Week 3 Viola & John’s Story

Viola and John and their young daughter were so excited to arrive in Canada and to build a new life for their family. Then COVID hit. Viola and John both lost their jobs and had to move to a smaller town where they knew no one; they didn’t feel they fit in, and Viola found out she was pregnant.

In their home country, Viola’s first pregnancy was full of excitement. She had her “village” women surrounding her, and she didn’t worry about anything. Now in Canada, she was scared, lost, and totally unprepared to give birth in a new country. Where do you go? Who do you talk to? Does the doctor come to your home for delivery? What’s needed for a baby in this cold climate?

A couple months into her pregnancy, Viola became very sick and went to a nearby hospital. After treating her, the doctor referred her to Envisage. As soon as Viola called Envisage and unpacked her fears to a support worker, she felt a sense of security, trust, and relief. She began to enjoy her pregnancy after each appointment with the center.

Viola and John enrolled in the Childbirth Education classes where they formed a birthing plan, were helped with the items needed for birthing a baby in Canada, and then with confidence Viola delivered, their beautiful baby boy into the world.

Viola couldn’t believe the support she had from Envisage after birth. She was assisted with breast feeding and was given answers to the many baby care questions she had. In the following months, Viola joined Envisage’s Strengthening Families Program, she returned to school to complete her college degree, John was employed again and now they are on their way to being self-sufficient.

Viola and John look back and realized that Envisage became their “village” of women who encouraged them and gave them the tools needed to thrive in their new life in Canada.

The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your nativeborn. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.

Leviticus 19:34 NIV

Step into Their Story

Think about what it would be like to move far away from family and everything familiar. Imagine having to learn the customs and expectations of this new place you live. Would you feel lonely? How can you help a newcomer to Canada feel more welcome here? Learn how to say “hello” in 3 different languages.

Please Pray

Day 1: That God would equip our Envisage team as we learn how to best support to those who are newcomers to Canada.

Day 2: For international students feeling fearful and overwhelmed about pregnancy – that they would have the courage to reach out for support.

Day 3: For refugees who might be isolated and struggling financially as they adjust to life in a new country, while also preparing to become parents.

Day 4: For newcomers who do not have medical coverage – that God would provide healthy, safe pregnancies and deliveries, and direct for how financial needs can be met.

Day 5: That God would give strength and wisdom and meet the practical needs of newcomers who are having their babies, even though they face many challenges.

Day 6: That we would help newcomers prepare for their parenting journey through Envisage’s childbirth classes and parenting program.

Day 7: That our Envisage team could help newcomers connect with and build healthy community – and that churches would be one of the places that care for newcomers in this way.

Fill The Bottle

As you pray for each day’s request, draw stars in the section of the bottle for that day. At the end of the week, the bottle will be full!

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