TOGETHER STRONGER
STRONGER TOGETHER: Embracing Compassion Through Partnership
It is my privilege to invite you into this year’s Compassion Campaign. Each year we take this time to celebrate the incredible work God has done through our local and global partnerships. Our partners are trusted and proven; we consider them close friends, and we strengthen each other as we journey alongside each other.
It says in Ecclesiastes 4:12, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.” Solomon is emphasizing the strength of working together.
Around the globe and close to home, through the pages of this booklet, let us reflect on the victories in 2024 and prayerfully consider our Kingdom potential for 2025. It is a time to recognize the synergy of following Jesus together—because we are STONGER TOGETHER!
Thank you for being a critical part of this team.
Tracy Minke
Pastor of Outreach Missions & the Global Compassion Committee
Since 2008, CrossRoads Church has been developing longterm accountable partnerships as we seek to impact our world with compassion and the hope of Christ. For more information regarding our partnerships visit:
GLOBAL PARTNERS
Global Compassion Committee Vision:
In areas of great need, we will learn, serve and grow in partnership with proven organizations to impact individuals, families and communities, sharing the love and compassion of Jesus Christ.
INTERNATIONAL NEEDS UGANDA
CrossRoads has been partnering with International Needs Uganda (INUG) since 2008 In 2018 we concentrated our support on education, specifically within the Buikwe Senior Secondary School . The school was established to provide improved access to quality secondary (grades 7-12) education for Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVCs) in rural areas .
HAITI ARISE
CrossRoads’ partnership with Haiti ARISE has focused on education through supporting the Haiti ARISE Technical School which was built in 2008 Through this school, a new generation of young people are being inspired to develop valuable trade and business skills within a Biblical framework . Together with the Gospel, this can be used to lift themselves out of poverty and in so doing, transform their communities and the country
WORLD RELIEF RWANDA
CrossRoads has partnered with World Relief in Rwanda since 2013 . World Relief’s mandate is to empower the local church to reach the most vulnerable and in so doing build unified communities of resilience and dignity Through training, the local churches realize their Biblical responsibility for the vulnerable in their community . They are then equipped to respond to economic, nutritional and relational poverty .
UGANDA HAITI RWANDA
Essential Staff Accommodation Expanded in 2024 ACHIEVED TOGETHER
FINANCIAL BENEFIT TO SCHOOL
In 2024, part of your Compassion offering was used to build a 6-unit apartment building for the female staff. These units benefit the school in many ways. In Uganda, it is a government requirement that schools pay for their teacher’s accommodation and transport. This has been a financial and logistical challenge for the Buikwe Senior Secondary School. This new building, in addition to the male staff housing we supported in 2023, brings the percentage of staff who are now living on campus to 48%. International Needs Uganda funds previously directed towards off-campus rent and transport can now be allocated towards improved education and spiritual development.
BENEFITS TO STUDENTS & STAFF
Staff are grateful for the convenience, avoiding the long and often challenging commute each day. The location of this building next to the girls’ dormitory allows the matron, school nurse and teachers to be easily accessed by the students.
Benefits to the students:
• Opportunity for resident teachers to host evening study sessions
• Increased safety and security for boarding students
• Enables spiritual nurturing
• Guidance and counseling with the increased contact time
The units include a sitting room, bedroom, bathroom and storage and have made such a difference for the school.
“Thank you CrossRoads!”
Education transforms an individual’s life, a family, a community and a nation.
Justus Miwanda, INUG Director
Father, we pray for those in Uganda who don’t follow Jesus. Would they seek You, the true God, and through International Needs, would Buikwe be a place where your light shines brightly, pushing back the darkness.
A New Era for Female Staff in Uganda
by Hariet Namubiru
Times are long gone when we, the female staff at Buikwe Senior Secondary School used to struggle. To keep up with the school schedule and to be on time was a whole lot of trouble. The journey was not smooth at all. We had to strive and hustle amid the hardships that come with the long-distance travel to work. The long commutes were often met with challenges such as those that come with prolonged rains turning the roads to slippery mud. The other challenge was the unreliable public transport we had to depend on.
To the glory of God, you (CrossRoads) were quick to respond. Oh, what lovely friends we have in you! As it is, the ladies housing beautifully stands with its comfort, safety and solace. The rooms are spacious and selfcontained. Utilities of water and power are in place. Even as we continue to thrive in our new home, we cannot help but think of you. In this, our success story, we can never say enough words of gratitude but nevertheless, we say a big thank you, dear CrossRoads!
Lord, for all the staff at International Needs Uganda we pray they would be strengthened and renewed as they serve the people of Buikwe. May You Lord, be leading the organization in every way.
A STRONGER FUTURE
The Classrooms Are Overcrowded!
Buikwe Senior Secondary School’s (BSSS) reputation is rising as more students excel in national exams and earn scholarships. Known for quality education, character development and spiritual growth, the school is attracting ever more students. The newest class has a student-to-classroom ratio of 84:1, far above the government recommendation of 50:1. To address this, the school plans to complete four new classrooms.
In June, a small team from CrossRoads participated in the groundbreaking events for the new classrooms. The day was festive, with a student choir setting the tone. After some speeches and an opening prayer to bless the property, the work began. Parents, staff, students and special guests all started digging! This was not a ceremonial groundbreaking, but an all-in effort to dig the foundation of the new classrooms by hand! It was a great community event that helped to increase ownership of this new project, which is due to be completed spring of 2025, pending funding from this year’s Compassion Campaign.
We send our sincere appreciation towards CrossRoads for the efforts towards the wellbeing of the girl child. We thank you for the ongoing new four classroom block that will reduce the congestion and will facilitate effective teaching and learning. Thanks to you and may the Almighty God bless you!
- Vanesa (on behalf of female students at BSSS)
Holy Spirit, we pray over Reverend Justus Miwanda, the Director of INUG, that he would have wisdom and strength to lead. Pray for physical, emotional and spiritual health as he is nearing retirement.
Lives of Female Students Changed
by Vanesa in Senior 5 (Grade
12)
During the previous years [pre-2019], Buikwe Senior Secondary School (BSSS) was not one of the best performing schools in the district, yet it had operated for some time. But in actual sense why was this so? For one, this was because BSSS lacked basic facilities that would enable the students to have enough time to focus on their academics without the responsibilities of chores at their respective homes. The old dormitories were situated in classrooms, limited in number and overcrowded.
The construction of the girls’ dormitory by CrossRoads a few years ago has allowed us enough time to concentrate and read our
books without the many distractions and commitments we had at home. The overall school performance has improved and I am very delighted to say that our school is now one of the best performing schools in the District [110 schools], and the best performing students are mostly from the boarding section.
The dormitory has not only helped us academically, but also socially and spiritually since we now join together during fellowship sessions on Sundays and Tuesdays. This has enabled us to grow spiritually and love God more. There is such a spirit of positivity here, I love it!
Holy Father, we pray for the students to succeed in their studies and be equipped with character, knowledge and faith. Lord, would they have opportunities for future education and meaningful employment.
BECOMING STRONGER
Teacher Paying it Forward
My name is Ssendege Fred. I was abandoned by my father at age five. Life was terrible since my mother had no proper source of livelihood, making it hard for us to afford the basic needs of life.
By God’s mercy, I got sponsorship through International Needs Uganda to cover my school fees and materials. I saw the hand of God coming to my rescue.
Alone I was weak, together [with sponsors, INUG] I became strong.
- Ssendege Fred, Teacher (BSSS)
At International Needs’ schools, I received more than a quality education; I also received career guidance and spiritual mentorship, which kept me focused. After finishing school, I received a scholarship through IN to attend university. I graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education, causing my family and community to praise God for His grace.
Currently, I teach Geography at IN’s Buikwe Senior Secondary School where I get to give back as a teacher and mentor. I help the students to reach the heights of their goals as I impart morals, skills, values and positive attitudes to the students.
“Alone I was weak, together [with sponsors, INUG] I became strong.”
Lord, for the staff at Buikwe Senior Secondary School, would they be empowered, equipped and refreshed. We pray that You, Lord, would be glorified through their work at the school as they invest in the students.
UGANDA SNAPSHOT
The Pearl of Africa
Buikwe
Father, we lift up the people of Uganda as they deal with ever increasing inflation costs impacting every part of life. We also lift up the January 2026 elections, please guide a peaceful process, with fair and open elections. We pray the candidates will be able to speak truth, and not fear persecution.
Population: 49 Million
42% of Ugandans earn less than $2.15 / day, making it one of the poorest countries in the world
26,771
Orphans in Buikwe (our program area) under 18 yrs. old
Average age: 16.2 years
47% are 0-14 years
85% of children are experiencing at least one violent action
25%
34% of girls under age 18 are married
36% have access to electricity in rural areas
40% of children ages 5-17 are engaged in child labour
45% dropout rate of primary school students
Teenage pregnancy rate Uganda ranks 105th out of 127 countries in terms of food security
Lord, we lift up the nation of Haiti to You; would you bring your peace to reign here, extinguishing the flames of political instability, corruption and gang activity.
Haiti Is Crumbling Yet Haiti ARISE Is Shining Bright
Historically, Haiti has struggled under poor political guidance, natural disasters (hurricanes and earthquakes), and spiritual oppression. So, when the president of Haiti was assassinated in 2021, the country was plunged into absolute chaos. Gangs now control Port au Prince, the capital of Haiti, cutting it off from the rest of the country. People struggle to buy gas, food is scarce, and going to school and doing business are difficult.
Marc Honorat, co-founder of Haiti ARISE shared with us in a recent interview, “this situation has been a real challenge for us in Haiti.”
People are afraid to be in the capital—afraid of being kidnapped or even killed. Over 600,000 people have fled the capital, straining resources in other communities.
This is where Haiti ARISE shines. The people arriving into our area of Grand Goâve are welcomed by Haiti ARISE ministries, who care and have the ability to assist them. They can safely access medical care, education and nutrition, and most importantly, they are receiving emotional and spiritual support. The opportunity to share God’s love with many is unprecedented. This will change the landscape of Haiti’s future.
Haiti Arise - Haiti
ACHIEVED TOGETHER
Celebrating Successes in 2024
Despite the many challenges faced throughout the nation of Haiti, the Haiti ARISE Technical School has continued to stay open and offer classes to students which is a considerable praise point!
The Director of the Technical School stated the primary objective of the year was to increase the Schools’ recognition, moving towards university accreditation. Additionally, they wanted to offer new courses. Both were successful!
The Technical School, which CrossRoads has supported since 2008, is expanding. Currently the school is bursting with over 500 students enrolled in a wide variety of courses including Electrical, Plumbing, Tiling, Construction, Mechanics, Computer, Sewing, Cooking, ESL, Bible, Entrepreneurship and now two additional courses: Early Education and Accounting & Business.
We celebrate with Haiti ARISE milestones from 2024:
• In August there were 85 students who graduated from the Technical School
• Children’s Village has 5 thriving families caring for 32 children
• Medical clinic operated 3 days per week and served 5000 patients last year
• Infant nutrition program served 100 mothers & babies each week
• Legal Aid office has handled 100 cases with 70% of prisoners granted freedom
The nation is telling us, “Wi, Ayiti toujou kapab.” Yes, Haiti still can do it!
Lord, we seek your protection and care for your people at Haiti ARISE. Would You provide for all the staff, church members, students and families in and around Grand Goâve.
Living Out Her Dream
by Nacheline Dosmy (Graduate, Haiti ARISE Technical School)
My name is Nacheline, and I live in Anpas Amitie with several of my cousins. I joined the Haiti ARISE Technical School in 2022 to study sewing.
The Technical School is a good school that helps young people learn; it helped me pursue my dream of becoming a seamstress. From the first day I arrived at the school, I loved the welcoming atmosphere. During these two years, the school pushed me to learn even
more than sewing. Now, after graduating in sewing, I will start my studies in computer accounting.
The Haiti ARISE Technical School is an institution that truly encourages young people to take their destiny into their own hands and develop their skills to find work and become autonomous. I am proud of my choice to study here and hope to continue growing and learning even more.
Father, thank you for the blessings upon the students of Haiti. Would You make clear the paths before them, encourage them and keep them focussed as they follow the path You have laid out for them.
Haiti Arise - Haiti
A STRONGER FUTURE
We Are Not Quitting!
The Haiti ARISE Technical School has seen a significant increase in enrollment due to people fleeing the capital, as mentioned earlier. The young adults have been so happy to find a solid place to continue their education. This growth necessitates expansion to accommodate more classes and the need for more classrooms. The Director of the Technical School, Jean Julien Edmond is saying boldly, “We need more space! We need to build.”
In the new year, sewing lab classes will move to the auto body shop building (which was being underutilized), and the mechanics and carpentry shops will now be fully utilized for both practical and theoretical instruction.
To advance the Technical School accreditation towards university status, the school has plans to add a Nursing course next year.
“We are so grateful for the support of our partners like CrossRoads who have stood with us. The change we have seen—it is a miracle, despite what is happening in the capital of Haiti. And so we say to our friends at CrossRoads, we are not quitting. We’re not going anywhere. It’s like whatever is happening in Haiti, I am more motivated than ever to help the Haitian people, my people.”
- Marc Honorat, Founder/Director Haiti ARISE
Holy Spirit, we ask for Your blessing upon the Haiti ARISE Technical School staff. In Your time, would you go before them and grant wisdom to the leaders as they strive for University status.
Haiti ARISE Technical School Brings Hope
by Lumerant Nephetaline
My name is Lumerant, and I live in Thozin with my mother and father. I have been at Haiti ARISE since I was a child and have been a long-time member of Mahanaim Church [the church on campus]. I currently work as the Secretary of the Haiti ARISE Technical School which gives me a great perspective of what is happening and how things are going.
As a young person in the community, I can say that the Technical School has had a very positive impact on me personally and on all the young people in the area, especially in Grand-Goâve. I am always happy when I see the large numbers of students attending the school.
With its professional trades, the school helps many young people become independent and find work to support themselves and their families. I believe the Technical School is greatly contributing to the reconstruction of our country, Haiti—it shows there is a hope and a future for my people despite the country’s terrible situation.
I believe the Technical School is greatly contributing to the reconstruction of our country.
- Lumerant Nephetaline, Secretary, Haiti ARISE Technical School
Heavenly Father, would You strengthen your Church in Haiti! Pour Your blessings down upon Mahanaim Church of Haiti ARISE as well as the various church plants across Haiti.
HAITI SNAPSHOT
Pearl of the Antilles
Grand Goâve
Pray with us!
“We are claiming and believing this year, from Isaiah 61:3-4 “To all who mourn in Zion, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for HIS own glory. THEY will rebuild the ancient ruins, repairing cities destroyed long ago, THEY will revive them, though they have been destroyed for generations.”
Marc & Lisa Honorat Haiti ARISE
Population:
11 Million 15% of women under 18 are married
65 years is average life expectancy (low)
Average age: 25 years
4.5 Billion in total imports during fiscal year, while total exports valued 1.7Billion
Haiti ranks 122nd out of 127 countries in terms of food security
37% consumer prices increased due to inflation
Haiti ranks 158th out of 193 countries on UN’s Human Development Index
Only 55% of Haitians have access to safe drinking water
300,000 children have been displaced since March, 2024 (UNICEF) 55% enrollment rate for primary school, and fewer than 30% of those students ever reach sixth grade
50-95% incorporate Vodou practices into their lives; “70% Catholic, 30% Protestant, & 100% Vodou”. Vodou is everywhere!
STRONGER THROUGH PRAYER UGANDA
“They all met together constantly united Acts 1:14
NGER THROUGH PRAYER HAITI
together and were united in prayer.”
1:14 (NLT)
CENTRAL AB
ACHIEVED TOGETHER
Celebrating Nyamasheke Graduation!
For the past 10 years, CrossRoads has partnered with World Relief Rwanda (WRR) in the district of Nyamasheke to empower the local church and the community through their well-established programs. In June 2024, three members of CrossRoads were honored to visit Rwanda and spend time in this community where they witnessed firsthand the testimonies of how their community, church and most importantly, how individual lives had been changed. They visited groups and noted the economic, spiritual and social transformation that has taken place. The deep impact of our partnership was clear.
Some highlights from Nyamasheke include:
• Pastors in 24 denominations have experienced a shift in their understanding of the true mission of the church—to be salt and light; caring for the vulnerable
• 104 Churches with 1,835 volunteers are now effectively partnering and fostering unity across denominational lines
• 6,377 children have benefited from Sunday School programs
• 11,076 children have experienced improved health and development through Child Development Programs
• 2,757 farmers previously trained in Agriculture for Life provide effective interventions for food security and nutrition
Father, we lift up all the churches, leaders and volunteers across Nyamasheke as they take over leadership following their graduation from World Relief. Would You guide their decision-making, helping them be beacons of light in their spheres of influence.
• 7,243 people in Savings for Life groups which has decreased social vulnerabilities and increased household resilience
• 772 couples participating in Families for Life which increased gender equality, communication and overall family health.
Generosity in Action
by Pastor Tracy Minke
In June, I met Antoinette Mukakabango, a 44-year-old widow with four children, whose story deeply inspired me. Before meeting the World Relief (WR) staff, she said, “I was in poor and desperate life without hope for the future for me and my children.” After being empowered by WR Savings For Life in 2019, she started saving 500 RWF (.50 cents CAD) per week and eventually took a loan. “With one of the loans I took out, I was able to purchase a pig. This pig has done well and allowed me to increase my income along with other investments so that I can provide all that my family needs.”
This could be where the story ends, with Antoinette empowered economically as well as spiritually and socially; but it does not end here! When our group sat in her home, we (cont’d next page...)
With one of the loans I took out, I was able to purchase a pig. This pig has done well and allowed me to increase my income along with other investments so that I can provide all that my family needs.
heard these words come out of her mouth, “I feel like a millionaire! I have all that I need. And I realized that I have the capacity to support others.”
She then went on to tell us about a young family she met in town who were living a desperate life. She felt for them and got to know them. Then, she invited them onto her land, giving them a portion of what she owned, and helped them build a house! She thanks God for “restoring her hope now that she can work and prosper and for being in a position to help others.”
I will never forget those words spoken by Antoinette, “I have all that I need.”
What would it take for each of us to reach that place of contentment and move into a place of radical generosity? Imagine how different our community would be if we all lived like Antoinette—truly inspiring!
Lord, we lift up all the members of the Savings for Life groups. Would they continue to seek You first, giving thanks for all You have done and may they live a life of generosity in response to Your goodness.
Holy Spirit, we pray over each family that has been impacted by the Families for Life training and interventions. Would your love and grace, peace and joy exude from them, impacting even more people.
A Family Transformed
Alphred, a father of six daughters, initially felt shame due to the Rwandan cultural preference for boys. This strained his marriage with Fabienne, leading to infidelity and abandonment. “I couldn’t understand why we only had daughters,” Alphred confesses. “I left the family for two years, neglecting my responsibilities completely. My [then] four daughters even had to drop out of school due to financial difficulties.” Upon Alphred’s return, the situation worsened with the birth of another two daughters.
Fabienne and the girls were faithfully attending church in the Nyamasheke area. Church leaders recommended the Families for Life program where Alphred and Fabienne could gain tools to help resolve their conflict. “We attended the sessions together,” Fabienne recounts. “As we progressed through the lessons, my husband recognized his mistakes and vowed to change his ways.” Alphred shared, “I’ve embraced a new mindset where I see all children, regardless of gender, as equal and valuable.”
Now, Alphred is fulfilling his responsibilities as a husband and father. “I’ve returned my daughters to school and taken charge of supporting my family.” He expressed gratitude to God, their church, and World Relief for restoring their family and enabling them to join the Savings for Life program, build a home, and invest in land for farming.
A STRONGER FUTURE
Starting in a New District!
In 2025, World Relief, with our Compassion funding, will begin work in the new district of Nyamagabe! This is home to 434,221 people, including 14,714 Congolese in the Kigeme Refugee Camp. This community has been identified as “extremely poor” and vulnerable due to multiple natural disasters, poor infrastructure, limited economic opportunities and the ongoing refugee crisis.
In Nyamagabe, the church holds immense potential to drive true transformation by addressing poverty and building resilience in the community. However, several challenges have been noted:
Lack of Church Unity: churches are missing opportunities to maximize their impact by not working together.
Limited Partnership with Government and Civil Society: World Relief will work to narrow the gap that exists between the church and other key stakeholders in the region.
Capacity and Skill Gaps: Church leaders often lack the necessary skills and technical knowledge to address complex problems like poverty and long-term care for refugees.
World Relief’s first stage will be to mobilize and empower 30 local churches from 9 denominations in the Gasaka Sector. The primary focus will be relationship-building, envisioning churches to embrace their role in integral mission, and ensuring that churches have the capacity to lead development in their communities.
Father, we lift up the dedicated staff who labour tirelessly to support and empower churches every day. Would You bless their efforts and fill them with compassion as they move into this new community of Nyamagabe.
RWANDA SNAPSHOT
The Land of a Thousand Hills
Nyamagabe
Lord, as we reflect on the 30th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide, we pray for continued unity, restoration and the transformative hope of Jesus to touch every heart among the people of Rwanda.
Population: 14 Million 70.2
years is average life expectancy, up from 47.5 in 2000
Population density: 445 people/km2 (Alberta is 6.7/km2)
Rwanda’s land size is 25x smaller than Alberta
30 years since the Genocide Over 73% of GDP in 2023 went to debt reduction, slowing economic growth
Rwanda ranks 101st
out of 127 countries in terms of food security
Umuganda
– a nationwide mandatory community service day on the last Saturday of each month.
47% of the population live below the poverty line. 48% of Nyamagabe (World Relief’s new district) residents considered “extremely poor”
Rwanda ranks 161st
out of 193 countries on UN’s Human Development Index Rwanda ranks 160th
out of 174 countries on The World Bank’s Human Capital Index, which measures the amount of human capital that a child born today can expect to attain by age 18
64% female majority in parliament, which makes history as the country with the most seats held by women
LOCAL INITIATIVES
Local Initiatives Vision:
Caring deeply for vulnerable youth and single parents; offering hope and tangible support, fostering healthy relationships and self-worth.
HOPE MISSION
In Red Deer, Hope Mission is dedicated to serving vulnerable children, youth, and families through a variety of programs and services . Nutritional supports, after school programs, in-school programs and summer camps form the foundation of their connections in the community . It is through these programs that trusting relationships are built so that Hope Mission staff have the opportunity to share about Jesus - and that is their absolute priority!
OUTREACH CENTRE
Through provision of safe spaces for victims of family violence, Outreach seeks to restore a sense of worth and significance to their clients Julietta’s Place is a fully furnished apartment complex that offers sheltered housing for up to 12 months for women and children fleeing trauma . The Dragonfly Children’s Healing Centre helps heal through offering wraparound services for children and youth experiencing trauma from domestic violence, homelessness and suicide
CENTRAL ALBERTA YOUTH UNLIMITED
Central Alberta Youth Unlimited is a part of Youth For Christ . YFC has long been known for outreach and sharing the Gospel, which is special and sacred . That is why with each interaction they have with youth and young families, they offer discipleship They believe that youth who know God personally and model their life after the character and priorities of Christ will experience hope, draw in their families, reach their schools, transform their communities, and change the world .
HOPE OUTREACH CAYU
STRONGER COMMUNITIES
Stories from Our City –Hope Mission
Sometimes the best way to understand what is happening, is to hear stories. Below are a couple from Hope Mission (names changed to protect privacy)
At a recent breakfast program, a 12-year-old student shared that Hope Mission’s breakfast program is their favourite place to be. They explained that at home they are not allowed to eat bread because it is for their mom to make sandwiches for lunch. Nor are they able to use any milk for cereal because it is for the baby. “That’s why me and my sister walk here every morning, even when it’s so cold. You always bring us good food.”
Carol (13 yrs old) attended a summer camp with Hope Mission this year. At camp, Carol experienced things like zip-lining, boating, and learned a lot about God’s love for her. At the end of camp, she was given a Bible to take home. When Carol saw Hope Mission Staff at her school’s breakfast program, she ran up to the staff and said with a big smile, “Look what I have in my backpack. It’s the Bible you gave me at camp! I haven’t been able to put it down!”
“When you go to Hope Mission, you know you’re going to leave full”
- Gabby (12 years old)
Father, we pray for the many students around Central Alberta who don’t have enough food, clothing or support to learn and grow well. May Hope Mission be a light in their dark world.
Highlights of 2024:
The 2023-2024 school year was a busy one for Hope Mission, as they increased delivery of nutritional supports through their lunch & breakfast programs, community meals, and frozen meal programs. This, along with their after school and camp programming, has allowed Hope Mission to fill a crucial gap in the well-being of families in need of support.
Other highlights this past year include:
• Nutrition Outreach Program extended to Olds and Blackfalds
• Welcomed by 2 schools to engage with youth during lunch recess
• Partnered with Camp Silversides and Prairie Christian Academy to bring 30 Hope Mission kids to camp for a weekend
• Served daily lunches to community members this summer creating great connections
• Added staff for additional Kids in Action (after school programs) in schools
Goals for 2025:
• We are doubling our capacity to run Kids in Action, our no cost after school program for grades 1-5. This will allow us to mentor 450 students this year!
• The land has been cleared and we anticipate breaking ground on our new permanent facility! This will be “a central hub for kids and families to come eat a meal, participate in a program, learn new skills and develop healthy relationships.”
• Many more schools in Central Alberta are approaching us to help feed their hungry students. We are working towards meeting these needs.
Lord, we pray over each and every staff and volunteer that acts as Your hands and feet to the children and families they serve. May they be filled with strength and joy, wisdom and love.
At the Dragonfly Children’s Healing Centre, clients are encouraged to develop healthy skills and behaviours. Through trauma informed therapy, children and youth are given avenues of healing towards a more stable future.
Program Developments:
• Expansion of the equine psychotherapy program to provide more children the opportunity to have therapy sessions with horses
• Reporting of reduced behavioral and social issues at schools by school staff regarding clients seen within the Dragonfly Children’s Healing Centre
• Dr. Phil, the therapy dog, supports clients in processing trauma, building empathy, developing prosocial skills, and fostering a sense of self-worth.
Each year at Julietta’s Place, clients are encouraged to find their voice. Domestic violence often leads to living in fear and losing one’s sense of self and self-worth. Over the past year, many clients have not only processed and worked through the trauma of past relationships but also rediscovered their value, worth, and deservingness of love. They find their voices, passions, and dreams again, empowering and protecting them from future violence.
Father, You are the good, good Father. We know that Your heart breaks for the vulnerable children and women in our community. We seek Your protection and healing on their behalf.
HEALING TOGETHER
From Trauma to Triumph: A Story of Resilience and Renewal
A young woman arrived at Outreach; she was the victim of extreme abuse from her live-in boyfriend. She had already overcome a significant brain injury as well as physical injuries from a car accident in her teens.
Once she moved into Julietta’s Place (JP), she engaged in one-on-one programming with her case manager, focusing on boundaries, healthy relationships, safety planning, understanding intimate partner violence, and setting goals. She earned certificates in various groups, like art, understanding domestic violence, budgeting and parenting.
For emotional support, she met bi-weekly with a counselor for grief and loss support and weekly for therapy and equine therapy. She began and successfully completed her first year of esthetician school. Her love for
Lord, for those specifically working at Julietta’s Place and the Dragonfly Centre who have direct access to those hurting, would You grant abundant wisdom and peace to share.
community activities often saw her and her case manager attending local water exercise classes, visiting the market, and running errands together.
Eventually, she moved into a great neighbourhood apartment, continuing to receive support from her case manager and JP staff. She remains an active part of community outings, bringing joy with her humour, kindness, and fierce determination. She and her case manager still meet weekly, ensuring she receives any needed support.
OUTREACH
Central Alberta Youth Unlimited (CAYU)
2024 Ministry Highlights:
• Many baptisms of youth were celebrated in our programs this year
• We opened a youth centre in Three Hills and saw God faithfully provide the finances
• Youth programming is booming in Blackfalds with Bible Studies, drop ins, jiujitsu and more!
• Stepping Stones (Young Families) is active in Ponoka, Red Deer, and Sylvan Lake, teaching life skills and having weekly connection time
• Timber Coffee Co. remains a place of peace and hope in Sylvan Lake and Ponoka, welcoming students & community members alike. Drop in sometime!
Coming in 2025:
• Launch into Innisfail - possible youth centre/ programs in schools
• Relocate Lacombe Central Office & Youth Centre closer to schools
• Shift Youth Housing to independent apartments
• Increase engagement with Central Alberta churches
Daily Bread by Katie Peters (Stepping Stones Ponoka)
I love teaching life skills to our young moms. This month, I chose to demonstrate how to make a simple loaf of bread. As we mixed and kneaded, I read some common Bible verses to the moms that talk about bread.
“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” John 6:35
What is right in front of us may not seem like the answer to our prayers, yet whatever God places in front of us, is His daily bread for us.
Holy Spirit, would You encourage and hold up, guide and provide for the CAYU staff and volunteers who invest so much into the youth and young families in our region.
Springs of Water
by Jelina Threefingers (Youth Engagement Maskwacis)
As I watched our Maskwacis Youth Leaders serving their hearts out during our Vacation Bible School & Family Barbeque, I was filled with so much thankfulness and awe that the Lord really is at work bringing restoration to my community.
Their saying “yes” to serve in this way is a big deal because there is so much opposition to the Gospel in their own community, school, and oftentimes their own homes, yet they take joy in living for the Lord and furthering His Kingdom. During the week, they boldly shared their testimonies, went out to evangelize in their community, and led with such excellence; I am so proud of them.
I am reminded of Isaiah 35:6-7, “Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland. The parched ground will become a pool, and springs of water will satisfy the thirsty land.” This is exactly what the Lord is doing through our young leaders, and the heart they carry and operate out of. They are the springs of water, watering the thirsty land and bringing hope and light to a once dark and desolate land.
There really is hope for restoration because He is doing it in and through our youth and what a blessing it is to watch that happen before us!
Lord, we pray that in a society infiltrated with lies specifically geared towards youth and children, that the Truth of the Gospel would catch their heart.
CENTRAL ALBERTA SNAPSHOT
Heavenly Father, we pray for those in our community and beyond. We carry heavily the burdens of those without Your hope; the last, the lost, the least, the little and the nearly dead. Please break down barriers and extend the hands and hearts of Your Church to be salt and light to those in need.
Wild Rose Country
9.7% poverty rate, matching the national average 1 in 3 children are raised by a lone parent
38% of families in Red Deer are low income; 50% of these are lone parent homes
20.3% of Alberta’s households experienced food insecurity (highest level in Canada)
33% of students in Alberta are living in a foodinsecure home
33% of girls ages 16-21 rated their mental health as “fair” to “poor”
17.6% poverty rate in lone parent homes (almost double the national average)
28% rate of poverty amongst First Nations children (compared to 10% of non-Indigenous children) 50% of mental health problems are established by age 14
51% of women age 16 and older report experiencing family violence at least once
13% of households earn less than $30,000 a year Red Deer is 7th least-churched city in Canada
ENGAGING TOGETHER
Come be inspired by the heart of God as we unpack the word “mission”. Discover the roadmap for following Jesus, on mission together.
STRONGER THROUGH YOUR SUPPORT
Ways to Give
If you would like to contribute financially towards our Compassion Partners, all funds specified for “Compassion” through any of the options below will go directly to our partnerships. Any donation of $20 or more is eligible for a charitable donation receipt.
• Cash or cheques can be sealed in a red “Compassion Offering” envelope and dropped in an Offering Box at the church, or at the Main Office weekdays from 8:30am-4:30pm.
• Debit / Credit at The HUB on Sundays, or at the Main Office weekdays from 8:30am-4:30pm.
• Give Online: Use QR code or find giving link at: crossroadschurch.ca/givetocompassion
• E-Transfer to: compassion@crossroadschurch.ca Please include your name & mailing address if you wish to receive a donation receipt.
