Front Cover

STANDING TOGETHER, SHARING THE HOPEAUTUMN/WINTER 2012

SpecialChristmasoffers for youinside!

WELCOME“Branching Out”Dear friends,

Welcome to the latest issue of The Candle, which is packed full of news and updates from Threshold Ministries and stories of transformation.

In this issue, I hope you will see how, together, we are making an impact on the God’s Kingdom here in Canada. Over the course of these past few months, we have been privileged to participate in several summer outreaches – some for a week or two, others lasted the whole summer. I had the opportunity to help out with a week-long kids club in Saint John NB and it was a great week. These op-portunities and those from summer camps, are planting great seeds in the lives of our children and youth.

You will also see news of Street Hope Saint John launching very soon. In fact, if you are in the area, please join us on September 14th for the dedication and launch service in Saint John NB. There is great need for this type of ministry – one of equipping and empowering those in need. We are so pleased to see the churches in Saint John come behind this ministry and to work collaboratively to see lives transformed.

During my traveling and conversations with people, I’m often asked about our people in training. I’m so pleased that we can introduce you to Tri. This man has

an incredible story, and we were blessed to have him share it at our National Gathering. Please join us in praying for Tri & Meredith, during their training and discernment. They were married in July, and so we continue to pray God’s blessing on their union.

Our National Gathering in May was such a blessing as well. It really was a great time of fellowship, worship and teaching. It was a long overdue gathering, because of the costs of bringing everyone together and this year, we did everything possible to keep ex-penses down. Six years was way too long to bring the family together. Our hope is that

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WELCOMEwe can, once again, make this a regular gathering – the fellowship and support is greatly needed!

I want to also express my thanks and ap-preciation to the people who intentionally sent in a note, email or phone call to ex-press their support and encouragement for the news of my appointment as National Director and for Bruce’s as Ambassador. It is incredibly humbling to receive such comments from our ministry partners, particularly from individuals whom I’ve yet to have the privilege to meet.

I have no delusions of the task ahead or the weight of its responsibility. And I am equally confident of God’s ability. There is much opportunity ahead of us and the need is so great. With time, discernment and committed individuals, we can. We have great year being planned and I hope that you can join us when we have an event in your area.

Again, thank you for your partnership and your commitment to Threshold Min-istries and our projects. Together, we are making a difference. Together, we are able to stand alongside those in need and share the hope of Jesus Christ across Canada.

Wishing you every good blessing,

Shawn C. BranchNational Director

Threshold Ministries, founded in 1929 (as Church Army in Canada), is a pre-dominantly Anglican Order of Evange-lists. Our evangelists share the Christian faith through words and actions while equipping others to do the same, across Canada.

Board of Directors:Dr John W. Irwin, ChairThe Rt Revd T.O. Buckle, Vice-ChairMr. Ian Grant, TreasurerMr. Andrew BarkerMs. Kathy BellMr. Peter Bloom

Shawn C. Branch, National Director

Subscriptions to our newsletters and prayer diary are available free upon request, with donations greatly appreci-ated. They are available in both print and online formats. Please let us know which option you would prefer.

Editor: Amy StewartPrinted by: Rainbow Printing

Threshold Ministries, National Ministry Centre, 105 Mountain View Drive, Saint John, NB, E2J 5B5Tel: (506)642-2210Toll Free: (888)316-8169Email: hello@thresholdministries.caWeb: www.thresholdministries.ca

If you have a story for The Candle, or suggestions on how we can improve this magazine, please contact Amy Stewart.

Threshold Ministries is a registered Canadian charity. Affiliated with the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and the Canadian Council of Christian Charities.

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CONTENTSThe Candle Autumn/Winter 2012

“Like” us on acebook and Win!

Meet Tri

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Train with US!

10-11

SummerKids Camps

12-13

Forgiveness

26-27

Northern News

16-17National

Gathering

24-25

“LIKE” USON FACEBOOK

and we will enter you into a weekly

draw to win a gift certificate from one of

these great Canadian Bible Bookstores!

www.facebook.com/thresholdministries

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CONTENTSThe Candle Autumn/Winter 2012

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StreetHope

Launch

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“LIKE” USON FACEBOOK

and we will enter you into a weekly

draw to win a gift certificate from one of

these great Canadian Bible Bookstores!

www.facebook.com/thresholdministries

The countdown is on! Prepar-tions are being made for the launch of ‘Street Hope Saint John’, September 14th.

For a decade or more Threshold Ministries has had a presence on the streets of Uptown Saint John through a variety of venues, espe-cially “Uptown” Church, located in Stone Anglican Church and Saint John Community Chap-laincy. There are numerous Street Hope ministries scattered across

the breadth of this great country and we

sense that now is the time to launch a Street Hope project here in the old port city. Each project while dedicated to ‘street level’ ministry has developed in its own unique way. Street Hope Saint John will have its own distinc-tiveness as well.

Street Hope Saint John will have, at its heart, the concept of community. We hope to foster a community of the transformed through daily worship/prayer/study and shared activities. We will do some “Recovering Hope” programming which will be designed as studies and support for overcoming addictions of all kinds and changing unhealthy life patterns. As trans-

by Reed Fleming

THE LAUNCH OF STREET HOPE SAINT JOHNREVEALED!

LAUNCHIN SAINT JOHN NB!

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formed people we will be engaging in service to our wider community via existing outreaches, particularly those which serve the marginalized of our city.

The launch event will take place at Stone Church at 7:30pm, Friday September 14. Representatives of the Greater Saint John Ministerial, Shawn Branch our National Director, and a variety of dignitaries will be taking part that night as Reed Fleming, who has been designated to lead this proj-ect, will share the vision for ‘Street Hope Saint John’.

ABOUT REED FLEMINGIn 1980 Reed was commissioned as an Evangelist in Threshold Minis-tries. After nearly twenty years of ministry, mostly with youth and in First Nations Communities, he was offered the opportunity to head the Evan-gelism Studies Program at Taylor College, in Saint John, NB. During this time Reed started working (as a volunteer) with Stone Church, an Anglican Church in the Uptown neighbourhood of Saint John, alongside the Rev. David Edwards. They worked at building wholesome relationships with the folks who lived in rooming houses in the parish. As they succeeded in this, they came to realise that these friends were never going to come to the 10:30 Sunday morning service at Stone, in any great number. This revelation led Reed and his wife Linda to plant ‘Uptown’ Church, which gathers at 6:30pm Sundays at Stone Church. They describe themselves, at their best, as “An honest accepting community of broken people, who are experiencing the Father’s love, finding wholeness in Christ and performing acts of kindness in the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Reed and Linda have fallen in love with this community and it is out of that love that they have decided to reach out with ‘Street Hope Saint John’, which takes the concept of community to a new level! They believe this is a part of God’s unfolding plan for their lives and ministry. 7

Threshold Ministries would like to welcome our newest trainee, Tri Jay Truong, who came to us last fall. Tri, a native of Vietnam, grew up in a family of eight (two parents, three daughters, and three sons). At about seven years of age, in 1978, Tri and his family fled communist Vietnam as boat people. After a harrowing adventure, in which many of their fellow travelers died or were separated from each other, Tri’s family, excluding his father, finally arrived in Vancouver in 1980. Five months after their arrival, Tri and his family were unexpectedly reunited with their father, who they had become

separated from during the voyage, and who they thought had died.

Before long, Tri was in school in Victoria, British Columbia, and by 1992 he had completed grade eleven. Throughout his school years, Tri faced much hostility because of his race, and was frequently bullied by others. Filled with anger, resentment, and pain, Tri’s good grades were not enough to help bolster his confidence, and following grade eleven he hit the streets. “I went from being that nice quiet boy to loud and bad”, says Tri. He quickly became entangled in a life of parties, drugs,

TRI TRUONG

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MEET

LISTEN TO TRI’S AMAZING TESTIMONY @ WWW.THRESHOLDMINISTRIES.CA/NGCC

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and gangs. Becoming quite powerful in the gang world, he finally felt a sense of belonging and power, but by age 27 he was incarcerated.

While in jail, Tri asked for a book. He found himself holding a Bible, and the first verse he read was John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The verse left quite the impact on Tri, and he gave his life to Christ on the spot.

The transition to being a disciple of Christ, however, was not a smooth one. Once he was released from jail, he began to attend church, but as happens to many newcomers to churches across the coun-try, a feeling of acceptance or belonging does not always come as it should in the

body of Christ. Consequently, he fell back into his old lifestyle. When he was thirty, he found himself working for a marketing company that pro-moted World Vision, believing that such work would perhaps help him feel better about himself. It didn’t, however, and he fell back into drugs.

When he was 31, his brother Henry, a pastor, brought him into a program called Teen Challenge. Ac-cording to Tri, he took the “fake it till you make it” approach, pretending to be a good Christian until something happened. His counselor knew he wasn’t for real, though, and they de-cided Tri should leave. When he got home, reality kicked in for Tri, and after crying out to God, he heard an audible response, “I am.” He quickly returned to Teen Challenge.

The next decade has seen his faith rapidly flourish. He is currently Chaplain at Northern Gateway Com-munity Chaplaincy (NGCC) in The Pas, Manitoba, and he tied-the-knot to his fiancé Meredith Lloyd in July. Previous to NGCC, he has taken part in various other forms of ministry and training in Vancouver, Win-nipeg, and Denare Beach, Saskatch-ewan. Give thanks for the amazing transformation God has brought about through Tri and pray that he will continue to do great things for the Kingdom of God as he proceeds with Threshold Ministries.

Tri giving his testimony at the National Gathering, May 2012

Threshold Ministries not only has a rich heritage of supporting evangelism, but also takes great pride in the training it provides its Evangelists. Believers come to us from a variety of backgrounds: some have little education while others have much; some are young while others are old; and they come from a mosaic of Christian traditions and denominations. The Church of Christ contains great diversity, and our team of Evangelists is no exception!

We are looking for people who have a sense of calling to our work, and have done evangelism in the past. We want visionaries who can seize the initiative

and start up a new project, the kind of person that can reflect on their past experiences and failures so as to better approach the future. Being a team player is invaluable, whether as a leader, a follower, or a partner. Good communication skills and a willingness and ability to learn are all valued highly. We need people who can cope with stress, and can demonstrate a vibrant and mature relationship with God. If any of these characteristics ring true for you, then you may have what it takes to become a Threshold Evangelist!

Step 1 for a future Evangelist is the application process. A candidate will complete the application form, write out his or her testimony, and provide several references, including ones from your minister and someone who has benefitted from your evangelistic work.

Step 2 is a day of reflection on your potential role as an Evangelist,

No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with

your God – Micah 6:8

TRAININGwith Threshold Ministries

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accompanied by a meeting with the National Director. You (and your spouse) will then meet an admissions panel, which will assess your progress and make recommendations.

Step 3, the final stage, includes a 48-hour mission with a Threshold project, such as the Northern Gateway Community Chaplaincy (The Pas, Manitoba) or one of our Street Hope projects (Fraser Valley, Victoria, Peterborough, Saint John and Moncton). You will then write a report on your experience there, and meet the panel for a final time.

If accepted, your training will mostly be “on the job,” working with a mission base somewhere in Canada. You could help plant a church, work with vulnerable, young, or elderly people, or take part in some other form of mission. You will be mentored on site while working with your placement, but will also periodically meet with other students for ministry gatherings and study intensives. Training can take up to three years, and will include six 2-week study intensives at St. Stephen’s University (SSU) in St. Stephen, New Brunswick (two intensives per year). Upon completing your education, you will have a Diploma and/or Masters in Ministry through distance learning with SSU. SSU is trans-denominational in approach with a respect for forms of church leadership both old and new. It balances academics with practical

training and personal spiritual formation, and seeks to develop the kind of spiritual leaders that will build healthy Christian communities.

Training with Threshold Ministries will help you become an effective team-builder who will be able to work with both the Church and secular agencies and networks. You will receive training in diversity awareness, communications skills, contextual listening, project management, and ministry with the marginalised. Our training will help you to become an effective member of the Christian community, and an Evangelist that will boldly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.

with Threshold Ministries

For more info on how to “Become an Evangelist” visit:

www.THRESHOLD MINISTRIES.ca

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Another summer has come and gone. Over the past months, summer kids’ camps, also known as Vacation Bible Schools, went on across the country and our Evangelists were at the forefront.

In July, our ambassador Bruce Smith visited Jonathan Clarke, who works with Richview Baptist Church in the Etobicoke district of Toronto. Jonathan led two 2-week long sum-mer camps, with approximately seventy kids taking part each time. “Last summer”, says Bruce “Jon did a 4-week long day camp for 70 kids and had to turn another 70 away. So this

year he wisely planned for two 2-week camps to double to atten-dance. I caught him this morning making play dough. We then went into a worship and praise time, fol-lowed by a quick Bible skit, a group time, and then lunch was served. He spent the previous 2 weeks training the volunteers. The place is truly alive, and loads of kids are having their lives brightened. More power to Jon.”

Other Threshold staff members who were active with summer kids’ camps include Catherine Bonham and Shauna Hooper, who ran a one-week day camp together at All Saints Church in Saint John, New Brunswick, while Catherine facilitated another one at Stone

FUN WITH THE SONEVANGELISTS LIGHT UP CHILDRENS LIVES WITH SUMMER KIDS’CAMPS

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Church, also in Saint John. Other Threshold Evangelists

who ran camps this summer include: Bonnie Hunt at St. Leonard’s on-the-Hill in Red Deer, Alberta;

Philip and Kathryn Noll at Caledonia Congregational Church in Caledonia, Ontario; and Kevin Richardson, at Tabernacle Baptist

Church in Saint John.

Summer camps provide a safe environment for fun and learning with music, drama, games, arts & crafts, videos, snacks, and stories (including lessons from the Bible), all in a Christ-centred setting with Christ-centred themes. These free camps are certainly a wonderful opportunity to spread the Good News to children of all ages, and are a blessing to the parents who can use a break through the busy summer months.

Thank the Lord for all the kids that attended these camps over the sum-mer, and that they will retain what they learned of the Good News and will continue to pursue faith going into the new school year. Give thanks also for all the staff and volunteers who were able to make the countless camps across Canada, including those run by Threshold Evangelists, a success.

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Christmas

An Advent Christmas Devotional

Following the Star

This Season you can bring one of a kind advent readings to share in your home from Threshold Ministries. We have hand picked great thinkers and writers from across Canada to write Advent Devotionals for you every week leading up to and including Christmas Day.

Three Ways to Order:ONLINE

www.thresholdministries.ca/christmasEMAIL

hello@thresholdministries.caTELEPHONE

1-888-316-8169

A suggested Donation of $7 is asked to help with print and mailing costs. Order by October 31st to ensure they arrive in time.

We except Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Cheque or Cash.

Lorna Dueck - creator, host and executive producer of Listen Up TV, and president of Media Voice Generation, the Canadian charitable organiza-tion that produces the weekly broadcast.

Dr. Barry Parker - the Rector (Senior Minister) of St Paul’s Bloor Street, Toronto ON. Under his leadership, St Paul’s offers many innovative opportunities for individuals to question and grow in their relationship with the Lord. In addition, Barry teaches at Wycliffe College and the Seminary of Tyndale University College.

Terry Buckle - retired bishop of the Diocese of Yukon. His ministry has spanned over 40 years in the north, and together with his wife, Blanche, they continue to be part of the leadership and community in Whitehorse YK. Terry is also the Vice-Chair of Threshold Ministries.

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Guest writers include:

Christmas

An Advent Christmas Devotional

Christmas Cards From TM

Inside

Back

Front

Were you going to buy generic Christmas cards from a store this season? Why not buy them from us and make that money count towards a better life for Canadians and the Kingdom? For the first time ever, we have created original Christmas Cards that you can send to your friends and family with all the proceeds going to our Street-level Ministries across Canada!

Three Easy Ways to Order:ONLINE

www.thresholdministries.ca/christmasEMAIL

hello@thresholdministries.caTELEPHONE

1-888-316-8169

SuggestedDonation$20

Order by October 31st to ensure they arrive in time. A suggested Donation of $20 is asked to help with print and mailing costs. We except Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Cheque or Cash. 15

20 Cards and Envelopesper package

NORTHERN NEWS On May 30, 2012, during the Synod (corporation) meetings of the Diocese of the Arctic, delegates were called upon to vote for their next diocesan and suffragan (assistant) bishops. Following much prayer and discernment, David Parsons was elected as coadjutor bishop and the Revd Darren McCartney (Down and Dromore, Ireland) as suffragan.Parsons and McCartney were con-secrated on Sunday, June 3, 2012 in Iqualit NU where the meetings took place. It was a joy filled celebration in the newly dedicated Igloo Cathedral (St Jude’s). Two services that took place that day saw standing room only for late-comers.

David was commissioned in 1989 as an Evangelist with Threshold Min-istries. Following his commissioning,

he ministered in the north, followed by a number of years in New Brunswick with the Seafarer’s Mission and as Atlantic Missioner. In 2003, he and his wife Rita, returned to the North to serve as Priest-in-Charge of Inuvik NT.

“David has an incredible passion for people, and for people to know the Lord. He has been an incredible leader in the north and as diocesan bishop, I have no doubt that he will lead the people with great humility and courage.” commented Shawn Branch, National Director Elect for Threshold Ministries. “This is a great calling and I look forward to working with and supporting David in his min-istry.”

The Arctic diocese covers much of the north and face significant challenges. During the gathering, there was much

PARSONS ELECTED ARCTIC BISHOP

(l-to-r): Bishop Darren McCartney, Bishop David Parsons, Bishop Andrew Atagotaaluk, Archbishop David Ashdown16

celebration – including praise nights, Gospel Jamborees, teaching and network-ing. Of significance was the first service in the Cathedral. This construction has been in progress for 7-years, after it was destroyed by fire. It was particularly moving and emotional for the local community. In between the service, the com-munity hosted a feast on the parish grounds. Throughout the afternoon, local residents walked through the new building – many in awe and took a moment for quiet reflection in the new sanctuary.

David will assume the role as diocesan bishop (head) in the new year, follow-ing the retirement of Bishop Andrew Atagotaaluk. Let us remember David, Rita, Darren and Karen in prayer as they prepare for this new ministry, and the people of the Arctic whom David and Darren will shepherd.

(l-to-r): Rita Parsons, the Rt Revd David Parsons, the Rt Revd Darren McCartney, Karen McCartney

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HOW HAS GOD WORKED THROUGH YOU THIS PAST YEAR?

A few years ago, Merv Budd was asked by Burlington’s mayor to sit on a com-mittee that would help the city become more inclusive. While he admits that the three year commitment was daunting, he pondered that this might be an opportunity. During his time on the committee, Merv proposed a Front Yard BBQ Day, a community day when people could get to know their neighbours. People would bring their BBQ’s from their backyards into their front yards and enjoy a day of fun and community building.

Merv admits his motives were mixed. Not only was it a way to build a more inclusive city, but he also believes that community provides fertile soil for evan-gelism. When people are given the opportunity to know their neighbour they will grow to love their neighbour. I see it as a pre-evangelistic opportunity for the church and this June the city of Burlington formally adopted and launched Front Yard BBQ Day! Perhaps it is an idea worth spreading to your own com-munity. You can check it out at: http://cms.burlington.ca/Page8616.aspx

Rod and Lisa have been keeping busy with the many events taking place in their communities. Along with weddings, funerals, and memorial services, they have between two and four baptisms a month. These opportunities give them the chance to speak with parents who may not necessarily have an active faith, but still believe that God has a place in their community.

In June, they had a week-long school of ministry for lay people who want to advance their faith and role in ministry, particularly those who wish to become lay readers. Rod and Lisa also led ten weeks of confirmation classes for young people in their community, 23 in all, most of who are between the ages of 12 and 15. Rod notes that the eagerness of the boys in this year’s class was an encouragement.

Rod and Lisa have also helped lead three Healing Gatherings over the past year in Moose Factory and Waswanipi, two aboriginal communities that have suffered under the weight of a high suicide rate. These gatherings include times of teaching, sharing, praying, and healing. They also led a very successful ad-vent lunch program, offering free lunch daily throughout the month of advent, accompanied by devotional talks with Christ-centred themes. In addition, Rod hosted a local radio program every Tuesday through advent.

Rod & Lisa Brantfrancis, Wemindji QC

Merv Budd - Burlington, ON18

Stories from a few Threshold Staff Across the Country

Catherine has seen major a improvement in the self-esteem of those attending her Ladies Group. Many of the women who come have big issues in their lives with which they have struggled, or continue to struggle to against. But by spend-ing time together on their craft days, the ladies support each other and share together both the good and bad of life. The ladies seem much more confident as a result of being together, and see their self-worth; one lady even sells her crafts now!

Catherine has also been quite active in childrens’ ministry. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the school year Catherine runs youth groups for kids in three age groups (8 years and under; 9-10 years; and 11 years and up). Each group has about ten kids. When she goes to the schools to pick the kids up, many others kids want to come, but the resources, particularly transportation, do not exist to bring in more kids. Regardless, those children that do come learn about God’s love for them. They also learn to respect each other and gain a sense of self-worth through the teaching Catherine provides. During the past school year, Catherine also provided breakfast to the kids attending Sunday School, af-ter she noticed one child who was crying because of his hunger. From that point on, she helped organize breakfasts for the kids on Sunday mornings.

She has also had the opportunity to meet with some of the kids’ parents, to sup-port them in the many struggles life throws at them. Messy Church, another of her projects, has also proven to be successful in bringing in people who would normally come inside a church. People come for the crafts, music, games, and dinner, as well as a brief message.

Dave has been keeping busy with a host of practical, hands-on ministries that help the down-and-out of Chilliwack get back on their feet and make a life for themselves. Over the past year, he has started a “Street Hope New & Used” store which offers low cost items for people in downtown Chilliwack. This store provides employment for some of the people he works with, while he has helped others find work by equipping them with the trucks and equipment necessary for things like lawn care. Dave has also kept busy with the recovery houses, which allow men to live together in a community while recovering from a variety of addictions, including drugs.

Dave Denault, Fraser Valley, BC

Catherine Bonham, Saint John NB

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WITH USPARTNER

Pray – join our team of intercessors who pray for us on a regular basis; following along with the Prayer Diary.

Financial Gifts – our ministry is entirely supported and funded through the sacrificial gifts of our partners, individuals like yourself and churches, who share our vision. You can give through cheques or money orders and/or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express & Discover). You can also arrange for pre-authorized gift giving (setting up regular donations) which will save you on postage and cheques, and help us with budget planning.

HOW CAN I HELP?

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We are not a solo ministry. You are very much a part of the great and exciting stories and actions that are transforming lives across our country. Together, people are learning of the gift Jesus offers and are experiencing the love of the Father for each them.

Together, we are sharing the hope of Jesus Christ and standing alongside those in need.

There are many options available for you to join with us:

Stocks/Shares – Some individuals prefer to transfer shares, as their method of partnering.

Estates – Leaving a gift in your will/estate.

Fundraise for Us – organize an event to raise funds and awareness for Threshold Ministries.

Threshold Sunday – host a Threshold Sunday and invite a speaker to share about the ministry, with a spe-cial offering being collected.

Spread the Word – most growth occurs through word of mouth. Perhaps you have a friend or family member that would share our vision and you could let them know about us. We would love to introduce ourselves to them.

Online– are you online? Get connected with us and stay up-to-date on news and updates about what we are doing together.

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@thresholdmin

/thresholdministrieswww.THRESHOLDMINISTRIES.ca

For more information on any of these options,please feel free to contact our National Officehello@thresholdministries.ca - (506)642.2210

Find us here:

I recently sat around a table with other church leaders in my city. It was a planning meeting for reaching our city and be-coming more united as Christ’s body. In the course of our talks we discussed how quickly the city is expanding and how these new communities have no space for church buildings. We real-ized that unless some property is purchased there would be no physical church presence in these new communities. We then began to dream about what it would take for all of the churches together to buy prop-erty for a future church plant that may not be their own, nor even their own denomination. We realized that we would need to love our city and prioritize a Christian presence more than we prioritized our own distinc-tive. Such radical cooperation will become increasingly need-ed within God’s Kingdom in or-der to penetrate an increasingly secular culture.

Of course denominational mission agencies are way ahead

ENABLING EVANGELISTS TO SERVE THE LOCAL CHURCH

Introducing:

by Merv Budd

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on this partnership curve as the myopia of denominational dis-tinctives are given a back seat to the Kingdom mission in which they are all engaged. While in North America those same de-nominations may barely talk to one another, on the mission field overseas they are cooperative partners focused upon the bigger picture.

It is in this same spirit of unity, for the sake of the mission of the Kingdom, that the Equipping Evangelists (E2) recognized that partnering with Threshold Min-istries was not only strategic but pleasing to the King of the mis-sion. Both ministries are engaged in training evangelists to equip

local congregations in their missional initiatives.

Equipping Evangelists provides train-ing resources to locally gathered net-works which enables the participants to bring evangelistic change into the DNA of their congregation. Evangelism is a value that can quickly become drowned out by the clamoring needs of other val-ues, like fellowship or worship, because evangelism is often perceived as primar-ily for the benefit of the non member (a notion that we expose as unbiblical, both in motive and reasoning).

As a relatively young movement (we began in 2001) we are thrilled to join in the heritage of Threshold Ministries as we seek to see Canada reached with the power of the Gospel of the Kingdom.

www.EQUIPPINGEVANGELISTS.com

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NATIONAL2012GATHERINGA GREAT TIME OF TEACHING AND FELLOWSHIP

On May 1st, 2012, the whole Thresh-old Ministries family found themselves under one roof for the first time in over 6 years! From May 1st to 4th, we recon-nected, shared our stories, broke bread, prayed and learned from each other at the Salvation Army Conference Centre located in Jackson’s Point, ON(see front cover for a peek). Peter Fitch blessed us with teachings every day we were there, inspiring and challenging us with word from the gospels. Drew Brown and his band led worship every morning and night, brining us together and rejuvinat-ing our souls. With this time we were able to cele-brate milestones in many staff members’

PETER D. FITCHDean of Ministry Studies,St Stephen’s University

Laying hands on and blessing Shawn as he prepares to take on

the new role as National Director

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DREW BROWNWorship Leader

Celebrating Milestones

lives as well as the staff change of Shawn being appointed National Direc-tor of Threshold. This time together was extremely helpful for our organi-zation and we couldn’t have done it without you, our supporters. We want to thank you for your continued support, encouragement and belief in the work of Threshold Evangelists across Canada.

So many Milestones to celebrate this year!

55 years Wally Corey50 years Terry Buckle & David Brown45 years Gary Mac-Dowall40 years Hugh Bateman & Clayton Billard35 years Ed Coleman & Barry Rose30 years Walter Mar-shall & Ruth Brownlee20 years Carol Smith15 years Bonnie Hunt & Kathy Hutchinson10 years Deb Everest & Ron McLean5 years Rob Langmaid

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Can the gospel assuage the anger, hate and pain in the heart of a teen-ager who has watched rival gang members gun down his father? It’s not a question I ever asked before I followed Captains Christine Pierce and Christobel Lines as chaplain at the Edmonton Young Offenders Centre. Now I have had to answer that question, or one very much like it, too many times.

The Native population here is working to overcome decades of dis-crimination, oppression and abuse. However, in communities ravaged by the resulting addiction and other dysfunction, criminals attract young children who believe they have to “gang up” to survive and to have a future. Instead, many are murdered, many are imprisoned, and all have family or friends who were victims of gang violence.

There is also a large criminal population in the non-Native com-munity with similar socio-economic conditions, and some of its children also end up in the Young Offenders Centre. And as with the Native youth,

feelings of hate and thoughts of revenge can simmer in their hearts.

So my question is, “Can the gospel assuage their hearts?”

Of course God can heal their wounded hearts at any time, but I have seen several young men relieved of a double burden by hearing the Good News. The first burden of anger and murderous hate is lifted when they learn God is a God of justice. They can let go of their need to see justice done by their hand when they realize God says, “Vengence is Mine, I will re-pay.” He also says, “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”

Knowing that God is a God of justice, I tell them about forgiving their enemy. “Let go of him, forgive him and leave him in God’s hands,” I suggest.

Now what if that guilty person becomes a believer in Jesus Christ and is saved? He’ll never suffer for the crime against my young friends’ loved ones! “Well if Jesus’ leaving heaven, suffering and dying for his sins isn’t good enough for you, what

FORGIVENESSIn the Correctional System

by Rick Sandberg

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In the Correctional System

is left? Just more violence and sorrow,” I suggest.

Likewise though, my young friends are in jail and well aware that sin dwells in them too. If Jesus’ blood can cleanse the person who murdered their loved ones, then there is no doubt in their minds that God can forgive them too. Having just trusted God to be both just and merciful in regard to someone they have hated, my friends’ faces have shown a peaceful assur-ance that they also trust the Good News that Jesus died for their sins too!

These occurrences are only a beginning, or just another step in the walk of faith, but they seem to be deeply significant points at which the Lord has worked through His word to bring young people from darkness and into His light.

Rick Sandberg lives in Edmonton with his wife Julie and works as Coordinating Chaplain at the Edmonton Young Offenders Centre.

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www.THRESHOLDMINISTRIES.ca105 Mountain View Dr. Saint John, NB, E2J 5B5TEL: 506.642.2210 TF: 1.888.316.8169 FAX: 506.657.8217 hello@thresholdministries.ca @thresholdmin /thresholdministries

September14. 7:30pm - Street Hope Saint John Launch at Stone Church in Saint John, NB

15. 6pm - Annual Banquet at St. Marks, Ottawa ON

16. Threshold Sunday Service with National Director - Shawn Branch at St. Richard of Chischester in Ottawa ON

Threshold Sunday Service with Dar-rin Gaudreau at St. Mary the Virgin, Blackburn in Orleans, ON

23. Ambassador Bruce Smith preaches at Christ Church in Bramp-ton, ON

28. Audit - Board of Directors Meeting

October14. Bruce Smith preaches at Par-ish of Ida and Omemee in Millbrook ON

18. Threshold Ministries booth at Ottawa Synod - Staffed by Bruce Smith

27. 1:30pm - Appreciation After-noon for Friends of Street Hope Victoria at St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Victoria. Guest Speaker: Bruce Smith

28. Bruce Smith preaches in Saa-nich BC

30. Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship at Capital City Centre Hotel, 1961 Douglas Street, Victoria BC. Guest Speaker: Bruce Smith

November4. Bruce Smith preaches in Saanich BC at Saanich Bible Fellowship

December1. 11:30am – 2:00pm - Support-ers Advent Lunch at Richmond Hill Country Club, 8905 Bathurst St., Richmond Hill ON

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For more information on these events and others, please visit www.thresholdministries.ca/events/ or phone (506)642.2210