2020 IN REVIEW
THE WILDERNESS JOURNEY
View the original 2020 report here
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The COVID-19 pandemic has had an incalculable impact on children, families, and communities, the effects of which will be seen for years to come.
Through these great challenges, dedicated and praying partners of Christian Direction have volunteered, prayed, given generously, and collaborated with us. That commitment and compassion are the heart of Christian Direction.
We say thank you to all of those who have volunteered, prayed, given generously, and overall collaborated with us. You are making a difference in the lives of children, youth, their families, and their communities
— Tim Keener, Executive Director
Growth &
Challenges
Among the challenges and changes in 2020, we saw some tremendous growth in 2020. Whether it was in ministry, organizationally and resourcing the Church.
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We also experienced loss in 2020.
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“This year has had its share of unexpected challenges, difficult decisions, and God-given opportunities. It has been a pleasure to witness the collaboration between Tim and the team as they faced these challenges together. Throughout the year, we have been kept well-informed of leadership reflection and decisions. The board fully endorses the ministry the team is doing under Tim’s leadership.
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We are thankful for all who have been able to support the mission of Christian Direction, whether it be through prayer, finances, or volunteering, and we are excited about the ongoing and the new aspects of ministry.” - Marjorie Bergen, Board Secretary and Vice-Chair
STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION
Innovation Youth and Evangel Pentecostal Church
Evangel Pentecostal Church generously welcomed Innovation Youth to its premises in 2019, providing us a great location on the historic Cabot Square, near a major metro stop. In 2020, during COVID-19, Evangel has additionally allowed us to use a secondary building for our Innovation-Assistance food security program. Through this initiative 567 people (277 households) were served weekly through an effort involving four staff, 13 student workers, and 70 active volunteers!
Preaching Peace, a round table for urban preachers
In 2020, during COVID-19, participants in our Connections program have been volunteering or working (with a stipend) at
Innovation-Assistance, our food bank. This new initiative has provided vital training, community engagement and
employment for our youth, who normally face many challenges entering the workforce. Normally, each day is split
up between group conversation time, study time with support, practical workshops, and work/service opportunities. We
also run an optional Alpha program after school hours for the participants, which is facilitated by a volunteer from a local church.
La Gang du Jardin Entr'Ados
In 2020, we were impressed by 14 of our youth from Entr’Ados who participated faithfully in our Gang du jardin all summer long. Even as our city largely went into shut down, our gardens opened, as this was outside, and considered an essential service. It became a lifeline for youth as they began
coping to the realities of a pandemic.
We temporarily set up our garden in a beautiful private park on the property of a former convent, as we waited to take posession of our new rooftop garden. The students began with workshops to plan their gardens, then they
got to work. The youth sold their vegetables and herbs and shared their
profits based on the hours each student worked. They also created savings
plans.
Connections
Helping youth achieve their goals
In 2020, during COVID-19, participants in our Connections program have been volunteering or working (with a stipend) at
Innovation-Assistance, our food bank. This new initiative has provided vital training, community engagement and
employment for our youth, who normally face many challenges entering the workforce. Normally, each day is split
up between group conversation time, study time with support, practical workshops, and work/service opportunities. We
also run an optional Alpha program after school hours for the participants, which is facilitated by a volunteer from a local church.
Partnerships
Our work nurturing the Mission of God is enhanced through several strategic partnerships.
Notably, the Mission Montreal Partnership with the Christian Reformed Church in North America empowers work in missional church engagement, young adult formation, and newcomer ministry. This unique relationship makes possible our urban labs and provides opportunities for our staff to participate in communities of practice with other practitioners around North America.
Our partnership with Street Psalms has given us access to an international network of practitioners through the Urban Training Collaborative. Street Psalms has facilitated the Preaching Peace roundtable and shared valuable insight through their Incarnational Training Framework.
These partnerships provide a mutual learning relationship and promote interdependence in mission and ministry. We are grateful for these valued relationships!