Annual Report 2014 - 2015

ANNUAL MINISTRY REPORT 2014- 2015 Christ at the Centre... ANNUAL MINISTRY REPORT | 2014- 2015 centre street church

CENTRE STREET CHURCH 2014-2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 A MESSAGE FROM OUR SENIOR PASTOR PAGE 2 A MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR PAGE 3 OUR MISSION PAGE 4 2014- 2015 HIGHLIGHTS PAGE 5 PURSUE SIMPLICITY PAGE 6 SIMPLICITY OF FOCUS PURSUE GOD PAGE 8 WORSHIP SERVICE ATTENDANCE, SPIRITUAL GROWTH PURSUE RELATIONSHIPS PAGE 10 PEOPLE IN COMMUNITY, FOR THE COMMUNITY PURSUE MISSION PAGE 12 MISSIONAL LIVING, GLOBAL MINISTRIES PURSUE GENEROSITY PAGE 16 FINANCIAL GIVING, VOLUNTEERISM, GLOCAL VISION ONE CHURCH, MANY LOCATIONS PAGE 19 CELEBRATING GOD AT WORK THROUGH OUR CAMPUSES

2 A MESSAGE FROM OUR SENIOR PASTOR In John 17, Jesus prayed to His Father, “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do” (v.4) Jesus prayed this prayer prior to His death on the cross, which means He most likely was referring to the task of discipling a small group of men who would be able to disciple others also. He invited His disciples into relationship—to come and follow Him and learn from Him. His classroom was the community; His method was teaching within the context of doing life together. Our mission is to introduce people to Jesus and help them become fully devoted followers of Jesus. In the words of Jesus, it is ‘to make disciples.’ Toward that end we are committed to establish a discipleship culture where being a fully devoted disciple of Jesus Christ is normal. A discipleship culture involves more than passing on information; it also involves passing on a way of life. Disciple-making is a lifestyle, not an instruction manual or set of classes; though it may include these things. It involves godly, spirit-filled disciple-makers intentionally investing in the lives of those exploring the faith and inviting those new to the faith, younger in the faith OR peers in the faith, into an honest, open relationship to learn together what it means to be apprentices of Jesus, to live like Jesus, to hear from Jesus and to respond to His direction and assignments. This is the exciting journey we are on as a church. Our passion is to pursue an intimate relationship with the Lord and to make ‘disciple-makers.’ Our GLOCAL VISION (our commitment to accomplish God’s mission and redemptive purposes) LOCALLY [church & city mission] and GLOBALLY [national & international mission] and every decision we make and endeavour to undertake in Jesus’ name will be centred and flow out of our growing commitment to make disciples who will make disciples. While we have a long way to go, we have so much to celebrate as a church family. In the pages that follow are some reflections of God’s blessings and activity among us this past year. We are God’s family, united by a God-given mission and doing God’s work according to the principles and promises of His Word—knowing that what we do in His name is not done in vain. I am excited about being part of this with you. My wife Gwen and I thank the Lord for our staff, their families and you, our church. Thank you for your ongoing love, affirmation and prayers. We feel so blessed to being part of all that God is doing in and through our church. To God be the glory! Dr Henry Schorr

A MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR 3 I am honoured to be the new Chair of the Centre Street Church Board of Governors. God is alive and doing great work in and through this church. The Board is excited about how He is using our various ministries and campuses, to make an impact in our communities, coun- try, and around the world. The Board works closely with Pastor Henry Schorr and the Executive leadership team to achieve God’s calling for our church both locally, nationally, and internationally. We collectively pursue God, generosity, simplicity, relationship and mission. It is these pursuits we use to guide our every decision. We are one church in many locations and with this, we have many opportunities to introduce people to Jesus and help them become fully devoted followers of Him. We don’t take this work lightly and with this great honor comes great responsibility. Partner with us as we head into a new ministry year. May we as the Board prayerfully consider each decision, carefully listening to what God is saying, and may we have the courage to obey and walk in step with our Lord and Savior. Thank you for being on this Journey with us, Sincerely, Teresa Davidson Centre Street Church Board of Governors

4 OUR MISSION Our Mission We want to make an impact in your life, your community, and in the world – by introducing you to Jesus and helping you become a fully devoted follower of Jesus. THAT’S THE DRIVING PURPOSE BEHIND EVERYTHING WE DO. HOW DO WE DO THAT? BY: PURSUING SIMPLICITY PURSUING GOD PURSUING RELATIONSHIPS PURSUING MISSION PURSUING GENEROSITY THE FOLLOWING PAGES CELEBRATE WHAT GOD HAS DONE.

2014 2015 HIGHLIGHTS 5 2014 - 2015 HIGHLIGHTS 4,546 350+ INDIVIDUALS ATTENDED CALLS PER MONTH 314 ON AVERAGE FOR 777 90 COMMUNITY GROUPS OF ALL AGES PASTORAL CARE, CHILDREN’S CRISIS AND MINISTRIES AVERAGE NEW CSC 1,473 MARRIAGE WEEKEND MEMBERSHIPS WATCHED OUR LIVE RELATED ISSUES ATTENDANCE STREAM ON AVERAGE PER WEEKEND 7,620 95,509 AVERAGE 141 PEOPLE CHECKED OUT WEEKEND BAPTISMS OUR WEBSITE IN ATTENDANCE FOR ALL 31 163 CAMPUSES AND HOUSE MISSIONARIES COUNTRIES 241 65 CHURCHES RECORDED 2,546 DECISIONS PARTNER CHURCHES VOLUNTEERS FOR CHRIST 38 ENGAGED AGENCIES VIDEO ON DEMAND 36 VIEWS 224 PEOPLE SENT ON WEDDINGS GLOBAL MINISTRY 87,560 TEAMS

6 PURSUE SIMPLICITY PURSUE SIMPLICITY The pursuit of simplicity is to declutter our lives from things that can distract us from the life that God has called us to. Living out the pursuit of simplicity is to “live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Eph 4:1) by having a laser focus on pursuing God, Relationships, Mission and Generosity. “Thinking more about God “WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE KEY and less about this world.” TO LIVING WITH SIMPLICITY?” ~ Wayne ~ “Learning to listen for and recognize the voice of God, following the example of Jesus, and getting away with the Pursuing Father on a regular basis SIMPLICITY to spend undivided time with Him.” ~ Danielle ~

PURSUE SIMPLICITY 7 “IN WHAT WAYS HAVE YOU (AND YOUR FAMILY) SIMPLIFIED YOUR LIFE?” “I am a grandmother “I am in the process of “Annually participate in the now, so age has simplified simplifying. Getting rid of youth garage sale at my life. But I feel it would be stuff in my home and life. Centre Street to dispose of good a mistake to confuse a Trying to ensure discipline in useable items that are no longer simplified life with a life that my life to put Christ functional for our stops striving for the best first in every aspect purposes. Spend only God has for us. There is of my life.” on necessary items and no mention of retirement ~ Jan ~ remember the less fortunate by in the Bible.” reserving something for them by ~ Donna ~ way of financial help or an act of kindness.” ~ Alice ~ “I live in one room with all my possessions “Focus on Him from day one. paying $750/mo for Make commitments to everything, public people, activities and with our transit, bike, no car or resources that are selfless. It is “Trusting Jesus with everything. vehicle, on a fixed a fine balance because we still He knows everything that pension and stay require to invest in ourselves I need: materially, financially, healthy, happy and to some extent ie. vacations, relationally, emotionally. grateful to all I meet. health, education etc...The key He also knows what I love God and He is to know, believe and behave I don’t need. Bringing every calls me Friend!” like none of this is ours.” part of my life to Him in prayer ~ Ron ~ ~ Jason ~ gives me the peace that the world does not know.” ~ Nathan ~

8 PURSUE GOD PURSUE GOD Our highest value is to know God and to grow in our faith in God personally and in our homes. As individuals, families, small groups, home churches and church leaders we will practice the presence of Jesus on a moment by moment basis, - seeking His wisdom and direction, responding obediently to His assignments and calling on Him for His help in all things, knowing that unless the Lord is with us, our labours are in vain. Our faith will not be private, and we will live out our faith at home, with our family and/or a few like-minded friends. DID YOU KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE ATTEND OUR VARIOUS CAMPUSES ON AVERAGE PER WEEKEND? DID YOU AIRDRIE KNOW? 7,620 NORTHWEST 255 HIGHEST ATTENDED WEEKEND SERVICE: CHRISTMAS AVERAGE 354 CENTRAL PRODUCTION 4,896 14,273 WEEKEND BRIDGELAND LOWEST ATTENDANCE: ATTENDANCE 128 LAST WEEKEND OF THE YEAR FOR ALL CAMPUSES 3,975 AND HOUSE CHURCHES HIGHEST ONLINE (7,182 for 2013-14 ministry SOUTH VIEWING: year, including live streaming) DAYLIGHT SAVINGS 164 WEEKEND HOUSE CHURCHES LIVE STREAM 350 IN 30 GROUPS WEEKEND AVERAGE 1,473

PURSUE GOD 9 ON LINE MINISTRY STATS 95,509 FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS PEOPLE VIDEO ON DEMAND VIEWS 3,123 (2688 - 2013-14) 87,560 CHECKED OUT CSC TWITTER FOLLOWERS WEBSITE 795 (322 - 2013-14) IN 163 CSC APP LAUNCHED LIVE STREAMING THIS YEAR MARCH 2015: COUNTRIES 90,008 1,768 DOWNLOADS LOCAL NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL CALGARY/AIRDRIE 16 % 5.29 % 78.71 % ENCOUNTER GOD WEEKENDS 19, 297 PARTICIPANTS IN (EGW) Three were held in this past DISCIPLESHIP & SPIRITUAL year with total attendance being DEVELOPMENT EVENTS 207(65 - 2013-14). The weekends were offered for those who both wanted to discover a new level of freedom in 141 BAPTISMS Christ and who wanted to learn how to help set others free. EGW achieved a new level of spiritual fruit as we saw more lay leaders trained and leading and a stronger emphasis on 90 NEW CSC discipleship as a follow up to the MEMBERSHIPS weekend. As well, we introduced an evening of prayer for healing and receiving words of prophetic blessing, 241 RECORDED enabling us to minister deeply to our DECISIONS participants. FOR CHRIST

10 PURSUE RELATIONSHIPS PURSUE RELATIONSHIPS Following Christ’s example, we will pursue relationships with a group of Christ-followers for mutual encouragement and prayer and to spur one another on to prayerfully pursue relationships with seekers in our sphere of influence, with the hope of one day sharing our love for Jesus with them. This is the essence of a Biblically functioning community, people IN community, reaching THEIR community, which includes their sphere of influence at work, school or neighbourhood. 4,546 INDIVIDUALS ATTEND 314 COMMUNITY GROUPS OF ALL AGES WHY COMMUNITY FIRMLY PLANTED YOUNG FAMILIES SHARLA SHARES GROUPS? COMMUNITY God never intended for His Children’s Ministries has family missional “Being a part of a Missonal followers to live, worship and serve communities that emphasize community building Community was the best Him in isolation from one another. for families, encouragement, discipleship, outreach decision we’ve ever made. Jesus modeled the importance of and strong Christ-centred families on mission. Over It’s completely changed living in community with His twelve 215 people attend these communities each month my life! Being a part of true disciples, and the early church not to grow closer together, focus on discipling their organic Biblical community, only met publicly in large group kids, learn how to reach their heart and discover where everyone shares and gatherings but also “from house what it means to lead them to be fully devoted contributes and where there to house” (Acts 3:46, 20:20). The followers of Christ. A couple commented, is such a thirst to know Christ community group is a place to “Our first time we came, we stood outside and is such a privilege to be a belong, grow, laugh and serve didn’t go in. We didn’t want to. But we felt God part of.” with others as we learn to love wanted us to go and we walked in anyways. We God, love each other, and share are so glad we are part of Firmly Planted. We feel God’s love with our neighbours connected, supported, loved and part of Centre and the world. Street Church.”

PURSUE RELATIONSHIPS 11 COMMUNITY GROUPS AIRDRIE GROUPS NE GROUPS 19 16 NW GROUPS 42 CALGARY NORTH 45 CALGARY CENTRAL 32 DOWNTOWN & SOUTH 42

12 PURSUE MISSION PURSUE MISSION We will actively seek to assist our people to identify their unique role in the ‘mission’ God has called us all to pursue which is to ‘introduce people to Jesus and to help them become fully devoted followers of Jesus.’ Then to take all reasonable steps to prepare, encourage and resource them to carry out these works of service (Ephesians 2:10) and to celebrate, in a public way, what God is doing in and through them. There is no more important decision in life than choosing to follow Christ as Lord and Saviour. Helping people enter the family of God as a disciple of Christ is central to our CSC mission, and this past ministry year CSC people continued to communicate the good news of the Gospel and demonstrate God’s love and mercy to a needy and hurting world. WE CELEBRATE GOD’S WORK AROUND THE WORLD 31 MISSIONARIES 65 PARTNER CHURCHES 38 AGENCIES

PURSUE MISSION 13 2,765 PEOPLE PEOPLE SENT ON BLESSED BY GIFTS FROM 224 GLOBAL MINISTRY TEAMS ‘WHAT’S IN YOUR POCKET’ NATIONALLY AND CAMPAIGN INTERNATIONALLY $62,554.63 RELIEF AND 1,900 CARE KITS SENT TO VICTIMS OF NEPAL EARTHQUAKE COLLEGE MINISTRIES NEW CANADIAN FRIENDSHIP CENTRE COMMUNITY BBQS NEW CANADIAN FRIENDSHIP CENTRE YOUNG ADULT JESUS CHURCH DOWNTOWN EVANGELISM In the second year of operation, NCFC continued to develop relationships and deliver quality CHILDREN’S WEEKEND MINISTRY ministry opportunities. OUTREACH PRESENCE AT At the core of NEW AGE FAIR COMMUNITY GROUPS After much prayer, discernment and deliberation MISSIONAL LIVING this year, it became clear to us that God was ESL BIBLE STUDIES is a commitment to make WEDDINGS leading us to become “one ministry, many disciples for Jesus by being locations.” We did not renew our lease at the ALPHA evangelistic and sharing the Temple location, and God lead us to partnerships BAPTISMS good news of Jesus, which GLOBAL MINISTRY TEAMS with Rockyview Alliance, Encompass Partnerships, happened in and through CSC FUNERALS during 2014 -15 in a multitude CHILDREN’S SUMMER CAMP Hope Mission and Worldserve to form this new of ways, including: ministry model to serve new Canadians. The same weekly ministry opportunities will continue being led by CSC volunteers through those FRIENDSHIP & RELATIONAL WEEKEND WORSHIP SERVICES NETWORKS partnerships, and through four ethic churches IMMIGRANT OUTREACHES YOUTH SUPER GROUPS We are also following God’s leading nationally, WOMAN’S SHOW FREEDOM SESSION OVER THE INTERNET we are working alongside. and partnerships are being explored with agencies and churches with a similar calling to reach new Canadians. We are excited to continue following God’s leading in this new model to serve new Canadians.

14 PURSUE MISSION Montreal Vancouver July 2015 July 2015

PURSUE MISSION 15 Mexico Jan 2015

16 PURSUE GENEROSITY PURSUE GENEROSITY We will be increasingly generous by blessing, equipping and providing resources to assist those God has called to take the love of Jesus in very practical ways to our communities, city, nation and world. Ways we will bless, equip and provide resources include finances, mentoring tools, personnel, and practical ministry support in such areas as car repairs, furniture, clothing and building supplies. COMMUNITY GENEROSITY AROUND 2,546 CENTRAL CAMPUS The Grade 5/6 program has partnered with Buchanan School by (1,906) providing bagged lunches for students on a regular basis. They have also engaged in community cleanup projects in the community around the church. VOLUNTEERS CHRISTMAS HAMPERS ENGAGED AT CSC A family said the following about their Christmas hamper experience; “It was amazing getting together with the other families to put the hamper together. All of the families ate together, we made cards, sang and worshiped, prayed over our hamper and then delivered it 932 ADDITIONAL as a group. It blessed me to watch my kids learning what it means to NEW VOLUNTEERS be Jesus to those around them.” ARE NOW SERVING AT CSC ON CALL FOR THE COMMUNITY Folks from the South Campus have showed their generosity by signing up to be “on call” and serve as needed to people both within and beyond our church family. We created lists where people are on call to provide meals for those in need, to help with home/car repairs; or to assist people who need help moving. We have seen numerous meals shared/provided and trucks and muscles exerted to help people move. These simple acts of love display both the simplicity and the generosity of being in a part of the community of Jesus.

PURSUE GENEROSITY 17 FINANCIAL GIVING Faithful giving of financial resources is a core indicator of missional commitment to Christ, who calls His followers to give generously in support of His kingdom purposes. TOTAL INCOME: 2014 - 2015 INCREASE $15,767,902 LOCAL CHURCH 1.8 % MISSION: 2013 - 2014 $15,488,762 The missional endeavours of 5 campuses and 30 house churches. MINISTRY AND MISSIONS GIVING: CITY MISSION: $12,104,865 The missional endeavours of 2014 - 2015 INCREASE Calgary partner agencies, 5.2 % city missionaries and our New 2013 - 2014 $11,504,497 Canadian Friendship Centre. NATIONAL AND CSC CAPITAL FUND GIVING INTERNATIONAL 2014 - 2015 $1,449,790 MISSION: INCREASE The missional endeavours of 2013 - 2014 22.1 % $1,187,262 partner agencies, churches and missionaries.

18 PURSUE GENEROSITY GLOBAL GLIMPSES 2014 - 2015 INTERNATIONAL GENEROSITY  CSC helped a local church complete a church/community centre in Pakistan. The church began teaching the people to read and write and are now discipling over 100 women in 9 villages. As women’s lives are changed, families are impacted.  Following the massive earthquake in Nepal, our partner church remained standing and they were able to welcome their community in for much needed support following the earthquakes.  We celebrate the opening of the new human trafficking rescue centre at First AG church in India. They have already been able to provide refuge for many woman and children.  principal is now also discipling those in the community.   In North India, CSC partnered with a local church movement to build a school/church. The Oakhill Connections is serving $20,000 was given to help open the International Friendship Centre in 25 new immigrant women weekly Winnipeg which will be serving New through sewing training and Canadians in Jesus’ name.  CSC is partnering with Next Step English classes. NATIONAL GENEROSITY  4 families served in the first Family LOCAL GENEROSITY  Over 200 Christmas hampers were  Centre Street’s Children’s ministry covered the total cost of the seeds Ministries, helping women who have been abused in human trafficking by and lighting system for Hochelaga-Maisonneuve’s summer hosting training sessions, equipping garden outreach in Montreal. people to walk with the marginalized in our society. on Mission in Vancouver through our partner church, Richmond Faith assembled and delivered to needy people by CSC congregation. Fellowship.  3 families served with our First Nations  Over 500 people came to Central missionary, Rob Dilts, in Ontario. Campus for assistance and compassionate care.

GOD AT WORK IN OUR CAMPUSES 19 NEXT LIVE SERVICE 02 DAYS 09 HRS 41 MIN 36 SECS WATCH SERMONS CENTRE STREET CHURCH CENTRAL CAMPUS About Locations Events Community Glocal Resources Giving Volunteer one church, many locations... VOLUNTEER STORIES OF GOD AT WORK JOIN A GROUP NEW HERE? Where is God calling you Be encouraged, challenged We want to help you find a Check out our service times, to serve? Check out our and motivated. Read and group to connect with that address, learn more about various opportunities, and watch stories of how God is supports you and us, and get connected. read more about why we at work in and around you. challenges you as you Welcome to Centre Street serve. walk through life. Church! Visit cschurch.ca

20 GOD AT WORK IN OUR CAMPUSES AIRDRIE CAMPUS BRIDGELAND CAMPUS COMMUNITY CONNECTION: PURSUING GOD & RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH PURSUING RELATIONSHIP AND GENEROSITY FAMILY CAMP Following the success of last year’s camp we decided to This year was highlighted by community partnerships. It all do it again. This year we went to River’s Edge and were really started during the Canada Day Parade; we built a float that pleased with the turn out. Over 80 people came! It was proclaimed the message: “Dream Out Loud!” – Jeremiah 29:11. wonderful to enjoy fellowship around the campfire, meals Our worship team played music on the float, and families and gatherings, young and not so young all together. One handed out thousands of candies and invites to a Canada real highlight of the weekend was the water slip and slide; Day BBQ following the parade (hosted by Stephen’s Back- the lineup was long as people waited their turn, the men packs). At Christmas we held a “Serve Sunday” where we filled even went four at a time to speed things up! It was a wonderful and delivered 50 backpacks with school supplies that were spiritual retreat. delivered by Stephen’s Backpacks to children in need. Throughout the year we also partnered with the Airdrie Food PURSUING MISSIONS THROUGH DROP-IN SOCCER Bank on a bi-weekly basis, where our youth, grade 5/6 students Throughout July and August we held a drop-in Soccer Club, and multiple families spent many hours serving. each Wednesday from 6-8pm. We provided hot dogs, chips and drinks and a local baker, with an extremely high GROWING CULTURE OF DISCIPLESHIP reputation, donated cupcakes every week. We had nearly 30 volunteers who faithfully came out to serve food, coach Our youth and children’s ministry worlds have seen intentional soccer, help with crowd control or just to chat with parents movement towards a greater culture of discipleship. Leaders who brought their children. Between 50 – 70 children came are investing their lives into our youth. One leader, in particular each week. One of the amazing things was to see the parents has given youth access to his life and family through shared engaged in spiritual conversations with our helpers. Each week meals, working on cars, doing renovations and playing sports one of the team shared their testimony. Pastor Tim even had the together. The boys he’s discipling have become an extension opportunity to pray with one Muslim lady for her husband. At of their family and are growing in their faith. The formation and the end of the camp on the Sunday we had a reward service huddling of Children’s Ministry Leads for each age group has where we celebrated the volunteers and invited all who had created more of a “Family on Mission” focus and a stronger come to the camp to the service and for lunch. Many came sense of community and passion for the spiritual growth of our including the Muslim family! children and families.

GOD AT WORK IN OUR CAMPUSES 21 CENTRAL CAMPUS HOUSE CHURCHES LIFE-SHAPING MEMORIES CREATED FILLING IN THE SPACE JESUS MADE FOR CENTRAL YOUTH Steve and Caylee Cox are leaders of our Intentional Someone invited Brad (not his real name) to attend one of our Community in Deer Ridge. She wrote about meeting a person worship services, and he came and kept attending. One of peace the other day: “I met a lady the other day outside weekend the person preaching invited people to place their Edo in Deer Ridge while I was coming back from a coffee trip. faith in Jesus and commit their life to follow Jesus. Brad She was sitting on a bench looking a little rough. Conveniently decided to surrender his life to Jesus that weekend. Someone there was a cross someone had drawn on the cement beside then told Brad he should be discipled, and he began to be her so I took that Jesus was already sitting with her and discipled through our 1 to 1 discipleship program. Brad’s needed me to go fill in the space. disciplemaker then suggested he join a community group which he did and Pastor Warren got him connected into a We chatted and she shared her story, her pain and her fears. group. After a little while a person on the community group She is an alcoholic and comes from such a painful past. She suggested that Brad consider getting baptized; Brad agreed has five beautiful grandkids. this would be a good thing to do and was baptized. God is always at work around us, and we just have to have the eyes I prayed over her, and I believe God wants to break this cycle to see how we can help others find Jesus and then grow as of sin and abuse and pain she is in today. Steven and I took disciples of Jesus. her to Alpha House (this is her home for the time being). I gave her our numbers. I hope to follow up with her frequently. She In 2015 Central Campus Youth Ministries sent 51 students on needs counselling, family, and to know she is loved. She also mission. In March a team of 30 set out for Cuba, and in July a needs a home. There may be a husband in the picture, but he team of 21 went to Vancouver. Through serving the less should likely be kept away from her. fortunate, listening to stories, worshipping together, teaching, working, sharing their testimony and building friendships many I know there are difficulties because she is homeless, but I also life-shaping memories were created. Seven of these students believe God is greater than homelessness and alcoholism, and were baptized, one in Cuba and six on the way home from He answered her prayers today, and He has a plan full of hope Vancouver. Each of these individuals were forever shaped by and life for Maureen! I want to be a part of Maureen’s story. I experiencing God and serving others in a foreign setting. don’t know what that looks like but I’m so grateful that God uses us.”

22 GOD AT WORK IN OUR CAMPUSES NORTHWEST CAMPUS SOUTH CAMPUS STORIES FROM NW CAMPUS GOD’S LIGHT IN A COMMUNITY Close to 100 youth and young adults attended each of One particular man, M.S., (a Muslim) had been desperately our two retreats. More than 15 friends experienced Jesus- trying to find a job. Scott, one of our leaders, prayed for him, community and heard words from the Bible for the first time. and he started to get interviews. A few weeks later Scott Four students made first time decisions to follow Jesus, and one met another man, a believer in Christ named Cabem, who was baptized this summer. One student wrote: “The weekend was visiting his sister and observing us and our ministry on really opened our eyes to the spiritual warfare happening Monday evenings. Cabem was a former refugee from Angola, around us and in us. We decided as a small group to start now living with his family in Finland. This ‘new friend’ and taking this stuff seriously so we are diving deep into the Word Scott began praying for M.S. over the next week. On the next and holding each other accountable on a daily basis.” Monday, they asked if they could pray with M.S. to receive a job. As they prayed, Cabem received knowledge from the In the fall of 2014, we launched an “intergenerational missional Lord that M.S. would have a job by that Wednesday. This community” consisting of around 40 children, their parents, was shared boldly with M.S. and M.S., speaking in his native some singles, and several older couples. Every other Friday language of Urdu, joined in agreement. M.S. called Scott that we gather to enjoy a potluck meal together, engage in Wednesday declaring that he was offered a job that day! intergenerational fun, interact around a lesson from the Bible Scott explained that he received it because they had prayed and much more. in Jesus’ name and not Allah’s. M.S. followed up by inviting Scott’s family over for a feast, after receiving his first paycheck! Our grade 5/6 small group leaders encourage kids to pray We were also successful in giving him Nabeel Quereshi’s book, out loud. One of our boys was so scared that, when it was his “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus.” We are trusting that M.S. and his turn to pray, he teared up and just froze. Afterward, the small family will continue to see the power and miracles of Jesus and group leader spoke with his mom, and they agreed to pray come to Christ. R.S., his wife, said she only allows her daughter for the boy the coming week. The next time the boy came to to go out to play when we arrive as a church on-site as this is small group, he prayed out loud and has done so ever since. the only time she feels it is safe. God’s Kingdom is coming to Partnering with and knowing each other is so important for this community! meaningful ministry to happen.

GOD AT WORK IN OUR CAMPUSES 23

24 CENTRE STREET CHURCH 2014-2015

CENTRE STREET CHURCH 2014-2015

2014- 2015 ANNUAL MINISTRY REPORT NEW TO CENTRE STREET CHURCH? We want to make an impact in your life, your community and in the world. How do we go about that? By leading people to Jesus and helping them become fully devoted followers of Jesus. That’s the driving purpose behind everything we do. There’s no better way to get to know us than to jump right in. We look forward to meeting you! ALREADY A PART OF OUR CHURCH FAMILY? cschurch.ca Get connected and explore our volunteer opportunities.