Ministry Update Dec 2022Image of Philippines Flag

BY Michael Waddell | December 19, 2022 | min read

BY Michael Waddell|December 19, 2022

min read

As we begin this final week leading up to Christmas, and another year comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the goodness and faithfulness of God. Psalm 145:9 reminds us, “The Lord is good to all, and his mercies are over all his works”. One of the ways that God reveals his goodness to us is through his people. So, with this in mind, I want to take one last opportunity to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for your faithful and generous prayers and support throughout the past year. God’s goodness and faithfulness have been demonstrated through you.

Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support!

Blessing,

Michael

Family Updates

The kids are doing very well! Although Kyla struggled last year when she began a college program that she felt wasn’t a good fit for her, she began a new program this past September that she loves at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design. She is planning to continue with a BA in Applied Arts through a partnership the college has with UNB in Fredericton.

Sean and Carter are both doing well as seniors at Belleisle Regional High School (BRHS). Although they are both getting good grades, they are definitely showing signs that they are anxious to finish high school and move into the next chapter of being young adults. Sean has been accepted to the Saint John campus of NBCC and is enrolled in their plumbing program. Carter has also been accepted at NBCC SJ in their electrical program, but he is still a bit undecided. He is considering a couple other schools and programs so he would appreciate your prayers for discernment as he makes this important decision.

Allie is excelling in her first year of high school at BRHS. She loves to learn and is doing so well academically. She also tried out and made both high school girls soccer and basketball teams. She has loved being a part of these teams and has grown so much. Melanie continues to operate her own counselling practice. As you might expect, she is in high demand with so many people experiencing mental health challenges. She loves what she does though, and finds it life giving to help people find emotional healing from the wounds of life.

VENNTURE

Faith meets Work Over the past several months, a small team of us at CBM have been working on the launch of Vennture, CBM’s new global faith meets work initiative. Through Vennture, CBM is increasing its impact in, to, and through, the marketplace with our network of partners here in Canada and around the world. Through our three key strategic focuses, Formation, Creation, and Mobilization, Vennture is assisting partners by teaching a biblical theology of work, by creating transformational business initiatives aimed at helping the poor, and by establishing networks of people who want to join God’s mission of redemption through their daily work. If you’ve not had an opportunity to do so yet,

I encourage you to check out Vennture’s website (www.vennture.ca) and consider following our social media feeds, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for lots of engaging content and up-to-date information on upcoming events and opportunities to get involved. Integrating our Christian faith with everyday work is such a vital part of being a follower of Jesus. If you’d like to hear more about how you can get involved with Vennture, please reach out and I’d be happy to share more with you. 2023 will be an exciting year for Vennture, and we’d love for you to be a part of it.

VISITING THE PHILIPPINES

I had an opportunity to visit our partners in the Philippines earlier this month. It was wonderful to reconnect and see first hand how God continues to use KPM and the programming we do together to impact lives. I’m so thankful for Job & Phoebe Santiago and their family for their hospitality and friendship. They are a shining example of a family dedicated to serving God and others. During my visit, I met with people impacted by Typhoon Paeng, which struck Capiz at the end of October bringing widespread flooding causing lots of damage to homes and livelihoods. Through our partner, CBM was able to respond, providing food, water, and hygiene kits to those affected. Thank-you to all who faithfully support CBM so we can respond and support those in need during times of crisis like this.

I had an opportunity to facilitate another Theology of Work course for CCTEP. A group of 35 pastors gathered for this course considering the role of pastors in equipping members for mission outside the walls of the church through their work, closing the sacred/secular divide. The level of engagement from the pastors was incredible, and although I was the facilitator, I also learned a lot from the discussion and the experiences of the pastors.

I spent a couple days with the teams leading FOOD for LIFE and BUGANA. These 2 business initiatives continue to persevere despite challenges to their operations. We spent time evaluating 2022 and setting plans and goals for 2023. The team has a lot of work ahead of them, but I’m confident they can reach their goals through continued hard work and commitment. Lastly, I was thankful to return to Hopevale. This small community in the mountains holds a special place in my heart. I was privileged to share an advent message focused on love. Hopevale BC is a community that has modelled love for God, love for others, and love for creation. I will forever be humbled for opportunities to spend time with this community of Christ followers.

Prayer Requests

  • Please pray for Vennture as we continue to develop tools and resources, and as we continue to roll out programs aimed at helping people integrate faith with everyday life and work.
  • Please pray for Kabuganaan Philippines Ministries (KPM), CBM’s partner in the Philippines. 2023 will be a difficult year for KPM, as they increase their programming aimed at helping individuals and families recover from the affects of the covid-19 pandemic. Drug & alcohol addictions, domestic violence, teenage pregnancy, sexual abuse, educational delays and school drop outs, are just some of the issues they will be addressing through their new program, Bangon (Rise-Up) Covid-19 Recovery Program.
  • Please pray for rest and refreshment for our family as we take some time off and regroup as a family over the holidays before beginning what will certainly be a busy 2023.

In closing, please allow me to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a happy and joy filled New Year. May the reality of Emmanuel, God with us, grant you peace and prosperity this Christmas season and throughout the year ahead. God bless!

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