CAM AND JOSIE JANZEN
When I, Cam, was around 10 or 11 I felt God calling me to an intercultural focus in life. I remember that night vividly. It was a very clear call. Not an audible voice but a clear thought that was definitely from God. I thought that meant I would one day move to another country, but God had other plans. I even tried to move internationally, but nothing worked out. Instead God started me off with serving international high school students while I was in college.
Cam and Josie Janzen - Campus Ministry
International Student Ministries Canada (ISMC)
When I, Cam, was around 10 or 11 I felt God calling me to an intercultural focus in life. I remember that night vividly. It was a very clear call. Not an audible voice but a clear thought that was definitely from God. I thought that meant I would one day move to another country, but God had other plans. I even tried to move internationally, but nothing worked out. Instead God started me off with serving international high school students while I was in college. I didn’t get the clue, so he sent family and I to Vancouver to serve in a Chinese church and it was there that I realized God had been and was calling me to serve in Canada as the world came to our doorstep. And so began our adventure of serving and loving international students on staff at International Student Ministries Canada (ISMC) full time.
Our vocational ministry start in Vancouver was nearly 20 years ago now and after serving on Simon Fraser and USask campuses I find myself in a national leadership position at ISMC and I am grateful for the faithful support and prayers of God’s people. Through your partnership we have seen 64 commitments to Christ in our various ministry locations in this university year alone.
Thank you for your continued support and your partnership in ministry. Please do reach out to us if you would like to partner with us in the Great COmmission. That’s not a typo. The Great Commission is a collaboration. We are in this together. We have 500,000+ international students from 184 different countries at Canadian universities to love through prayer, financial support of ministry partners and more.
In Him,
Cam & Josie Janzen
Update Jan 2024: Happy New Year! 2023 had many big moments in international student ministry and we expect more of God's unmatched grace and mercy in 2024. The ministry of ISMC has seen over 20 faith commitments happen this past semester, including a very recent decision to follow Christ over the holidays by someone who had been tangibly resisting the Spirit for some time. We praise God for his transformative work in the lives of these amazing young men and women - future leaders of homes, communities, marketplaces, and countries. Thank you for joining us in ministry by prayer, finances & words of encouragement!
Update Oct 2024: Hello Elim Church family, We have some significant changes and opportunities come our way since our last update to you all.
The first part of this update is that I have been enjoying a sabbatical for the past few months. ISMC gives our staff the opportunity to have a ministry sabbatical every seven years of full-time ministry and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to rest and spend time focused on spiritual, mental and physical rejuvenation. This opportunity came at a very fortunate time as just prior to stepping away on sabbatical I had been offered and accepted the primary leadership role at ISMC.
So beginning in October I will be stepping into the position of President at ISMC. This is a big move for me and your prayers for wisdom and godliness in leadership would be greatly appreciated. I am praying that through my steps of obedience the lives of international students and the lives of ISMC staff across Canada and internationally will be blessed and God’s name will be glorified.
JUSTIN AND TAMMY HETTINGA
And so it is that Bible translation plays one part in what God is doing in the world. It is one part of His great mission. In this way all people will be able to know God and hear from Him, through His Word, in their own language. We, Justin and Tammy Hettinga, missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators, love being a part of this mission by providing leadership and administrative support to this work throughout the Americas.
Justin and Tammy Hettinga
Missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators
"'After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.' Rev 7:9 ESV
What a vision! What do you see when you close your eyes and imagine it? What do you hear? Have you ever stopped and wondered why language is mentioned here? Why is it significant that on this day there will be people from every language worshipping God?
Let me suggest an idea. Every one of the 7,168 living languages spoken or signed on the earth today adds something unique to the worship of God. Every language has unique words and meanings and with them a unique perspective on God. So the more languages used to worship the Lord, the deeper and richer and more beautiful the worship.
And so it is that Bible translation plays one part in what God is doing in the world. It is one part of His great mission. In this way all people will be able to know God and hear from Him, through His Word, in their own language. We, Justin and Tammy Hettinga, missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators, love being a part of this mission by providing leadership and administrative support to this work throughout the Americas.
Thank you for praying for us. Thank you for supporting us. One day we will be together with people speaking every language, and we will all cry out, "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” We can't wait to see you there!"
— Justin & Tammy Hettinga
RODNEY AND KAJA CORCORAN
I'm Rodney, and along with my family, we are your global workers here in Tallinn, Estonia. I'd like to give you a brief update on what is happening in the Bible school, along with our regular programs of evening school and deacon school.
This year, we are putting an emphasis on the development of pastors. This is for people who are looking to transition into pastoral ministry, or who are new to pastoral ministry, or maybe potential church planters. We're calling this pastors fellowship.
One of our students who's joined pastor's fellowship is a graduate from the daily Bible school from a couple of years ago. Him and his family had been feeling the call of God to plant a church
ROD AND KAJA CORCORAN - Global Workers
Tallinn, Estonia
Hello Elim Church,
Greetings from Estonia! My family and I would like to personally thank you for being a part of missions in Europe. It was wonderful to be back in Saskatoon last November for pastor Marvin's special month of memories and to witness that the restoration is complete on Slimmon Road! I enjoyed the opportunity to reflect on Elim's role in my life and the inspiration I received for ministry through Pastor Marvin and the other pastors and staff. Since returning to Estonia, we have prayed for you through the transition of leadership, and we are believing with you for great things in this new season of leadership and ministry. As Saskatoon and Saskatchewan continue to grow we pray that Jesus would continue to use you for His glory.
Deacon School!
Recently we held our retreat for our Deacon school students. Deacon School is a part-time school for lay leaders and those interested in pastoral ministry. The retreat was a great time for connecting, teaching and worshipping. We look forward to seeing how God will use these people in the future.
Bible School!
As the director of the Bible school, it is my job to represent the Bible school at different church functions. At our annual conference for the Pentecostal church, I was honored to share how God is using the Bible school for ministry and preparing the next generation of pastors and leaders. We are very proud of one alumni who has recently planted a church in a community just outside of the capital of Tallinn. As a Bible school, we look forward to partnering with this new work at ths new church.
Blessings,
Rodney and Kaja Corcoran
KAITLYN CEY
"My name is Kaitlyn Cey and I'm the director of Inspire Our Nation. We continue to be so grateful for your ongoing support. It's been an exciting season at Inspire with the youth in our 10-month Leadership Program growing alongside their mentors. We're seeing God move in astounding ways. There are 30 students in the program and each student has their own mentor. Together, the youth are taking leadership roles to plan the Inspire conference that will happen in March 2023.
At our last session, when the youth had an opportunity to share their stories, one young woman who had given her life to Jesus at the Inspire summer camp wrote her story about how God has been speaking to her through visions and teaching her to pray.
Kaitlyn Cey
Inspire Our Nation - Youth Leadership Ministry, Saskatoon SK
This year, thirty - three Student Leaders have been discipled and empowered by their mentors and coaches to lead a movement inspiring God dreams across Saskatchewan and Manitoba. This has happened through the 10-month Inspire Leadership Program that has included ongoing instruction & training. High school students in the program will be receiving a high school credit shortly for their completion of the program.
As part of the program, Student Leaders were given an opportunity to…
Learn about their unique giftedness and God-given purpose while being exposed to a variety of career opportunities at Inspire Career Day
With coaching and mentoring, help to plan and host a series of community Christmas events at Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation in partnership with Elim Church
Use their unique gifts & strengths to work together to host the Inspire Conference 2024 in Saskatoon with over 1000 attendees!
Travel with their mentors to Winnipeg to join our team on the ground to host the FIRST EVER Inspire Conference in Winnipeg with over 600 people present. Through these conferences, lives have been forever changed!
-Kaitlyn
ERIN AND TONI DOS SANTOS
Over the past 11 years that we have co-led the ministry in Mexico (alongside our Mexican Pastors) to vulnerable single mothers, their children, and their youth. We have seen the Lord miraculously restore lives, revive dreams, and bring hope to the hopeless. We currently have over 100 children and almost 30 youth, and over 50 single mothers that are a part of Casa de Luz families.
One of the highlights this past year has been the opening of Casa de Luz’s two small businesses, K47 Café and Buen Taco Restaurant,…
Erin and Toni Dos Santos - Global Workers
Casa de Luz Ministries in Primo Tapia, Mexico
We are the Santos family! And we have been serving the Lord in Primo Tapia, Baja California, Mexico since 2011 (for 13 years!) as the Managing Co-Director of Casa de Luz Ministries. With a focus on keeping single-parent families together, the work of Casa de Luz - which means “house of light” - includes a Children’s Center focused on resourcing and supporting single parents (providing free childcare for single parent families), a mentorship program for at-risk middle and high school youth, educational and scholarship initiatives for youth and adults, women’s discipleship and mentorship programming, and empowered employment initiatives (including the creation of 2 small businesses, Buen Taco restaurant and K47 café). For more information about our work, please visit casadeluzmexico.com.
In our leadership roles at La Hermosa and Casa de Luz, we regularly plan, supervise, and engage in evangelistic outreaches and the spiritual discipleship of children, teens, men and women as part of a deep commitment to holistically restoring families so that they may experience the fullness of life in the Kingdom of God. Practically, we provide vision and supervise all aspects of the on-the-ground ministry, and lead the evangelistic and discipleship initiatives.
We are so thankful to be a part of the Elim family! We love you, you are our church and our people, and we are so looking forward to being with you at Elim this coming July and at Living Waters Camp! Thank you so much for your prayers, love, care, and practical support for our family."
Toni and Erin Dos Santos
Casa de Luz Ministries
ALEXEY AND TONIA PANKOV
Hi everyone, it's Alexey and Tonia, and we're now coming at you from Antalya, Turkey. We came here in April from Russia and have been here ever since.
We want to thank you for everything you're doing to help the ministry here in Turkey. As you may know, we work with orphans, and your donations and your prayers are a huge blessing. We were able to purchase tablets for online schooling, sporting equipment, medicine, and other stuff for these kids.
Alexey and Tonia are currently serving in Winnipeg, MB alongside a local church. They lead the newcomers ministry and ESL programs, as well as providing leadership and guidance to the many new immigrants that join the community. As well, they continue to serve as pastors and mentors with the Russian Assemblies of God and provide pastoral support to their church plant in Altai, Siberia.
JIM AND LESLIE MILLS
Drop-In was strong throughout the summer months with a slight decline so far this fall. We have been able to build some strong relationships with the students. We were surprised one night as two students had a lemonade stand this summer and gave Drop-In $50.
The need continues for care packages for families of our Drop-In students. Relationships continue to be strong with families and we are so thankful for the opportunity to bring HOPE to needy families.
Jim and Leslie Mills
Saskatoon Youth For Christ
Leslie and I have decided that it is time for us to wind down our full-time role here at YFC Saskatoon. This has come with much prayer, thought and tears. As you can imagine, this is incredibly bittersweet for us after over 30 years of involvement. I will maintain my position and help to train a replacement, aiming for an end-date in May 2024. Please continue to support us as we aim to finish well.
Our last night at Drop-In was special. Kindred, one of our long-time Drop-In students, came to see us. I had led him in a prayer for salvation 10 years ago. Also, we had the parents of one of our students come out. It was bittersweet as their son, who was involved in our program, had committed suicide several years ago. We have seen a lot over the past 12 years being involved in this program.
I have committed to continue with my involvement with the Youth for Christ Hockey League. Looking back over the 10 + years, I have several students whom I have picked up and got them safely home. Selling concession and collecting paperwork means I talk to almost every student weekly.
I am not sure if I can fully retire from YFC. It has been a part of our lives for over 30 years. I have appreciated the many people I have gotten to know through YFC. Being involved with many students has been rewarding. I have been to a number of Grade 12 Grads and Grade 8 Farewells. I have seen some have children of their own. I hope to continue to attend these special occasions.
Leslie and I would appreciate your continued prayer and financial support so I can finish my time here well. I want to thank Pastor Marv, the Missions Committee and the board and especially the congregation for their support.
-Jim Mills
JODI BRYANT
God has showed us over and over how HE has brought His “mission” to us. It has been amazing to be in our own city and see “behind the scenes” of the hurting, lost, vulnerable, and broken right in the four walls of the churches and the surrounding community where we live.
Jodi Bryant
Director of Reconciliation Resources in Saskatoon, SK
I am Rev. Jodi Bryant (PAOC SK ordained), and I am the Founder and Executive of LifeChange & Reconciliation Resources. We are so blessed to be partners in mission with Elim.
Our 50+ volunteers serve to offer faith-based educational recovery programs and support groups, emphasizing grief, divorce and addictions. We have two prison ministry teams that serve the Regional Psychiatric Centre. We also initiate evangelistic outreach and projects, as the Holy Spirit directs. Professional counseling is also available. Reconciliation Resources raises funds to also reduce the costs associated with all our programs.
We desire to reconcile people with God, reconcile people to one another, and reconcile people within by the power of the Holy Spirit.
If you sense the Holy Spirit leading you to become involved, if you would like more information, would like to book my team and I to share, or present Reconciliation Resources opportunities, please contact me directly.
Please pray for the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and open opportunities to raise funds, connect and love those He brings into our circle of influence. We are presently fundraising for Celebrate Recovery Children's Place and The Landing (Youth), our third annual Turning Point Therapy Magazine, and our third annual Youth (Caucasian/BIPOC) Talent Showcase Fall 2024.
Blessings as we advance God's Kingdom Together,
Jodi Bryant.
ONE BOOK
OneBook works with minority language groups in Africa and Asia and brings to them Bible translation, literacy, and community development. All of our projects are rooted in the belief that local people in their own country, among their own people, are best suited to carry out translation and literacy work in their communities.
In 2021, we saw 10 Bible dedications. So far we have done 50 Bible dedications since our inception 13 years ago. About 5 years ago, we took a group of people from Calgary to one of the Bible dedications in South Asia…
Bible Translation, Literacy and Community Development
Africa and Asia
Click to view >> ONE BOOK 2023 General Profile
OneBook works with minority language groups in Africa and Asia and brings to them Bible translation, literacy, and community development. All of our projects are rooted in the belief that local people in their own country, among their own people, are best suited to carry out translation and literacy work in their communities.
OneBook is privileged to partner with experienced national organizations who are committed to coming alongside minority language communities to provide holistic care and access to mother-tongue Scripture. These national organizations provide locally led teams with technical assistance as they facilitate projects. This includes advocating in government circles for the people group, and both training and supporting local leaders to mobilize their community to develop a written form of their language and teach mother-tongue literacy classes. Our partners further train mother-tongue speakers to translate the Bible and make it available in different formats. These projects lay the foundation for lasting faith, social justice, improved health, and a hope for growth.
OneBook’s national partner organizations and local teams can go where expatriates are not welcomed. They can cross cultural and linguistic barriers with less effort. They can overcome obstacles and solve complicated situations with the wisdom that comes from their experience within a cultural context. OneBook projects are carried out in collaboration with these local experts, bound together by our common faith in God, who sent His son to be among us, speak our language, and strengthen our faith in Him.
You can help bring lasting spiritual, educational, and social transformation to minority language communities in Africa and Asia. When you invest in a OneBook project, you will provide for the needs of dedicated local project teams as they serve their communities through Bible translation literacy, and community development initiatives.
Thank you for being a part of transforming these communities forever.
ALEX AND JANICE SASAKAMOOSE
We are thrilled to be partnering with Alex and Janice Sasakamoose at Ahtahkakoop First Nation to support the incredible work God is doing there!
Alex and Janice Sasakamoose
Give oversight to a Church and Christian School in Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, SK
We are thrilled to be partnering with Alex and Janice Sasakamoose at Ahtahkakoop First Nation to support the incredible work God is doing there!
JORDAN CLARK
Thank you Elim for Supporting Enrich Life Church on the University of Regina Campus. We are so happy and excited to be partnered together in ministry. Our church has been meeting on Saturday evenings in The Lazy Owl Restaurant and Pub on the University of Regina Campus since April 20th, 2024. The restaurant and pub is closed on Saturdays so we rent out the space and turn it into a church every weekend.
JORDAN CLARK - Church Planter
Enrich Life Church on the University of Regina Campus, REGINA SK
Thank you Elim for Supporting Enrich Life Church on the University of Regina Campus. We are so happy and excited to be partnered together in ministry. Our church has been meeting on Saturday evenings in The Lazy Owl Restaurant and Pub on the University of Regina Campus since April 20th, 2024. The restaurant and pub is closed on Saturdays so we rent out the space and turn it into a church every weekend. We met in a coffee shop across the street from the University Campus before moving into this space. This season has been wonderful since being directly on campus. This last year we had the privilege of baptizing 2 of our University Students in water, we have had 3 salvations (that we know of) and have welcomed new people into our church over the summer. This last year I had been praying for some of our younger people in our community to join our deacon's board and serve the church in that way. God has provided as we welcomed three of our younger regular attenders onto the board; two of them have learned how to preach God's word and have been preaching this summer. Ethan is one of them, he used to be in my youth group back in 2017-2018 and he recently started attending Enrich Life in the summer of 2023. He was water baptized this year, sits on our deacons board and recently preached his first sermon in July. He will be preaching again in August. Alyssa is preaching in August and has been with us since we first started this ministry in 2019--it has been wonderful to see her grow and now she also sits on our deacons board.
We are seeing students graduate from University staying with the church and serving in deeper ways. We had 3 grads who we celebrated in June, Erin, Chanel and Ethan. Erin helped run our grocery ministry where we packed the community fridge on campus twice a month, she ordered the groceries and brought them to church. Chanel helped run our street outreach this year where we served homeless people on the street with one of our partner churches in Regina. It is amazing to see people use their gifts and desires to worship God--seeing them grow in their gifts is a privilege. We held two major worship nights in January 2024 and March 2024, we had 164 people attend the first night and 94 attend the second night and some salvations have come out of those nights. Those worship nights were held directly on campus in The Lazy Owl. God is good!