As we prepare to celebrate Canada Day tomorrow, we asked our vice-presidents and directors to answer three questions about living in Canada, their prayers for Canada, and some ways their departments have helped call Evangelicals to greater visible unity in gospel witness.
What are you thankful for about living in Canada?
Karen Fishwick, Vice-President of Finance and Operations: On Sunday I called 911 to report a traffic problem that I thought was generating a dangerous situation. I got a call back right away from a police officer who responded promptly. I’m so thankful to feel safe and protected in Canada while so many countries experience war, unrest and danger.
Cecilia Wu, Vice-President of Philanthropy and Affiliation: I'm most thankful for the freedom to live out my faith and my convictions, and the freedom to pass these along to the next generation.
Rick Hiemstra, Vice-President of Ministry and Public Engagement: Both sides of my family came to Canada as economic migrants, one because of the potato famine in Ireland, and another out of the economic devastation of World War II in Europe. I am grateful for a country that welcomed and received us.
Bill Fledderus, Co-director of Marketing and Communications: Canada has a vast, diverse and rich outdoor landscape that has been tended by Indigenous people for generations before my ancestors immigrated here from the Netherlands. I'm grateful for the provincial and federal park systems making wilderness experiences accessible to so many people.
Julia Beazley, Director of Public Policy: I’m thankful for the opportunities for dialogue and discussion on how to seek the good of our country. I’m thankful for the ability to participate in public discussions on critical issues while rooted and grounded in faith in Jesus. I’m thankful to live in a country that makes room for these discussions.
Gina Waugh, Director of Affiliate and Community Relations: I love living in Canada because of the freedom we have and the multiculturalism. We are known for our diversity of communities and languages.
What would be your prayer for Canada for the coming year?
Karen Fishwick: I pray that revival takes hold of our country and that people respond to the Gospel in ways that can only be attributed to God’s Spirit and grace.
Cecilia Wu: I pray for spiritual renewal and wisdom for the Church in Canada as we navigate social, economic, and cultural challenges.
Rick Hiemstra: I pray that our leaders, of all kinds, find the courage to prioritize reconciliation among Canadians.
Bill Fledderus: I pray that we would take care of each other in ways that overcome human divisions and reflect the love of God in Christ, and also that God would give wisdom to our leaders about how to steward the resources of this land we share.
Julia Beazley: I pray that as Christians in Canada, we would love God and love our neighbour; that we would do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. I pray that we would be humble, gracious, kind, compassionate and loving – including and maybe especially to those with whom we disagree.
Gina Waugh: That God would grant our leaders integrity and compassion, our communities unity in diversity, and our land protection from harm.
What are one or two ways your department has contributed to the EFC's mission to call Evangelicals to greater visible unity in gospel witness?
Karen Fishwick: Our team ensures we’re good stewards of the resources given by our donors and supporters. Simply put, we don’t have to worry about running out of money while we do ministry!
Cecilia Wu: God continues to bless the EFC through the faithful partnership of our donors and affiliates. Their ceaseless prayers and generous gifts remind us that it’s not by our strength but by His alone.
Rick Hiemstra: I am thankful for the work of Welcome Church, an EFC ministry that helps churches to welcome and settle immigrants, and for the National Study on Women in Canadian Evangelical Churches study that helps us understand women’s experience in our movement’s congregations.
Bill Fledderus: In the EFC's department of communications and marketing, we're glad for all the ways we help to connect the diverse Christian community across Canada by sharing important stories and building God-honouring relationships with the many local partners who make our work possible.
Julia Beazley: I’m thankful we were able to bring our grave concerns to the parliamentary committee studying MAiD for mental illness. We’ve seen a positive step with a parliamentary committee recommending an indefinite delay of MAiD on the basis of mental illness alone. We’ll continue to pray that this recommendation is adopted and a bill passed to put in place an indefinite pause. We are deeply grateful for all who engage with us, who write to their MPs and to Senators.
Gina Waugh: With our affiliates we are stronger together. We learn from one another as we seek to discern God's leading for our nation, our cities, and our neighbourhoods. We stand united in working for the flourishing of the communities where God has placed us.