Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you… (I Peter 1:3 – 4)
In his opening remarks Peter expresses excitement about the “living hope” we have – an eternal hope. This is the message of life God has called us to share with the world. The reception of these words of life makes all of the difference to those who are in darkness.
With deep appreciation of the personnel and infrastructure the Lord has allowed us to employ, here is a brief glimpse of how we are proclaiming this good news.
GLOBAL MISSIONS
The fourfold description has been characteristic of PAOC Missions for the past 100 years: Reaching, Planting, Equipping and Caring. Our personnel now numbers around
260 serving in 52 different countries, spanning Africa, Eurasia, Latin America and Southeast Asia. Nineteen percent of our workers serve in Restricted Access Nations (RANs) or in nations closed to the open preaching of the gospel of Jesus. Another 18% work in the 10/40 window.
Priority is given to the 1.5 billion who have never heard the good news, to the poor and marginalized – particularly children – and to multiplying our impact through the training of national leaders. More than 3,000 students in affiliated Bible colleges and 15,000 students in extension programs are being trained to be the next generation of leaders that will make a lasting impact on their nations. (PAOC website)
Giving has increased! The total giving for 2010 in all agencies represents a marginal increase over 2009 of almost 1%.
International Missions 15,520,000
ERDO 7,939,000
AsiaSpan/Restricted Access Nations 1,385,000
Mission Link 486,000
Village of Hope 933,000
Total 26,263,000
The Eastern Ontario District is home to 27 missionary families. In addition, under the shared-funding model there are many other missionaries from various districts who have built great relationships in EOD. They are welcome to itinerate and take advantage of any venue offered.
The challenges are constant. Personal budgets, where-most-needed, projects, and other considerations are ever present needs. Thank you for your faithfulness in giving to PAOC missions. In 2010 EOD churches gave $2,488,532 to global missions. The total for 2009 was $2,099,598 – a $388,934 or 19% increase. This is amazing!
Our missionaries continue to be served when they come to Canada on home assignment or otherwise. A missions home is available, as well as assistance with itineration and a vehicle. The goal is to make each home assignment as productive and pleasant as possible. Your continual partnership is essential to our extended family both on the field and at home.
MISSIONS TELECONFERENCES
Three or four times a year EOD hosts missions teleconferences. These venues provide an excellent forum to share current information, highlighting PAOC global missions and Mission Canada. This is a very practical way of dialoguing and staying current. The teleconferences are usually from 12 pm to 1 pm on an appointed day. Participants are invited to phone in and share information relating to the panorama of missions around the world. This service is designed for pastors, leaders, missions committees and missionaries as critical information is disseminated.
MISSIONS AT CAMPS
Summer camps are always exciting, especially when missions is profiled. Both Ottawa Valley Pentecostal Camp and Lakeshore Pentecostal Camp actively support the work of God around the world. Whether it is the Missions Fiesta or Missions Sunday, the atmosphere at the camps is buzzing with excitement! Many missionaries and projects are the recipients of substantial financial blessings. These venues are excellent opportunities to present global missions and Mission Canada each summer.
OTHER MISSIONS BRANCHES
Global Education
Global Education, under the leadership of Dr. Irving Whitt, gives excellent direction to the many Bible College training institutions around the world. The Timothy Fund is proving to be a valuable resource, sponsoring and enabling young men and women to train for Christian ministry in their culture and context. Global Education gives oversight to at least 32 Bible Colleges and training centres in various nations, “Equipping Equippers in a Global World.” Irving writes
Thousands of qualified men and women living in poverty-stricken countries feel called to leadership positions in the church. However, they lack the resources to pursue the training that will equip them for service. Global Ed is committed to helping students and, through the Timothy Fund, is raising scholarships of $50.00 monthly or $600.00 annually to help with their fees. While there are thousands of students in PAOC related training programs in Africa, God is opening many new doors of opportunity in Asia, in countries like Vietnam, Cambodia and India.
I had the privilege of being with Irving in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, along with Regional Director, Rev. Peter McIntosh, in April of 2010. After ministering to over 150 believers of a local indigenous church, we spent some visiting Nepal Training Centre, an Assemblies of God Bible College. NTC had over 80 students with the prospects of increasing to 200 students in two years. The Assemblies of God is part of a growing Christian movement, increasing to close to 700 churches in the past 20 years. Trained leaders are desperately needed. The PAOC has partnered with NTC, providing them with 10 scholarships this year as well as supplying pastors and missionaries to teach three courses. This is only one of over 32 training programs with thousands of students. More about teaching opportunities and the work of Global Education can be learned by contacting Irving Whitt at iwhitt@paoc.org
In his report Irving reiterates: “The goal of all our training is to give full responsibility to national bodies and seek greater levels of sustainability.”
ERDO
There have been unprecedented natural disasters in the last few years in many countries around the world. ERDO continues to bring practical humanitarian aid to untold thousands. Often ERDO partners with the Assemblies of God, USA through their Convoy of Hope. This kind of partnership along with other reputable NGOs proves to be effective and diminishes the possibility of duplicating efforts, making practical ministry more efficient. ERDO provides food, shelter and necessities of life bringing life-saving sustenance to hundreds of thousands of suffering people in places like Haiti, New Zealand, Japan and other needy regions. Millions in crisis are cared for through various venues.
ChildCare Plus
ChildCare Plus continues to grow. Currently, there are more than 6,000 children sponsored around the world with Villages of Hope (children’s homes) providing refuge for young lives. Some of our churches currently sponsor several hundred children. The need continues to multiply, especially in war-torn and extremely poverty-stricken areas.
Short Term Missions (STM)
Short Term Missions (STM) continues to serve churches preparing for overseas ministry. Matt Janes gives excellent leadership to this vital component. The training is absolutely critical to individuals and groups to ensure the best possible efficiency for short term missions’ trips. Matt may be reached at www.stmnetwork.ca
Mission Canada
Canada is a vast mission field. Five missional priorities constitute our vision:
Our District mandate and ministry embrace these. The priority descriptions aptly identify the daunting task of reaching lost people and introducing them to the Saviour.
CHURCH HEALTH AND MULTIPLICATION
Creative expressions of multiplication bring the good news to unique contexts. Consider Church in the City, Toronto led by Paul and Vicki Burke. Beside the mother church there are six other expressions which have been started to minister to specific demographics: Church in the Beach (nearby community); Cornerstone Church (urban, feeding the hungry); French language church (Francophone Canada); 12-step Church (recovering addicts); York University (campus ministry); and Church in the School, a ministry to teachers. Paul comments about this latter ministry model:
The teacher who leads this ministry, teaches at the Toronto school board and started last fall. Because of what God is doing in the lives of those who attend, all the staff are talking about God now. At least three have made decisions to follow Christ. They call it CITS - Church in the School. The York - Glendon campus church has between 15-25 and started 3 weeks ago.
The GTA Connections (formerly GTA Initiative), a partnership between the Eastern and Western Ontario districts encourages expressions like these. On a more personal level, what is the Lord asking you to do in your setting? How can we assist you in accomplishing your dreams?
Leadership Connection is a three-way partnership bringing together EOD, WOD and Master’s College and Seminary. Twice per year, church leaders are offered workshops intended to enhance their personal and ministerial lives with helpful resources as they continue fulfilling the leadership ministry to which God has called them.
New churches have been added to our numbers in urban regions over the past couple of years:
Forward in Faith Church, Toronto with Rev. David & Florence Simango
Pentecostal Community Church of Ottawa/Gatineau with Pastor Faustin & Jackline Kibukila
International Followers of Jesus Christ Church, Toronto with Pastor Christy and Premila Mariyanayagam
See printed binder for related images
ABORIGINAL MINISTRY
In August 2009 Rev. Dan Collado was appointed by the board of Aboriginal Bible Academy (formerly Native New Life Training Centre) as the Academic Coordinator. Subsequently, he has been recognized as a missionary to Canada. Dan travels throughout Canada and has built relationships with all PAOC districts including The Pentecostal Assemblies of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Relationship building is translating into new students enrolling in ABA’s three-year study program. Currently there are over 40 students at various training centres across the country.
Beside having a full complement of theological and practical ministry courses, ABA printed 10,000 copies of the Native Book of Hope and 2,000 copies of First Things First (Keith Parks). These two publications are proving to be excellent tools for evangelism and discipleship. More than 2,000 of these books have been distributed on various reservations, prisons and other local settings. Dan writes:
So much has taken place over the past couple of years here at Aboriginal Bible Academy (ABA)! These have indeed been exciting days as we have witnessed the hand of God opening doors and making a way for the ministry ABA to assist in the equipping, educating and establishing of Aboriginal leadership from coast to coast to coast. With now over 40 students accessing Bible training through ABA we are seeing an increase within not only the Aboriginal community for discipleship training but also an increased interest within the ethnic demographic of our nation as well. Through introductory ministry resources such as the Native Book of Hope and First Things First we have been able to serve in the reaching of the seeker and/or new believer as well as to provide quality biblical training to help the development of lay-leadership in the church, while also providing enhanced training for potential and current full-time ministers. With an operating principle to come along side existing ministry for the purpose of helping to develop indigenous leadership, we are excited with what the future holds. Please pray for the ministry of Aboriginal Bible Academy as we continue to forge ahead partnering with the various districts, ministries and churches across our nation - coming along side as the need arises to assist in the facilitating of satellite training centres. With over 1.2 million Aboriginal people in Canada the need has never been greater for discipleship development. Our nation is big and the need is big…but we serve a BIG God!
THE “CAPITAL COMMISSION”
EOD’s second largest urban setting is the city of Ottawa and region. The “Capital Commission” brings together pastors and leaders from the Ottawa/Hull region with a focus to reach the more than 1 million people in that demographic. An interesting component of this initiative is the inclusion of part of the Province of Quebec, particularly the Hull region. The Superintendents of both EOD and Quebec District have embraced the cooperative venture and it is proving to be a network of positive responses to missional priorities! Brian Egert and his team are currently planning a joint celebration in the city of Ottawa in a few days!
WOMEN’S MINISTRIES
Women’s Ministries, under the capable leadership of Sandra Gill, continues to make a huge difference local assemblies! The L.I.F.E. Funds make it possible for churches to obtain facilities that they would not otherwise have the financial capacity to afford. The history of this fund-raising ministry has yielded almost 2 million dollars in generous giving since its inception. Sandra writes:
In the past two years we have encouraged EOD women to go 'Beyond Ourselves' to share Christ and their lives as well. We have endeavoured to highlight and live out this theme in a variety of ways through conferences in Oshawa and Belleville, camp days at Lakeshore and OVPC, involvement in mission trips in Canada, Thailand, Senegal, India and Romania as well as in daily living at home, at church and in the local community.
See printed binder for related images
How exciting as 82 'women of influence' covering the generation spectrum gathered in Peterborough last year for twenty-four hours of leadership development with one goal...to Climb Higher! Another highlight was the 'Yellow Bus trip' last fall to northern Quebec where we did an outreach to 296 homes followed by a children's program, a women's spa, devotion, luncheon, visitation to seniors and meeting dignitaries of the community before attending the Native Women's Retreat.
We raised funds through LIFE...Ladies Investing For Eternity...for both Malvern Christian Tamil Assembly in Scarborough and Nationside Pentecostal Church in Chesterville with this year's emphasis being on the French work in Hawkesbury. We appreciate the continued faithfulness of pastors who come alongside this endeavour to bless assemblies in our District.
This year a number joined the National Conference in Moncton for an amazing time of motivation, equipping and networking. The message that we desire to spread is...like Canadian Diamonds you are valuable and beautiful and ‘You Matter' to God and to us.
MINISTRY WIVES AND WOMEN IN MINISTRY
The contribution of ladies in EOD adds significant value to work of God. Wendy Burton invests considerably in the lives of women as she gives direction to this important ministry. Particularly, personal ministry brings encouragement through coaching, words of comfort, being a friend, and other opportunities. Wendy’s one-on-one ministry to ladies continues to enhance their unique calling. The value of such relationship cannot be estimated.
Ministry Wives host specific venues such as the Ladies’ Breakfast or Luncheon at District Conferences. Not only are these fun activities but very meaningful as well. Selected themes address interests and particular needs of the pastors’ wives and ladies in a variety of ministry expressions such as senior pastor, evangelist or missionary. This networking and family sense builds strong relationships that continue to grow.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Throughout the Eastern Ontario District, children’s pastors and leaders are making a difference in the lives of children. It is the intent of the Children’s Ministries department to provide training opportunities for ministry development for the pastor, leader and volunteer. Leadership C.A.M.P. (Creative Arts Ministry Preparation) is an event created for such a purpose. Geared towards children and youth who are involved in ministry to children, the participants are involved in a weekend of sessions intended to facilitate personal spiritual growth and leadership development. A major focus is given to the use of a variety of the creative arts for the specific purpose of ministry. Students are encouraged and empowered in ministry and testimonies from pastors share that they continue to use what they learned at C.A.M.P. in their local church.
A new approach to empowering leaders has begun in the EOD. Our children’s and youth pastors/leaders are joining together as the leaders of the Next Generation for ministry specific training and spiritual renewal at the annual Refuel retreat and Resonate conference. Excitement perpetually grows as we continue to see the future possibilities of this connection! Kathy writes:
One of the most exciting developments over the past couple of years has been the dream and the process of placing our first Children’s/Youth missionary in Iqaluit, Nunavit through Mission Canada. The opportunity is now available and we are praying that God would raise up the leader who will go and reach this community with the love of Jesus. In co-operation with our local church pastors, Wayne and Linda Moore, the dream of reaching the next generation of Inuit people is incredibly possible!
Serving the children’s pastors/leaders of Eastern Ontario district is a privilege and honour. Together, we are making a difference!
YOUTH MINISTRY & YOUNG ADULT/CAMPUS MINISTRIES
The past two years have seen growth in the youth ministry events. In particular, Junior High Convention reached just under 800 in 2010, forcing the event to move back to Kingston Gospel Temple. One of the significant factors of growth has been the continuous conversation about the need to focus on discipleship rather than mere numbers. As a result of intentional discipleship, groups have become healthier, growth has occurred and the attendance has risen. There has also been an increase in camp attendance, as pastors have collectively worked together to take ownership of each camp.
Eastern and Western Ontario Districts have joined together for the past few years to offer Merge a young adults’ conference. This event continues to prove successful. Alongside this event, Jonathan Hutchison has been an additional resource for young adult leaders by accepting the role of our District Campus Ministries Specialist. Jonathan’s focus has been to equip students on campus to do contextual ministry that is unique to their setting.
Over the past year I have had the privilege of serving Carleton University. At the start of the year we started with prayer and two students; this year we have ministered to just over thirty students, with several coming to the Lord for the first time and others making recommitments. Everyday over fifteen students gather for worship and prayer between 7 am and 9 am, with over twenty participating weekly - it is really neat to see their passion for God! A campus ministry is now birthed as we move forward. I have seen these students become passionate for the purposes of God in their lives and campus; one example is their desire to grow the ministry and impact Carleton as well as the other universities and colleges in Ottawa. I cannot tell you how excited I am to be able to come alongside this generation and see them do 'exploits' for their God!
Jonathan is also available to help other leaders in Eastern Ontario in their development of effective ministry to college and university campuses.
MEN’S MINISTRY
Steve Sparling has recently been appointed as the Men’s Ministry Specialist for EOD. Steve will continue to strengthen the District Men’s Ministry retreat by adding a ministry equipping focus. There are also plans to offer global and Canadian missions opportunities where men’s groups can be involved in practical ways. Steve’s goal is to provide resources for men’s ministry groups through a district web site offering both materials and experiential opportunities.
CHAPLAINS
EOD Chaplains serve in a variety of unique venues – hospitals, correctional institutions, long-term care facilities or specific agencies – bringing many opportunities to share the love of Christ. The ministry is truly front-line and may often be very lonely and extremely demanding. The constant challenges of the ministry environment are ever-present.
David Blakely along with Steve Kohls serve as our EOD chaplains, providing oversight to the ministry and individual chaplains in particular.
ITINERANTS
Those called to serve as evangelists, missionary evangelists, children’s ministries or other specialized expressions bring specific ministry to local assemblies and overseas ventures. All of them raise their personal support and are passionate to see the church experience the fullness of the Spirit.
Bob Winter offers pastoral care to our four full-time and nine part-time itinerants. He has a great heart for the Itinerant and continues to offer words and expressions of appreciation to those serving the Lord in specific areas of ministry, drawing from his own years of evangelistic experience. Bob’s personal contacts with individuals are always appreciated.
HERITAGE MINISTRY
Each summer Heritage Camp is hosted at LPC. For many years Terry Grimes served as the Heritage Ministry/Camp Director. In 2010, Terry transitioned out of this ministry after many years of excellent leadership. We are deeply grateful for his faithful contribution to this vibrant ministry.
Colin Cleugh has graciously agreed to serve as Heritage Camp director. He and his team are busy planning for the next season. The one-week camp meeting is a highlight to all who attend. There is a full week of worship, preaching, and other activities. The seniors in EOD have much to offer. Their combined years of experience as servants of the Lord, including many with pastoral backgrounds, represent centuries of resource!
QUEBEC & FRANCOPHONE CANADA
Gary Conners serves as a Missionary to Canada. He is the Quebec and Francophone Coordinator with the PAOC for Mission Canada. His ministry entails forging partnerships in connection with Francophone Canada and particularly the province of Quebec. He writes:
Mission Canada is committed to strengthening the Church of Jesus Christ in French Canada, one of its identified missional priorities. In co-operation with the Quebec District as well as francophone sections of the PAOC, we are working to see these churches encouraged, strengthened and branching into new areas of ministry and outreach. Building a sense of belonging and connectedness to the Fellowship as a whole is a key imperative to making this a reality. As we strengthen local assemblies, we bring strength to their districts. In return, the district can move forward with its new initiatives and dreams.
Gary may be reached at gconners@paoc.org
All of these Ministry directors are excellent resources to our Assemblies. They are available to you and are happy to serve. They give untold hours of ministry in such a variety of venues. Their faithfulness and commitment is deeply appreciated. It is a privilege to minister with each of them.
PASTORAL CARE
Pastoral care and assistance with transitions is a vital part of ministry to credential holders and local churches. It is a delight to come alongside individuals and congregations and offer support, prayer and friendship, especially during times of challenge.
OTTAWA VALLEY PENTECOSTAL CAMP
Ottawa Valley Pentecostal Camp is an exciting ministry with a very positive atmosphere. Dean Faught (administrator) and Tim Hildebrand (grounds supervisor), along with their dedicated team of volunteers, have done an exceptional job in all aspects of camp life. At the end of 2010 a capital campaign was launched to refurbish the tabernacle. This is a much-needed, two-year project. For more than four decades OVPC has provided excellent family and ministry camps!
THANK YOU
It is an honour and privilege to serve the EOD family and I sincerely enjoy the ministry that the Lord has allowed me to have. Networking with pastors and leaders in missions promotion, pastoral care, transitions, district camps, Mission Canada, and other areas is very rewarding to me personally.
I sincerely respect and appreciate the leadership of our district superintendent, Pastor Craig. He truly has a pastor’s heart, evidenced by his gracious care of the many credential holders in EOD. David Blakely has given excellent leadership these past two years as the Assistant to the Superintendent – Resources. It is a delight to serve with these dedicated colleagues.
Jeff Hillier continues to effectively lead EOD’s specialized ministries. His passion to see this emerging generation of young people experience reality with God is what motivates him daily. Jeff provides excellent leadership
Thank you to all the Ministry Directors! Their commitment to excellence in ministry is deeply appreciated!
Kim Moran gives excellent ministry service as administrative assistant for District Ministries. She assumed this position in August 2010 just as Stacey Fletcher took parental leave for a year. Kim and her husband, Clark, have accepted ministry positions with Summit Pacific College in Vancouver. Kim will be Campus Pastor and adjunct faculty member while Clark will serve as Campus Pastor and Senior Recruiter. We wish them God’s blessings as they make this transition to a new venture.
The entire office staff is committed to serving the credential holders and churches in EOD; it is a privilege to be part of such a dedicated team.
My wife June is God’s gift to me. Her support and understanding of our ministry is a strength that she exhibits every day. She prays much and is a constant encourager. I cannot thank God enough for her. My family is a great source of happiness. June and I are blessed beyond measure with 3 children, their spouses and 5 grand children with another “on the way” in a few days!
We are deeply grateful to the Lord for all of His goodness!
Respectfully submitted,
Cal Anthony