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The Dinner Table | SPRING/SUMMER 2017 | News & Stories from across the BIC Church

the Dinner Table

UPCOMING EVENTS October 3-4, 2017 BIC New Pastors Orientation (Full Days Away)

October 18-19, 2017 Cross-Expression Development Days FALL/WINTER 2015/16

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UPDATE: THE SPARK INITIATIVE Getting Behind the Inspired Spark of Young Social Entrepreneurs. The Spark Initiative is a project that BIC Canada has been working on for over a year now. We couldn’t be more thrilled and encouraged by this investment in Kingdom-minded young social entrepreneurs from across the country. Motivated to get behind a new wave of young leaders, we have partnered together with other agencies and organizations to create a granting experience of funding and expert mentor-ship for eight young entrepreneurs who are in start-up mode with a company that works to support the most vulnerable.

FOR THE LOVE OF THE CHURCH Sharing the love of Jesus with Community We asked three pastors from across our BIC family to tell us what they love most about you, their churches. It should come as no surprise that our three very different expressions each addressed the questions in a unique way. Despite some variations in style, what shines through aren’t the differences, but the unity of a common purpose - sharing the love of Jesus with community. »

To date, over $130,000 has been invested in these leaders. Jeremy Bryant from Mealshare hails from Edmonton and is working to reduce child hunger in Canada. Over the past 4 years, he’s served over 1 million meals through an ingenious partnership with restaurants.

Daniel Forsythe is working to provide fresh produce for those in need near Uxbridge. He is helping to bring connection and generosity for others on his family farm through his Giving Garden.

Looking for the

Alicia Wilson from Restoration Project is from Hamilton, and is in the early stages of developing meaningful employment opportunities for people living with mental disabilities.

Jordan Thoms & Shellwyne Rodney are working hard together to pastor and provide jobs to youth at risk in some of the toughest neighbourhoods in Toronto. Their 'Jobs for Life' program has already had success in these early days.

It’s inside the back cover of this issue. >>

Nathan Tiangson is our youngest grant receiver. At 22 years of age, he is working with young people in Mississauga to create safe, welcoming, creative environments through hip-hop dance classes and competitions at Kindred Culture. Rachel Thompson, of KitchenerWaterloo continues to gain ground by supporting literacy for people living with Alzheimer’s. She has received national coverage and continues to receive funding from other sources for Marlena Project.

Greg Whitfield is moving and shaking things in Cambridge with Catalytic Converters. He works with youth at risk and connects them with pre-apprenticeship opportunities in automechanics . LEARN MORE To learn more about The Spark Initiative and each individual project, visit: www.thesparkinitiative.ca

BIC SUMMER BOOK CLUB 2 | The Dinner Table

Info: www.canadianbic.ca/book-club Join: www.facebook.com/biccanadabookclub

DIRECTOR’S CHAIR? Doug Sider shares his thoughts on the lesssons we learn while at work and in ministry.

Network Church

The Meeting House

Network Church

Jon Manafo The Village

Ryan Karayiannis (Toronto)

Dave Drinkwalter REUNION - St John’s

What made you decide that your church was home?



This question is unique for a church planter because we take part in building our home church. If we don’t like our home then we have ourselves to blame. In creating and developing The Village we thought of a number of things we love about the church. Things that make our church home would be the sense of community. I know that’s easy to say, but we really do feel like we’re experiencing this. People actually like each other and are glad to be together. They feel like they can come as they are. Perhaps this is so because of how we define and create our main gathering. We call it an “Intermission”: a break or deep breath between a week that’s ended and a week that is about to begin.

In the last 3 years I have seen a whole range of different groups and gatherings of people coming together to worship, converse and understand God. The thing these groups had in common (other than Jesus) is that each and every person longs to be known and seen for who they are. My church believes in simplicity and strips back the excess to make room for just God and us. A place to be. A place to be loved and accepted. A safe space that enjoys diversity and difference. A place where each person can explore and excel as they have been made to be.

We’ve felt a strong sense of invitation in each stage of planting this church. Firstly, while considering, exploring and praying about ‘what next?’ we found God calling and inviting us to move east and plant a church. Next we had invitations from local people (especially artists) welcoming us and drawing our attention to both the beauty (opportunities) and the brokenness (needs) that exist in this community and the world around us. Lastly, we‘ve experienced invitation through the discernment of both BIC Canada and local St John’s church leaders encouraging and supporting us as we serve in this here.

What do you love most about your job?



I love people - young and old, and people from different cultures. I love to interact with people and to speak God’s word into their lives. I also love to reach out to those who are lost and see them incorporated into the life of the local church. »

God’s grace allows me to tell people about the greatest gift. I am not worthy, yet Jesus allows me to go on this adventure with Him to share in LIFE with people. Moments where people are completely hopeless and broken, and God, through me, provides for them or comforts them. There is no greater privilege! »

I love meeting with people, hearing their stories and seeing how God is at work in their lives. I purposefully work in coffee shops. I believe that through the incarnation, Jesus modelled for us, the importnace of proximity. If we desire to live the life that Jesus invites us to, and share his message, we need to choose life with people. Wherever we are - God invites us into community. I love being a part of this. »

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 | 3 FALL/WINTER 2015/16

the Love of the Church cont’d » For Jon Manafo

For the Love of the Church cont’d » Ryan Karayiannis

the Love of the Church cont’d » For Dave Drinkwalter

Describe what you think makes your church unique.



Probably exactly the same things as in my answer to the first question. Perhaps I’d also add this one line we often use: “We don’t ever want to take ourselves too seriously, but we do take Jesus and his message of peace & hope seriously.” That feeds into everything we do. We hope to be passionate about God’s mission, but also very humble, knowing that we are but one expression in the large and beautiful body of Christ.

Sunday morning is a time to learn, but midweek home church is the time to grow in community. I grew up in a church where Sunday was your day to be filled up, and then for the rest of the week you get through and just about make it to Sunday again. Then repeat. The emphasis here is on home church and how it creates a community of people in intentional relationships focused on discipling and journeying together. It creates authenticity, genuineness and teaches a “God in my everything” kind of faith. The best kind!

In the gospels I see Jesus always coming from, or going to, a party. I believe the life Jesus calls us to means sharing our lives together - celebrating God and people. At parties people often share their stories and find things in common. We go to parties and throw parties, continually discovering God is already present there. Jesus’ primary illustrations of the kingdom were as a party. Parables like the lost sheep, lost coin and lost sons end with a party. When Levi starts his journey with Jesus he throws a party. We need more of this! I’m with Alan Hirsch - “Party is Sacrament.”

Church life can have its challenging moments. What gets you through the hard times?



My family. The people I do life with every day are God’s gift to me. Golf, both watching and playing, keep me sane. Other active things like cycling, running, kayaking and other sports are important to me. Lastly, and most importantly, God’s call on my life to do what I do: It’s the best reminder that God is the one in control and I’m not.

I’ve recently learned that the enemy will always try to isolate us. When Jesus healed a man with leprosy, he reached out and touched him, bringing him back to community. With a paralyzed man, he got right up close, calling him “my child” and bringing him back to family. Healing a bleeding woman, Jesus calls her “daughter.” Jesus brings these three people from isolation into community. In hard times, I tend towards isolation and an “I’ll deal with it myself” mentality, but Jesus redeems so much of that when I’m transparent in my community. To be broken and accepted is one of the greatest gifts.

Having time to pray alone and time to pray with others is not some sidebar thing - it is essential. Prayer transforms situations, but it also transforms me. I am reminded in prayer of who God is, of who I am and of what God is doing in the world/in me. Prayer reorients my heart towards the one who is my home (See Psalm 90:1). My sense of identity, of place, of family -- of home -- all of this starts with him.

How do you see God using your way of doing church to reach people?



Firstly of all I think all expressions of the church have their place in the body. I believe every church is a good church for somebody. That said, we feel very called to ‘do’ church (be church) in a way that is welcoming towards those who are far from God or who may have some hang-ups with some other

I’m not sure I have “a way” of doing church. I just believe that each and every person we come into contact with is an opportunity that God gives us to interact with and to love. I know that my relationship with God is the source of all that I do and the basis of who I am. When I am with people I try to be fully

We do something we call Story & Song in a local bakery. We order coffee and/ or food, have a local musician share songs with us along certain themes (community, creativity, hope, loss, etc). Following the live music, we take time to look into the story of scripture and discuss it around our tables. It’s been

4 | The Dinner Table

the Love of the Church cont’d » For Jon Manafo

For the Love of the Church cont’d » Ryan Karayiannis

the Love of the Church cont’d » For Dave Drinkwalter

traditional church expressions. Because we love questions, value people’s stories, approach the scripture with humility and do our best to understand current culture, we feel like we’re positioned well to help people discover Jesus alongside us.

surrendered to the movement of His Spirit, and when it is just God and I, I try to ‘soak’ in His Word and Truth. I pray God’s contagious Spirit within me will be recognizable to others. Hopefully, people will question why I am the way I am without me having to say a word. Sometimes that means being different and embracing the spotlight, using the opportunity to point toward God.

amazing to see new people come into community. Some are considering Jesus, some are re-considering following Jesus and some are committed followers of Jesus. I believe God is doing something in this!

What are you most looking forward to in your church’s life this year?



We are hoping to identify a few local needs that we can address and come along side with love and grace; something we can commit to for a few years, plant seeds, and see some fruit come from those seeds. We are hoping to baptize as many or more people than we baptized last year (7). We look forward to becoming a fully selfsustaining church when we celebrate our 5th birthday late in 2017. Honestly, we’re looking forward to more of the same, slowly, but surely, connect with people who are looking for more in life and will discover it in Jesus as they are attracted to a community who loves him and loves others.

We are always questioning why we do what we do. We are open to change and feedback and are always asking God to lead us in new ways for the benefit of those who do not know Him, and for those who do. We have had many challenges and changes, but through this, God has become more real through the faith of some key leaders. There is a greater dependence on Him, and through that, a more intimate and genuine community of God seeking people. I am looking forward to seeing this community surrender more and more and more to Him.

- More life - Our group growing deeper in relationship with God & one another. - More people coming into those same spaces with us.

Describe your community in 3 words.



Discovery, Story, Community.

Direct, Gracious, Loving.

Jesus, Table, Party.

Why do you think people should come to your church?



People should consider coming to The Village because they will find a community who welcomes them no matter where they are in their spiritual journey - because they can discover faith at their own pace – because we keep things simple, while still doing our very best to strive for excellence.

Come and meet people who are ‘just normal people who know an extraordinary God.’ Come and see us excel in our weakness and celebrate a God big enough to lead us through anything and everything! Come and be accepted as you are for who you are and come meet people who love sports far too much!

I want people to meet Jesus – whether with us or another church. Jesus helps us own our complexities, strengths, weakness and stories in ways that are life-giving. As he meets us in this way he creates a capacity within us to do this for others. The core venue or training ground where this happens is in community.


GOD AT WORK AMONG HIS PEOPLE Experiencing death, life and ‘finding home’ An interview with Glenda Mercer by Charlotte Sider The first four and a half years of Glenda Mercer’s life could easily be made into a made-for-TV-movie. Born an identical twin, her mother died two days after giving birth. For that first year, Glenda and her sister, Marg, lived with nine different aunts. After a year, their father remarried and they were cared for by their stepmother. But when that relationship ended, Glenda and Marg went to live with an aunt and uncle, who officially adopted them at the age of four. This marked a fresh start, and an opportunity to start again. “Our story was never a secret, it was a gift,” explains Glenda. “What was really special is that we were kept together the whole time.” Glenda and her sister had never experienced church, until a neighbour offered to take the girls to Sunday School at Waverly Road Baptist Church in the Beaches area of Toronto. Their mother tagged along, and eventually all three made a decision to follow Jesus. Her father also became a Christian six months before he died. Glenda became very involved in the youth program at the church. She was in the choir, occasionally played the piano or organ, and also worked with youth – a natural fit for Glenda. “As a young child, I used to get all the kids in the neighbourhood together, and play teacher. I loved children.” Glenda went on to get her teaching degree. She spent years teaching elementary school and became a 6 | The Dinner Table

Special Education Consultant. She went on to be a Vice Principal and finally a Principal. “For me, teaching was an opportunity to be a role model. It made me look at what I was doing in the classroom besides teaching. I worked at inner city schools in Toronto and at Bloorview Hospital School. I had opportunities that went beyond teaching. I was able to support children and their families, which prepared me for some of the work I do now in my retirement years.”

“It’s the verse (Hebrews 12-15) that hits me when I wake up in the morning. In the day that’s ahead, make sure no one misses God’s grace. Don’t miss the opportunity.”

For 13 years Glenda worked as a volunteer with Evergreen Hospice and had a rich experience visiting people with life-threatening illnesses. Today Glenda is a Deacon at Heise Hill Church in Gormley, Ontario. She volunteers passionately with a group of churches called the Markham Community Churches Collaborative (MCCC), which includes Heise Hill and four other local churches. The MCCC provides a variety of support to those in need. They mentor youth, distribute clothing and furniture, provide transportation and financial support, and step in to provide help however it’s needed. “This group has done four home makeovers, have built fences to close in yards, they’ve done electrical and plumbing, furnished entire homes, provided spiritual counsel, and so much more,” Glenda says. “This sometimes requires a lot of people so we’ve learned that having others share the burden works better, and it engages more people in the act of caring for others.” Through the support that MCCC offers, many people are getting back

up on their feet, and some are even walking through church doors for the first time. “They are welcomed at church,” explains Glenda. “They are accepted just as they are, and supported as they develop and grow.” Glenda has experienced heartaches during her lifetime, but believes God allowed her to experience these in order to prepare her to handle the greater challenges ahead - most remarkably, the passing of Marg, her identical twin sister. “In those smaller experiences of loss,

PHOTO BY KYLE KIRKWOOD

God created a plan for me to deal with the loss of someone like my sister. And although it was traumatic, God allowed those experiences to prepare me. It’s hard for me to describe how I felt God working through that time. How I had hope. I had so many opportunities to talk with people and explain how God had used little things to prepare me.” In addition to this, Glenda speaks honestly about how, “death brings life” is one of the themes of her life. How with each significant death, life or opportunities came from it. After her birth mother died, Glenda moved to Toronto where she began her faith journey thanks to a neighbour.

A year before Marg died, Glenda had moved to Gormley to care for her sister. After Marg’s death, Glenda met a young boy named Brenden who battled cancer for three years before passing away at the age of 11. Brenden had invited Glenda to see him perform in the children’s musical at his church – Heise Hill. Those invitations led to her decision to join the Heise Hill family and become a member. “I was drawn to Heise Hill mainly because of the caring attitude demonstrated by this congregation.” Glenda lives life with Hebrews 12:15 whispered in her ear: “See to it that no

one misses the grace of God.” “It’s the verse that hits me when I wake up in the morning. In the day that’s ahead, make sure no one misses God’s grace. Don’t miss the opportunity.” She goes on to explain what this looks like, practically speaking. “I love talking with people and saying a simple hello, choosing to hold a door - so many things we can do that may seem unimportant yet demonstrates your care for others and expresses God’s grace and love to them.”


like Jesus did, and to me there is nothing better than that. Their constant desire to put others first and show a love that only comes from God was extremely fruitful as we had many first time dedications, baptisms, and immense growth in the lives of both children and family campers.

CAMP KAHQUAH “Making Memories, Changing Lives” An interview with Graeme & Caitlin Hogg by Shelley May Isn’t it amazing how close you feel to God when you step away from the bright lights of the city, the distractions of technology, and the hustle and bustle of everyday life, instead stepping into the quiet calm and beauty of nature? Everywhere you look just shouts His name. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” (Psalm 19:1, NIV) Although life is not always calm and quiet at Camp Kahquah, God’s presence is always evident, and sharing the love of Jesus is always the theme of the day. A Christian retreat nestled in the beautiful, peaceful surroundings of Magnetawan, Ontario, Camp Kahquah offers Christian programs for children aged 6 to 18, and families alike. Caitlin and Graeme Hogg are the co-directors of Camp Kahquah. In addition to running this busy camp, Caitlin and Graeme are also elementary school supply teachers. To keep up with the year-round demands of running a camp they arrange their teaching schedules so that when


one of them is covering a long term contract, the other does day to day supply. This allows them to keep up with the “off season” jobs of camp promotions (social media, speaking at churches and events, website management), hiring of staff for the upcoming season, and all the administrative functions that don’t disappear when the weather changes. The passion that Graeme and Caitlin have for this camp and the work they do is very evident when they speak of Camp Kahquah. It is no wonder people feel like they are at home when they are welcomed by this dynamic duo. I hope you enjoy learning about this camp and how they are making memories and changing lives. Did you have a successful season this last year? I believe we had an overwhelmingly successful season of ministry this last summer. It was great to see long-time committed staff members continue to be examples of Jesus to our 320 children’s campers and over 800 family campers. From the moment the first bus arrived to the last tent being packed up, our staff constantly modelled what it is like to love others

We saw children’s camper numbers increase overall by 10% from the previous season, our three leadership development programs were all at full capacity and we worked with over 50 students from Grades 9-11 to enhance leadership skills and grow spiritually. We saw all four weeks of our family camp at essentially full capacity, with 180-200 people on site per week. What are some of the highlights from this last year? The moment that sticks out to me the most was when I walked into The Underground (our chapel sessions) and listened to 110 campers sing out “More Than Conquerors” like I‘ve never heard it before. It was great to see our campers feel so safe to worship in such an authentic and real way. Another highlight for me was being able to provide financial aid to 54 campers who otherwise would not be able to experience camp. Not only providing the camp experience, but also having the staff that loves, cares for, and helps them develop spiritually and personally was tremendous to see. I can’t talk enough about how our staff truly did “take up their cross” each day to put the needs of fellow staff members and campers ahead of themselves. »

What are your hopes for the future of the camp? Our hope for the future of Kahquah is that it will remain a place where children and families can experience Jesus in a meaningful way, make lasting friendships, grow their leadership skills and learn to love others. We pray that it will continue to strengthen its relationships with BIC churches as well as develop new ones with other denominations, partnering agencies and supporting communities. Lastly, our hope is that Camp Kahquah will prevail as a place of growth and renewal for all ages to come, feel safe and be loved by others and the Lord. Can you share with us a camper success story? About a sixth of campers who attend Kahquah receive financial aid. A single mother who is having a very difficult time in life sent us this note after her daughter returned from camp last summer: “By far the best camp ever. Everyone wonders why I send my daughter 6 hours away to camp and not around where we live and it’s simple: no other camp offers this level of care. My daughter has had a really hard year with bullies and this has boosted her self-esteem a lot. I can’t wait till next year when my younger daughter can go as well and my 11year old is already saying when she is old enough she wants to be a camp leader!“ We have dozens of stories like this.

What is the camp community like? The Camp Kahquah community is absolutely tenacious. The tremendous support it has received from the time it opened its doors until today is amazing. This community has a passion for supporting a ministry that enables children to grow and develop mentally, physically and spiritually. Without their unending love, prayers and support, Kahquah would not have grown into the flourishing camp it is now. When I asked people last summer the first word that came to their minds when they think of Kahquah, the most common answer was, “home”. I’ve always said that Kahquah is not only a place but a community. I see it every year when campers bring friends, return on staff because they couldn’t spend their summers anywhere else, or groups praying over one another. People may only come to camp for a week, but the impact they will feel truly does last a lifetime.

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What are some of the things you would like people to pray for? When thinking of Camp Kahquah, please pray that even more children would be able to come to camp and experience the love of Jesus in all that they encounter. Pray that our previous staff would return energized and excited for another summer and for new staff who are thinking of applying to work with us. Please also pray that the camp would continue to be financially supported so that we can continue our ministry and spread the Good News to even more children and families. We are looking forward to another great summer where memories are made and lives are changed! We are constantly improving our programs so stay tuned at campkahquah.com for information on programs, dates, and costs for camp. Feel free to e-mail [email protected] - Graeme and Caitlin would be happy to help you out!

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ENLACE (Nicaragua) “Learning from each other in partnership” We live in a world with such incredible opportunities for relationship. Whether it is truly face to face or through world spanning communications technology the potential to connect with others seems to be vast. As BIC Canada we are already a small part of a much wider family and community. One that extends beyond our local church and out across not only our own country but internationally. BIC Churches exist in many countries around the world, and these Christ following communities journey alongside us. Working to follow Jesus, share his message and extend his peace. There is much we can learn from them, their faith and how they interact with their own cultures. In the summer of 2016 a group of young people 16-30 from across BIC Canada took the opportunity to experience and learn from the BIC church in Nicaragua. They applied and became a part of the ENLACE (Nicaragua) - learning team (a joint initiative of BIC Canada-Global and MCC). Travelling across Nicaragua they experience just some of the amazing things God is doing through BIC Nicaragua. Here are just a few of their reflections on what they saw, experienced & learned. We started today off with a visit to the BIC head offices where we met some of the key people that run the whole thing. We met German Garcia, the leader of BIC Nicaragua, the secretary Marbel, Marvin the treasurer and another pastor and head leader of a church in Bluefield’s and the surrounding area. They were all so kind, welcoming and as curious to learn about us as we were to learn about them. We had a conversation about the start of BIC in Nicaragua and the various projects they are involved in. It was founded in 1975 and started off small and its goal then was to attract children and get them off the streets... It has since evolved to full churches for families and adults. 10 | The Dinner Table

After lunch we stayed at the ACM offices and we had a meeting with a group of Peace Communicators. The y were a diverse group of youth- creo le, Miskito and Nicaraguan who work to make changes in their community of Bluefields. They go to schools and talk to the students about bullying, HIV, recycling and violence. They also mak e little videos and radio ads to promote awareness and end the stigma arou nd many issues. After the talk about wha t they do, they asked us some questions about why we are here and what we have enjoyed. We all agre ed that we were all pleasantly surprised by how open, honest and willing everyon e we met was, and how they were willin g to share their struggles with us. The people here are so friendly, welcomi ng and kind, which can be a pretty big change from home. After the talk, they showed us some traditional songs and dances that they often do to celebrat e their festivities and for fun. They were a lot of fun!

For more from the team on their time in Nicaragua visit the trip’s blog here: http://enlace2016.blogspot.ca To learn more about planning a team through BIC Canada-Global email: [email protected] To donate to the work visit: www.canadianbic.ca/donate “Global Vision Project CPE-010”

DIRECTOR’S CHAIR “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” - I Thess 1:3 As a human being I am learning that every role we live and work in has its mix of responsibilities and experience that are really good and fun and then the pieces that are more difficult, challenging and, at times, just hard. As a pastor, those moments of joy and reward included dedicating people’s children, being with people as they made the decision to follow Christ, baptisms, being present with people when they walked through a difficult season of life and were seeking to find God in the midst of it. Or helping a group of people figure out together what God had for them next as a church. I loved that! In my current role, one of the joys I have is seeing the breadth of the Church in Canada and the many ways in which God is working. In I Thessalonians, Paul is writing to a church he deeply loves. Work produced by faith Faith is often defined as a belief in God which is unprovable. In the context of the church of Thessalonica, Paul recognizes that their faith in Christ produced a work within them that could only be produced God’s movement among them. In later verses Paul talks about the fruit of their faith and the work it produced; their concern for others, their willing acceptance of persecution and their desire for the gospel to penetrate the lives of others.

When our lives are lived out with an active and hope-filled sense of faith, the world and our situations can look vastly different. We can actually enter into a place where we can be used of God in ways that we could not have possibly imagined. A year ago churches within the BIC Canada family were in the middle of figuring out how to respond to Syrian Refugee crisis. A year later it is exciting to celebrate what God has done. Today dozens of people whose lives were in turmoil are living in peace and have experienced followers of Jesus as people who will love them, serve them and walk along side them. This work produced by faith has impacted families not just from Syria and the Levant region of the world, but also families from Columbia who our churches have sponsored. Your labour prompted by your love In my life, one of the “labours” of love I enjoy is cooking. It’s a labour prompted by my internal love for my family. In Paul’s letter to the Church he commends them for their labour promoted by love. He doesn’t say who that love was for. In Paul’s mind it could be as specific as a love for God or a love for others. Or in a more general sense it could simply be Christian love. At the same time, Paul is clear that our love for one another will grow and overflow into a love for everyone else. Paul suggests that Christian love must work itself out in such a way that it ends up impacting people outside of us.

It is my prayer that all of our churches are known as beacons of love and concern for all people. Endurance inspired by hope As we seek to live in a way that is consistent with the faith we have, we also experience the reality that, at times, life is hard. God seems quiet, the work seems overwhelming, the call to experience transformation in our own lives can be challenging. But Paul commends the church at Thessalonica for an endurance that is inspired by hope in Christ Jesus. In other words, Paul says your hope is in the idea that someday your faith and love will have been worth it. Its a hope anchored in Jesus. It is a hope anchored in the one who is the firstborn over all creation (Col 1:15). It is a hope anchored in the one is faithful (5:24). I believe with all my heart that when we live with Christ…. the joys, the frustrations… the stuff we call life, work and ministry will have been worth it. As you have read through this issue of the Dinner Table it is my hope that you found encouragement as you heard the stories of people who are experiencing a work in their life produced by faith, and others who are serving people through a labour of love. It's my hope that these stories help all of us to develop a heart that endures inspired by the hope we have in Christ. Together with you in ministry, Doug Sider Executive Director

I see our churches attempting to live this out in their ministries. Whether its through refugee care, serving at local food banks, helping women’s shelters, offering Divorce Care for Kids or simply finding ways to share the love and hope of Jesus with a neighbour it is a labour prompted by love. FALL/WINTER 2015/16 | 11

NEW FORMAT BIC CANADA IN PRAYER Like the BIC Canada in Prayer Facebook page: facebook.com/BICCanadaPrays Download the new format monthly prayer update from: canadianbic.ca/resources. You may also receive a printed copy in your church mailbox. This is a great way to be praying for one another across our churches in Canada and around the world. Please send prayer requests and praise items to [email protected]. Thank you for your ongoing partnership and prayers!

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