Mission/Ministry Spotlight

CFI – Christian Friends of Israel | CSB Canada | Lighthouse Harbour Ministries | Salvation Army Kettles | International Christian Response |

CFI – Christian Friends of Israel

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed…And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David; to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.” Luke 2:1,3-5. And so it was 2000 years ago that our Saviour was born into the world. Shepherds, and angels, and wise men bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh completed the miraculous story of Christmas which is celebrated yet today! “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11The story of Christmas has not changed nor the fact that God the Father has sent a Saviour into the world to save those who believe in Him. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14 www.cfi-canada.org

CSB Canada

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5–6 is one of the first passages we learn in CSB, and this is how I first memorized it. It isn’t word-perfect, but it taught me something important: what matters most is understanding the truth of the verse and hiding that truth in my heart. Bible translations come and go, but the truth of God’s Word remains true forever. Christian Service Brigade is on a journey. We know God has good plans for us. He has called us with a Holy Calling, for His purpose and grace. We’ve seen the doors that your prayers have opened to us, and we have faced the fears of doubt and money — and pushed through them. Now, the Lord is reminding us to trust in Him and allow Him to direct our paths, making them straight. We have come full circle: from rebuilding the ministry to returning to our primary purpose — building the men within the local church who, in turn, are winning and training boys for Christ. Learn more at www.CSBcan.ca

Lighthouse Harbour Ministries

Friendly Ukrainian Seafarers Hear the Good News: Recently, the Lord provided a Lighthouse chaplain with a very encouraging time ministering to some Ukrainian officers aboard their ship in Vancouver. Soon after entering the ship’s office, the chaplain met, Sergei, an electrician from Kherson.  He was friendly and listened as the chaplain tried to encourage him to consider his spiritual life seriously.  Sergei also accepted a Gospel of John and some other Gospel materials in Russian (his most fluent language).
     After Sergei left, Alexander, a junior officer sat down near the chaplain and the two began to talk.  He seemed quite open to speaking about issues of faith and, as with Sergei, received some Gospel materials. Then, Donstey, a third officer, took a chair and sat down at the same table as the previous two seafarers had sat at and seemed most willing to listen to issues of faith and things of the Bible.  He also accepted some Gospel materials.
     Finally, the ship’ chief officer, Slava, who was in the office during the chaplain’s conversations with the above mentioned three fellows, although seemingly busy with work tasks, would, at times, engage in the conversations that the chaplain was having with his crew mates.  At one point, after the chaplain had finished speaking with the other officers, Slava said that he had not thought about his eternal life and was willing to receive Gospel materials.
     After leaving the seafarers’ ship, the chaplain felt very blessed to have been able to connect with the four friendly Ukrainian seafarers mentioned above.  Please pray that the Lord would enable these fellows to come to a saving faith in Jesus (John 6:65).
     Want to share Jesus with the world that is coming to Vancouver aboard cargo ships?  Please contact info@sealight.org or 604-988-5084 for more information about volunteer opportunities.

Your Compassion Transforms Lives

by Major Ruth Gillingham. As the air grows crisp and leaves begin to fall, we enter a season rich in tradition – Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the many gatherings that bring warmth, food, and the joy of family. In Abbotsford, this time of year often means tables full of good things, homes aglow with laughter, and hearts filled with gratitude. But not far from these celebrations, there are others whose experience of the season is very different.
     For many in our community, fall and winter bring cold nights, empty stomachs, and painful reminders of isolation. Some are struggling with mental health, addiction, or broken relationships. Others are without stable housing, facing poverty, or living day-to-day without the basic resources most of us take for granted.
     At The Salvation Army, we believe that no one should be left outside the circle of care and compassion, especially in a season meant to reflect God’s love and generosity. And thanks to your continued support, we are able to reach out in the name of Jesus to those who need it most.
    Because of your partnership, we are providing warm meals, safe places to sleep, emotional and spiritual support, and practical help for people in crisis. Every meal or food hamper given, every coat supplied, every kind word spoken is an expression of Christ’s love in action.
    As we celebrate the season of giving, we thank you for joining us in this mission. Your generosity allows us to minister to the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – and to remind those we serve that they are not forgotten, and never alone.
    Together, we are not just meeting needs – we are extending the hope, peace, and joy that come from knowing Jesus.

International Christian Response

Standing in Solidarity: How Canadians Can Pray and Help Persecuted Christians
By Jim Bugg, ICR Canada
Around the world, millions of Christians face persecution for their faith. In regions across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, believers risk imprisonment, violence, and even death simply for following Jesus. In Canada, we enjoy freedom to worship—yet Scripture calls us to remember those who do not: “Remember those in prison as if you were together with them… and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” (Hebrews 13:3). The question for Canadian Christians is not whether to respond, but how. Here are practical ways to pray, give, and stand with those who suffer for Christ.
1. Pray—Because Prayer Is Their First Request: Prayer is the most powerful response to persecution. When believers pray, they align their hearts with God’s justice and mercy. But effective prayer begins with understanding what persecuted Christians face. Organizations such as ICR Canada (International Christian Response Canada), Open Doors Canada, and Voice of the Martyrs Canada provide updates, prayer guides, and testimonies from believers who live under pressure for their faith. ICR Canada serves persecuted Christians in more than 65 countries. By working with indigenous believers and local partners, the ministry reaches communities that most outsiders cannot access. Through these trusted networks, ICR Canada provides emergency aid, discipleship, and spiritual care to those who suffer for the gospel. What sets ICR Canada apart is its deep commitment to prayer. The organization emphasizes that the number one request from persecuted Christians is not money or protection—but prayer. They long to know that fellow believers in Canada remember them and lift them before the Lord. Prayer reminds them they are not forgotten and strengthens their courage to persevere.
2. Join the International Day of Prayer (IDOP): Every year, believers unite for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP)—a global movement dedicated to interceding for those who suffer for Christ. This year, IDOP will be observed on Sunday, November 2. Canadian organizations such as ICR Canada, Open Doors Canada, and Voice of the Martyrs Canada are inviting churches nationwide to participate. On this day, congregations across Canada will dedicate time to pray for persecuted believers through focused services, small groups, and online gatherings. Churches can download free prayer resources from participating organizations to guide their worship and intercession. By participating in IDOP, Canadians fulfill the heartfelt request of persecuted Christians: “Please pray for us.” Through unified prayer, we strengthen their faith – and our own.
3. Support Ministries Serving the Persecuted: While prayer is essential, tangible support also makes a real difference. Ministries like ICR Canada work on the front lines to meet both spiritual and practical needs—providing Bibles, food, trauma care, and education to believers who have lost everything because of their faith. Because ICR Canada partners directly with local indigenous leaders, its aid reaches deep into remote regions where persecution is most intense. This local approach ensures safety, cultural understanding, and long-term impact. Canadians can become monthly donors, volunteer, or host awareness events. Even small gifts can deliver immense hope—a Bible to a secret believer, food for a displaced family, or support for a pastor in prison.
4. Advocate for Religious Freedom: Canadians also have a voice. As citizens of a free nation, we can speak up for those who cannot. Write to Members of Parliament urging them to address religious persecution in foreign policy. Share verified stories and prayer requests on social media. Encourage your church to include global persecution in teaching and worship. Proverbs 31:8–9 reminds us to “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” Advocacy is a powerful act of love.
5. Welcome the Persecuted in Canada: Some who flee persecution find safety here in Canada. Churches can express Christ’s love by welcoming Christian refugees through sponsorship programs, housing support, and friendship. Listening to their stories connects the global and local church, reminding us that persecution is not far away—it lives among us in the faith of those who endured it.
6. Hold Fast to Hope: Amid suffering, there is hope. The persecuted church is not defeated—it is growing. Many report revival, forgiveness, and even conversions among persecutors. God’s Kingdom continues to advance where opposition is strongest. Jesus promised, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18). When we pray and act for the persecuted, we join in that unstoppable work. To be a Christian in Canada is both a privilege and a calling. We are free so that we might serve those who are not. By praying, giving, advocating, and welcoming, we stand beside believers who risk everything for Christ.
On Sunday, November 2, join ICR Canada and believers across the world for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Together, let’s ensure that persecuted Christians know they are seen, loved, and never forgotten.
Get Involved
Pray: Participate in the International Day of Prayer (IDOP) on Sunday, November 2. Dedicate time in your church or home to pray for persecuted believers.
Partner: Support ministries like ICR Canada, which serves persecuted Christians in over 65 countries through local partnerships, discipleship, and prayer. Visit www.icrcanada.ca for more details.