“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NIV)

Greetings friends and ministry partners.

As the days in Canada become longer and we are seeing some days of brilliant sunshine, we look forward to the warmth and promises of a Spring of new growth and renewed life. This past year I have been particularly grateful for the growth and impact of Vennture, CBM’s faith meets work initiative, as well as the number of projects reaching vulnerable women and children.

CBM’s global Faith Meets Work initiative was launched this past year. Through our key strategic themes (formation, creation and mobilization) we teach a theology of work, create transformational business initiatives and establish networks of people who see their work as an integral part of their daily life while they seek to join God in His mission of redemption. The Vennture team at CBM engages within and through the marketplace in Canada and globally.

In Rwanda, I was able to participate in the African Vennture conference. The Africa Team has been studying the integration of Faith and Work as they pursue a Certificate in Marketplace Ministry through the Institute for Marketplace Transformation, Vancouver. As part of their studies, a course was created for the African context: Integral Mission in the Workplace. Representatives of our partner in Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan and the DR Congo met for a week-long conference in Kigali. The participants enthusiastically embraced biblical teachings of the integration of faith and work in a new light. In 2023 the team will move ahead to teach a cohort of trainers, leaders, pastors and teachers associated with our partners as they move forward to implement the course. It was a wonderful time of being together, learning, discussing and exploring God’s design for work, the worker and the workplace.

I continue to represent CBM on the Women’s Interchurch Council of Canada (WICC) which collaborates with key denominations across Canada to provide the World Day of Prayer resources held in March each year. WICC has a focus on universal justice issues for women such as violence, poverty, prayer and small grants to assist in global projects. Resources and grant applications can be found on their website: wicc.org.

I also continue to network with women’s organizations in Canada including Canadian Baptist Women and facilitate The Groups of Hope by resourcing trainers and churches. They provide an 8-week small group program that provides hope for people in difficult times.

It is wonderful to watch my 7 grandchildren ages 18 months to 11 years old continue to grow and thrive. Along with my three children and their spouses, family has been a source of strength, joy and certainly much humour in my life.

• Vennture – Africa Team as they plan training sessions with partners on implementing the Integral Mission in the Workplace materials.
• Vennture Conference at Crandall on March 21, 22 with Dr. Paul Stevens. For safe travel, good networking with students and faculty, and growth in meaning of faith and work integration.
• Pray for workers, paid or unpaid, that they would find meaning in their work, safety and peace in workplaces where their faith can be shared.
• Continue to pray for vulnerable women and children whose needs have been particularly affected by the pandemic.
• Prayers for good health, safety in travels as I enter a busy spring season. Wisdom and discernment as new initiatives develop.