Photo of Director, Canadian Partnerships Adrian Gardner

Spring is often a time of new life and renewal as the last chill of winter gives way to warmer days and a fresh start. These last few years of the pandemic along with a series of catastrophic events around the world, in a way, have been like an extended and brutal winter.

Yet, you have helped bring new life and hope to those left out in the cold. Your faithfulness has enabled us to share the comfort and love of a Saviour who can mend wounds and heal the broken hearted.

Together we can usher in a new season and bring the radiant love of God to those in need. Your support has never wavered during this difficult time where Covid-19, economic hardship, and uncertainty dominated the headlines. You have sown the seeds to bring an abundance of the hope we have in Christ. Your solidarity in responding to global crises and ongoing afflictions has ensured the Gospel is shared in both word and deed.

In this issue, we are happy to report on the significant ways you have helped us move forward into new opportunities for ministry, expanding our reach into places like Thailand and Togo. We are excited for what the future has in store for these new regions. CBM is currently active in 21 countries, partnering with local churches in the areas of building the church, addressing poverty, promoting justice, caring for kids-at- risk, and responding to crisis.

Your generosity has proven unparalleled through the continuing war and hardships in Ukraine and in the aftermath of the devastating Türkiye/Syria earthquake. With our partners on the ground, CBM has been able to respond with practical items such as food and hygiene kits, as well as warm winter clothing among other urgent needs.

Our Vennture series explores Mobilization by developing global networks of people who are passionate about integrating faith and work for the transformation of communities. It is the final pillar in this series after previous CBM Responding issues examined Formation and Creation.

As we initiate new programs, Suraj Komaravalli who has been our long-time India Team Leader, has taken on an expanded role as Asia Team Leader. He is part of a

much larger team that spans across the world as well as in Canada. I am inspired by the commitment and grace our field staff have demonstrated alongside our global partners in the heartbreaking context of human suffering in our world today. You have helped us in each challenging situation through your continued giving.

With summer around the corner, we can hardly wait to see what the new Active in Mission campaign will look like in your communities! This year, we are excited to partner with the Canadian Baptist family – Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada, l’Union des Églises Baptistes Francophone du Canada, Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec, and Canadian Baptists of Western Canada. Together we will make local and global impact by raising funds for the hungry both around the world and here at home. I am looking forward to lacing up alongside my fellow Active in Mission participants! Don’t forget to post at #AIM2023 and #AEM2023. Or share your story with us at communications@cbmin.ca.

Summer may also be the time your church or association engages with this year’s Kids Care Curriculum as we explore the concept of Peace. Children will explore what it means to be a Peacemaker here at home and in other countries. Peace is something we can all strive for and can be active in regardless of our age, where we live, or what our role is in the world.

Thank you for journeying with us towards renewed hope as the hands and feet of Christ.