Global Workers and Partners Week 2023
Unity in Mission
For Global Workers and Partners Week, we are excited to meditate on the mission we ALL have the privilege of participating in.
From November 13-17 we will be hearing inspiring stories from EMCC Global Partners and Workers and learning about opportunities to partner together with our Global partners and workers.
This year, we hope these stories will encourage us all in our collective identity, seeking to demonstrate Jesus and His Kingdom in a variety of contexts.
"May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 15:5-6)
"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel." (Philippians 1:27)
Inspiring Stories
Our 2023 Campaign will be updated daily below between November 13-17:
Part 1 - A Collective Story ⇩
Introducing this year's theme and hearing from the Chapples on the ways that they are serving the body of Christ in Canada and Mexico with one spirit.
Part 2 - Striving in the Faith ⇩
Reflections from one of our supervised workers who continue to seek spaces where reconciliation can be modeled in their community.
Part 3 - Endurance to Serve ⇩
Stories from some of our global partners as they have the mind of Christ and encourage those in trying circumstances.
Part 4 - Side by Side ⇩
A video with Marilyn McIlroy sharing her experience as a continual learner in serving alongside fellow workers.
Part 5 - Together with One Mind ⇩
Further resources and links to explore.
Part 1 - A Collective Story
Welcome to Global Workers and Partners Week 2023! We are privileged to share stories from global workers and partners connected to the EMCC, and give you opportunities to connect with them throughout.
Our theme for this week is United in Mission, using Philippians 1:27 as our text:
"Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel."
While all these workers and partners serve in different contexts, they are united in making Jesus' mission their own mission. As they serve in their locations and we serve in ours, we are "one body and one Spirit, just as [we] were called to one hope when [we] were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all" (Eph. 4:4-6). We stand together to serve God and share the love of Jesus (in word or deed) with the desire that God would receive all the glory.
We hope that you receive these stories and prayer requests this week, willing to extend your mind and heart to consider the larger collective story of all of us demonstrating Jesus and the characteristics of His Kingdom.
Be encouraged as you go about your day, listening to the Spirit of Jesus and obeying as he prompts, knowing many others are seeking to do the same
-Nicole
For The World Partners Team
Tuned Together
In The Pursuit of God, A. W Tozer writes, “Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow.” Philippians 1:27 applies this same principle to us, the Church. Rather than striving solely for unity with one another, Paul reveals that if we “conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel” then we will “stand firm in one Spirit” and “strive as one for the faith of the gospel.”
In the three different facets of our ministry, we seek to strive together with the body of Christ for the faith of the gospel. First, through discipleship, mentoring, and equipping in Mexico we strive to strengthen and “equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Ephesians 4:12). Our desire is to disciple believers and train pastors and leaders to “correctly handle the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), so that they may “no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14). As we mentor and equip pastors and leaders, they grow in maturity and eventually join with us in equipping others, allowing us to “strive as one for the faith of the gospel.”
Second, through a ministry called MissionPREP, we are honoured to help train and equip new, outgoing missionaries. Through this ministry of equipping others, we can strive together to make a much greater impact for the Kingdom, taking the gospel around the globe.
Finally, the Lord has opened doors for us to evangelize and disciple Spanish speaking seasonal agricultural workers on farms in southern Ontario. Our desire is not only to see these men come to Christ, but to have them join with us in God’s mission to redeem a lost world. After accepting Christ and being discipled, they return home equipped to share the good news with their families and friends.
Part 2 - Striving in the Faith
hanks for following along with us this week. We want to bring you another contribution from Rob & Sharlene Dilts. This year has been one of facing obstacles and division among the people they have a heart for. Communities are divided and it’s impacting relationships and families all around, including among followers of Jesus. The Dilts’ desire to see Jesus bring healing and restoration in their church and Indigenous communities is what keeps them persevering.
As we think about our theme of unity and “striving together for the faith”, this year has been characterized by striving for them. They continue gathering and ministering with those who have been hurt and are seeking healing and reconciliation. So, they hold on, knowing that God has planted them in their community, trusting Him to continue bringing fruit from it.
May their prayer requests join your prayers today, listening to the Spirit of Jesus and obeying as he prompts.
-Pam
For the World Partners Team
Committed to Reconciliation
"Whatever happens, you should walk in a manner that brings honor to the good story about the Chosen One. In this way, whether or not I come to see you, I will hear that you are standing firm in one spirit, having one purpose, and struggling together to hold true to the good story in which we have put our trust."
Small Man to the Sacred Family in Village of Horses (Philippians) 1:27
Wildman, Terry M. First Nations Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament (p. 359). InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.
I very much appreciate the First Nations Version’s rendering of our theme verse, Philippians 1:27. Paul’s charge to “walk in a manner that brings honor to the good story about the Chosen One [Jesus Christ]” is foundational to the ministry of reconciliation.
We continue to serve in the unceded lands of the Omàmìwinini (Alonquins) Anishinaabek in the Ottawa Valley in Eastern Ontario. Our focus is in learning to travel the river (of life) together with the Creator (Creator Sets Free, Jesus Christ), celebrating culture in friendship, peace and goodwill, and inviting others to join in this journey. In all honesty, this year has been particularly tough as we have faced some opposition and increasing division between communities and among the people we have a heart for. We were forced to put the summer youth camp on hold due to a lack of staff and in light of current cultural, religious, social and political influences we have seen our communities divided, impacting relationships and families all around, especially among followers of Jesus.
In the absence of camp this summer, we continue to strive as the Spirit has brought us into deeper relationship with families and individuals experiencing brokenness and various crises. We have been blessed with many opportunities to mentor and encourage various followers of Jesus experiencing a crisis of faith due in large part to pain suffered at the hands of religious and governing institutions. We have also been building relationships with churches and organizations more along the lines of learning and teaching in the areas of reconciliation and traveling together in right relations. We are especially excited to be part of The Right Relations Circle serving the EMCC and our family of churches.
We are particularly excited about being able to come alongside a local church as a resource and encouragement. We continue to provide opportunities and resources to equip and disciple leaders across Canada in the ministry of reconciliation. We are also very excited that the Spirit has brought a local church to come alongside us as we strive as one for the faith of the gospel to enable us to provide a wonderful opportunity for youth in the Golden Lake, Pikwakanagan area. The River Drop-in is intended to be a nondenominational, intercultural youth group for ages 12 to 16 providing a safe and welcoming place where local youth and families will have fun, develop community and experience Jesus in word and practice.
Prayer points:
Pray for unity, healing and reconciliation within the Church body in our area.
Pray for the youth and families that we have been traveling with and for the gatherings the Spirit has been calling together (healing circles, family gatherings, youth gatherings, celebrations and ceremonies). Especially pray that those who have been hurt by the Church would find healing in Jesus.
Continue praying that the Spirit calls individuals or a team to commit to walking with us as we learn together what it means to be traveling in right relations, whether through camp, day camp or other opportunities.
Pray for the Right Relations Circle as we seek the Spirit's guidance and walk alongside our EMCC family to walk in right relations with Indigenous Peoples and others in our communities and nation.
Part 3 - Endurance to Serve
Today's reflection comes from two global partners that we as EMCC have the privilege of building relationship with, and learning from, as they seek to model Romans 15:5: "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had."
From multiplications of church expression amidst economic crisis to churches responding to natural disasters, I am grateful for these voices to inspire my own endurance in the faith, pushing to serve as a peaceful presence where I am planted. May you join them in their reports of God's good work and their prayers, as brothers and sisters in the faith. May it be part of Romans 15:6 of developing "one mind and one voice" amongst followers of Jesus.
As each of us are part of a much larger, global church seeking to listen to the Spirit of Jesus and obey, may you sense what God is asking you to participate in today.
-Nicole
For the World Partners Team
Multiplication In Adversity
Here is an update from our global partner in Cuba. For their security, we are withholding their name at this time.
"In October, I made a pastoral trip with a missionary team of our church in Havana. We visited all of our pastors and their churches across the Island. We came back home very encouraged to see how our National Church is growing in the midst of big difficulties.
"First, we found new workers whom God called to plant new churches on places where nobody was preaching before. Second, the established churches are reaching out, doing missional-focused work, and spreading the gospel into new neighbourhoods.
"We also have an economic crisis that is very deep, seeming to not have an end. Getting food is more difficult because of high prices and the lack of important products. No gasoline and diesel, so transportation is almost zero and there is no fuel for electric power. People have between 6 to 8 hours black out every day in the provinces.
"Yet, our pastors are very focused on Christ and the Great Commission to make disciples in the midst of the difficulty of our national situation."
Prayer points:
For God's strength to keep focused in him and working for his glory.
For the new churches and their pastors. May God continue supporting them and they keep faithful.
For the crisis in all areas of Cuban society. Pray that God would provide an exit gate for our national situation.
Assisting in an Earthquake
On November 4th (NPT), a 5.6 magnitude earthquake hit and affected the western region of Nepal. Our global partner, SARA Ministries, has provided an update to us on their response.
"Over 156 people have been reported to have lost their lives in the earthquake, with more than 200 people injured and in the hospital receiving treatment, and over 400 houses destroyed. The locals still claim that many people are stuck under the destroyed houses and buildings. Many people have been missing and are yet to be found.
Humanitarian organizations are also joining hands with the government on this rescue operation. SARA Ministries also took part in this rescue mission by contributing some amount collected through a special offering on last Saturday Worship Service. We definitely are trying to reach out and do something to get the people temporary shelter and warm clothes for this winter."
Prayer points:
For the affected victims of the earthquake in Western Nepal. Many families have lost their loved ones, their shelters and all their property. Pray for peace in their hearts and pray that God may provide them with reestablishment facilities.
For those people who have been in serious need for warm winter clothes in the winter months in regions of Western Nepal. Pray for God’s provision for SARA ministries, so that we may be able to provide for the needy.
For those people who have become homeless. Pray that the government may look into this issue seriously and work on reconstruction and re-establishment process as soon as possible.
For Pastor Tej and his team to have enough wisdom and resources to address the need and for their safety as they work to serve in this way.
For the believers and churches there who need comfort and support in the midst of this situation.
Part 4 - Side by Side
We are excited to share an interview with one of our long-time global workers, Marilyn McIlroy. Her life of service to the cause of the gospel has included seasons of living in Haiti full-time, creating connections between Canadians and health care workers in Haiti and Tanzania, mentoring young students, and calling people to consider their role as part of a larger global church.
I am have been grateful for her example of living as a continual learner, walking with people side by side (Philippians 1:27). May you listen to Marilyn's story and consider how God is inviting you to work with that same side-by-side spirit in your context.
Part 5 - Together with One Mind
Thank you for joining us this week for stories from various global workers and partners. Their stories are part of our larger collective story as the EMCC, as part of the global church. As we have reflected on Philippians 1:27, I hope you have considered how your obedience to Him is part of a larger story of collective obedience to share and show the transformational character of God's Kingdom.
Grace and peace as you listen to Jesus and how He is asking you to participate as part of His global church today.
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