Learning about self-care

Butterfly Way Muskoka is a New Venture focused on coming alongside individuals and families who have experienced trauma by offering them respite in a supportive and loving environment.

Located on 11 acres of property near Huntsville, Ontario, Butterfly Way Muskoka beautifully weaves together nature, animals and art-making in the restoration and healing process. Following its launch in 2022, they began building a cabin and art studio for these purposes. This initiative, led by Christina MacBean, is foremost committed to bringing hope and restoration in the name of Jesus.

We’re moved by New Venture leaders like Christina that are partnering with Jesus in the work of compassion care. In more ways than one, expressions of church like Butterfly Way Muskoka are serving as the hands and feet of Jesus in their various corners of Canada.

As we continue to highlight the learnings of leaders on the Canadian mission field, we wanted to share some of Christina’s recent thoughts on self-care as a caregiver. While the call to caregiving is unique—and cannot be presented in broad strokes—Christina’s thoughtful call to enter into God’s rest is applicable to any leadership experience. She shares:

“This past season has been difficult. The winter has been hard on our property and family. Despite the setbacks, I have been learning more about the ways I am coming alongside people—and even organizations—who have experienced a crisis. It's not as exciting or visible as building a cabin, but this is the heart of the ministry of Butterfly Way. 

I'm also learning through this how important it is to care for the caregiver. Most of what I do seems very natural. Sometimes, it's only in hindsight that I realize [what’s really] going on. The other part of that, however, is the toll compassionate care can have, especially when there isn't enough self-care. I am learning to not only acknowledge what I'm doing but also to honour my own needs in this work. When I do, God has met me there, in His faithfulness, simply waiting for me to see it. When I allow Him to take care of me, I am able to join Him in caring for others. Learning this at this stage is vital to building a more sustainable, long-term ministry. “

Scroll down to find ways you can pray for compassion care initiatives in Canada.

Will you join us in praying for Butterfly Way, its leadership, and other leaders committed to compassion care ministry across Canada? Consider praying with the following prayer points:

  • Pray for ongoing clarity and wisdom in decision-making for Butterfly Way.

  • Pray for protection and rest for Christina and her family.

  • Pray that Butterfly Way would become all that God wants it to be. As Christina shares, “May nothing stand in the way of His purpose, including me.”

  • Thank God for the work He is doing through caregivers and compassion care initiatives in Canada.

  • Pray for the vulnerable in their care.

  • Pray that God would strengthen leaders who pour themselves out for others. May He bless their hands, that they may continue to be a blessing. May He grant them peace that surpasses all understanding.

  • Pray that leaders would consistently honour their personal needs and seek God’s rest. May they turn from illusions of self-sufficiency and be reminded of the One who sustains. May He protect leaders from discouragement, burnout and hopelessness.

  • Pray for your own work of caring for those around you. Say, “Lord, help me love and care for others as you do. As I serve, fill me with peace and steadfast hope. 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.

Jessica Debanné Thiessen