound. As we lean in to hear, our weight against the door causes it to creak and shift. Suddenly, the room is filled with light, the door open wide. We squint our eyes against the brightness, disoriented at first. But then the muted forms transform into a world of technicolour beauty, of love, and joy. We rejoice. We also see a world of pain, of hated and hunger. We get to work. There is so much to do that we forget how much we loved the rose-coloured carpet that covered the floor just inside the door. The song we thought we’d forgotten is now all around us, out here, in the open.

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THE BIG RISK By Kevin Makins, Eucharist Church, Hamilton

The next year we doubled down on the idea. We spent weeks building massive cardboard robots that would fill the park. We bought dou8

But it never gets easier. Every single time we start from scratch with a nervous question in the back of our minds: “What if this bombs?!” But that’s the way these things go.

You have to throw yourself into it, because that’s what it means to be living church: it means you have skin in the game. It means you are still listenble the candles, prepped twice as ing. It means you are open to God’s many games (we added a rope maze leading. And, let’s get honest: it’s and a bean bag toss), and tripled the scary. It might sink or it might swim amount of All Saints Day Candles or it might explode into a million tiny (by popular demand). pieces. But whether it “works” or not is not our job. Christians aren’t in the And… no one showed up. “success” business. Our job is to be faithful. Like, I’m not even kidding. No one. Not even the kids from our own To listen faithfully, to show up when church! God calls us, to play our role in the

t was October 2010, just two months after we had started coming together as a congregation, that we did our first “outreach event” in a park next to our meeting space. At the time our community was meeting in a small fashion studio inside an old factory. Next to us was Gage Park, the largest outdoor space It was like the entire city decided to in downtown Hamilton. play a practical joke on us. We grieved It was Halloween, which meant all our loss, trashed the robots, and the neighbourhood kids would be called that fated evening “The Night outside, walking the streets, collecting the Children Never Came.” candy, and generally being adorable. It seemed like the prime opportunity to connect with the broader neighbourhood. We bought a ton of candy, set up some games, and created a small “All Saints Day” candle display. It was awesome! Dozens of children visited, playing games, eating snacks, and lighting candles. It also gave us a great opportunity to connect with their families.

art, started bike lane campaigns, and refugee sponsorship projects.

work God is doing. The results are entirely God’s business.

So may you continue to be open to the calling of God. May you continue to take risks, try new things, and pioneer. And may you know that, whatSince then, we’ve continued to throw ever the result, you did what you were ourselves into creative projects. called to do. We’ve hosted parties, created public

SEVEN SIGNS YOU MIGHT BE A CHURCH PLANTER By Carol Gouveia Administrative Assistant

Church planting isn’t for everyone. It can be difficult and discouraging, but if you have an undeniable call to be a church planter, it’s an exciting way to live. Are you a church planter? You might be... if: 1. You walk in to your local coffee shop and talk to six people before you place your order. 2. Your friends think you have a little too much faith. 3. You look around the neighbourhood and think, “wouldn’t it be great if—” 4. You know the exact population of the city you live in, how many of them go to church and how many don’t. 5. You constantly want to start something new. 6. You’d rather hang out with misfits. 7. You can take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’! Think you’re a church planter? Contact Dallas Friesen, Director of Congregational Health to find out more at dfriesen@baptist.ca.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE By Jacqueline Solomon Communications Associate

snarling and death glares of the teen years, it can be difficult for parents to exercise the compasThere are entire shelves at book- sion, grace and patience that stores dedicated to parenting may be required. teenagers. And it’s no wonder. As burgeoning adults begin to push Standing in the gap between back against parental authority parents and their teenagers are and start to question everything, the youth leaders. Charged with there is bound to be some fric- shepherding the next generation tion—especially when it comes of Christ-followers, theirs is one to issues of faith. What Christian of the most challenging roles in parent doesn’t have some trep- the church—and arguably one idation that their children will of the most rewarding. walk away from Jesus? The transition from childhood to adult- “[Adolescence] is when kids hood is a true pilgrim’s journey, start to ask themselves: is this replete with snares, distractions, what I believe? Is this who I am? blessings, and traps along the It’s good to be there when peoway. It is impossibly difficult to ple are asking the questions. As grow up, but in the midst of the they go through life, they have

big questions. That’s the first time young people are deciding for themselves,” says Greg Banik of Heron Park Baptist Church in Scarborough. Being there for the young people in his community is clearly working. The youth that surround him are visibly fond of him and each other. They have a safe place to ask the questions that they may not feel comfortable asking their parents, ranging from the personal to questions on the geographical location of heaven. And because they are confident that they are cared for, they have an undeniable rapport and sense of belonging that few teenagers would get elsewhere.

That sense of family isn’t limited to Heron Park. Brampton Chinese Baptist Church shares an ethos of cameraderie—a connectedness that comes from long association and common identity. Erwin Au is the chairman at his church and volunteers with the youth. “To keep the church going, the youth are important. They’re the next generation. If we don’t build them up, down the road the church will be less and less.” He is committed to serving his church’s young people to build their faith and sense of belonging and it shows. always hungry. Feed them. (Or better yet—teach them how to cook.) There may be a temptation at this Do you have the gift of helping? Ask point in this article for you to say, your youth leader if you can support “Oh good. They’re being well cared them in some way. Are you an athfor. How nice,” and move on. But lete? Dust off your baseball glove as church families, we are the village. and head out to the diamond. Can And it will take all of us to raise up you pray? Then pray like crazy for the next generation for Christ. the youth around you and their leaders. They need it. Demonstrate care, There are many ways to serve the including simple things like “Hey, youth in your community. Even if didn’t see you last week. Hope everyyou’re not a gifted youth leader, you thing’s ok. How can I be praying for are gifted in other ways. Do you have you?” Small acts like this show young the gift of hospitality? Teenagers are people that you really see them, you

care about them and you like them— just the way they are. When youth know that their church loves them—strange clothes, digital devices and all—they will know that they belong and that they are valued. They will know that even when relationship with parents may be strained, there is still a bigger family there to give them a place to be understood. Find out more about how you can connect with the youth in your church online here: cboqyouth.ca/sdm_downloads/transitions/

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AMERICUS V. TIMPANY: CANADIAN MISSIONARY TO INDIA By Adam McCulloch, Archivist, Canadian Baptist Archives

amed after a famous explorer, it is perhaps no wonder that Americus Vespucius Timpany left the relative safety of home.

Americus was born in Bayham Township in Elgin County on December 21, 1841. When he was 19, he embraced the Christian faith and attended Woodstock College. Before his graduation, Americus contacted the Missionary Union in Boston, USA in

order to secure missionary work. He activity. He established the Telugu was assigned to work in the Telugu and English Chapels in Cocanada, a mission in India. girl’s dormitory, the Akidu and the Canadian mission boats and a comOn October 15, 1867, Americus pendium of theology in Telugu. married Miss Jane Bates and on October 24, the newly married couple Tragically, Americus died on Februleft for India. They travelled from ary 19, 1885 of cholera. Although he Canada to England, to South Africa, was only 45 at the time of his death, and finally arrived in Nellore, India, he left a lasting legacy. In summary in May 1868. In 1870, Americus and of his efforts, his friend, John Mchis family moved to Ramapatam, In- Laurin wrote, “When he died, after dia, where his ministry was successful 17 years of toil for the Telugus, there and within five years he had founded were three distinct Baptist missions a theological seminary. in the Telugu country, 20 stations, 28 missions families, seven young ladies, In 1876, Americus and his family two theological seminaries and over returned home to Canada. At this 30,000 church members.” (McMaster time he resigned from the Missionary Monthly, 1892, 109-110). Americus Union in Boston, and began working Vespucius Timpany’s commitment as a missionary of the Foreign Mis- to his calling helped to shape the sion Society of Ontario and Quebec. Canadian Baptist missionary efforts Between 1876 and 1878, he visited in India for all those that came after many Baptist churches, helped to or- him, and his ganize mission circles and assisted in testimony profounding the Missionary Link. vides a wonderful example In September 1878, Americus, Jane of what can and their youngest child returned to be achieved India, while their two oldest children through a life remained in Canada. During the next given to Chrisseveral years, he was a whirlwind of tian ministry.

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AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY An Interview with Gonzalo BolaĂąos 14

By Jacqueline Solomon Communications Associate

bright light appears in the sky. An angel descends and hands you your orders, a timeline, an advance on all the resources you will need, a divine ID verifying your connection to the Most High and a direct line for any of your future questions. Wouldn’t that be nice? That’s rarely how it works, though. Even those biblical heroes who received angelic visitations went on to have moments of feeling lost, confused, and abandoned in their lives. The journey of faith is not without challenges. For Gonzalo Bolaños, now the pastor at El Redentor Baptist Church, Toronto, the road to ministry was fraught with complications. Gonzalo became a Christian in Colombia in 1988. In his heavily Catholic context, becoming a Protestant seemed almost akin to treason, which might have been bad enough, but Gonzalo was also a successful enough businessman to have other concerns. In a political context where abductions were increasingly common, Gonzalo felt it was time to move his family so he and his wife Neida made the difficult decision to leave their comfortable life in Colombia behind and head north to New York as refugees. The transition was anything but easy.

“It was the first time we had to depend on God completely. In my own country, I had resources, money, but I didn’t feel that God was totally necessary for my life…When I moved to the US, I started to lose everything… For the first time in my life, I really had to look to God and say, ‘What do you want?’” says Gonzalo. Despite his business skills and his wife’s legal skills, finding work in the US proved challenging. But at last he accepted a job cleaning the church he attended. For the next two years, this formerly well-off businessman repaired fixtures, swept floors and repainted the walls of a Spanish-language church—all while living in the basement. “It was a time where God was working with me. If you really want to work with God, you have to start all over. We bring so many things that we think are useful, but for God, no. We have to learn everything. It’s one thing being the person who cleans the church; it’s another thing being the pastor of the church. I understand that God gave me training—I started from the bottom.”

gal; it’s another thing if you’re illegal, too.” Developing empathy and a deep personal experience with what it is to be an “illegal” has been enormously helpful in his ongoing ministry. But Gonzalo’s challenges were still far from over. They decided it was time to leave the US and their community and resettle (again) in Canada.

Once in Canada, Gonzalo began attending El Redentor Baptist Church in Toronto. Despite a rather circuitous introduction to the community, he quickly integrated and just ten months later was appointed their pastor. There was just one problem. He needed formal training; Gonzalo had none at the time. After meeting with Ken Bellous, CBOQ’s then-Executive Minister, things began to look up. Gonzalo worked with CBOQ to embark on an education plan. Despite some hiccups along the way, Gonzalo finally attended the New Pastors’ Orientation, and began the process of ordination. In 2009, nearly a decade after he began full-time ministry, Gonzalo was ordained as a After the first two years acting as CBOQ pastor. church janitor, Gonzalo was appointed to lead a small mission to the lo- While Gonzalo and his wife have had cal Spanish-speaking population, his more adventures since then, includfirst foray into pastoral ministry. All ing spending two years in Colombia seemed to be going well until Sep- and returning to Canada to now pastember 11, 2001. tor two churches, he is confident that God has placed a call on his life—a Stuck in the bureaucratic immigra- call is prodigiously difficult to ignore. tion nightmare that followed, Gonza- It hasn’t been easy and the road hasn’t lo and his wife were rendered illegal always been clear, but being open to immigrants. At the time, Gonzalo re- God’s leading is an adventure. Gonports, it was hard to see God’s hand zalo shares some wise parting words, in anything that was happening, but delivered with a smile: “God decides in retrospect, “It’s one thing to work where you need to be. You can try to with illegal people when you’re le- run, but you can’t hide.” 15

HOW IS YOUR CHURCH PRAYING?

Part 1: An Interview with Cheryle Hannah, Fourth Avenue Baptist Church, Ottawa

By Melody Currier Director of Operations and Membership You have probably heard about baby showers, but have you ever heard of a shelter shower? That’s what took place at Fourth Avenue Baptist Church, Ottawa last fall. Let’s backtrack a bit to late 2014, when Pastor Cheryle Hanna and the church were praying about how to reach out in their community. This led to praying about how God might be preparing their church to be involved with Restoring Hope Ministry and their work with homeless youth in Ottawa. Praying like this can have pretty big consequences. 1 Corinthians 16:9 speaks about the opening up of a huge door of opportunity for good work. In this case, Fourth Avenue, quite literally, has opened its doors. Last December its sixteen-bed shelter began welcoming homeless youth. Behind this was much prayer and intentional following of God’s lead to new opportunities. So er? the the

pour than a sprinkle.” It was a fullblown community downpour. Other churches have given beds and offered work teams and meals. People not part of any church gave sheets, towels, socks, and other items. Throughout all of this planning, meeting, and training was much prayer—prayer by the people of Fourth Avenue, by others in the area, and by CBOQ staff.

away—pray. Sustaining this ministry will take continued planning, meeting, and training. You can be part of that through prayer. And let’s not forget prayer for the newly expanded community of Fourth Avenue, including the youth who occasionally call it home.

Fourth Avenue Baptist Church, Ottawa prayed about how to reach out in As part of this family of churches we their community. How is your church call CBOQ, we have covenanted to praying? Let us know at pray for one another; to encourage howisyourchurchpraying@baptist.ca. what about that shelter show- and support one another. How can Pastor Cheryle refers to this as you do that? If you live in the Otta“stirring point” and describes wa area, call the church and ask how shower as “more like a down- you can volunteer. If you live farther

ARE YOU OPEN TO GOD’S LEADING? By Dana Barber Receptionist

1. When someone tells you how she would be more righteous. who needs what you have, you: much you hate change do you: c. Keep reading so you can find a. Hide. a. Muse about how wrong they out how to be more like Jeb. Hope someone else will help. are then continue to do what sus. c. Ask God for help, then offer you have always done. d. Read the whole Bible, covyour best effort. b. Run because someone used a er to cover, three times d. Dive right in. Those othbad word. in the next six months. er commitments can wait. c. Pause to reflect about how you could work on embrac- 3. Reading a book of testimony 5. After hearing the same scripture ing change. about God’s timing, you think: referred to in several places, a d. Immediately change eva. “Isn’t it nice how that works faithful friend brings up the same erything. You’ll ask for everyone except me.” topic. You: God for guidance later. b. “If God’s timing is perfect a. Are amazed at your friend’s why doesn’t he promote me psychic ability. 2. 2 Timothy 3:16 says “Every scripnow? I am such an amazing b. Hop on a ship to Joppa. ture inspired of God is also profperson. I deserve to be rich c. Quiet your heart, ask God for itable for teaching, for reproof, and famous!” clarification as you read over for correction, for instruction c. “How encouraging to know the text, and consider what which is in righteousness.” When that I am not alone as I wait action you need to take for you read this, you: on God’s still small voice.” his glory. a. Feel happy you have a way to d. “I will ask the opinions of evd. Immediately, whole-heartedchange that annoying deacon. ery Christian I know and act ly, do what you feel is right. b. Wonder what your pastor ASAP on what they say.” does all day because if he/ 4. When a challenging opportunity she really read the Bible he/ presents itself to help someone 18

6. At church on Sunday, you read 7. Every day you leave for work at 8. You wonder if it’s time to change that your church needs help with the same time as your neighbour jobs. People who know you well the children’s ministry. You do but, in two years, you have not have been affirming your gifts in not have a lot of experience but asked her name. You: areas not related to your current you’re willing to learn. Do you: a. Leave for work two hours job. You: a. Look around the sanctuary to earlier to avoid seeing your a. Don’t believe these two spot the one avoiding God’s neighbour altogether. things are related. call? b. Wave and smile until it’s awkb. Why would you ever switch b. Avoid eye contact with anyward, hoping your neighbour jobs? That’s just crazy! one involved with children. will reach out first. c. Look into possible ways to c. Ask if there is a way you c. Say “hi” a little louder and inuse your gifting in your curcould be helpful even though troduce yourself. Maybe even rent work place. you do not have experience. offer tea on the weekend. d. Quit your job and wait for the d. Enroll in a children’s ministry d. Run right over, introduce next opportunity to unfold. program at your local Bible yourself and invite them to school. church.

MOSTLY As AND Bs If most of your answers are As or Bs, it’s possible your hairstyle hasn’t changed since 1990. Changing and allowing yourself to be led into new seasons or ideas is difficult. Most people feel reluctant to change. And of course we all like our own ideas best. Take some advice from the Psalmist (105:4) “Look to the Lord and his strength, seek his face always.” Perhaps we will find that God leads us into a beautiful future.

MOSTLY Cs If C was the answer you circled most often, you are probably trying to be brave for God’s glory. Feeling some of the aches change brings is expected. Trying to be more like Christ is not always easy but it is a delight the world cannot offer. So let’s “keep our eyes fixed on Jesus”. If you have recently been led to a place in life you never expected and it is honouring to God, well done!

MOSTLY Ds If most of your answers were Ds, it is possible you enjoy all things new. Your enthusiasm is unmatchable. Your church needs you but be careful not to fizzle out from involving yourself in too much at once. Remember to take the time to be still and listen for where God would lead you. Thanks for your energy and willingness to serve with your whole heart.

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WONDER, STORY AND PLAY By Jacqueline Solomon Communications Associate

“Welcome. Are you ready to listen to the story?”

Photos by John Cullen

For children who are ready to listen, an usher walks them into a quiet, dim space where they take a carpet square and sit on the floor. For those that aren’t ready, the greeter waits outside with them until they decide it’s time to go in. Unlike the frequent hustle and bustle of children’s programs, this begins quietly, slowly.

When the children have seated themselves, this week’s storyteller, Carolyn Bridge, kneels down and begins the story with deliberate patience. She lays down a mat in front of her and runs her hands over it a few times. She begins to remove the pieces from the box. As the story continues, she begins to build. A scene emerg- older children. Whether a church has es, piece by piece. The story comes to only a few young people or sporadic life in low light of the room. attendees, Godly Play is inclusive and provides a sense of the grand narThe effect is immersive and almost rative of the Bible. While there are hypnotic. At the end of the story, some significant startup costs in purthe storyteller invites the children to chasing the story boxes, FBC Simcoe share their thoughts. “I wonder what came up with an alternative solution God is telling us in this story…” And and now a gifted congregation memthe children share their ideas—some ber, Ted Southern, puts them togethof which are surprisingly profound. er as part of his contribution to the church. This is Godly Play—a form of children’s learning that borrows heavily “It’s more like how Jesus taught,” from the Montessori method. It in- says Jim Carroll, FBC Simcoe’s Muvites children not just to listen, but sic Director. “He got people to think watch and participate in the stories about what they were learning… If of the Bible. Each story is present- you let kids know that any response is ed through a story box okay, they will respond—not just the kept safely in a box on kids with the right answers.” a shelf. Whether the children are aural, vi- The result has been that children and sual or tactile learners their parents are developing a greatthere is something for er understanding of the stories and each of them. the meanings behind them. Connor For churches like First Baptist Church, Simcoe, which has inconsistent numbers of children, Godly Play has been, well, a godsend. Appealing to a wide age range, Godly Play presents the story in simple terms for the very young, but offers the opportunity for greater reflection for

is one of the children who has significant experience participating in Godly Play. In his words, “It’s just a big story. Everything. And eventually when you’re my age, it’s like a puzzle. You put them together in a certain order and it all makes sense.” To find out more about Godly Play, contact Tanya Yuen, Children and Family Ministry Coordinator, at tyuen@baptist.ca.

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GREAT NEWS FOR FRAGMENTED PEOPLE By Dallas Friesen Director of Congregational Development

e live in a fragmented world. Our communities and our churches are full of people with fragmented lives. The Great News is that through Christ our personal baggage, failures to live in healthy relationships, and the injustices around us are redeemable. Christ, as the way, the truth and the life, shapes and molds fragmented lives. Christ transforms fragmented churches by giving them a common story—we are recreated by God so that we can welcome and bless others.

Throughout our Canadian Baptist family there are stunning stories of individuals and churches that are entering into the messiness of life in order to offer a story of hope to fragmented people. That is great news. In surveying churches over the last few years, we are seeing four trends of how churches are engaging their communities: 1. Partnerships with local missions, churches, and agencies: Often churches don’t have the resources to start programs, however we are seeing our churches partnering and serving alongside others. As we serve with others, we illustrate how Christ brings together those who previously might not have worked together. 2. Children and youth: Vacation Bible School and youth events can be ways to tell the story to children, youth and young families who often live such disjointed lives. We have the story that offers identity and purpose to young people. 3. Local events: Being present for various community activities such as parades and fairs enables we who know the story to come into contact with those who don’t

know it. It doesn’t have to be difficult. Some 2. How can you adapt your children and churches are simply handing out hot chocyouth activities to better serve neighbourolate or bottles of water in Christ’s name. hood children? Some churches are transforming their approach to VBS by ask4. Faithfulness in the neighbourhood: People ing neighbourhood families about their choosing to do life with others (whether it is needs; finding out how to serve better. walking, eating, shopping, praying or playing in the same neighbourhood) can become peo- 3. What is the unique gift that only your church ple of peace and characters of hope in their could offer the community? One church neighbourhoods. noticed that their local annual street festival didn’t have places for people to sit. Growing up, I often heard my hopeful father reThey brought chairs, a few tables, colorspond to “how are you?” with “I am great and geting sheets and crayons, bottles of water and ting better.” In some ways that is my encouragegave people the gift of rest on a hot day. ment and prayer for our CBOQ churches. Keep sharing the great news for people whose lives are 4. Can you simplify your own life in such a way fragmented and for the sake of Christ. Together, that your life doesn’t feel fragmented and that we keep getting better at living this out. you are an example of the abundant life that Christ promised? What are the postures of the heart and the communal practices we need to adopt in order to live As Canadian Baptists, we are a family of localized faithfully present in the communities where God missions that are living and offering great news has placed us? Let these ideas prompt your prayer: for a fragmented world and we are getting better. 1. How can you bless, resource, or highlight those who are serving in partnership with others?

Yasameen and Julaine Palmer, Gilmour Memorial Baptist Church, Peterborough

FOR I WAS A STRANGER

By Jacqueline Solomon Communications Associate

decided that God was calling them to sponsorship. Julaine and her husband, George Neil, had sponsored refugees before so getting the paperwork filled out was the easy part. In a fairly short time, their first refugee, Yasameen, arrived and was soon followed by another family, Yassmein and her two daughters, all from Iraq.

ou have ten minutes. Say goodbye to your home, your friends, your work and much of your family. Pack what you can carry; take any money you can get hold of; get in your car and drive. Along the way, your car will be confiscated, your money stolen and the few belongings you have left will be lost or taken. By the time you arrive to a place of relative safety, all you will have left is the clothes on your back and the keys to a house you no longer own. If you are lucky, you may still have all your family members.

It’s tempting to see the safe arrival of refugees as the end point, but getting refugees to Canada is really just the beginning. “Canadians are impatient,” remarks Julaine with a smile. It is easy to think that resettling will go quickly and smoothly—a job found, a language learned—all within a few weeks. But in fact, adjusting to a new country, culture, and language takes time. Even for Yasameen, who is fluent in four languages, it was difficult to find a job. However, she is now working part-time at a seniors’ care facility and studying food services for a career in a hospital. As for Yassmein and her daughters, their task is to learn English before pursuing anything else. (That, and hone their

tobogganing and snowman-building skills!) While it will still take time for everyone to settle in, the Gilmour family is patient and feels greatly blessed by the gift of hospitality. Pastor Ben Denhoed is obviously enjoying welcoming new refugees, and is proud of his church family for their warmth. Together they’ve helped Yassmein and her girls find and furnish a small, impeccably tidy apartment. They’ve thrown them a pantry shower to help get their kitchen started. Church members periodically drop by with fresh baking—a welcome gesture everywhere in the world. They are serving the stranger in their midst, and serving Christ while they do it.

If your church is considering sponsoring a refugee family, visit our website at baptist.ca/refugees where you will find all the information you need to get started.

You are a drowned child and a terrorist—an innocent victim and a threat. You are a refugee. The church family at Gilmour Memorial Baptist in Peterborough, Ontario, listens to the news. But they don’t just listen to the news. They are also paying attention to what God is calling them to do in response. So when a CBOQ presentation on sponsoring refugees arrived right before a missions committee meeting attended by veteran sponsor Julaine Palmer, it didn’t take long before the church

HOW IS YOUR CHURCH PRAYING? Part 2: An Interview with Malcolm Young, Park Street Baptist Church, Peterborough

By Melody Currier Director of Operations and Membership

bout halfway through the book of Ezekiel, there is a dramatic statement “I the LORD have spoken. The time has come for me to act.” Responding to this statement has led Park Street Baptist Church, Peterborough to begin an outreach to seniors in its community. But it didn’t happen overnight. It took two year’s of prayer, asking God for vision for their community. Perhaps your church has lamented about becoming older and getting smaller, just as Park Street did. How do you move from words (perhaps even grumbling) to action? Park Street decided to pray. First Pastor Malcolm Young and other leaders prayed. Regular prayer for vision led to a group participating in a 13-week leadership series (“Lead From Where You Are” by Willow Creek). After the

series was done, there was more prayer, which others joined. The Park Street group praying for vision and direction continued to expand. God was working. He led these prayers to 37 ideas, which were grouped into several categories and were finally narrowed down to three missional categories. One of these was outreach to seniors who no longer attended church. This door opened fairly easily and their Friday afternoon outreach started last fall. The two other missional objectives, outreach to international people and to the community around the church, have proven more challenging. The direction the Lord was leading is clear, but the “how” is still being prayed through. The church thought an opportunity at a local high school was the place it should go, but God kept that door closed. The church is learning that it needs to continue to pray, even after God has led them to embrace a missional objective, because many doors need to be opened as they follow God’s lead. Park Street is continuing to pray and to follow God’s lead into directions they had never before considered. How is your church praying? Let us know at howisyourchurchpraying@baptist.ca.

CONNECTED BY

ASSOCIATION By Brian Craig Director of Leadership Development

hurch anniversaries are a regular occurrence: usually once a year! And we at CBOQ frequently celebrate them with congregations. But this year, when Gord Tetley, pastor of North Dresden Baptist called to ask if I’d join them for their 143rd anniversary, I made a passing suggestion: “Maybe you could think about the possibility of adding some other events to the weekend, since I’m coming anyway.”

Maps.” And the Western Association he invited me to be at that congregafunded a gift of five books for each tion’s service on Sunday morning—a pastor. chance to let folks meet someone from CBOQ and ask any questions Gord also thought his board could they might have. benefit from some reflection on how to be a more effective. He had been Sunday afternoon brought the weekhost to a workshop I had led at the end to a close with the North Dres2015 Assembly, so he suggested we den Anniversary service, with parhold the same workshop for local ticipants from other congregations churches. Saturday morning at “The celebrating God’s faithfulness. Hub,” we gathered with around 40 church leaders from multiple church- As churches of CBOQ, we can truly Gord took hold of that idea and ran es to think together about the “why” benefit from cooperation and crewith it. The pastors of the Western of being a church board member or ative sharing of events like these. Association gather at least once a deacon. Beyond the content we con- What might your association or simyear, so together with Brian Horrobin sidered, we also saw congregations ply local group of churches envision? of Wallaceburg Baptist, we planned a building links with one another over What can you accomplish together day’s retreat. Larry Forsyth of “The shared challenges and joys. that might never be possible alone? Hub” in Chatham offered their Maybe my new friend, Gord, could building as a place to meet. Over 20 Gord also pastors the congregation give you a few suggestions. pastors from the region gathered to of Louisville Baptist. He’s a busy pasexplore Abraham’s “Journey without tor. So, since I’d made my suggestion, 27

“Hubert van Eyck 010” by Hubert van Eyck (circa 1366-1426) - The Yorck Project: 10.000 Meisterwerke der Malerei. DVD-ROM, 2002. ISBN 3936122202. Distributed by DIRECTMEDIA Publishing GmbH.. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - https://commons. wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hubert_van_Eyck_010.jpg#/media/File:Hubert_van_Eyck_010.jpg

THE HOLY INTRUDER An interview with Freda To, Logos Baptist Church (York Region), Markham, ON By Jacqueline Solomon Communications Associate

It is no small thing to be called by God. It is rarely convenient, financially profitable, or without obstacles. For being the “straight and narrow” path, God’s plan often seems to take us on remarkably long and winding journeys. God undoubtedly called a young mom with two small children finishing up her CGA. During a morning worship time at her new church, Logos Baptist Church (Milliken), Freda To had a sudden, clear sense of that call. She was to become a pastor. But just because God has called us to something doesn’t mean that everything will suddenly be easy. Freda found

herself utterly adrift as she began to discern if her calling was real, or just a moment of post-worship-session euphoria. Rather than boarding the next ship for Joppa, however, Freda began a process of discernment to determine if she was correct in understanding God’s will for her life. She read, prayed, sought wise counsel and waited. She served in her church. She began walking toward a pastoral ministry career—and still the waters were troubled. “God wasn’t just inviting me to be a pastor, but…to go into a deeper relationship with him—to let him intrude in my life. I was shocked and scared. My immediate response was not a yes. This wasn’t a good answer to me because it brought me some guilt and shame. I thought I was a very good Christian, but when God invited me to go deeper with him, I was kind of scared to lose control. That kind of fear haunted me for a while. After that I was at peace. It was a journey with God and I let him change me and lead me somewhere…a closer relationship and a greater opening up of my life,” says Freda.

wasn’t only speaking to Freda. Much to Freda’s surprise, her church plant’s senior pastor, Rev. Dr. Michael Lau, and the church board also had a sense of God’s calling on her life. They offered to help her with the costs of seminary, opening a door that Freda never thought possible.

delve more deeply into spiritual formation, and continues to learn more about how to serve her community better. To Freda and her church, ordination is an affirmation on her call, passion and giftedness to pastoral ministry, It is about seeking God’s will and discerning how Freda can best contribute to the kingdom of While she learned, Freda also served God. With a thankful heart, Freda in a new church plant, Logos Bap- witnessed the work of God for her tist Church (York Region), beginning and the church during her ordination in children and family ministry and on Dec 5, 2015, a moment of celeworking toward integrating young bration and counting God’s blessings. people into the church community. All the way along, Freda’s church Freda now serves as Pastor-in-charge With the next natural step being community walked alongside her and of Chinese ministries with a team that she enjoys in a church that she seminary, it nonetheless seemed im- supported her. loves. She is living out her calling and possible to start right away. But God More recently, Freda it shows. The peace of Christ is with received her second her. Despite all the things that should call—the call to or- have come in her way—other career dination. While it opportunities, family responsibilities, again seemed im- a lack of experience—Freda found possible, she found that God opened doors for her when herself once more she least expected it. supported by Rev. Dr. Lau, and the “I believe God has a plan for everychurch’s leadership one and his grace is sufficient for us team. She began to to make that happen.”

BUILDING UP

5 Ways To Improve—o ENGAGE Church isn’t a spectator event. You aren’t buying tickets for a show; you’re joining a family—a family that is committed to helping one another thrive and grow. That invitation to coffee hour after the service? Go! Meet some people; shake some hands. Make yourself available to others. Swiss Chalet/the restaurant of your choice/lunch will still be available a little later.

EDIFY As a community, it can be easy to let the small things build up. A small slight, a forgotten thank you, or being overlooked for a committee appointment can turn into a festering wound unless our community of faith looks for opportunities to build each other up. Diligently seeking these opportunities, being aware of both “up front,” visible and the “behind the scenes” giftings takes work, but it changes a church from being social club to a real family. ENCOURAGE Your leadership team takes a lot of heat when things go wrong. A sermon that fell flat, a note that went flat, or a forgotten announcement can result in significant negative feedback. Being the voice of encouragement can help your leadership team see that you value them even when everything doesn’t go quite as planned. (A backhanded compliment is not encouragement!)

ENLIST A church needs volunteers—people who serve one another. Getting people involved based on their gifts makes for a better functioning community because the service is God-honouring. Are you a good organizer? Plan events. Are you a musician? Join the worship team. Do you have a memory for faces and names? Greet people at the entrance and help them to feel welcome. (Just confirm your gifts with a few others in case assessing your own gifts isn’t your gift.) EXPORT If your church is healthy, large, and bursting at the seams, don’t keep it to yourselves! Consider sharing the secret of your success with other CBOQ churches, or maybe even consider church planting. We have lots of training and resources available to help you get started. You probably know the old song, so take it seriously: Hide it under a bushel? NO!

TEARING DOWN

or Ruin—your Church GOSSIP Gossip is one of the Big Bad Things you can do to your church. Sharing a story of dubious sourcing with the goal of tearing someone else down (no matter how well you dress it up), is a sure-fire way to pour poison into the soul of your church. Listening to someone else tell a tantalizing tale without lovingly stopping and correcting them isn’t much better. Save yourself the inevitable blowback and keep the gossip to yourself. GRUMBLING So you didn’t like that last worship set. Or the pastor’s sermon. Or the room was too cold/hot. These things happen. Before you start lamenting, ask yourself a few questions. Is this something I can/should change? Would it be helpful to those around me? How would I like to receive feedback from someone who didn’t like something I did or the way I did it? Before you offer your opinion, consider “What is the gentlest, most loving way that I can clearly say this?” Then proceed with extreme caution.

GREED Tithing isn’t really up for interpretation. If you’re a part of your church, you need to give to it. Part of that giving feeds and houses your pastor(s), but a big part of your giving is also to share with those around you in ways that help people understand more about Jesus. Give to your church and get involved in how gifts are used. Find compassionate, inclusive things to do with your collective giving that share Jesus with others.

GUILT We all know the sting of guilt—that decision we’ve made that wasn’t entirely above board. But this isn’t that kind of guilt. This is the kind of guilt that we wield against each other. “You can’t help out? Oh, that’s fine... No I’ll do it. I was supposed to be looking after children, but I’m sure you have more important things to do...”

Hitting people with guilt isn’t a good way to make them feel motivated or GOOGLING happy to help, and is likely to just Are you sitting in the service? In make you mad. So unpack your bags coffee hour afterwards? At a Bible and cancel the guilt trip. study/small group? PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE. Yes, of course, you may be reading your Bible on it, but if you’re tempted to check Facebook updates, read your texts, or view the stock report, just bring ye olde fashioned booke Bible and turn off your phone. (And really, how the Habs/ Sens/Leafs are doing can wait.)

Part 3: An Interview with Floyd Wilson, retired CBOQ pastor and Dave Snihur, Egerton Street Baptist, London

HOW IS YOUR CHURCH PRAYING?

By Melody Currier Director of Operations and Membership

And it seems this idea is spreading. Last fall the Middlesex-Lambton-Huron Association rayer. Our family of churches has val- (MLHA) began a similar regular exchange of ues, one of them is prayer. We are con- prayer requests among its churches. As Canadivinced that effectiveness in ministry is an Baptists, we believe in the power of prayer— dependent upon prayer. I am certain all of our that our God listens when we talk to him, and churches have some sort of prayer ministry and best of all, he responds to us! also spend time in corporate prayer. Imagine expanding this to involve prayer for other church- The Northern Association and MLHA represent es: churches praying for other churches in our just 31 of the about 350 churches in our CBOQ CBOQ family. family. And perhaps there are other Associations praying in the same way. These Associations are It’s already happening. Four years ago, the raising the level of prayer in our congregations. churches in our Northern Association began Imagine the greater reach of effectiveness in systematically praying for one another. Prayer ministry our congregations can experience with requests are exchanged on a monthly basis. In this added level of prayer! addition to the benefit of the Lord answering specific prayers, there has been increased under- Churches reaching out to pray for other churchstanding and fellowship among the Association es. How is your church praying? Let us know at churches and their pastors. “Each month, it is howisyourchurchpraying@baptist.ca. a privilege to share in the burdens and joys of a sister church and know that people elsewhere are praying for you,” says Floyd Wilson, retired pastor from Calvary Baptist Church, Sudbury.

Part 3: An Interview with Floyd Wilson, retired CBOQ pastor and Dave Snihur, Egerton Street Baptist, London

HOW IS YOUR CHURCH PRAYING?

Dave Snihur, Egerton Street Baptist Church, London

By Melody Currier Director of Operations and Membership

rayer. Our family of churches has values, one of them is prayer. We are convinced that effectiveness in ministry is dependent upon prayer. I am certain all of our churches have some sort of prayer ministry and also spend time in corporate prayer. Imagine expanding this to involve prayer for other churches: churches praying for other churches in our CBOQ family. It’s already happening. Four years ago, the churches in our Northern Association began systematically praying for one another. Prayer requests are exchanged on a monthly basis. In addition to the benefit of the Lord answering specific prayers, there has been increased understanding and fellowship among the Association churches and their pastors. “Each month, it is a privilege to share in the burdens and joys of a sister church and know that people elsewhere are praying for you,” says Floyd Wilson, retired pastor from Calvary Baptist Church, Sudbury.

And it seems this idea is spreading. Last fall the Middlesex-Lambton-Huron Association (MLHA) began a similar regular exchange of prayer requests among its churches. Dave Snihur, pastor at Egerton Street Baptist Church, London, says ““We hope that as the churches of the MLHA pray regularly for each other that it will help all of us to really care for one another and to feel more apart of both the MLHA and the CBOQ—and that seems to be happening!” The Northern Association and MLHA represent just 31 of the about 350 churches in our CBOQ family. And perhaps there are other Associations praying in the same way. These Associations are raising the level of prayer in our congregations. Imagine the greater reach of effectiveness in ministry our congregations can experience with this added level of prayer! Churches reaching out to pray for other churches. How is your church praying? Let us know at howisyourchurchpraying@baptist.ca.

Breadalbane, First Chapel, 1835

BREADALBANE AND AYLMER: THE OVERCOMERS By Adam McCulloch, Archivist Canadian Baptist Archives

Aylmer Baptist Church

wo hundred years ago, two Baptist churches were formed in what is now known as Ontario. The first church was formed in Breadalbane on August 2, 1816. The community was formed by Scottish immigrants, who had left Scotland in June 1815 to pursue a better life in Upper Canada. Within a single year they had established a Baptist outpost in the Ottawa Valley, and this church remained the only Baptist congregation in the region for nine years.

and Mrs. J. McLaurin. There was no official minister in the group, so two elders, Allan McDiarmid and Peter McDougal, were chosen and without any formal training they led the church for many years. In 1831, Rev. William Fraser, the first minister of the church arrived to find the congregation still meeting at membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; homes, as the first chapel was not constructed until 1835. By its fiftieth The church was formed with thiranniversary a new stone chapel had teen members: Allan McDiarmid, been built to accommodate the 177 Janet McDiarmid, Margaret McDiarmembers of the growing community. mid, Mr. and Mrs. Peter McDougal, Mr. and Mrs. John McDougal, Peter Several hundred kilometers to the Stewart, Mr. and Mrs. Duncan Campwest in Elgin County another church bell, Mr. and Mrs. Donald McLaurin was established on October 1, 1816 by the Baptists of Malahide Township. The church was formed by twelve members: Deacon and Mrs. William Teeple, Deacon and Mrs. William Davis, Daniel McKenny, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Leek, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Davis, Kate and Polly Mann and Mrs. John D. Brown. In 1817, Reuban Crandell became the first minister of the church and it began to grow. By 1843, the first chapel was built in the growing town of Aylmer, and the new building was large enough that 300 people could attend

a service or revival meeting. In 1866, fifty individuals were baptized and the total number of members was 237. This led to a new church being completed in 1870 that was designed to seat over 700 individuals. By its seventieth anniversary, the church had acted as a mother to several daughter churches in the surrounding area. The 1st and 2nd Yarmouth Churches, the Malahide and Bayham church, and the St. Thomas church were formed by members of the Alymer Baptist Church. In celebrating 200 years of ministry, the stories of Aylmer Baptist Church and Breadalbane Baptist Church act as a reminder of how humble and simple beginnings can manifest into enduring testaments of Baptist faith and mission. (Sources: Breadalbane Baptist Church: Eighteen Hundred and Sixteen to Nineteen Hundred and Sixteen; Historical Sketch: Baptist Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Aylmer, Ontario: 18161916.)

n a world where kids are pressured from a young age toward extreme academic and sporting achievement, summer camp could be a place where kids just spend time playing. But a different story is coming to light. Summer camp isn’t just childcare—it’s a place to build character, develop social skills and learn the value of community attributes like fairness and citizenship. Michael Budman (co-founder of Roots clothing company who met his co-founder Don Green at summer camp) famously said that “camp is the great leveller …Without parents, homes, material possessions, camp allows opportunities for everybody to be equal.” Whereas academics and competitive sports can pit one child against another, “Camp provides a safe and nurturing environment, but at the same time it is structured to allow children to challenge and test themselves. This fosters self-confidence and independence.” And as our Executive Director, Matt Wilkinson says, “When it comes to Christian camping, a camper experiences all that in the context of a community that is seeking to be a living demonstration of God’s love while providing campers the opportunity to move one step closer in a relationship with Jesus.”

CBOQ’s Camp Kwasind is one such camp that is telling a different story and seeing lives of campers affected for the better. Kwasind and other camps like it offer positive environments to thousands of campers,

“We found that [Samantha] had better self-control/self-monitoring, social skills and was not so against engaging in her summer tutoring program. ...I think she also really enjoyed having to be more self-reliant without her parents there taking care of her every need and want. She blossomed in so many ways!” —Maggie, mom of Samantha, 10

Photo credit: Rebecca Meyer

“I have seen a big change in our 9-year-old daughter in the last 2 years and I strongly believe that a big part of it is because of camp. …She was the first to volunteer in worship time, loved to be on the stage, made new friends and loved the staff. Her self-esteem grew, her interest in Jesus increased and this shy girl has come out of her shell!” —Denise, mom of Abigail, 9

THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME By Susan Murphy Registrar, Camp Kwasind

building treasured memories and lasting friendships that go deeper and last longer than most other places in life. At Kwasind, in the heart of beautiful Muskoka in Ontario, each summer hundreds of campers are able to hear the message of Jesus—often for the first time—and see it lived out in the staff and in some of their peers. Last summer we saw an overwhelming spiritual response week after week. While we hope to see campers engage with Jesus, we don’t give out Bibles unless a camper specifically asks for one. This summer we ran out. Clearly, our hope of seeing each camper take one step closer to Jesus is being realized. We also seek to care for the entire camper—for spiritual, physical and emotional health and development, and want to see campers thrive in all areas. For most kids who come, Christian camping is the start-

ing point of a great adventure experiencing Jesus as they develop into successful and creative adults who learn what it is to serve others, lead well, act graciously, and remain open to trying new things. Many do all this while supporting and encouraging others to do likewise. As Camp Kwasind and other camps like ours, our continuing story is about how privileged we are to be able to offer the memorable, meaningful and fun camp experiences while witnessing and contributing to the holistic growth of thousands of campers. We’ve witnessed shy children grow to be Christ-following staff members. Our campers become mature citizens and parents who bring to camp the next generation, starting the adventure once again. 35

BLIZZARD 2016 WRAP-UP Speaker: Mike Gordon Worship: Life Support In attendance: Nearly 800 excited, active, boisterous, God-created, playing, growing, bonding, eating, sharing, worshipping, learning, tubing, laughing, dancing, overtired, over-sugared kids hearing about Jesus and connecting with others.

What was Blizzard 2016 like?

not even own a suit, but Jesus is as relevant for this generation as he was for his contemporaries. At an age where With a packed out building, people are beginning to think full of young people who are about who they are, Blizzard engaged in their churches and and Avalanche give young peowith God, it is easy to see there ple the opportunity to discover is hope for our future. Structheir identity in Christ and be tures may change, church decor lit up by the power of the Holy may get some updates and the Spirit. We are blessed to have next generation of pastors may them.

EPIC.

cbmin.org

When the world looks to us they see you. CBM is honoured to support the global mission work of CBOQ churches like yours.

Who are the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec? We are YOU. CBOQ is a family of churches, transformed by Christ, revealing God’s kingdom. Together we are training, equipping and caring for your pastors. We are helping you plant new churches, and giving you the resources you need to make your church better. We are creating experiences and opportunities for young people and their leaders to focus on their love of God and each other. We’re providing grants for the innovative ministry projects that God has placed on your hearts. We’re telling your stories to encourage and inspire you. We’re supporting people in need around the world through Canadian Baptist Ministries. We’re finding new

opportunities, creating resources and working together to help make our church family stronger and more Christcentred as we live out and share the good news of Jesus. The Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec have been around for more than a century... ...and we’re just warming up.

Give to CBOQ today at baptist.ca/donate. Enclosed find my gift of $ by cheque

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