Befriending the Nations: An Update from Apprentice Elissa Dawn
At New Ventures, we are thrilled to walk alongside Apprentices who feel God is calling them to do something new—though they may not quite know what that looks like yet.
Over the course of 1-2 years, Apprentices have the space and opportunity to discern God’s calling on their lives by answering the questions, “Who, to whom and where, and what is God calling me to do?”.
Today we are excited to bring you an update from Apprentice Elissa Dawn (name restricted for privacy purposes due to work among unreached people groups). Elissa has completed her first year of apprenticeship and is very thankful! Here is a small update from her year learning and working in Toronto:
Dear friends,
A view of the portables where Elissa teaches English. In the background are the condo buildings that comprise some of her neighbourhood.
Spring was busy finishing up ministry with university students, prayer ministry with some of the Chinese churches here, and tutoring with some Iraqi students! It has definitely been a year of learning about cultures and people groups.
As I reflect on the last year in Toronto, God has been reminding me of the necessity to rely on Him in prayer first, and the need to give glory and thanks to God for what he has done. Here’s just a couple snapshots of answered prayer from this year!
I recently needed to find a new place to live quickly, due to some health issues. An acquaintance from a prayer gathering was praying for a roommate, and that same night I felt the nudge to contact her! 48 hours later I had a new place to live! I have also been praying regularly for my friend Caitlyn (name changed), whom I met at York University. She has also made concrete steps toward Jesus this year!
With her passion for engaging in global missionary work, Elissa loves the diversity of Toronto.
Every time I would tutor with a Christian family of 3 young Iraqi boys, we would pray and ask Jesus to be a part of our time together. This year, the one who struggled the most with reading started to read! This had been a huge struggle! We’ve also had a number of great faith conversations. The last time one of them asked, “So what if I’m half bad and half good... will I go to heaven?” Great question!
As I have been researching different neighbourhoods and ministries throughout the year, I joined a group praying weekly in an Iraqi neighbourhood. A few people had been praying there for a couple years, for the community and that God would bring others to help reach out in this neighbourhood. Since January, God has nudged 5 of us (including myself) who have been praying, to move into that neighbourhood.
One of the main objectives of this first year in Toronto was to get to know some neighbourhoods and identify ones with especially high representations of immigrants and unreached people groups (ethnic groups with who have little or no access to the Gospel, or less than 1-2% of the population). This fall I am really excited to move into an Iraqi community with a couple women from the prayer group! God has already been faithful in opening doors for relationship through ESL and tutoring!
We’re so thankful for Elissa and her example of following Jesus by moving into the neighbourhood!
Excited about the new things God is doing through Elissa?
Here are some ways you can join her on mission.
Pray for her.
Elissa asks for prayer:
To find a more permanent apartment as housing is limited.
Peace and grace as she settles into her temporary apartment (also low-income neighbourhood).
Wisdom and God’s leading in getting to know people.
Consider a financial gift.
Support Elissa’s development in ministry.
*This button will take you to Elissa’s page associated with The Great Commission Foundation, through whom she is currently receiving donations to support her work in ministry. Donations need to be earmarked for project 714 or for “Friends”.
Learn more.
Visit Elissa’s profile.