These families need Jesus - they need to hear and see truth lived out in lives they can trust. Evangelism is never a quick process. But with language, culture, and trust factors... it's even a longer process to get to a Gospel moment." Harold Rust
The WMCLB is excited to support The River, our LB church plant in Red Deer, Alberta (Canada) as our FOCUS Project for 2023-2024. A large part of the ministry at The River is to the international refugee population that is moving into their community. There are significant financial needs as they serve those getting settled in a new country. We as women of WMCLB believe that it is important to be the hands and feet of Jesus as we love and serve others, and we are excited to partner with Pastor Harold and Joyce Rust and the rest of those who serve at The River by both praying and giving financially to this ministry.
Harold and Joyce share some of the ways The River serves this community and the needs that they have:
▪ They need English language skills and confidence. Younger children and teens pick up language quickly but Moms can have trouble, especially when home all day.
▪ Transportation is a very practical need. It takes time to get licensed and to get a car, while appointments and illnesses/doctor visits can’t wait.
▪ They need basic living items such as furniture as they get settled.
▪ Children’s ministry is an important need. God has led them to many larger families with young children so they plan on some key seasonal events to connect with these families
▪ They have many young men in the church who need connection and community. They hope to resume weekly breakfasts with them focused on their needs, questions they might have, and Jesus!
Harold shares: “We are hoping to start a children’s outreach called Malachi Kids where we teach basic Bible stories to kids and they go home and tell those stories to their parents. Together it brings Bible literacy and the Gospel into homes we may not otherwise reach. It’s a ministry of Global Children’s Network and money will go to provide T-shirts, resources and fun activities to the children of Red Deer, especially newcomers to Canada from around the world. The River has also been excited to have the opportunity to send some of the children to Bible camp.”
The adults also have needs— friendship, acceptance and trust. They seem to be longing to have people they can share their stories with and not be judged or put down. The young mothers often have no mother here to talk with so they need mentors/mothers who can give wisdom about marriage and family. They long for community and The River has been able to have special events for the adults such as sending a group to a symphony in Calgary, Alberta.
Harold shares the heart of this ministry and asks for our prayers: “These families need Jesus—they need to hear and see truth lived out in lives they can trust. Evangelism is never a quick process. But with language, culture and trust factors…it’s even a longer process to get to a Gospel moment. Prayer is key. We pray that as we care for the practical needs they have, that they would see their spiritual need of a Savior. We pray that they will come to know the love of Christ and a saving faith in Jesus.”
▪ Please pray for Harold and Joyce and all those who are a part of the ministry at The River.
▪ Please pray for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the people that are being ministered to at The River.
▪ Please pray for more Canadian Christians to join in this mission as they seek God’s provision of committed believers to come on this journey with them.
▪ Please pray and seek God’s leading in being part of this ministry as you consider your financial support to fund this FOCUS Project, supporting the ministry at The River in Red Deer, Alberta.
Harold and Joyce share some of the ways The River serves this community and the needs that they have:
▪ They need English language skills and confidence. Younger children and teens pick up language quickly but Moms can have trouble, especially when home all day.
▪ Transportation is a very practical need. It takes time to get licensed and to get a car, while appointments and illnesses/doctor visits can’t wait.
▪ They need basic living items such as furniture as they get settled.
▪ Children’s ministry is an important need. God has led them to many larger families with young children so they plan on some key seasonal events to connect with these families
▪ They have many young men in the church who need connection and community. They hope to resume weekly breakfasts with them focused on their needs, questions they might have, and Jesus!
Harold shares: “We are hoping to start a children’s outreach called Malachi Kids where we teach basic Bible stories to kids and they go home and tell those stories to their parents. Together it brings Bible literacy and the Gospel into homes we may not otherwise reach. It’s a ministry of Global Children’s Network and money will go to provide T-shirts, resources and fun activities to the children of Red Deer, especially newcomers to Canada from around the world. The River has also been excited to have the opportunity to send some of the children to Bible camp.”
The adults also have needs— friendship, acceptance and trust. They seem to be longing to have people they can share their stories with and not be judged or put down. The young mothers often have no mother here to talk with so they need mentors/mothers who can give wisdom about marriage and family. They long for community and The River has been able to have special events for the adults such as sending a group to a symphony in Calgary, Alberta.
Harold shares the heart of this ministry and asks for our prayers: “These families need Jesus—they need to hear and see truth lived out in lives they can trust. Evangelism is never a quick process. But with language, culture and trust factors…it’s even a longer process to get to a Gospel moment. Prayer is key. We pray that as we care for the practical needs they have, that they would see their spiritual need of a Savior. We pray that they will come to know the love of Christ and a saving faith in Jesus.”
▪ Please pray for Harold and Joyce and all those who are a part of the ministry at The River.
▪ Please pray for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the people that are being ministered to at The River.
▪ Please pray for more Canadian Christians to join in this mission as they seek God’s provision of committed believers to come on this journey with them.
▪ Please pray and seek God’s leading in being part of this ministry as you consider your financial support to fund this FOCUS Project, supporting the ministry at The River in Red Deer, Alberta.
