Bearing one another's burdens
(Lire en français ICI)
In October 2022, pastors and leaders from the St-Lawrence District gathered at the annual Workers Retreat to pray, worship and spend time together celebrating God’s work in Quebec. Many New Venture leaders and implementers were present, and were able to share their experiences of partnering with Jesus within their distinct communities. Retreats offer a unique space for mutual encouragement and learning.
Those attending the retreat share a deep desire to see God reveal Himself to the people of Quebec. Their heart cry is that both newcomers and native Québécois people would turn to Him. A touching moment during the retreat occurred when Jacob Ma, leading the Montreal Zion New Venture in downtown Montreal, opened up with the group.
After hearing French-speaking pastors share their testimonies of their work to reach the francophone Québécois population, Jacob was deeply moved. He confessed that, as a Chinese person, he had come to Quebec and enjoyed the blessing of this land—but without carrying the burden of Québécois people spiritually. He expressed a desire for he and fellow Chinese leaders to partner more intentionally with francophone pastors in the province. A powerful moment of prayer followed, as Chinese leaders and francophone leaders came together to pray and bless one another.
Jacob shares, “I pray that the Lord would lead our Chinese Churches do more in Quebec, and I pledge to God that I will do more with my beloved francophone pastors in Quebec.”
Will you join us in praying for the new things Jesus is doing in Quebec? Consider praying with the following prayer points:
Thank God for the work He is doing in Quebec, and for leaders who are faithfully partnering with Him in different parts of the province.
Thank God for the diversity of people in Quebec, many of whom are new Canadians.
Pray that God would strengthen partnerships in the province. May leaders carry one another’s burdens, even across cultural and linguistic lines, as they follow Him together.
Pray for God’s blessing and favour over the different New Ventures in the St. Lawrence District, including Montreal Zion, led by Jacob Ma.
Pray that God would powerfully reveal Himself to the people of Quebec—that they would hear and encounter Jesus, and turn to Him.
Pray, “Lord, open my eyes to the needs of my neighbours. Help me see their burdens afresh, that we may learn to bear them together. Amen.”
IN CANADA is a gathering place for the unique discoveries and learnings being uncovered as people faithfully join Jesus at work in the Canadian mission field. Keep an eye out for these reflections here on the blog, on social media (Facebook and Instagram) and by signing up for our newsletter here.