Missions Update: June 2022
“Mission in the Modern World” Panel Discussion
We have had a busy year working with our missions partners locally, nationally, and internationally! We are so grateful to God for these connections, and we hope to keep growing our support and impact over the coming years. Some highlights from 2022 so far:
We held a panel event on World Missions in the Modern Age, featuring panelists from each of our partner ministries.
We collected donations and assembled Easter treat bags for Street Hope to distribute to our friends experiencing homelessness in downtown Victoria.
We raised over $2,000 to buy medical equipment and other supplies for the Abundant Grace of God Maternity Clinic.
Please read on for updates about our three missions partners, as well as ways to get involved in the summer. Plus: an introduction to our newest missions partner!
Abundant Grace of God Maternity Clinic, Philippines
The Macad Family during their visit to Victoria.
Family and Clinic Update from Georgia (May 16, 2022): It's hard to believe that we have been in Canada for almost 10 months and we are already preparing to return to the Philippines. We want to thank you for continuing to support us during our furlough, as it has been a much needed time for our family. Spending time with family and friends, celebrating birthdays together, family gatherings and just hanging out with cousins has been the biggest joy for us.
Unfortunately we were never able to get a work permit for Achao and so he has probably had the most challenging time on furlough. He is looking forward to getting back home and being busy again. I, (Georgia) am still working part time as well as studying for my Masters in Midwifery online. I will be going to Ottawa this month for a 1-week placement at a birth center which I am very excited and nervous about.
A mother and baby after a safe delivery in Kalinga this Spring.
The clinic and the staff continue to do well in our absence but are also very excited for our return. We are so proud of them for all that they have accomplished while we have been away and will continue to look for ways to sustain this local leadership when we return.
We plan to return to the Philippines this summer, however this will be a challenge as the prices for flights have doubled since the Philippines have opened their borders again. Please pray with us for wisdom and provision in our plans to return.
Thank you everyone and I will write again once more before we leave!
Big hug,
Georgia
Praise:
The clinic has been able to start up our labor and delivery classes again after 2 years without them due to COVID restrictions. They have been a great opportunity to bring encouragement and peace to the mothers preparing for the births of their babies.
Prayer requests:
For provision to purchase our plane tickets soon. We are looking at around $7500 for 5 one-way flights.
For our last few months in Canada, that we would be comforted saying good-bye to family and friends.
For a smooth transition back to life in the Philippines and for wisdom as we return to full-time ministry.
For our decision about what to do with school for the kids when we return.
For the clinic staff as they prepare for the yearly accreditations for various government offices. Each requires different reports, and the AGGMC office staff is doing them all on their own for the first time.
For the midwives, that they will be refreshed during these slow clinic times and will feel ready to face the busier months ahead.
For missionary Julie as she adjusts back to life in the Philippines.
Please pray for all of our patients that they would always feel God’s love and care for them at our clinic.
Ways to be involved:
The Macad family is especially in need of funds for their return flights to the Philippines now that their furlough is coming to an end. Please consider supporting the Macad Family as they return to the clinic.
We are excited to have the Macad Family visit us in Victoria one more time before they leave for the Philippines - please join us at our Big Table gathering on Sunday, July 3 to pray for the Macad family and celebrate them together.
Liz Snell, L’Abri Canada
Praise:
A house full of people including two little kids (they actually had to turn a few people away)
Great conversations and life and vibrancy within L’Abri right now
New people coming out to Friday night lectures almost every week
Prayer Requests:
For the young man who came to ask questions about Christianity earlier this term
For Liz, as she prepares for her last season as a worker of L’abri, before she transitions into school in the fall
For a new worker to “replace” Liz after she leaves
For helpers for the fall
For our hearts to be open to those who are coming in the summer, as restrictions ease
For students, specifically for the second half of June and July
For the work of L’Abri Canada to remain a voice and a presence in Canada
Ways to be involved:
Take part in L’Abri’s Friday night lecture series. You can find out more on their website - https://www.canadianlabri.org/resources
Tell your friends and family about L’Abri’s ministry
As Liz transitions from work to full-time study, and in appreciation of the role that she has played in our community over many years, we would like to bless her with a textbook fund! Donations can be e-transferred to Naomi at nlhyeker@gmail.com, who will collect the funds and pass them on to Liz. Please include the memo “Liz” in your e-transfer.
Street Hope, Victoria
A resident receiving an Easter treat bag in April.
Praise:
Thankful for the committed group of volunteers that are coming out on Tuesday evenings.
Thankful for the ongoing relationships with the folks we spend time with, for meaningful connections and opportunities to encourage and support them
Prayer Requests:
That the new coordinator would be able to get here soon, and for a smooth transition for her into her new role
For healing and transformation in the lives of the people we spend time with, that they would be freed from addiction
The Krzymowski Family volunteering on a Tuesday evening.
Ways to be involved:
More volunteers will be needed in a variety of roles in September (food prep, driving the RV, helping to serve in the RV). A commitment once/week or once/month would be helpful
Financial support will be needed for the new coordinator when she arrives
And Introducing…
Alan Thorimbert, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
Alan Thorimbert is as a Campus Minister with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) at the University of Victoria.
Alan’s faith was highly influenced through his involvement and service within the InterVarsity Fellowship while a student at Queen’s university. After graduating from Queens, Alan interned with InterVarsity at Simon Fraser University where he served for six years. Recently, Alan moved to Victoria to help replant the fellowship at the University of Victoria and he hopes to see new communities start up at more universities, colleges and high schools on Vancouver Island.
He loves helping students be friends on mission together and helping them steward values for scripture, prayer and lifelong discipleship. It’s his joy to keep in mind both local and global perspectives, and to be able to work in partnership with all parts of the body of Christ.
UVic Students at an IVCF event.
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) is a national organization that seeks to build witnessing communities where students can be transformed into fully committed followers of Jesus in all their ethnic diversity. You can find out more about IVCF by clicking here.
Praise:
This year, many of the new students we connected with were in their final year in university. In May, we hosted a small commissioning gathering for ten students to prepare them to enter the workplace.
Prayer:
Summer Slowpitch (sports team) with UVIC students - This summer, we've been gather a number of new Christian and non-religious students to be a part of a slowpitch team in Victoria. Pray that the Holy Spirit will use this space to birth many opportunities for witnessing.
Graduate Book Study - Please pray as one of our graduating study leads a summer discussion group of Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline for graduating and upper year students.
Students with summer jobs and summer classes - Pray that students will see their places of work as places where they can partner with God as missionaries in those new contexts. Pray that they have eyes and years to see how God is present in their work.
Summer Family Group - Please pray for students as they explore the gospel of Mark together.
Ways to be involved:
Pray With Us – Pray for students struggling with mental health and increasingly stressful workloads. Pray for God’s shalom to be made manifest in high schools and universities. If you would like to pray for students in Victoria, we would love to have you join our Intercessor WhatsApp Group where we provide brief updates every two weeks.
Create a Care Package – We love providing care packages for students at the beginning of semesters and during exam seasons. If you would like to commit to making care packages for students full of treats and baked goods, please contact Alan at athorimbert@ivcf.ca
Host A Meal – We’d love to provide students new to Victoria with an opportunity to have a home-cooked meal at the beginning of September’s to help them connect with local communities. If this would be something your family would be interested in, please contact Alan at athorimbert@ivcf.ca
Please see Alan’s M2M profile page to find out more information, including how to get in touch with Alan and keep connected on social media!
