Shared Learnings and Discoveries: How God has been at work across Canada

We’re so encouraged by what God is doing across Canada! In this story, we’ll be highlighting stories and moments from New Ventures across the country who have been on this journey of learning and discovery within their communities.

A Transformative Season

Fredericton International Student and Newcomer New Venture | Fredericton, NB | Eastern Canadian District

New Ventures provides a pathway for partnering with local Churches and ministries as well as growing leaders for the sake of the Kingdom. Fredericton International Student and Newcomer New Venture was a beautiful example of the unique way that these partnerships are revealed. With a heart bent towards local ministry for newcomers and international students, Brent Clark faithfully stepped into a Kingdom ministry opportunity that began in the spring of 2022. Through a multi-ministry partnership, Brent demonstrated intentional hospitality by extending invitations to new Canadians in his community. In some instances these were the first invitations for connection that they had received. These opportunities opened the door for deeper conversations of faith, and about what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

Brent reflects on this ministry experience: “My journey through New Ventures has been nothing short of transformative. From the very beginning, I felt a sense of purpose and direction, knowing that God was guiding my steps. The challenges I faced along the way only served to strengthen my resolve and deepen my faith. Through the ups and downs, I've witnessed God's hand at work, providing wisdom, clarity, and opportunities when I needed them most. The support and community I found in New Ventures have been invaluable, reminding me that I'm not on this journey alone.”

We celebrate in expectation of the ways God will continue to reach students and newcomers in Fredericton and the rest of Atlantic Canada as Brent steps into a new role as a lead pastor in his community.

New Life Alliance Surrey

Surrey, BC | Canadian Pacific District

Join us in celebrating the growth within New Life Alliance Surrey, a Filipino gathering in Surrey, BC! Led by Ben Pantoja and Cres Casimong, the group has been seeing and supporting the growth of their Spanish speaking congregants in their services by offering translation as well as Alpha studies in Spanish.

Ben reflects, “The Lord has been steadily adding to our numbers--we have been translating our Sunday's messages to Spanish!  We have an average of 10-12 people from Mexico, Chile and Columbia.  We have been preparing our full manuscript messages by Friday, so that our translators can be prepared by Saturday and ready by Sunday afternoon.  Fast forward two months after--the Lord provided us a translator who is capable to listen and translate even without our full manuscript! We immediately responded to the Holy Spirit's obvious movement in our midst-- Alpha Spanish is now in its 3rd class (happening weekly!)."

LIGHTS manitoba - The Mosaic Young Adults Collective

Morden, MB | Canadian Midwest District

Henry Dueck, leader of LIGHTS manitoba, shares about the growth they’ve been experiencing: “A couple of our young adults have launched a third group called The Mosaic Young Adults Collective. Whether or not this becomes an official LIGHTS group, we will encourage and coach them as they build this group - just as our vision states. "Our mission is to empower people to multiply gatherings that love and follow Jesus - the LIGHT of the world".

Learn more about LIGHTS manitoba here.

Church @ the Table

Renfrew, ON | Eastern Canadian District

We’re encouraged by Brant Levert’s reflections on Church @ the Table in Renfrew, Ontario, a New Venture in the Eastern Canadian District. As Brant and his wife, Susan, lead Church @ the Table, they’ve been convicted to invest in discipleship for this community of people. God has been inviting them to continue aligning with this New Venture’s hope of being prayer-fuelled, Christ-exalting, Spirit-empowered, Great Commission-focused, and committed to discipleship. 

4Community

Online | Central Canadian District

We’re encouraged by the faith and connection within a group within the Central Canadian District, 4Community, a gathering of people across Ontario who gather online. Rick highlights that their community is one of support, faith and connection. He’s encouraged by how the community regularly communicates with each other, focusing on journeying with one another in some of life’s biggest challenges.