Annual Report (2014-2015)

PROMISE KEEPERS CANADA

ANNUAL REPORT

2014 - 2015

BOLD FAITH ON THE ROAD TO FEARLESS LIVING

REVIVING MEN’S MINISTRIES A FRAMEWORK FOR EFFECTIVE MINISTRY TO MEN

MEN OF CANADA STEP UP AN UPDATE ON THE FATHERLESS PROJECT

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

HAVE I NOT COMMANDED YOU? BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS. DO NOT BE FRIGHTENED, AND DO NOT BE DISMAYED, FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO.” (JOSHUA 1:9)

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ne year ago, this ministry was faced with many uncertainties. We were taking new risks in expanding our efforts to assist local churches in the discipleship of men, we were entering into a new year of calling and connecting men to serve the fatherless in our country, and we were dramatically increasing our efforts to bring the Good News of Jesus to young men who live in a digital age.

We had no idea what results would unfold. We had no idea if God would provide financially.

Meanwhile, as all of this was unfolding behind the scenes, in public we were calling thousands of men to be Fearless through our National Men’s Conferences.

I love that God was calling us to be fearless as we were calling men to be fearless.

Joshua 1:9 was alive in Promise Keepers Canada over the past twelve months.

We experienced God with us wherever we went. Hundreds of men surrendered their lives to Jesus in cities across the country, and thousands of men stood and confessed their fears.

By God’s grace, this past year saw us have more ministry interactions with men than any other year in the history of Promise Keepers Canada. He has provided for our finances, and given us the means to continue to invest and take risks for the sake of helping more men become, grow, and live as disciples of Jesus.

We live in difficult days. Our families, churches, communities, and nation need men to be more than just good men – they need men to be godly men. God has done great things over the past year, but I believe it is the tip of the iceberg. We still have many uncertainties, but we serve a God who is greater than our fears. He is calling us to greater levels of building godly men—in His strength.

By God’s grace, this past year saw us have more ministry interactions with men than any other year in the history of Promise Keepers Canada.

/ KIRK GILES President

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PROMISE KEEPERS CANADA 2014-2015 ANNUAL REPORT

CONTENTS 5

HOW WE MEASURE SUCCESS

The Balanced Scorecard

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FROM THE INSIDE OUT

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STANDING STRONG AND LIVING FEARLESS

A candid look at how we’re doing as a team.

This year’s “Fearless” conferences were defined by powerful experiences.

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hat an incredible honour it has been to sit in the position of Chair for Promise Keepers Canada (PKC). To say that it has been a humbling and rewarding experience is an understatement. It is my privilege to serve God and the men of Canada in this role.

These past twelve months have seen yet another year of blessings passed along to men across this wonderful country through PKC. The ministry cannot lose sight of our humility as we seek God’s counsel and strive to continue to do His will this upcoming year and in the years to follow.

The Bible tells us that the LORD hears his people when they call to Him for help (Psalm 34:17). I truly believe that God hears the cries of our nation too!

If PKC continues to seek God with humility and stands ready to serve Him by serving the men across Canada, then God can continue to use this ministry to answer these cries.

Just as Kirk and the entire staff of PKC live and exemplify the goals and core values of the ministry, the board of PKC also strives to seek the Lord through prayer as we endeavour to operate under a best of class governance model, carry out careful oversight over the fiscal and operational plans of the ministry, and prayerfully support the staff in any way possible.

Jesus told us in 1 Corinthians that the body of Christ has many parts and needs to operate together to achieve the will of God. The staff and board of PKC also need to work together to do the same. If we both strive to operate together, seeking the will of our Father, we will be able to achieve the plans that God has for the ministry. We all need to do our part!

In closing, I want to thank the hundreds of volunteers that allow this ministry to be used by God. Thank you for generously giving your prayer, time and finances to help PKC help the Lord build a stronger Canada through the men of this nation. Your humble servant hearts are an inspiration! / BLAINE PHO Chairman of the Board

12 UNASHAMED

Equipping and empowering the next generation to live for God.

14 SKETCHING OUT A PLAN FOR DISCIPLESHIP

Talking with churches who are implementing the Blueprint framework.

18 HOPE FOR THE FATHERLESS

While much work remains, hope is on the horizon for many at-risk youngsters.

22 HOW ARE THE MEN DOING?

A checkup on the spiritual health of men.

24 THE NUMBERS

Number of ministry opportunities

26 THE NUMBERS Financials

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FEARLESS

Our Vision Leave No Man Behind: to see every man become, grow, and live as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

“Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.”

Our Mission Ignite and Equip men to have a godly Impact.

The Seven Promises 1 // A promise keeper is comimitted to honouring Jesus Christ through worship, prayer, and obedience to God’s Word in the power of the Holy Spirit.

2 // A promise keeper is comimitted to pursuing Christcentred friendships with a few other men, connecting regularly, understanding that he needs brothers to help him keep his promises.

3 // A promise keeper is comimitted to practicing biblical integrity: spiritually, morally, ethically, and sexually.

4 // A promise keeper is comimitted to strengthening families and marriages through love, honour, protection, and biblical values.

5 // A promise keeper is comimitted to supporting the mission of his church by honouring and praying for his pastor, and by actively giving his time and resources.

6 // A promise keeper is comimitted to reaching beyond racial, social, economic, generational, and denominational barriers to demonstrate the power of biblical unity.

7 // A promise keeper is comimitted to influencing the world by his fervent love for God while loving his neighbour, seeking justice for the poor and oppressed, and making disciples of Jesus Christ.

PROMISE KEEPERS CANADA Box 20099 RPO Brant HIlls Burlington, ON L7P 0A4 905.331.1830 info@promisekeepers.ca MEMBERSHIPS/ASSOCIATIONS Canadian Council of Christian Charities Evangelical Fellowship of Canada

PRESIDENT Kirk Giles NATIONAL MANAGER, EVENTS Rick Verkerk NATIONAL MANAGER, FINANCE & ADMIN Bayne Leong NATIONAL MANAGER, MARKETING & RESOURCES Jeff Stearns NATIONAL MANAGER, MISSIONS Ian Nairn

1 Samuel 12:24

STAFF Andrew Thompson Bill Innes Cindy Janssens David Milmine Jeff Thiessen Jenice McDonald Jim Kitney Lynn Ng Matt Breimer Mauricio Rosa Steve Hahn Steve Masterson BOARD OF DIRECTORS Blaine Pho (Chairman) Garry Bennett (Vice Chair) Paul Lavigne (Secretary) Art Van Ravens (Treasurer) Blair Andrew Jeff Bergen Randy Collins Dan Poirier Larry Wilson

ADVISORY BOARD Bob Roebuck Casey Moroschan Dave MacLean Derick Sharron Ed Joseph Garry Ford Gary Langerud Greg Arndt Jamie McArthur John Attrell Larry Dyck Lennett Anderson Marc Brule Patrick Jolicoeur Peter Yi Phil Wagler Sammy Camacho Stephen Verhoeff Victor Thomas Wally Budgell

The PK Canada logo features a maple leaf, indicating our dedication to serve the men of Canada.

An arrow breaks into the maple leaf symbolizing the impact we believe God wants to see Promise Keepers and men making in our nation. A special thank you to all the pastors who continually encourage us to communicate God’s truth with grace and love.

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HOW WE MEASURE SUCCESS

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CORE VALUES Do we practice what we preach?

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SPIRITUAL HEALTH How are the men we minister to doing in their walk with God?

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NO. OF MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES How many connections did we make with men?

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FINANCIALS What does our ямБnancial health look like?

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FROM THE

INSIDE OUT

CORE VALUES

A CANDID LOOK AT HOW WE’RE DOING AS A TEAM

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he goal of our team is to see men mature in living out the Seven Promises, while exhibiting the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22,23).

We recognize that this must start from the inside; we as a team need to demonstrate the vision and mission that God has given to us.

committed to the mission, vision, core values, and strategic direction of Promise Keepers Canada at all levels of the organization.

Our core values guide our attitudes and actions as an organization as we interact with others. Each year, we anonymously survey various members of our team for their honest perspective on how we’re doing at living out our core values.

HOW WE GRADED OURSELVES THIS YEAR

// Avg. Score: 5.6/6

92%

(AVG. SCORE 5.5/6)

HONOUR GOD 1 WE If Promise Keepers Canada is to have any impact in the kingdom of God, it is absolutely essential that He remains at the centre of everything we do. That is why we place such a high priority on prayer, praying consistently, not just for ourselves, but for the spiritual health of men across the nation.

We must also exhibit a servant’s attitude, we must understand the men of Canada and how to most effectively reach them, and we must respect each other and every person and organization we interact with.

// Avg. Score: 5.6/6

ARE COMMITTED TO THE BODY OF CHRIST 3 WE

RESPECT AND STRENGTHEN EACH OTHER AS A TEAM 2 WE We recognize that our team must respect one another and build each other up if we are to present the unity of the Body of Christ to the men of Canada. It is critical that we stay

community. This is why we actively pursue partnerships with appropriate ministries that result in mutually beneficial outcomes for everyone.

// Avg. Score: 5.4/6

FACILITATE ENCOUNTERS WITH GOD 4 WE Promise Keepers Canada does not exist for the sake of putting on big events; rather, we exist to clearly and unashamedly proclaim the truth of God’s Word.

In everything we do, we seek to provide a culturally relevant experience for men to encounter truth and be transformed by the Holy Spirit. We are committed to being salt and light­­ —blessing the poor and oppressed and all we come into contact with.

As others interact with us, it is important that they experience the reality of Christ in us as revealed by the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, patience, and selfcontrol). // Avg. Score: 5.5/6

A critical role in respecting other organizations is recognizing that we are only a small part of Christ’s body which God chooses to use for His purposes.

We must exhibit an attitude of cooperation and servanthood towards others within the Christian 2014-2015 ANNUAL REPORT PROMISE KEEPERS CANADA

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EVENTS

STANDING STRONG AND LIVING FEARLESS FEARLESS CONFERENCES END WITH POWERFUL EXPERIENCE

BY ROBERT WHITE

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PROMISE KEEPERS CANADA 2014-2015 ANNUAL REPORT

> “FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS GOD HAS BEEN CHALLENGING ME. I’VE BEEN ON THE ROAD TO CHANGE AND HAVE DECIDED TO LIVE FEARLESS. THIS WEEKEND JUST CONFIRMS IT.”

>

- FEARLESS CONFERENCE ATTENDEE

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very “Fearless” conference last season ended with what Rick Verkerk, Promise Keepers (PK) Canada National Manager, Events, calls “the most powerful experience I’ve had at any conference in my 10 years with [PK Canada].” During the final session, men were invited to stand up and shout out their greatest fear. Verkerk especially recalls the Toronto conference where it took nearly half an hour for 2,000 men to reveal fears such as failure, anger, and rejection, before the session ended with prayer.

“It was an incredible closing at every event,” says Verkerk.

Feedback from men who attended the conference affirms Verkerk’s assessment:

“Every man needs to come to these events. This Fearless event can and will change lives sowing seeds into the kingdom of heaven.”

While that particular moment hadn’t been planned, Verkerk and PK Canada staff spend months planning the annual conferences. They start with a concept and a theme verse, create a storyboard that outlines each session and how it relates to the theme, and then start connecting with potential speakers.

For the October 2014 to March 2015 conference season, PK Canada wanted to help men understand what it meant to both fear the Lord and be fearless for the Lord, says Verkerk, noting the theme verse from 1 Samuel 12:24: “Only fear the Lord

“Every man needs to come to these events. This Fearless event can and will change lives sowing seeds into the kingdom of heaven.”

“I really appreciated this conference. I have been to many PK conferences and never had such an impact from all sessions on me. I am planning to start a men’s accountability group to help keep me growing, reading the word and stepping out in faith without fear.

Thank you for your encouragement!”

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and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.”

PK Canada takes a unique approach when booking speakers.

Every speaker is given a chance to look at the storyboard and give feedback about what sessions they feel led to speak about and in

what cities. Last season’s speakers included Mark Hughes (Calgary, Ottawa and Lethbridge), Nate Larkin (Grande Prairie), Dwayne Cline (Grande Prairie, Toronto) and

care of the behind the scenes work.

“Most get to hear the speakers, except during the last session when we’re packing up,” says Verkerk.

Each PK Canada conference

It took nearly half an hour for 2,000 men to reveal fears such as failure, anger, rejection, etc. before the session ended with prayer.

Caleb Bislow (Calgary, Grand Falls, Toronto, Lethbridge and Regina).

“It captures where they feel their strengths are,” says Verkerk. “In the case of the Skit Guys (a comedy duo who were part of the Toronto conference) they thought they could do the second session on Friday where they could incorporate their ‘God’s Chisel’ sketch. It was really a positive thing for us.”

The conferences don’t just happen.

Verkerk says virtually all PK Canada staff members are involved in some capacity. In addition, between two to four dozen volunteers help with conference logistics in each of the locations. And PK Canada tries, depending on the responsibility, to free up the men during the sessions so they can hear the speakers— relying on female volunteers to take

is financially self-sufficient with sponsors and registration revenue covering the cost. “We do accomplish it in every city, although not always in the first year we come to a city,” says Verkerk, noting Surrey, B.C. was new in the 2014/15 season. Last season, about 8,300 men attended the 12 “Fearless” and “Legacy” (a one-day equipping conference with workshops and speakers) events.

He’s hoping to see 9,000 attendees at the 13 “Greater” and “Legacy” events in 2015/16 (with Kingston and Cambridge added to the “Legacy” schedule).

Verkerk is already planning the October 2015 to April 2016 events.

The “Greater” conferences take their theme from 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Verkerk says the intent is to help men realize that “because of God’s grace, we can go farther and be greater for Him.” Speakers already booked include Samson and the Pirate Monks author Nate Larkin, former professional soccer player and Forge Forward ministry founder John Vermilya and Real: Becoming a 24/7 Follower of Jesus author Jamie Snyder.

New for this season are youth breakout sessions that will feature hip hop artist Manafest in Calgary, Edmonton, Regina and Ottawa and professional graffiti artist Jeff Goring at the Toronto events. / ROBERT WHITE is an Ontario-based freelance journalist who has been writing about men’s ministries since the mid 1980s. He also blogs about the inersection of faith, the arts, and Canadian culture at www.rdaleleslie.wordpress.com.

> FOR MORE INFORMATION ON UPCOMING “GREATER” CONFERENCES VISIT

promisekeepers.ca/greater

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PK@HOME

UNASHAMED EQUIPPING AND EMPOWERING EVERY GENERATION TO LIVE FOR GOD

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here is a sad reality unfolding in Canada: more and more young people are walking away from church. As young men are leaving the church environment, there is a void to help them move from being a boy to becoming a man, and there is an even greater void in assisting them to become godly men.

This year we officially launched This Is Me TV, an online video magazine that is part of our effort to help fill that void. This is Me TV exists to encourage and empower the online generation to live unashamed for God with purpose and passion as they use their Godgiven gifts to inuence culture.

Although only a few episodes have been published, there has been an incredible response, with already over 40,000 views.

Of course, ministering to these young men involves more than posting a few videos on the internet. We’re in the process of partnering with another organization to provide an online mentoring forum in the months ahead.

We also launched an all-new redesign of SEVEN magazine, and are seeing an increasing viewership online. Our podcasts, which featured interviews with Max Lucado, John Eldredge, Gary Thomas, Donald Miller, Rick Johnson, Michael Cusick, Jon Acuff, and others, received over 8,000 listens.

There are many exciting interviews being planned for all media in the months ahead, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with others to help equip and empower men—young and old— in our ever-changing digital landscape.

“August 2013 my wife left me due to addictions. My life got real very quickly. PK devotionals from September 2013 and 2014 seemed like they were written just for me each day. They brought me through steps that seemed like they were ordered gently and purposefully and each one took me where I needed to be each day so I could hear and listen to what God was saying and what He was promising to me. I am grateful to PK for being an important part of how I now walk in new faith, new purpose and together with my wife of 40 years.”

FREE RESOURCES FROM PROMISE KEEPERS CANADA > SEVEN Magazine Our own Christian men’s mag for Canadian men; a quality magazine that is relevant, exciting and biblical. Each edition focuses on the things men care about, from the latest gadgets to deeper issues of faith in today’s world.

Available in print, online, or on our mobile app. > Men of Integrity Devotional Produced in partnership with Christianity Today, this pocketsized devotional gives specific, biblical answers to the challenges men face today.

Available as a booklet, daily email, online, or on our mobile app. > Podcast The official Promise Keepers Canada podcast features exclusive interviews dealing with issues that are relevant to men, and a look at what goes on behind the scenes at Promise Keepers Canada.

Available on iTunes, our mobile app, or online. > This is Me TV This is Me TV is an online video series that exists to encourage and empower the online generation to live unashamed for God with purpose and passion as they use their God given gifts to influence culture.

ThisIsMeTV.com > Articles, Videos, and More Available on mobile app and website.

FIND ALL OUR FREE RESOURCES ONLINE AT

promisekeepers.ca/pkathome

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PK@CHURCH

Sketching out a plan for Discipleship

BLUEPRINT PROVIDES FRAMEWORK FOR EFFECTIVE MEN’S MINISTRIES

BY ROBERT WHITE

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n the Introducing Blueprint: a discipleship model for ministry to men in the local church video, Promise Keepers (PK) Canada president Kirk Giles notes: “it is undeniable that the influence and impact a man has in his own walk with God carries down into the lives of his children.

“This begs the question: what would happen if the local church were to be intentional about building strong godly men?”

With a mission to ignite and equip men to have a godly impact on their family, their church, their work and their world, PK Canada has developed or promoted a variety of discipleship resources.

But, as PK Canada Community Relations Manager Steve Hahn says, churches didn’t have a systematic way of using those resources to disciple men.

Blueprint was created by PK Canada to give churches and men’s ministries a framework for the discipleship of men in the local church. Blueprint provides the basic principles needed to disciple men, along with a variety of resources pastors or men’s ministry leaders can choose from.

Launched in September 2014, the Blueprint Kit gives men’s ministries everything they need to put the plan into action: a

leaders’ workbook, teaching videos that explain the Blueprint strategy, a sample survey, tips for promoting events and mentoring questions.

When it was first launched, leaders needed to attend a workshop before being given the kit. Hahn says that became a roadblock and in June 2015 PK Canada allowed leaders to purchase the kit, begin working with it and follow up with the leadership training when it was convenient.

The Blueprint plan works with the local church’s own program and process for discipling men. It focuses on three events a year, with three follow-ups elements.

“The idea,” says Hahn, “is to leverage an event with something to deepen a man’s life through small groups or hands-on ministry.”

between 18 and 20 men at a Bible study and, for example, 20 to 30 who attended the ball game,” says Elliott.

For Team Rock leader, John Cantafio, Blueprint helped kickstart a men’s ministry at Calgary’s Church of the Rock.

“We’re a church plant and we wanted to find a good way to get men involved,” says Cantafio, who along with a few other leaders and his pastor, met with Kirk Giles to find out more about Blueprint in the spring of 2014. He says Promise Keepers history and credibility in men’s ministry were deciding factors in using Blueprint.

“On our own, we couldn’t seem to do it,” says Cantafio. “Blueprint kickstarted it.”

Team Rock’s first step was to use

What would happen if the local church were to be intentional about building strong godly men?

For Brian Elliott, Blueprint helped the M2M (ministry to men) at Yeschurch in Brantford, Ontario refocus its ministry.

“We’d get men to the Promise Keepers event in November, but then there would be nothing. We’d have monthly men’s breakfasts, but they often got off topic,” recalls Elliott.

“They didn’t keep men engaged.”

Elliott says Blueprint’s framework gave him and his co-leaders some ideas to work with, starting with larger events such as the annual Promise Keepers conference, a group baseball night at a local IBL (Intercounty Baseball League) game and staffing the barbecue at Yeschurch’s annual car show. Each of the larger events were followed up with a Bible study.

“It gives us a better framework and more of an opportunity to develop a stronger fellowship. We now average

the Blueprint survey. Hahn says the survey was developed to help give men’s ministry leaders “a snapshot, in that given moment, of where men are.”

Cantafio says the “survey went over well. It gave us strong indications of how many guys were interested and what our next steps were.” Team Rock has now planned a hike as one of its events and is “starting to see that Blueprint gives us things to look forward to.”

Blueprint was designed with two specific demographic elements in mind: the majority of Canadian churches that average less than 100 people on a Sunday morning, and the 99 per cent of men’s ministries that are run by volunteers. For these reasons, Blueprint was created so two or three men could make it happen says Hahn. Both Cantafio and Elliott noted the ease with which

BLUEPRINT FOR LEADERS >> What is Blueprint?

Blueprint is not a program, but a framework for effective discipleship of men through the local church. The focus of Blueprint is building men who will intentionally live the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. >> Who is it for?

Blueprint Leadership Training is for pastors and men’s ministry leaders, or any men who are interested in the discipleship of men through the local church. It is best to attend Blueprint Leadership Training with a team of men. >> How do you get started?

If you’re interested in implementing the Blueprint framework in your church, you should attend a Leadership Training seminar in your area.

There is also a Leadership Kit available as well as Leadership Tips, all at promisekeepers.ca/ blueprintforleaders

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“I don’t think we could reach the men we have, the way we have, without Blueprint.”

Blueprint helped their men’s ministry leadership teams with planning and implementation.

“When we first started, we’d spend a couple of hours a week in planning,” says Elliott. “Once we got going we’d get together every couple of weeks or once a month to plan what’s going on.”

M2M planned to make the night at the IBL game an annual event and, having already planned one, the leadership team already knew what to do.

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PROMISE KEEPERS CANADA 2014-2015 ANNUAL REPORT

Along with the framework and other resources Promise Keepers Canada has at its disposal, Hahn says they decided to take Blueprint “a step further” by developing Blueprint for Men: a DVD series of six-week studies featuring Canadian teachers.

Three Blueprint for Men guides, which can be used separately or as a follow-up to key events, have already been created: Identity, Greatness, and Temptation. Six others are planned: Husband, Fatherhood, Work, Money, Friendship, and Something Big. “In my conversations with pastors, when I talk about Blueprint as a framework for discipling men, it really catches their attention,” says Hahn. He notes that some churches are still program-oriented and wrestle with how to work with

Blueprint. But the churches who have moved away from programs, Blueprint is well-received in that context.”

Looking to the future, Hahn also sees Blueprint being used to help smaller churches connect as they try to disciple men more effectively.

“One of the game plans, as churches come on board is to connect churches in a community via e-mail or a phone call so they can partner together for an event,” says Hahn. “Anything to help the local church build a kingdom ministry is a win-win for everyone.”

With Blueprint, Elliott says when Yeschurch’s M2M co-leaders talk about what’s happening, the men have become more engaged.

“And it’s getting the wives

encouraging men to come out.

“I don’t think we could reach the men we have, the way we have, without Blueprint,” says Elliott. “The discussions are about encouraging them to be more like Jesus in their lives and their families. And the comments we hear from the wives is that the men are changing.”

BLUEPRINT FOR MEN STUDY GUIDES > Available now: 1. Identity 2. Greatness > In the making: 3. Temptation

/ ROBERT WHITE is an Ontario-based freelance journalist who has been writing about men’s ministries since the mid 1980s. He also blogs about the inersection of faith, the arts, and Canadian culture at www.rdaleleslie.wordpress.com.

> Future studies: 4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Husband Fatherhood Work Money Friendship Something Big!

promisekeepers.ca/blueprint

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MISSIONS

HURTING FOR A FATHER > 5 per cent of fathers do not live with their children, even part-time. > Increased father involvement with a child is correlated with lower levels of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, anti-social behaviour and aggression.

PROMISE KEEPERS CANADA INITIATIVE CHALLENGES MEN TO STEP UP

BY CRAIG MACARTNEY

S

ixty per cent of rapists, 72 per cent of teen murderers and three in four people who commit suicide all have one thing in common: they grew up in a father-absent home.

The cycle of fatherless boys growing up, only to leave their own children fatherless, is a bleak reflection of the emotional void left in the hearts of father-absent children. However, Promise Keepers Canada (PKC) is turning the tide, one young life at a time, as more men join The Fatherless Project.

With so many fathers abdicating their role, The Fatherless Project is a three-year initiative, designed to mobilize Christian men to intervene by mentoring a fatherless young man.

“The message is that we can make a difference,” says Ian Nairn, PKC’s National Missions Manager. “We can make a difference in the life of a father-absent young man by showing up physically and personally, and by modelling integrity, authenticity and humility.”

During the past year-and-a-half, PKC has included noon-hour seminars about the project in each of their Stronger and Fearless conferences. Following every conference, they’ve offered a training evening aimed at equipping men with the tools to start mentoring a fatherless child.

> The presence of a father in a child’s life has been connected with a decreased risk of sexual abuse.

“We take half the training to look at how guys can become meaningfully involved,” explains Nairn. “We win the right to be coaches who speak truth in these guys’ lives by being with them, for them and believing in them. The second half of the training introduces local agencies where guys can become involved.”

The men are introduced to representatives from secular organizations, such as Big Brothers and The Boys and Girls Club, as well as Christian organizations like City Kids and Youth For Christ. Nairn says Promise Keepers has also heard from churches in rural communities, that don’t have established agencies, asking for training to help organize their own mentorship program.

“The consistently strong response has been very encouraging. We continue to see guys across the country making applications to become involved in both secular and faith-based agencies. Other guys are getting involved in the lives of families they are directly connected to, like their kids’ friends.”

Guilherme Monteiro was one of the first men to sign up with Big Brothers after attending The Fatherless Project training night in Calgary.

“The training caused me to reassess my priorities in life and rethink

> Children are 33 times more likely to be abused when living with a live-in boyfriend or step father, rather than an intact family. > The rate of teenage pregnancy is 7 to 8 times higher among girls who were father-absent in their early childhood and 2 to 3 times higher for girls who were fatherabsent later in their childhood. > 80 per cent of rapists with anger problems come from a fatherless home. > 90 per cent of homeless and runaway children are from a fatherless home. > Fatherless children are twice as likely to end up in prison SOURCES*

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whether my time was being well spent,” Monteiro says. “We are to be instruments of God’s love to the needy. Caring for the fatherless is part of what God expects us to do.”

Although Monteiro emphasizes that the focus is on investing in the young man he mentors, he says the relationship has also impacted him in a number of ways. Knowing that he is a role model has challenged

our website,” he says. “I looked at it and thought ‘Wow, this is fantastic. There’s such a need for role models in this world.’

In every community there are children who need someone to look up to, spend time with them and tell them they matter.”

Ferrier relates to the need. Although his father was involved in his life growing up, he still felt that he was lacking guidance and support. Ferrier believes if he had had a mentor he would have relied less on the advice of his friends and made better decisions.

“We are often products of the environment we grow up in,” he explains.

“You don’t have to know what to do to impact someone’s life, you just need to be available and listen. Find out what the kid’s goals are—what are their passions and dreams? Find out how they plan to make those dreams happen.”

Ferrier also believes it’s important to acknowledge that you don’t have all the answers. He stresses that as a mentor,

“We can make a difference in the life of a father-absent young man by showing up physically and personally, and by modelling integrity, authenticity and humility.” him to live at a higher standard as a husband, father and as a follower of Jesus.

“After some time you realize that just by being yourself around him you’re already making a big difference. You get to develop a genuine bond with a boy who would otherwise continue feeling a deep void in his life from the lack of a male role model and you end up having a lot of fun along the way.”

Another man who decided to get involved is Mike Ferrier, who heard about The Fatherless Project through his job at a Christian radio station.

“We had some information about The Fatherless Project submitted to 20 PROMISE KEEPERS CANADA 2014-2015 ANNUAL REPORT

you need to rely on God and look to Him as the perfect example of a father.

“God calls us to look after orphans and widows. I want to honour that because I know that I’ve been adopted [by God]. I hope that through my mistakes in life, it will make a difference in someone’s life, that they can see God through me and know He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

When The Fatherless Project first launched, Promise Keepers piloted the initiative in a Winnipeg church, pastored

by Peter Todd. One of the main challenges Todd faced was seeing many men enthusiastically volunteer, but gradually drop out as they progressed through the application process.

“It’s hard to see so many young guys

miss out who would greatly benefit from the input and care of a godly Christian man. The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.”

However, two years into the pilot, Todd is encouraged by difference being made by the men who became mentors.

“It’s very encouraging to see the enthusiasm of the mothers of the young men we have been meeting with. We’re obviously touching a deep need and they have been so grateful for our initiative in getting involved with their sons.”

Greg Gerbrandt was one of the first men to connect with a youth through the pilot. Having been raised only by his father, he has a deep appreciation for the impact a positive male role model can have.

“The statistics about young fatherless boys getting involved in crime are staggering,” he says. “The Fatherless Project is an opportunity to show them God’s love by simply being there and modelling a godly lifestyle. It’s a fun and rewarding way we can break the cycles of divorce, crime, poverty and pain that are pervading our society.”

Gerbrandt says being a mentor has made him more aware of the potential impact he could have in young men all around him. He’s also been encouraged by hearing how God is at work, when he meets monthly to pray with other mentors from his church.

“After I’d met a few times with the young guy I’m mentoring, I asked him if there was anything I could do for him. He told me just getting together was good, then asked me to pray with him. Although it doesn’t sound like much, it’s great to see a young guy asking for prayer and earnestly seeking the Lord.”

Alex is another person who attests to the impact of having a mentor. Several years ago, he started meeting with Ken Vanderboom through Streetlight Ministries in Hamilton. He says Vanderboom is there when no one else is.

“The relationship has impacted me a lot.

I go to church every week, which I wasn’t doing before. I’ve started to come to know Jesus as my Lord and Saviour in my day to day life. It’s also helped me get past a

lot of things I don’t think I could have overcome by myself.

Vanderboom says the relationship has impacted him profoundly, too; helping him look at social needs from a different perspective. More importantly, he says, Alex has a special place in his heart and with his family.

“A lot of the time I spend mentoring Alex is just inviting him to stuff we are doing as a family,” he explains. “I haven’t changed my whole lifestyle to do this. I would encourage anyone who is considering this to think of things they are already doing that they can include someone in. If you’re going to church, take someone with you, if you’re going for a bike ride, invite them along. I was really surprised how willing Alex was to do stuff like that. He was perfectly content to just come and hang out.”

Nairn says the principles they teach through The Fatherless Project apply equally to being a good father.

He encourages men to implement them in their own families, but also to reach out to kids in their neighbourhood.

“It can be as easy as a barbecue with your kids and their friends. It’s just doing life, whatever you enjoy doing, with young men around you.

Just make yourself available. The big challenge is still seeing men across the country catch a vision beyond themselves.”

/ CRAIG MACARTNEY is an Ottawa-based freelance writer and senior correspondent for ChristianWeek. He and his wife recently celebrated the birth of their third daughter. *SOURCES Institute of Marriage and Family Canada, Canadian Children’s Rights Counsil, United States Department of Health and Human Services, US Department of Justice

CANADIAN FATHERS AND FAMILIES

ACCORDING TO THE 2011 CENSUS

>> T here are 8.6 million fathers in Canada, 3.8 million who have children 18-years-old or younger >> T he average age when fathers had their first child was 28 years old >> T he number of singleparent families increased by eight per cent from 2006 to 2011 >> 1 2.8 per cent of all Canadian families were single mothers >> 1 9.3 per cent of children under the age of 14 live in a singleparent home >> 41,700 children 7-years-old and younger live with their biological mother and a step father Statistics Canada data suggests that fathers are taking an increasing role in their children’s lives >> Between 2006 and 2011, the number of single-parent fathers increased by 16.2 per cent >> In 2010, men spent an average of 6.3 hours per day with their family, up from 5.75 hours in 2005

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SPIRITUAL HEALTH

How are the Men Doing?

A CHECKUP ON THE SPIRITUAL HEALTH OF MEN

E

ach year we survey the men who attend our events to get an idea of how the average man is doing in his walk with God, and to discover areas where guys are struggling so we can better equip them.

These numbers are a glimpse at some of the key findings, and represent, on average, how men rate themselves on a scale of 1 to 10. In most cases it seems men are growing; sadly but interestingly, however, the areas where we’ve seen slight decreases appear to be connected with men’s relationships with their local churches.

OTHER FINDINGS “ I am a follower of Christ.”

8/10 (+1.1%) “ I am growing in my faith.”

8/10 (+0.5%) “ I spend daily time in prayer” 7/10 (+1.0%) “ I read the Bible regularly.”

7/10 (+1.6%) “ I am sexually active with only my wife (waiting for marriage if single).”

9/10 (+0.7%) “ I have not viewed porn in the last 30 days.”

8/10 (+1.0%)

I have close friends I can rely on.

+2.8% 7/10

I balance work and family life well.

+3.0% 7/10

I have a healthy marriage.

+1.9% 8/10

I volunteer at church.

-1.6% 7/10

“ I regularly pray for and with my family.”

7/10 (+1.7%)

I pray for my pastors.

-0.6% 7/10

I invite people to church activities.

-1.0% 6/10

“ I have a healthy relationship with my father.”

7/10 (+0.7%) “I give to my church.”

8/10 (+1.5%) “ I meet the needs of the needy.”

6/10 (+0.2%) “ I tell others about Jesus.”

6/10 (NO Δ)

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THE NUMBERS

NUMBER OF MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

Over 216,000 ministry opportunities this past year— an overall increase of 51% from last year.

There are more than 1,500 men and women who faithfully partner with us in prayer­—up 10% from 2014.

There are 18 active regional ministry areas across Canada.

Over 53,000 men and woman received devotionals through our Father’s Day and Valentine’s Day ministries to churches in 2015.

Equipping resources for men were accessed over 152,000 times this past year­—a 90% increase from last year.

10,300 men attended conferences and other events­­—a 2% overall increase in attendance from last year.

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THE NUMBERS

FINANCIALS

REVENUE

2014-2015

2013-2014

Donations

1,278,355

1,426,250

Registrations

440,408

399,203

Product Sales

225,392

204,927

Sponsorships

140,968

164,067

19,244

11,999

2,104,368

2,206,447

2014-2015

2013-2014

1,479,369

1,392,785

Marketing/Development

232,561

251,367

Management/Admin

135,708

116,429

Cost of Product

97,652

89,313

Occupancy

95,010

89,846

2,040,300

1,939,740

Other TOTAL REVENUES

It cost us $9.44 per ministry opportunity this year—$4.54 (32%) less than last year.

EXPENSES Ministry Projects

TOTAL EXPENSES

+

-

DONATIONS

60.7%

REGISTRATIONS

20.9%

PRODUCT SALES

10.7%

SPONSORSHIPS

6.7%

OTHER

1.0%

MINISTRY PROJECTS

72.4%

MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT

11.4%

MANAGEMENT & ADMIN

6.7%

COST OF PRODUCT

4.8%

OCCUPANCY

4.7%

Your financial gifts are very important to us and are always handled with utmost care. Promise Keepers Canada is a member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities (CCCC), and is affiliated with the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. We take every step necessary to abide by the CCCC’s Standards of Accountability. Canadian Charitable Organization no. 89826 6861 RR0001.

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PROMISE KEEPERS CANADA Box 20099 RPO Brant HIlls Burlington, ON L7P 0A4 TEL: 905.331.1830 TOLL-FREE: 1.888.901.9700 FAX: 905.331.1832 www.promisekeepers.ca