Winter/Spring 2015 BC Edition Issue 2
CANADA's
HOPE GOD’S MISSION. OUR ADVENTURE.
Partners in the Good News Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.
P H I L I P P I A N S 1 :4-5 N LT
A PUBLICATION OF
ENCOUN ER
.
2015 2016
A coast to coast mobile discipleship school.
THE ADVENTURE AWAITS. Now accepting applications for the 2015-2016 adventure.
Apply online! www.encounterschool.ca
CANADA's
HOPE Winter/Spring 2015 BC Edition Issue Two
GOD’S MISSION. OUR ADVENTURE. Canada’s Hope is the biannual publication of One Hope Canada. Letters, articles and photos are welcomed. Names of many of the children mentioned in articles have been changed. EDITOR Melanie Mushaluk CIRCULATION & ADDRESS CORRECTION Melanie Mushaluk SPONSORSHIPS Bill McCaskell DESIGN Iced Tea Designs COPY EDITOR Gloria Pedersen Jacquie Bolen Menno Hamm PRINTING Derksen Printers Steinbach, MB Publications agreement number 40019747 Undelivered copies, change of address and new requests should be addressed to: ONE HOPE CANADA 200-189 Henderson Hwy Winnipeg, MB R2L 1L7 Telephone: 1-204-668-2776 Fax: 1-204-663-0246 Email: info@onehopecanada.ca www.onehopecanada.ca
Please note that in order to save printing and postage costs, one magazine will be mailed out per household. If you would like to receive additional copies, please contact us at info@onehopecanada.ca. Cover Image taken at Lake of the Trees Bible Camp
Inside this issue CANADA
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BC
Executive Director’s Message Band Bio: The Taylors
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One Hope Canada Interview 18 Ministry Point Personnel 22 A Tribute to Shirley Stewart 26 Shout Out for Ministry Partners 30 Finding Hope through Pain 34 Cooking with Kathy 14
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24 28 32
Field Director Editorial Amasa Bible Camp What I Can Learn from Skills Hope Bay Bible Camp Echo Lake Bible Camp Lake of the Trees Bible Camp Maple Springs Bible Camp Ness Lake Bible Camp Adventure Day Camp
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ MESSAGE BY BILL & BEV McCASKELL
Would you like some good news? OUR COMMUNITIES, OUR COUNTRY, AND EVEN OUR FAMILIES LIKELY DO NOT NEED MORE NEWS. Blockbuster action movies, cute kitten youtube videos and social media have bombarded all of our lives whether intentionally or not – we are getting “news”. Wouldn’t it be great to be receive good news? News that brings life, light and healing to our lives and to our hurting world. This is the kind of news we discover when we realize what God has done for us through His Son. Jesus initiated the greatest rescue of all by breaking us free from our prison of selfishness, anger and pride. HE is the Good News story and He is the reason our nearly 200 year-round missionaries from across Canada, and thousands of summer workers and volunteers, are committed to sharing their lives at one of our ministry points. It is this news that puts the “hope” into One Hope Canada. We have entitled this edition “Partners in the Good News”. Our prayer is that you too will see life, light and healing that has taken place at over 60 ministry points across Canada. God is alive and at work in His people. Enjoy reading stories from people of all ages and all walks of life – proclaiming new life they have found in Christ. It is a most excellent reminder that there is only one thing better than hearing good news for yourself – it’s being part of a group of people who are committed to sharing this good news to all who have not yet heard of His Name.
Canada’s Hope
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FIELD DIRECTOR EDITORIAL BY ART THIESSEN, CAMP COACH FOR ONE HOPE CANADA/INTERIM BC FIELD DIRECTOR
God is our provider JAMES 1:17 SAYS, “EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT IS FROM ABOVE, COMING DOWN FROM THE FATHER.” In my time as a camp director and now traveling across the country, I have learned God is our true provider. I am so thankful for all the people in British Columbia who allow themselves to be used by God to make the ministry effective. Here are some ways in which God provides for the camps in B.C.: 1. Guest groups – many groups come and use the camps through the seasons they are open. This makes a big difference on the financial bottom line. Also as a result more people come back for summer camps. 2. Campers – Another significant way God provides is by many parents, grandparents, guardians and others who send their kids to camp each summer. Many people give funds so under-privileged kids can come too. Full camps always help us to make the best use of the ministries.
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3. Gifts-in-kind – It has been a great blessing to see people give different things that camps can use. It can be on a permanent donation of tools or equipment or donations of equipment being loaned for a period of time rent free. The list is long. You might think, I can’t give money, but I have this item that maybe one of the camps can use. Give us a call, we will be honest about whether we can use it and will greatly appreciate your help. 4. Manpower – Another significant way in which God provides is through manpower. Many people use their gifts, talents, their hands and feet, and their time at camps. People who come and volunteer their time and expertise helps the camps save money. I believe this is one of God’s greatest provisions for the camps.
“I pray that God will give you new eyes to see how He can use you to help provide for the ministries in B.C.” 5. Dollars and Cents – Many have given to camps financially. This is always a large need. It was always so much like Christmas when I would go for the mail and find cheques there. It just made my day. You can encourage the director by sending a cheque or going on line to donate. We trust you will continue to choose to stay involved or get involved with a camp.
In closing, thank you for helping in the past and I trust you will continue to be involved. I pray that God will give you new eyes to see how He can use you to help provide for the ministries in B.C. I trust you will be a positive spokesperson for One Hope Canada. Isaiah 45:3 says, “I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.” Blessings on you all!
Canada’s Hope
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“
Every person
at camp that week would be upheld
before the Lord!”
March 27-29
Weekend Retreat
July 6–10
Summer Camp
August 10-14
Summer Camp
One worker, upon hearing that these prayer partners had been interceding for them, wrote, “Now I understand how and why, from the kitchen workers’ viewpoint, things went very smoothly. We were blessed by leaders and campers when we were able to serve suitable food choices”, i.e. gluten-free, diabetic, etc. Each year it is increasingly difficult as more people with specific food needs are attending camp. It makes definitely more work for the cooks, but necessary to keep our campers and leaders healthy. “We received such a blessing from leaders thanking us so much for accommodating their food issues. I am sure that we were greatly helped because of the prayers.” In Bill Hybels’ book, Too Busy Not To Pray, he reminds us that one of the main reasons that we, as humans, are drawn to God in prayer is for peace beyond understanding. In Philippians 4:6, Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” So to all of you who prayed for us, from all of us at camp, thank you. And God’s peace to you!
October 30 - November 1
Weekend Retreat
AMASA BIBLE CAMP
Partners in
Camp
BY JACQUIE BOLEN, CAMP DIRECTOR
When we say the word “camp,” we are talking about all the people who come together in a single week, on-site, to make camp happen. But what about our partners off-site? When I attended the personnel conference in Quebec City in 2012, I heard about an idea of getting people, off-site, to pray for specific cabin leaders and their campers during their stay at camp. What an awesome idea!
I put out a call to arms via my newsletter, and several prayer warriors offered to be involved, from Boissevain, MB, to Surrey, BC, and several points in-between! The week before camp, I e-mailed each participant some names to pray for at camp: the name of a cabin leader and their campers, the nurse, speaker and director, and the kitchen staff. Every person at camp that week would be upheld before the Lord!
www.amasa.ca 250-832-6907
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Winter/Spring 2015 | www.onehopecanada.ca
Partnering with One Hope Canada to build into the lives of Canadian children, youth and their families As a family business well into its third generation the Penner family has more than 50 years of experience in the construction industry.
154040 RD 58N, Box 2350, Virden, Manitoba R0M 2C0 • Phone: (204) 748 -1400 • Fax: (204) 748-2600
The Taylors The Taylors
are a brother-sister quartet from the heart of North Carolina. Jonathan, Suzanne, Christopher, and Leslie are dedicated to stirring up the faith of the Christian community, as well as reaching others with the good news of Jesus Christ through Gospel music. The Taylors are currently performing around 200 dates a year across the United States, including several mission-oriented trips abroad. Since their formation in 2006, God has allowed them to see over 5,000 decisions for Christ.
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The Taylor siblings grew up as members of Fellowship Baptist Church, a small country church, where their father has been a Southern Baptist minister for over 27 years and their mother the minister of music. With their mother’s guidance, it was around the church piano that The Taylors learned their fourpart family harmony. Growing up in a Christian home has reinforced their faith and values and has created in each of them a strong desire to proclaim their salvation through the ministry of music. God is at the center of The Taylors’ ministry and at the center of their hearts. To Him be all the glory!
Our Promises Get Delivered
Have a promise that just has to get delivered somewhere in North America?
We Can Help! The Taylors will be our Concert Tour Group, touring throughout Manitoba and Saskatchewan this Spring (April 7 - 19). Please check out the back cover and visit www.onehopecanada.ca/ events for details about the tour.
North America wide truckload service One time and multiple shipment
contracts Satellite tracking Web tracking Imaging CSA, PIP, C-TPAT, FAST, ACE, ACI
www.Penner.ca
Operating from seven terminals in Canada and the USA, we offer swift and reliable truckload service to most of North America. That, combined with our no nonsense commitment to customer service has helped Penner become the transportation provider of choice for Manitoba companies who need to keep their promises, wherever they need to ship in North America.
Toll Free 866.729.7134
Canada’s Hope
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What I Can Learn from Skills at Camp by Art Thiessen, Camp Coach/Interim BC Field Director
Skills or activities
at camp are the tools for which the kids come to camp to have fun with. Without fun and activities, camp would not be where kids would want to go. So we want to provide activities for the kids to do which will challenge them, excite them and make their “day� at camp. We want parents and kids to know they will be supplied well with protective gear, so they can go all out. We want them to know they can go all out in two
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ways: First in their activity and then also with God. We want you to know that there are rules and guidelines to follow in each of the activities. So to have the most fun, we will make sure you follow the rules. This is so that everyone will enjoy their day. So, too, it is with the Bible. It has guidelines for us to follow to have a great life with Christ. The Bible has so many good principles to follow which just gives good meaning to each day.
“The Bible has so many good principles to follow which just gives good meaning to each day.” In each of the activities, there will be someone in charge. They will keep things moving and making sure everyone is doing things correctly. In doing this, they will use tactfulness and love to share how and why we will work together in these activities. If you go and fellowship with other believers, they can also help you and you can help them to stay on track. You can mentor each other from God’s Word. Then you will live in a way
that you will hear “well done, good and faithful servant” when you are called home. So, finally, to get the most out of each activity at camp, you need to get involved in the ones you choose to do. To just be a spectator at the activity, you will not get the full experience. So go and get involved. You might get a little scrape or bruise, but those are the memories you will talk about long after camp. “Do you remember when…” So it
is in our Christian lives. There will be bumps and bruises along the way, but as we get up and keep moving forward, soon they will just be a memory of what we have been through. As we look back, we will say it was well worth it. So come to camp. Get involved in all the different activities or skills and have fun to the max. And through it, learn to live your Christian life to the max.
Peace River Bible Institute Training believers to become disciple-makers who impact their world for Christ.
Enter coupon code Apply250 at www.prbi.edu to receive a $250 bursary if you apply by July 31, 2015.
Peace River Bible Institute PO Box 99 Sexsmith, AB T0H 3C0 Phone: 780-568-3962 Fax: 780-568-4431 prbi@prbi.edu www.prbi.edu
Canada’s Hope
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BY DUSTIN HEIGH, MINISTRY DIRECTOR
Drawing the
isolated hearts
Living on Pender Island for four years has been a surprising journey into isolation and partnership. We didn’t know much about Pender when we moved here four years ago; we just knew it was an island. By its very nature, Pender is isolating. But we didn’t realize that the physical isolation was a significant part of our calling. The isolation we have been called to is not just the hardship of living on an island, but a picture of our heart problem. Our own hearts have faded in isolation; we have felt the thirst for fellowship, support, and community. We have been through seasons of great loss and wounding. We’ve focused on the loss and pain,
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and wandered, grumbled, and complained. We let our wounding blind us to the help and support God offers in Jesus. The absence of people has been a bitter gift that revealed our own tendency to isolate ourselves when we experience pain. We isolate ourselves from God’s heart, the very place of healing and hope. We cry out for God to help, to send support. We grumble that we’re alone, wishing for counsel, while the Counsellor whispers the Way, the Truth, and
Winter/Spring 2015 | www.onehopecanada.ca
“
the Life. We have been given the greatest treasure in this life, the very presence of Jesus. Where does my help come from? The Holy Spirit has been a faithful and delightful friend, a brilliant counsellor, a mentor who continues to lovingly correct and align, and a genius potter committed to remaking me. This same Spirit, who works so diligently within us, applies Himself with the same diligence and passion all around us. We see Him drawing the isolated hearts of campers, volunteers, staff, students, and neighbours. We see Him setting captives free, leading wanderers into promise, and healing the brokenness that urges isolation. We see Him moving beyond Pender, knitting hearts together, kindling fires, drawing hearts into what He’s building here. The Spirit continues to build connection, to bind hearts together in prayer, to establish foundations of support, to provide resources, to build community. This work is the Holy Spirit’s great passion—to build a glorious Church, to restore Christ’s lovely Bride, and to reveal God’s great glory to the world. This has also become our passion. It always has been, but we hadn’t understood it. Through isolation, we’ve come to better understand our partners in sharing the gospel—the Holy Spirit and the Church. HOPE BAY BIBLE CAMP
www.hopebaybiblecamp.com 250-629-3194
We see Him moving beyond Pender,
knitting hearts together, kindling fires,
drawing hearts into what He’s building here.”
Hope Bay Bible Camp 2015 June 26 – July 4
Staff Training
Ages 14+
July 5–10
PreTeen 1 Camp
Ages 11-13
July 12-24
Discipleship Camp 1
Ages 14-16
July 13-17
Day Camp 1
Ages 6-12
July 19-24
Junior Camp
Ages 8-11
July 26-31
Teen Camp
Ages 13-15
July 26 - August 7
Discipleship Camp 2
Ages 14-16
August 3-7
Day Camp 2
Ages 6-12
HOPE BAY BIBLE CAMP hopebaybiblecamp.com 250-629-3194
Our commitment to you and your child To find out more about our commitment to safety visit us at:
insafehands.ca
Canada’s Hope
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AN
INTERVIEW
WITH
One Hope Canada’s Executive Directors BEV: We found it really helped to explain to folks the reason behind the new name. For people to catch the vision, that this new name could describe the “why” behind what we do, was really helpful and is something we can all unite around. There really is only One hope for our country and it is found in the good news of Jesus Christ. What were the other highlights for One Hope Canada in 2014?
C
ANADA’S HOPE SAT DOWN WITH ONE HOPE CANADA’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TEAM, BILL AND BEV McCASKELL, TO ASK THEM ABOUT THE HIGHLIGHTS OF LAST YEAR’S MINISTRY AND WHAT THEIR HOPES ARE FOR 2015.
After being known as the Canadian Sunday School Mission since 1927, this past year marked the introduction of the mission’s new name – One Hope Canada. What has the reaction been like?
BILL: I think everyone from the National Board to the leadership team were a little nervous to see how those who have be part of the mission for years would react. We all know the rich history CSSM has and we want to build on that richness. It was very encouraging to hear people’s positive response to the new name and at the same time letting us know that they still sometimes “slip” and call it CSSM. When you have been doing something for 86 years, it takes a while to change. :)
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BILL: This past year, over 28,000 children and youth from across Canada heard the gospel and saw it lived out at one of our ministry points. This is amazing, especially when you realize that close to 16,000 of them come from homes where there is no or very little Christian influence. And then combine that with fact that over 3,300 life-changing one-on-one conversations took place – and that is just the ones we are aware of – it begins to paint an amazing picture of what God is doing. BEV: Another highlight for the mission is what God is doing behind the scenes. This past year marked the coming together of eight separate offices (seven provincial offices and one national office) into a unified Ministry Resource Centre. The MRC is a “virtual office” comprised of people across the country and has the single purpose of directing, encouraging and equipping our ministry points to fulfill the purpose of One Hope Canada. What that means for our mission is that we can be more efficient in the handling of finances and administration and have freed up people and resources to assist our frontline missionaries.
Can you give an example?
BILL: Sure. One example would be that before the change, it took over six full-time people to handle the finance and administration of the provincial and national offices; today the Ministry Resource Centre has two and half full-time people working on finance and administration.
BILL: It is great to have a leadership team from across the country that is committed to the purpose of the Mission. We lead together as a team, knowing that discerning the will of God in a community that is focused on Him is the best way to keep in step with the Spirit.
What would be your prayer as you lead One Hope Canada in 2015?
One Hope Canada has nearly 200 missionaries serving across Canada. What is your hope for them in this coming year?
BEV: We continually ask God for wisdom to lead with open hands. We make our plans, but we trust the LORD to establish our steps. This would be our continued prayer for 2015. We are asking God to use One Hope Canada to reach children and youth for His Name sake. We may have lots of ideas on how we can do this, but what really matters is that we walk in step with the One whose plans are always best.
BEV: First off I’d just like to say how incredibly blessed Bill and I are to serve alongside such amazing men and women! My hope for each of them would be to experience Christ in new ways this coming year… that they would hunger for His Word and that they would see Him at work in all that they do – and that God would receive all of the glory for great things He is doing!
BILL & BEV McCASKELL live in Winnipeg, MB and have served as the Executive Director team of One Hope Canada since 2012. They continue to marvel at God’s leading them to serve together in this way – and they continue to marvel that it can also be “fun!” :)
Visit us online:
onehopecanada.ca
www.norstarindustries.ca www.norstarmfg.com
PROUD TO SUPPORT ONE HOPE CANADA
Canada’s Hope
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BY STEVE DUNCAN, CAMP DIRECTOR
Serving as one There are a few things I love about camp ministry. I love seeing kids’ lives being touched by the Gospel of Jesus as they are loved on by our summer staff. I love seeing our summer staff grow as they serve and give, and are challenged to go beyond what is comfortable. I love the surprise of seeing seemingly impossible needs being met – whether it is staffing needs or financial needs. And I love seeing things getting done! When you see vision becoming a reality, or a long-awaited project nearing completion, the heart of a camp Director gets excited. Through this tapestry of ministry, there is a thread that weaves through it all. Whether it is a volunteer that helps, a cabin leader who serves, a missionary who leads, a donor that gives, or a prayer
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Winter/Spring 2015 | www.onehopecanada.ca
warrior that prays, all are partners in the Gospel, and all are needed. I think of Jared, who got a call one Sunday afternoon in July asking him if he could be out at camp in five hours to serve for the next two weeks. Jared came for the next four summers. I think of Peter, whose goal during the year was to earn enough money so he could fix his truck, and pay for gas to drive the two hours out to camp each week so he could serve. I think of Ken, who will do anything at camp that involves a Quad and a power saw. I think of Neil, who had more projects going on, than time, but willingly gave of his skills and resources, and was actively involved in every major project at camp over the past ten years.
I think of Peter, a successful businessman who sees his business as a means of helping build God’s Kingdom. I think of Beth, who could never see herself working with children, but was willing to serve in the kitchen. And I think of my Dad, who despite being 6,000 miles away, and in the later years of his life, still continuing to be actively involved in ministry through faithfully praying for us every day. These are but a few of the many. Together, we serve as one, in Him. ECHO LAKE BIBLE CAMP
www.elbc.ca 250-996-0227
Echo Lake Bible Camp 2015 July 7-11
Junior 1
Ages 7-10
July 7-25
LIT (Leaders in training)
Ages 15-17
July 13-18
Action Camp
Ages 10-12
July 13-25
LTS 1 (Learning to Serve)
Ages 14-16
July 20-25
Splashdown
Ages 9-12
July 27-29
Rookie
Ages 5-7
August 4-8
Junior 2
Ages 7-10
August 4-15
LTS 2 (Learning to Serve)
Ages 14-16
August 10-15
i-Wild
Ages 10-13
August 17-23
Teen
Ages 13-16
ECHO LAKE BIBLE CAMP www.elbc.ca 250-996-0227
204-
Canada’s Hope
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One Hope Canada
Ministry Point Personnel in BC
Roland McQuade
Jacquie Bolen
Steve & Jen Duncan
Adventure Day Camp
Amasa Bible Camp
Echo Lake Bible Camp
Derek & Sarah Broughton
Danny Penner
Terry & Twyla Thompson
Echo Lake Bible Camp
Echo Lake Bible Camp
Echo Lake Bible Camp
Dustin & Christy Heigh
Kyle & Katie Braman
Derek & Jamie Loewen
Hope Bay Bible Camp
Hope Bay Bible Camp
Hope Bay Bible Camp
Tom & Jody McIntosh
Tom & Jody McIntosh, Mirko & Janette Blahut, Elisha Schaff
Rob & Katheryn Hasenbank
Lake of the Trees Bible Camp
Lake of the Trees Bible Camp
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Winter/Spring 2015 | www.onehopecanada.ca
Maple Springs Bible Camp
Darrel & Debbie Baerg
Mark & Chelsea Wilson
Randy & Janice McDonald
Maple Springs Bible Camp
Maple Springs Bible Camp
Mobile Ministry
Scott & Trish Anderson
Kall & Jenny Cloarec
Rob & Robin Duerksen
Ness Lake Bible Camp
Ness Lake Bible Camp
Ness Lake Bible Camp
Dave & Janine Horton
Andrew & Leslie Milton
Neil & Judy Serup
Ness Lake Bible Camp
Ness Lake Bible Camp
Ness Lake Bible Camp
Missing Photos for: Patrick Johnson Eva Schultz Diane Zwozdesky
Keith & Kerri Warkentin Ness Lake Bible Camp
Ness Lake Bible Camp
The faces behind our camps! Canada’s Hope
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BY TOM McINTOSH, CAMP DIRECTOR
The Harvest Field What amazing folks who make Bible Camp a relevant, life-changing experience! They are dedicated and forfeit lifestyle options to serve and give. And they’re blessed! It begs the questions: Why don’t they take those extra vacations? Eat out more? Pursue more hobbies? Invest more in financial security? I suspect one answer would be a great love for God who calls each of us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Each summer is an amazing story of partnership. Every spring, I ask partners to pray fervently for the Lord of the Harvest to send workers out into the harvest field. God provided 78 volunteer staff and 49 work crew to run camp. Bible Camp is ideal to find God’s unique suitability in each individual.
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Cabin Leaders teach, Work Crew serve, Cooks feed the flock, Speakers feed the flock, Nurses patch up the flock. Program staff lead the flock, Videographers keep the cameras rolling, Maintenance staff fix, Woodchucks fill the wood shed… each person vital. I also ask partners to pray earnestly that God would open doors for the Gospel. A record number of campers arrived, each with a “God” story how they came to Bible Camp. We praise God for the 61 campers counseled for salvation and 96 counseled to better know and represent Jesus Christ. Thank God for the donors, skilled workers, prayer warriors, and encouragers “behind the scenes”. Bible Camp also needs partners who invest in the care and capital development of facilities and equipment. Last season, a local
church donated and constructed a beautiful amphitheatre. This Fall and Winter, it was the Staff Residence expansion and renovation. 42 skilled volunteers and 6 One Hope Canada missionaries have already invested a conservatively estimated 3,500 hours. Our parents have been our biggest cheerleaders investing their faith, funds and friends. Jody’s folks have come from Arizona (recently California) the last 10 summers to lead food services. Tom’s folks have been involved in maintenance, construction and cooking from before I became director 14 years ago. We thank God upon every remembrance of them and of each vital partner. LAKE OF THE TREES BIBLE CAMP
www.lakeofthetrees.com 250-791-5502
Lake Of The Trees Bible Camp 2015 June 29 – July 4
Preteen 1
Ages 10-13
July 6–11
Junior 1
Ages 7-10
July 13–22
Preteen 2
Ages 10-13
July 28–30
Squirts
Ages 6-9
July 31 – August 3
Family Camp
August 4–8
Junior 2
Ages 7-10
August 10–15
Teen
Ages 13-16
August 17–22
Preteen 3
Ages 10-13
LAKE OF THE TREES lakeofthetrees.com 250-791-5502
www.millarcollege.ca
> Developing passionate, relevant servants of Jesus Christ
BRITISH COL
SUNNYBRAE UMBIA
AN SASKATCHEW
PAMBRUN
TWO CAMPUSES
CHA R ACTER • CO MPETENCE • CO M MITM ENT
In Partnership with Okanagan Bible College
Canada’s Hope
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“She often said the Lord called her from teaching reading, writing and ‘rithmetic to teaching stories about Jesus.”
A tribute to
Shirley Stewart
A
young person who came into my siblings’ lives and mine when we were growing up was Shirley Stewart. HOWARD McLEOD She lived a life of service to her Lord. She had no children of her own, but countless people continue “to rise up and call her blessed.” Shirley was grounded in a solid Bible teaching background from being raised in a godly home. As a teenager, she dedicated her life to serving the Lord and never turned back.
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After a three year career as an elementary school teacher, Shirley joined the Canadian Sunday School Mission to serve as an itinerant missionary in her home area. Teaching almost forty half-hour Bible lessons per week in public schools was a full-time job, especially considering the miles of travel between rural schools. Her ministry, located mainly in the Algoma District of Northern Ontario, east of Sault Ste Marie, once reached 1800 students in her bi-weekly rotation. She often said the Lord called her from teaching reading, writing and ‘rithmetic to teaching stories about Jesus. With boundless energy, she added a number of other
ministries to her school ministry, reaching out to children, youth, and adults. One of her key roles was directing CSSM’s Galilean Bible Camp, where many were influenced for the Lord. During her leadership at Galilean, enrolment went from less than one hundred summer campers to over seven hundred. In various stages of her ministry, she also held ladies’ home Bible studies, helped create a vibrant youth group on Saturday evenings, and on Sundays in her early career held two Sunday schools in neighbouring communities. Summer Bible schools, annual youth rallies, and home visitation also fitted into her already full schedule.
“Aunt Shirley”, as she was affectionately called by many campers at Galilean Bible Camp, had a deep interest in the lives of those she met. Many look back and value the heart-to-heart conversations with Aunt Shirley. Her ministry of letter writing and telephone contacts is treasured by many. When her ministry of teaching Bible lessons as part of the day schedule in local schools changed to after-school Bible clubs, Shirley entered that ministry with enthusiasm. In her later years, when the Lord supplied other staff to relieve her of a very full schedule, she became spare teacher for Bible clubs and teacher for a seniors’ Bible study group. She focused a great deal of her energy on ladies’ and seniors’ retreats at Galilean Bible Camp. Shirley was known as a godly lady with tremendous energy, a pioneer in the CSSM work in our district, a loyal staff person, a loving servant to many, an encourager, and someone deeply concerned for the spiritual well-being of people. I am one who will be in heaven because of Shirley’s dedication to spreading the gospel by many means, so souls might be brought into the kingdom.
“Shirley was known as a godly lady with tremendous energy, a pioneer in the CSSM work in our district, a loyal staff person, a loving servant to many, an encourager, and someone deeply concerned for the spiritual well-being of people.”
Developing passionate followers of Jesus Christ with a heart to serve.
Experience value and opportunity at Nipawin Bible College.
LEARNING • DISCOVERY • COMMUNITY • IMPACT You should attend Nipawin because God changes people here. Watch the new #studentstories videos at www.nipawin.org
It is with sadness but with peace that we announce the passing of Shirley Stewart on January 24, 2015.
Canada’s Hope
23
“
When we work
together, there is nothing we
can’t accomplish!”
BY ROB HASENBANK, CAMP DIRECTOR
Heart of
ministry Nearly eight years ago, I distinctly remember rolling onto the camp property for the first time – it was my interview with “the board”. I was a little nervous as most would be. I mean, these are the people that I am going to work with in this
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Winter/Spring 2015 | www.onehopecanada.ca
ministry. It’s not always easy to find a group of people that have the same passions as you do. Not only that, finding a common understanding on how things need to be done is a whole different area that needs to be established. Having worked in
ministry for several years already, I knew that the board could really make it or break it. I was ready to ask some hard questions and make sure we were going to be a good fit. Several hours later, following long meetings and lengthy camp tours, I was driving away thinking “this seems too good to be true!” I took the job based on what I witnessed in that group that day. Not the camp facility, or the great location, but the heart of ministry that the board had. The true passion for the Gospel, and the mission Jesus laid out before us in the Bible. I was once told by another camp director that it is imperative to treat your board as a group of allies, not as a bunch of guys that you need to work around to get what you want done. It seems obvious when you say it, but it is not often practiced in ministry. Since hearing those words I have never been able to get them off my mind while working with my board. I believe that it is the single most important factor in the strength and growth we have witnessed in the ministry here at MSBC. I thank God for each one of my partners on the board and I am so thankful to have such a great team. When we work together, there is nothing we can’t accomplish! MAPLE SPRINGS BIBLE CAMP
www.maplesprings.ca 250-767-2354
Maple Springs Bible Camp 2015 March 15-20
Spring Break Camp
Ages 8-12
May 1-3
Spring Mini Camp
Ages 9-13
July 2-4
Explorer Camp
Ages 5-8
July 6-10
Adventure #1 Camp
Ages 7-10
July 12-17
Adventure #2 Camp
Ages 8-11
July 19-24
Adventure #3 Camp
Ages 9-12
July 26-31
Junior Teen Camp
Ages 11-14
August 4-8
Wilderness Camp
Ages 10-13
August 10-17
Mega Camp
Ages 9-12
August 19-24
Senior Teen Camp
Ages 13-16
October 23-25
Fall Mini Camp
Ages 9-13
A Call to Prayer
MAPLE SPRINGS BIBLE CAMP maplesprings.ca 250-767-2354
Maple Springs Bible Camp is “home” to over 1000 children and young people every year. We are thrilled that each year this number grows. In order to continue to share the hope of the Gospel to the Okanagan, we need to purchase the 27 acre lot (and buildings) we currently lease. Within the next 22 months we must raise the remaining funds ($590,000). Will you join us in prayer?
TARGET $750,000
RAISED $160,000
To be kept informed of the latest needs and current progress please send an email to prayforcamp@maplesprings.ca
Canada’s Hope
25
A Shout Out for
Camp Ministry Partners
BY HAROLD PENNER
H
“If any partner of the ministry is unable to do their part the load can become overwhelming or impossible for the remaining partners.” 26
ave you ever been at an event where the host invites the audience to recognize the volunteers who have made the event a success with the invitation “how about a shout out for (fill in the volunteer name here) for (volunteer position here)”? Some volunteers have been quite public in their organizational role while others have worked behind the scenes ensuring everything ran smoothly. If I picture summer camp ministry as an event there are many different partners who make each season a success. The camp director may be the official face of the camp, but cabin leaders, staff, cooks and maintenance personnel each do their part to make camp a success. If any
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partner of the ministry is unable to do their part the load can become overwhelming or impossible for the remaining partners. The reality is that each year there is change in many ministry positions as some staff graduate and begin year-round employment, some move to others part of the country and others marry or have growing family commitments that reduce their ability to be involved. Stepping back from direct involvement in summer camp ministry doesn’t mean you need to end your participation as a camp ministry partner. There is still plenty of room to serve as a camp board member, prayer warrior or a financial supporter. There is always an opening for these very critical roles in summer camp ministry.
“Talk to your camp director about project options and to a Mennonite Foundation consultant about the most effective method of supporting the project.” If you are transitioning out of active summer staff ministry consider maintaining the partnership by becoming a prayer and financial partner. Even if you can only afford a few dollars a month right now, you can continue to share in the joy of being a partner in spreading the Good News about Christ. If you have been a regular financial partner for many years, you may now be in a position to
provide more significant support, either toward the annual operation of your favorite camp or a building project or a long-term fund to benefit the camp ministry for years to come. Talk to your camp director about project options and to a Mennonite Foundation consultant about the most effective method of supporting the project. Your generosity will result in joyful shouts for years to come.
Harold and the other Mennonite Foundation of Canada consultants enjoy talking with generous people and helping them achieve their charitable passions, from lifetime gifting to charitable bequests. You can find us at www.MennoFoundation.ca
Mennonite Foundation of Canada makes giving to the charities you love simple, strategic and fun. We offer complimentary tools that facilitate your Generosity Plan. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
800.772.3257 MennoFoundation.ca
Canada’s Hope
27
BY DR. SCOTT ANDERSON, DIRECTOR
An arm of
the church I grew up as a missionary kid (MK) in Moricetown, a native reserve in Northern BC, where our family were missionaries to the Wet’suwet’en people. After becoming a chiropractor and practicing for ten years, I never dreamed of becoming a missionary. But here I am, officially a One Hope Canada missionary, typing an article for the Canada’s Hope magazine. This past August as I was desperately seeking God’s will for our family (my wife, me, and four daughters), the field director said: “One Hope Canada functions as an arm of the Church.” This phrase resonated in my mind and spirit as I wrestled with God about our future and His will for our lives. The idea
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of serving with One Hope Canada as an arm of the Church excited me and played a huge role in our finally praying,“ANYTHING, LORD!” Growing up around Christian camping as a missionary kid, I was keenly aware of the stress of finding volunteers to carry out the summer camp ministry. Each year it seemed to come down to the eleventh hour before the camp had enough staff. I believe that many camps are not connecting with our potential to bless the Body of Christ by being an arm of the Church. Often, camps ask churches for volunteers, help, and finances to support their vision and burden for their camps. I propose flipping this thinking on its head!
What if we as camps, rather than asking churches for help, began focusing on the needs of the churches we partner with? Do we know the visions/missions that churches around us are living by and aspiring to in His strength? I believe God wants to use camps as an arm of the local Church, to help her be who God has called her to be. At camp, walls come down, helping each one recognize their special part in the Body of Christ. “God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be” (1 Corinthians 12:18). People encounter Him and grow in Him at camp. If you could listen to the hearts of pastors across this floundering nation, you would probably hear a deep desire for their congregations to encounter Christ and grow in Him! As an arm of the Church, we provide an environment where not only children and adults encounter Him for the first time, but God’s sons and daughters this side of heaven grow in their intimacy with Him, too. Since we are an arm of the Church, we should start asking ourselves, “How can we help the local church journey toward the vision God has for them?” As an arm of the Church, Christian camping is about far more than fun, relationship, or even telling children about Jesus. It is about making CHRIST the center of everything we do!!! NESS LAKE BIBLE CAMP
www.nlbc.bc.ca 250-967-4248
Ness Lake Bible Camp 2015 June 26-28
Squirt 1
Ages 6-9
June 29 - July 3
Junior 1
Ages 7-10
July 5-10
Intermediate 1
Ages 10-13
July 12-17
Intermediate 2
Ages 10-13
July 19-23
Junior 2
Ages 7-10
July 27-29
Squirt 2
Ages 6-9
July 31 - August 3 Family Camp
All Ages
August 4-8
Junior 3
Ages 7-10
August 9-15
Teen Camp
Ages 13-18
August 17-22
Intermediate 3
Ages 10-13
August 24-29
Intermediate 4 (morning dismissal)
Ages 9-13
June 29 - July 3
WilderNESS 1 - Overload
Ages 10-14
July 5-10
WilderNESS 2 - Boys Paintball
Ages 11-15
July 12-17
WilderNESS 3 - Teen Out-Trip Excursion
Ages 13-18
July 19-23
WilderNESS 4 - Boys Paintball
Ages 11-15
July 27-29
WilderNESS 5 - Junior Explore
Ages 8-10
August 4-8
WilderNESS 6 - Extreme Teen
Ages 13-18
August 9-15
WilderNESS 7 - Out-Trip Excursion
Ages 10-13
August 17-22
WilderNESS 8 - Teen Paintball Excursion Ages 13-18
NESS LAKE BIBLE CAMP nlbc.bc.ca 250-967-4248
Box 669 - 405 Stampede Drive, Morris, Manitoba, R0G 1K0 • Toll Free Number: 1-800-746-4449 • Email: dispatch@bartelfreight.ca
Services Transportation Services We cover all of Canada, and the United States. Terminal Services Heated Warehouse with two loading docks.
www.bartelfreight.ca
Canada’s Hope
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Finding hope through pain T H I S I S T H E S T O RY O F O U R J O U R N E Y I N F U L L -T I M E M I N I S T RY By Randy and Janice McDonald, Capital Projects Ministry Team
O
ur story begins in 2001, when friends invited us to Ness Lake Bible Camp (NLBC) to help run the water ski program at the camp’s Specialty Teen Week. We continued to do this for the next five or six years. Our sons, Karl and Kris, joined us that first summer and were a part of the program and got to know camp a little bit. During the summers of 2002 and 2003, Kris, our youngest son, joined the camp’s summer team as a volunteer. After graduating from high school, Kris spent various amounts of time working at NLBC in-between other jobs or during his time off. We owned and operated our own business, but found it difficult to take the time that we wanted to volunteer at camp. So in 2007, we sold the business. By 2008, both our sons were back living closer to us and, in fact, Kris was working with his dad in construction. We started the process of building our own Timber Frame on five acres of property in Enderby, with Randy and Kris doing most of the work on it themselves.
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“God knew that He had to move the boys away from home so that I would have the freedom to be able to move away – even if it wasn’t for the long-term.” By 2010, the house was complete and Kris had moved back up north to operate heavy equipment which was his first passion and at which he was very gifted (even as a young boy). Much of the work that he did at NLBC involved him coming in to operate the equipment to excavate or rework the land. Our older son, Karl, had moved to Saskatchewan to work on a dairy farm and was telling us that it was a permanent move. So by that summer, Randy and I were really wondering why we were spending all of our time and resources on this big home and yard for just the two of us? We committed to take a week in August to go camping and really seek the Lord about what He wanted of us at this point in time. We came home from this week with both of us being completely convinced that He wanted us to get rid of the house – but not knowing what the
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next step would be or when it would come about. In obedience, we put the house up for sale. Not knowing how quickly it might sell or what we would be doing next, I started looking online at trailers that we would be able to live in, if needed. Kris came into my office while I was looking and after asking about what I was doing, announced that he felt that we shouldn’t be buying a trailer but rather going to camp as he thought that there was a maintenance position open at NLBC as a missionary. So we made the very large leap of faith from always being self-employed to becoming a missionary. Ironically, Karl would move back to the Okanagan shortly after we had committed ourselves to NLBC. God knew that He had to move the boys away from home so that I would have the freedom to be able to move away – even if it wasn’t for the long-term.
So on November 1, 2010, we moved to Ness Lake Bible Camp for Randy to take on the position of Facilities Manager. During our four years at NLBC, we learned a lot about many different aspects of camp ministry. Randy oversaw many different building projects as well as the regular maintenance needs of camp. A new gym was built to replace the one lost to a fire, a new water reservoir / treatment system was put in, and a new timber frame residence was constructed. I helped out around camp in many different areas as the need arose. We also came to know and love the larger mission family of CSSM (now One Hope Canada) and learned how large and how blessed with resources NLBC really is in comparison to many other camps. In September of 2013, construction of the new Gate House (which was to be our new home) had just really gotten underway when tragedy struck our family. While Randy was down in Enderby working on the timber frame for the house, I got word that Kris had passed away. Then five weeks after that, my father also passed away. The house project that Kris was supposed to come and help his dad raise became our therapy to work through our loss and grief. Through many long hours and the donations of time and materials from many people, we were able to move into the house on Dec 23, 2013 and continue to finish it while we lived in it. We had a dream that as we were ready to retire from a full-time vocation (maybe in 7 – 10 years), we would like to have an RV and be able to go from camp to camp and volunteer. God started to work in our hearts and also within the mission to move us forward in this direction sooner rather than later; even though we were still too young and not financially able to retire. We saw God provide so much and in so many ways through this really difficult time. He helped us to come to a real understanding of our son and what was important to him and worked out
all the details that would move us forward in our new calling. It was decided that we would resign from NLBC, but remain missionaries with One Hope Canada. A new ministry would be created to allow us to keep raising support in order to be able to move from one camp to the next to provide help or oversight, primarily for their building projects. In order to be able to do this, it would mean that we would need to be able to purchase a 5th wheel that was large enough and well equipped enough for us to live in year-round and to purchase a truck that would be able to tow it. As it turned out, Kris had left a life insurance policy through his employer that would be used to purchase the 5th wheel. We feel incredibly blessed and honoured to be able to continue
his legacy of supporting the camping ministry and serving those we can, to increase their ministry potential with our skills and abilities. So at the beginning of November 2014, we rolled out in our truck and 5th wheel to start in on our new role as a Capital Projects Ministry Team serving with One Hope Canada. Ministry points can make application to have us come and work on their projects. Our first place of deployment is at Lake Of The Trees Bible Camp where we are working to complete a 1400 sq. ft. addition to the home of the director and his family. It continues to amaze us how faithful our God is and how He can use the most awful things in life and bring about good out of them and how He walks through the whole process with us.
“He helped us to come to a real understanding of our son and what was important to him and worked out all the details that would move us forward in our new calling.” Canada’s Hope
31
God’s
BY ROLAND MCQUADE, CAMP DIRECTOR
provision
“Oh no, they’re leaving us!” The frantic thought kept churning through my mind. “How are we ever going to run the Day Camps without them?” For over ten years, our three children have served as the core of our team at Adventure Day Camps in BC. Each year they’ve taken on more and more responsibility. But this past summer it happened. Our oldest, Sarah, headed off to be a cabin leader at Lake of the Trees Bible Camp while Melissa, who runs our technology, took a job in Manitoba. We had come to rely heavily on their gifts on the team. But thanks to the prayers of many, we saw God answer. Partners in the Gospel took on a whole new meaning for us in 2014. We returned for a sixth time to
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the Evangelical Free Church in Pritchard, the only church in the community. Without our daughters, we were very grateful for our son, James, eagerly stepping into the role of running our technology. But we still needed so much help with the rest of the program. So God provided some great ministry partners—four teens and four adults from the church, and did they step up! They prepared and led a craft, helping kids build birdhouses. They led many of our games in the morning and at lunch. The teens boldly took on parts in skits and puppet shows. What a joy to see God empower these eager and faithful servants with a passion to reach the children of their community! God brought out the
children who needed to hear the gospel! At least 90% of them do not attend church. What a joy to see local volunteers building relationships with these boys and girls. While this week of day camp was going on in Pritchard, we were praying for God’s supply for the next. We knew that, for our day camp in Pinantan Lake, we had only one extra volunteer, Norm Listoen. We wondered how we would be able to pull off what is usually our largest day camp. God’s answer came in the form of two teens. They were from the volunteers at Pritchard. I approached them toward the end of day camp and asked, “Jenna, Daneka, would you be willing to join our team next week in Pinantan Lake? We are really short on staff.” Both teens willingly and eagerly said yes, partnering with us to reach their neighboring community. They drove up each day (or rather their mom and grandma did). They came with a passion for the children and came already knowing all the parts of skits and puppet plays. They were clearly God’s provision. Thanks to God’s provision of amazing and passionate partners in the gospel, Adventure Day Camps again impacted the hearts and lives of many kids, children who live in communities and homes with little chance of hearing the great gospel message of Jesus Christ. ADVENTURE DAY CAMP
www.adventuredaycampsbc.com 604-858-5205
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COOKING WITH KATHY BY KATHY WEIR
Expiry Date WHEN CLEANING OUT CUPBOARDS AFTER MY MOM DIED, WE DISCOVERED PUDDING BOXES FROM THE LATE 70S THAT COULD HAVE BEEN SOLD AS “ANTIQUES” ON EBAY!
MOM WOULD BE DEVASTATED AT THE STUFF WE THREW AWAY. When my bag at the airport was three pounds overweight, the fellow saw the choice of foods I got from mom’s pantry (kidney beans, spam, old spices, etc). I suggested to him I must have been the favoured child and offered him his pick of items! Yes, I am my mother’s daughter. At times I’ve been criticized for not liking to “waste” food. I sometimes had irrational thoughts like, “If you keep something in the refrigerator long enough, the expiration date will eventually fade and you won’t have to worry about it going bad,” or “If food is ‘frozen,’ how can it possibly spoil?” I tended to ignore expiry dates and saw them merely as “suggestions.” I admit I was perhaps unfair and judgmental of those who seemed paranoid and thought anything a day past the expiry date must be discarded! Sorry, but I grew up in a large family where nothing was wasted and nobody adhered much to expiry
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dates...and we all survived! Besides, one never knows when you may need a great science experiment in the fridge. However, I had a change in my “theology” recently when preparing a quick lunch of Kraft Dinner and discovered there is obvious discernment in knowing when it is time for items to meet their demise. Things were going well until I opened and poured in the contents of the cheese packet. The macaroni turned a disgusting brown colour, followed by an odor a skunk couldn’t outdo! Whoa! Checking the date on the box, I was stunned to see 1998! I carefully checked the second packet of cheese from the other box and the color and smell seemed fine. Unfortunately, I discovered small dried “worms” as I stirred the contents! Ugh! Let me assure you we don’t serve “expired” food to guests and I have recently done a complete “cleansing” of pantry, freezer and medicine cabinet. However, time
does have a way of passing quickly, and perhaps it would do us well to check expiry dates. At funerals we are reminded that we all have an “expiry date” and appointment with God. “It is appointed unto man once to die, and after this the judgement” (Hebrews 9:27). As we recognize the brevity of life, we need to take inventory to be sure we are investing in eternity while we have the opportunity. Trust me, being unprepared for that appointment will have far greater implications that a 16-year-old box of macaroni! ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Howard and Kathy Weir have been serving as Camp Directors at Turtle Mountain Bible Camp (Manitoba) since 2002, but previously served at Galilean Bible Camp (Ontario) for many years before that.
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The Taylors
Fundraising Tour 2015
April 7-19, 2015 | Manitoba & Saskatchewan Tuesday, April 7 Wednesday, April 8 Thursday, April 9 Friday, April 10 Saturday, April 11 Sunday, April 12 Monday, April 13 Tuesday, April 14 Wednesday, April 15 Thursday, April 16 Friday, April 17 Saturday, April 18 Sunday, April 19
Rosenort, MB Killarney, MB Winkler, MB Portage la Prairie, MB Steinbach, MB Oakbank, MB Gladstone, MB Virden, MB Nipawin, SK Lloydminster, SK Kindersley, SK Saskatoon, SK Winnipeg, MB
Rosenort EMC Bay Avenue Mennonite Church Winkler Mennonite Church Portage Evangelical Church Steinbach CMC Oakbank Baptist Church Gladstone Christian Fellowship Virden Alliance Church Emmanuel Baptist Church Lloydminster Gospel Fellowship Kindersley Alliance Church Cornerstone Church Calvary Temple
7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 6:00 PM
For up-to-date concert info: www.onehopecanada.ca/events/ www.thetaylorsmusic.com
Publications Mail Agreement #: 40019747 Canada’s Hope One Hope Canada – BC 200-189 Henderson Hwy Winnipeg, MB R2L 1L7