Sidewalk Skyline Podcast

Faith At Work In Canadian Cities

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Univer-City Life (part 2)

May 15, 2022 by Kevin Rogers in Canada, Chaplaincy, Christianity, David Ritz, Jazelle Johnson, John Engels, Kelly Johnson, Kevin Rogers, Mission Canada, PAOC, Quebec/Francophone Canada, Religion & Spirituality, Serve Campus Network, Urban Ministry

This is part 2 of my conversation with John Engels, Kelly Johnson, Jazelle Johnson and David Ritz. We talk about the effects of deconstructing faith and how university campus leaders are engaging in meaningful conversations. Many students are experiencing an awakening of conscience and sorting through what to believe about right and wrong.

If you haven’t yet listened to part 1 of the interview you can find it here:

https://www.sidewalkskylinepodcast.com/sidewalkskylinepodcast/univer-city-life-part-1

May 15, 2022 /Kevin Rogers
Serve Campus Network, Jazelle Johnson, John Engels, Kelly Johnson, David Ritz, Kevin Rogers, Vancouver, Calgary AB, Toronto, Montreal
Canada, Chaplaincy, Christianity, David Ritz, Jazelle Johnson, John Engels, Kelly Johnson, Kevin Rogers, Mission Canada, PAOC, Quebec/Francophone Canada, Religion & Spirituality, Serve Campus Network, Urban Ministry
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Univer-City Life (part 1)

May 01, 2022 by Kevin Rogers in Canada, Chaplaincy, Christianity, Kevin Rogers, Mission Canada, PAOC, Quebec/Francophone Canada, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry, John Engels, David Ritz, Kelly Johnson, Milly Li, Jazelle Johnson

It is no secret that public education finds its roots in the Christian faith. Study the roots of any historic university and you will find that clergy and prominent Christian community builders believed that education held the keys to greater wisdom and understanding. Christian faith is built on curiosity and wonder about all of Creation and unveiling its mysteries.

But today if you walk onto the campuses of Canadian universities, you may need to look harder to find a place for Christian faith.

Building on a history of campus chaplaincy, Christian outreach, and discipleship groups we are seeing a resurgence of gospel witness and Christian community emerging as Heaven’s counterculture in the midst of an often-hostile environment.

In this episode I have a conversation with John Engels, Milly Li, Kelly Johnson, Jazelle Johnson and David Ritz.

Links:

Serve Campus Network

https://paoc.org/serve-campus

Serve Campus YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN7cP5T3DKgpd2zRWg5lR9Q?app=desktop

Serve Campus Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/servecampusnetwork/

Milly Li @University Campus Ministries

https://ucmsfu.ca/about/#leaders

Kelly Johnson

https://paoc.org/donate/kellyjohnson

Jazelle Johnson @Lifeline Ministries

https://www.lifelineministries.ca/

https://paoc.org/canada/workers/jazellejohnson

David Ritz - Montreal

https://www.paoc.org/donate/davidritz

David Burke - Lifeline @Ryerson University interview

https://www.sidewalkskylinepodcast.com/sidewalkskylinepodcast/post-secondary-lifeline

May 01, 2022 /Kevin Rogers
Serve Campus Network, John Engels, David Ritz, Kelly Johnson, Jazelle Johnson, Milly Li, Mission Canada, Kevin Rogers, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Toronto, University of British Columbia, Ryerson University
Canada, Chaplaincy, Christianity, Kevin Rogers, Mission Canada, PAOC, Quebec/Francophone Canada, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry, John Engels, David Ritz, Kelly Johnson, Milly Li, Jazelle Johnson
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Indigenous In The City - part two

April 15, 2022 by Kevin Rogers in At Risk Youth, Canada, Christianity, Dan Collado, First Nations Canada, Kevin Rogers, Levi Samson Beardy, Mission Canada, PAOC, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry

My continuing conversation with Levi Samson Beardy and Dan Collado as we talk about the gospel at work in First Nations, Metis and Inuit. With 50% of the Canadian indigenous population living in urban centres, there is a greater opportunity to build bridges and engage in reconciliation.

The billboard in this picture was posted in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 2014 as part of an art exhibit.

April 15, 2022 /Kevin Rogers
Indigenous Canada, PAOC, Dan Collado, Levi Samson Beardy, Urban Ministry, Kevin Rogers
At Risk Youth, Canada, Christianity, Dan Collado, First Nations Canada, Kevin Rogers, Levi Samson Beardy, Mission Canada, PAOC, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry
Comment

Indigenous In The City - Part One

April 01, 2022 by Kevin Rogers in At Risk Youth, Canada, Christianity, First Nations Canada, Kevin Rogers, Mission Canada, PAOC, Religion & Spirituality, Substance Abuse, Urban Ministry, Dan Collado, Jim Thunder, Levi Samson Beardy

It is my honour today to invite a team of indigenous Christians from various parts of Canada onto the podcast to talk about what it means to be an indigenous or aboriginal person living in Canadian cities. Stats Canada uses the terms ‘aboriginal’ and ‘indigenous’ to refer to people that are First Nations, Metis and Inuit. It is estimated that about one-half live in urban areas as compared to those living on reservation land and non-urban areas.

Dan Collado, has been serving the Lord in full-time ministry since 1993. He initially took a step of faith and went to live and pastor in small isolated fly-in Indigenous communities in northern Ontario, and later in Nunavut. After some 15 years of pastoral ministry, while continuing to feel the burden for Indigenous initiatives, Dan accepted the role as Academic Director of Aboriginal Bible Academy (ABA) in 2009. Dan is part of the Mohawk nation and resides in Napanee, ON.

Jim Thunder is Director of Economic Development at Norway House Cree Nation and lives in Winnipeg, MB. He is an adjunct professor of Indigenous Economic Leadership at University of Manitoba.

Levi Samson Beardy is the Oji-Cree pastor of Aboriginal Believers’ Church in Toronto.

Links:

Dan Collado - Mission Canada Indigenous Priority

https://paoc.org/canada/workers/priorityindigenouscanadians

https://paoc.org/canada/workers/dancollado

Aboriginal Bible Academy

https://www.aboriginalbibleacademy.ca/about

Jim Thunder MBA

https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jimthunder

Levi Samson Beardy

https://ca.linkedin.com/in/levi-samson-beardy-9639537

Aboriginal Believers’ Church

https://www.facebook.com/AbOriginalBelieversChurch/

 

April 01, 2022 /Kevin Rogers
Indigenous Canada, PAOC, Aboriginal Bible Academy, Dan Collado, Mission Canada, Jim Thunder, Levi Samson Beardy, Racial Reconciliation, Restorative Justice
At Risk Youth, Canada, Christianity, First Nations Canada, Kevin Rogers, Mission Canada, PAOC, Religion & Spirituality, Substance Abuse, Urban Ministry, Dan Collado, Jim Thunder, Levi Samson Beardy
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Sacred Space And Urban Development (Graham Singh part two)

March 15, 2022 by Kevin Rogers in Canada, Christianity, Graham Singh, Kevin Rogers, Quebec/Francophone Canada, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry, Brian Egert

With hundreds of beautiful, historic church buildings slated to close across Canada, Trinity Centres Foundation is on a quest to keep the footprints of faith in the urban core. Although congregations may have aged out and unable to create the next chapter for their property, TCF brings together the faith community with a mix of investors, community partners and developers to work on strategies that prevent buildings from being lost the community forever.

In part two of our conversation with Graham Singh, we continue the much needed conversation to help mainline churches and entrepreneurs work together in making our cities better.

Links:

Part one of Graham Singh interview:

https://www.sidewalkskylinepodcast.com/sidewalkskylinepodcast/graham-singh-and-the-story-of-st-jax

St Jax Church

https://www.stjaxchurch.org/en/home

 

Trinity Centres Foundation

https://trinitycentres.org/

 

Canadian Urban Institute

https://canurb.org/

 

Le Monastère Cabaret de Cirque

https://le-monastere.ca/en/home-en/ 

 

Church Planting Canada

https://www.churchplantingcanada.ca/welcome

 

 

 

March 15, 2022 /Kevin Rogers
Graham Singh, St Jax Church - Montreal, Montreal, Trinity Centres Foundation, Church Planting, Urban Church, Brian Egert, Kevin Rogers
Canada, Christianity, Graham Singh, Kevin Rogers, Quebec/Francophone Canada, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry, Brian Egert
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Graham Singh And St Jax Church (part 1)

February 28, 2022 by Kevin Rogers in Canada, Christianity, Kevin Rogers, Mission Canada, PAOC, Quebec/Francophone Canada, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry, Graham Singh

In today’s episode we discuss Graham’s journey to Montreal and St. Jax’s as a unique model of urban ministry.

Graham Singh is Founder and Executive Director of the Trinity Centres Foundation, a new Canadian charity established to transform 100 historic city centre church buildings into community hubs.  TCF’s team of 50+ advisors from the social innovation, property finance, urbanism and faith sectors are currently developing what may become one of Canada’s most significant social purpose real estate investment offerings.

 Over the past 12 years, Graham has led four historic building and community renewal projects in the United Kingdom and Canada, including in his current role as Rector of the Anglican Diocese of Montreal’ recent church plant, St Jax Montreal.

 Graham also acts as a consultant in the area of social impact investing, in the private wealth management sector. He is a graduate of the London School of Economics, Cambridge University (Ridley Hall / St Mellitus College), the University of Western Ontario and Asbury Theological Seminary.  He is currently enrolled in Oxford University’s Saïd Business School Impact Innovations Programme.

Brian Egert is the director of Mission Canada, and co-hosts the interview.

Links:

St Jax Church

https://www.stjaxchurch.org/en/home

 ~

Trinity Centres Foundation

https://trinitycentres.org/

 ~

Canadian Urban Institute

https://canurb.org/

 ~

Le Monastère Cabaret de Cirque

https://le-monastere.ca/en/home-en/ 

 ~

Church Planting Canada

https://www.churchplantingcanada.ca/welcome

 

 

February 28, 2022 /Kevin Rogers
Graham Singh, Montreal, St Jax Church - Montreal, Trinity Centres Foundation, Alpha Canada, Church Planting, Urban Church, Brian Egert, Kevin Rogers
Canada, Christianity, Kevin Rogers, Mission Canada, PAOC, Quebec/Francophone Canada, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry, Graham Singh
Comment

Bedside Manner - Paul Sharrow interview

February 15, 2022 by Kevin Rogers in Canada, Chaplaincy, Christianity, Kevin Rogers, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry, Paul Sharrow

Paul Sharrow has been my friend for 35 years. Little did we know when we first met where our lives would lead us and where they would intersect.

To summarize his work life from then until now is a rabbit trail of God’s unfolding grace.

We met in Exeter Ontario when he was working for Compassion Canada travelling with music artists and speakers all over North America. Then he moved to Paris Ontario and worked for a short time with Crossroads Communications.

As I left my ministry post in Exeter and moved to Windsor, our friendship remained intact. After some time, Paul and his family joined us in Windsor. At that time, there was a strong leaning to establish missionary efforts in Bulgaria and the hope was that we would be his home church and sending body.

But then, Bulgaria began to fade and an urban vision for Windsor emerged. Paul found work with St. Leonard’s House helping men from prison find housing in the community. Then, Paul helped Antioch Christian Ministries establish an urban church called The Lazarus Commission.

Then came a season of clinical pastoral education leading to hospital chaplaincy in downtown Detroit and then Windsor. A few years were spent as chaplain at Hospice.

So, from hanging out with Christian rock bands to caring for people in crisis, Paul’s life has been filled with pastoral care.

 

 

February 15, 2022 /Kevin Rogers
Paul Sharrow, Windsor Ontario, The Lazarus Commission, Chaplaincy, Hospice
Canada, Chaplaincy, Christianity, Kevin Rogers, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry, Paul Sharrow
1 Comment

Creating Space To Belong - Susan McQuinn Wells

February 01, 2022 by Kevin Rogers in Canada, Christianity, Intentional Community, Kevin Rogers, PAOC, Religion & Spirituality, Susan McQuinn Wells

My guest today is Susan Wells, author of ‘A Place at My Table: Creating Space to Belong.’ Over the years, we have crossed paths and even shared some group meals at restaurants across the country. She and her husband David Wells currently reside in the Greater Toronto Area city Burlington. David is the General Superintendent of the Pentecostal Assemblies Of Canada.

 In her book Susan says, ‘In some circles a philosophy evolved that the only reason for making a friend outside the church was to convert them. When I was a teen, we were encouraged to share our faith with our friends but not truly be friends with them… This dichotomy can result in Christians never developing a genuine camaraderie with people who don’t hold the same beliefs. They end up praying for souls without befriending the people that embody the souls.’

Susan is a woman of depth and insight. We cover a lot of ground here on the path to the table.

Links:

A Place At My Table (Book)

https://wordcom.paoc.org/products/a-place-at-my-table-paoc-gift-book-susan-wells

 Website:

www.aplaceatmytable.ca

February 01, 2022 /Kevin Rogers
Susan McQuinn Wells, Hospitality, Edmonton, Vancouver, Burlington, PAOC
Canada, Christianity, Intentional Community, Kevin Rogers, PAOC, Religion & Spirituality, Susan McQuinn Wells
1 Comment

The View From Mount Royal - Gary Connors interview

January 15, 2022 by Kevin Rogers in Canada, Christianity, Kevin Rogers, Mission Canada, PAOC, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry, Gary Connors, Quebec/Francophone Canada

Montreal is the gateway to Quebec for much of English speaking Canada. One of its citizens Gary Connors talks with Kevin Rogers about ways that God is at work in Montreal, the cities of Quebec and Francophone Canada.

Gary Connors is the coordinator for Quebec and Francophone Canada, a missional priority of Mission Canada and FIT4M (French Intensive Training for Ministry), a national initiative.

Gary has pastored in Quebec for numerous years and has served as Assistant to the Superintendent of the Eastern Ontario and Quebec District and the District Superintendent for the District of Quebec.

Gary and his wife Gwen live in Hudson Quebec.

Links:

Mission Canada - Quebec and Francophone Canada

https://paoc.org/canada/workers/priorityquebecandfrancophonecanada

Fit4M - French Intensive Training For Ministry

https://fit4m.ca/

Institut Biblique du Quebec

https://ibq.ca/

January 15, 2022 /Kevin Rogers
Fit4M - French Intensive Training For Ministry, Mission Canada, PAOC, Evangel Church Montreal, Insitut Biblique du Quebec
Canada, Christianity, Kevin Rogers, Mission Canada, PAOC, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry, Gary Connors, Quebec/Francophone Canada
Comment

Scott Couper Is A Bridge

December 15, 2021 by Kevin Rogers in At Risk Youth, Canada, Chaplaincy, Christianity, Kevin Rogers, Mission Canada, PAOC, Police Services, Religion & Spirituality, Street Ministry Worker, Urban Ministry, Scott Couper

The population of street-affiliated people in Peterborough, Ontario has sky-rocketed. Many are homeless, unemployed and without hope. As a Mission Canada worker, Scott has responded to God’s call to go. With 30 years of pastoral ministry in PAOC churches, Scott has stepped into a new season and calling as a “Street Level Advocate” in Peterborough’s city core, where a population of over 80,000 reports more than 300 homeless individuals (Peterborough Social Services, July 2021). Unemployment, food insecurity and inadequate housing are all serious issues which are often compounded by mental health challenges, addictive behaviours, loneliness, and lack of purpose in life.

Scott is intentionally present among individuals who need to see God’s love demonstrated toward them. He knows that it is through kindness expressed in non-judgmental ways, that hope can be realized (Romans 2:4) and the love of Christ experienced. Utilizing his many connections with church leaders, social services and local police, Scott builds relationships and connects individuals to helpful services and resources. His deepest desire, however, is to be a human bridge, seeing people restored to right relationship with a Heavenly Father who loves them and has a good plan for their lives.

As followers of Christ, God calls us to care for those who find themselves in the gaps of society. As a “Street Level Advocate”, Scott’s mission is to:

CONNECT people to their Heavenly Father as kindness, respect, hospitality, and patient listening is lived out. As trust and friendship is built, hearts can become open to the message of hope found in the person of Jesus Christ.

BE A BRIDGE between the local church and those in the urban core so that the Church can partner to reach out and advocate for an individuals’ physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.

NETWORK street-affiliated people with resources that already exist for their help and benefit. Many are unaware of services available to them or how to access their assistance.

BRIDGE THE GAP of communication between the local police service and those on the streets of the city. Through his role as volunteer police chaplain, Scott is well positioned for meaningful conversations and connections.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV)

Links:

https://paoc.org/canada/workers/scottcouper

December 15, 2021 /Kevin Rogers
Scott Couper, Peterborough Ontario, Mission Canada, Street Ministry Workers, Urban Ministry, Homelessness
At Risk Youth, Canada, Chaplaincy, Christianity, Kevin Rogers, Mission Canada, PAOC, Police Services, Religion & Spirituality, Street Ministry Worker, Urban Ministry, Scott Couper
Comment

Pandemic And Poverty - Timothy Meisenheimer (part 2)

December 01, 2021 by Kevin Rogers in At Risk Youth, Canada, Chaplaincy, Christianity, Kevin Rogers, Religion & Spirituality, Street Ministry Worker, Substance Abuse, Urban Ministry

Part 2 of my conversation with Timothy Meisenheimer from Ottawa. In this episode we discuss some of the challenges for the poor brought on by pandemic restrictions.

Also, the spiritual formation that can take place when people experience grief and loss.

Links:

Ottawa’s Heart with Ears - Timothy Meisenheimer interview (part 1)

https://www.sidewalkskylinepodcast.com/sidewalkskylinepodcast/ottawas-heart-with-ears-timothy-meisenheimer-interview-part-1

Capital City Mission

http://capitalcitymission.com/

Ottawa Mission

https://ottawamission.com/

December 01, 2021 /Kevin Rogers
Timothy Meisenheimer, Ottawa, Ottawa Mission, Capital City Mission - Ottawa, Pandemic, Street Ministry Workers, Homelessness, Chaplaincy
At Risk Youth, Canada, Chaplaincy, Christianity, Kevin Rogers, Religion & Spirituality, Street Ministry Worker, Substance Abuse, Urban Ministry
Comment

Ottawa's Heart with Ears - Timothy Meisenheimer Interview (part 1)

November 15, 2021 by Kevin Rogers in Timothy Meisenheimer, Urban Ministry, Substance Abuse, Religion & Spirituality, Kevin Rogers, Christianity, Chaplaincy, Canada, Street Ministry Worker

Timothy Meisenheimer is a lover of Jesus in each person he meets on the street. For more than twenty-two years God’s grace and mercy has given him wisdom as an Urban Missionary.

As the founding director of Capital City Mission in Ottawa and more recently as the Senior Manager of Chaplaincy Services at Ottawa Mission, Tim is a heart with ears walking in the path of Jesus.

In this interview segment we talk about some of the heart-wrenching realities in the lives of street affiliated people.

Links:

Capital City Mission

http://capitalcitymission.com/

Ottawa Mission

https://ottawamission.com/

November 15, 2021 /Kevin Rogers
Ottawa, Ottawa Mission, Capital City Mission - Ottawa, Timothy Meisenheimer, Palliative Care, Homelessness, Addiction, Chaplaincy, Street Ministry Workers
Timothy Meisenheimer, Urban Ministry, Substance Abuse, Religion & Spirituality, Kevin Rogers, Christianity, Chaplaincy, Canada, Street Ministry Worker
Comment

Finding The Lost Daughter - Cathy Tollefson

November 01, 2021 by Kevin Rogers in At Risk Youth, Canada, Christianity, Human Trafficking, Kevin Rogers, Religion & Spirituality, Sex Trafficking, Sexual Abuse, Urban Ministry, Cathy Tollefson

Cathy Tollefson is the executive director of Global Family Canada, an organization with chapters in eight countries. Today we are again looking at human trafficking in Canada with a goal of educating and inspiring our listeners to get involved in strategies that make a difference.

 

When we think about the hidden magnitude of human trafficking, it can be overwhelming. But if we start to look at the ones being freed from slavery, we have a better story to tell.

 

I’ve entitled this episode ‘Finding The Lost Daughter’ because that is at the heart of the gospel, finding lost sons and daughters and bringing them home.

Links:

 

Global Family Canada

https://www.globalfamily.care/

 

Daughter Project Canada

www.daughterproject.ca

https://www.facebook.com/daughterproject.ca

 

More on Human Trafficking in the Kelly Franklin interview

Part 1: https://www.sidewalkskylinepodcast.com/sidewalkskylinepodcast/sex-trafficking-and-the-courage-for-freedom-kelly-franklin-part-1

Part 2: https://www.sidewalkskylinepodcast.com/sidewalkskylinepodcast/sex-trafficking-amp-the-courage-for-freedom-kelly-franklin-part-2

 

 

November 01, 2021 /Kevin Rogers
Cathy Tollefson, The Daughter Project, Peterborough Ontario, Global Family Canada, Human Trafficking
At Risk Youth, Canada, Christianity, Human Trafficking, Kevin Rogers, Religion & Spirituality, Sex Trafficking, Sexual Abuse, Urban Ministry, Cathy Tollefson
Comment
Screen Shot 2021-10-13 at 8.12.36 PM.png

A Conversation with Toque Evans

October 15, 2021 by Kevin Rogers in Blues Music, Canada, Christianity, Kevin Rogers, PAOC, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry, Kevin Saunders

Kevin Rogers sits down with his longtime friend, 2fish band mate and co-pastor Kevin Saunders. On October 1st their 2 urban congregations in Windsor Ontario merged together to become more effective through multiple locations of ministry.

Hear their collective experiences and gained wisdom from being in urban ministry for the long haul.

Toque Evans?

Two Kevins’.

2fish12.jpg
2fish9.jpg

Music Links:

www.2fish.org

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Uoh9JfmI5gml9R6RGjjX8?si=O6j4WbGKTkaa2hdgoy0AIQ&dl_branch=1

https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/2fish/1398542019

October 15, 2021 /Kevin Rogers
2fish, Kevin Rogers, Kevin Saunders, Windsor Ontario, New Song Church - Windsor ON, Lifeline Church, Urban Church
Blues Music, Canada, Christianity, Kevin Rogers, PAOC, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry, Kevin Saunders
Comment

The Great Reset Of Mission In The City

September 01, 2021 by Kevin Rogers in Canada, Christianity, Kevin Rogers, PAOC, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry

Earlier this summer I hosted a webinar with Steve Pike entitled ‘The Great Reset of Mission in the City’. Canadian urban leaders attended as we talked about 21st century realities of making disciples in our urban context.

Steve Pike has been at the forefront of church planting for thirty years. He served as founding director of Church Multiplication Network (CMN) for the Assemblies of God (USA) denomination.

Seeing a need for more church plants in cities, he founded Urban Islands Project, which exists to “increase the presence of the Church in the Urban O.”

He’s released a book entitled ‘Next Wave: Discovering the 21st Century Church’.

Links:

Previous interview with Steve Pike:

Season 2, Episode 9:

https://www.sidewalkskylinepodcast.com/sidewalkskylinepodcast/21st-century-urban-churches-with-steve-pike

Steve Pike B: Next Wave website

https://nextwave.community/

Next Wave Book: Discovering the 21st Century Church

https://www.amazon.ca/Next-Wave-Discovering-Century-Church/dp/1736042815/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=next+wave+steve+pike&qid=1619868111&sr=8-1

Urban Islands Project

https://urbanislandsproject.org/

September 01, 2021 /Kevin Rogers
Urban Ministry, Urban Islands Project, Urban Church, Steve Pike, Assemblies of God USA, PAOC
Canada, Christianity, Kevin Rogers, PAOC, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry
Comment
kelly-tall.png

Sex Trafficking and Courage For Freedom (Kelly Franklin part 2)

August 15, 2021 by Kevin Rogers in At Risk Youth, Canada, Christianity, Corrections Canada, Human Trafficking, Kevin Rogers, Religion & Spirituality, Sex Trafficking, Urban Ministry, Sexual Abuse, Substance Abuse

This is part 2 of my interview with Kelly Tallon Franklin.

As a young Torontonian living in an upscale neighbourhood, Kelly lived with the secrecy of sexual abuse. Fuelled by her insecurities she took to the street with a vengeance. Her associations would eventually lead to her being trafficked.

Today Kelly Franklin leads Courage For Freedom, an organization committed to ending trafficking in Canada and helping its victims find a new life of healing and recovery.

Learn more at www.courageforfreedom.org

Kelly is available to speak and can be reached through office@courageforfreedom.org

August 15, 2021 /Kevin Rogers
Kelly Tallon Franklin, Human Trafficking, At Risk Youth, Eradicate Challenge, Project Maple Leaf, Toronto, Substance Abuse, Courage For Freedom, Sexual Abuse, Corrections Canada
At Risk Youth, Canada, Christianity, Corrections Canada, Human Trafficking, Kevin Rogers, Religion & Spirituality, Sex Trafficking, Urban Ministry, Sexual Abuse, Substance Abuse
Comment
5d6e8f0380ea0.image.jpg

Sex Trafficking and Courage For Freedom (Kelly Franklin part 1)

August 01, 2021 by Kevin Rogers in At Risk Youth, Canada, Christianity, Corrections Canada, Kevin Rogers, PAOC, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry, Human Trafficking, Sex Trafficking, Substance Abuse, Sexual Abuse

As a young Torontonian living in an upscale neighbourhood, Kelly lived with the secrecy of sexual abuse. Fuelled by her insecurities she took to the street with a vengeance. Her associations would eventually lead to her being trafficked.

Today Kelly Franklin leads Courage For Freedom, an organization committed to ending trafficking in Canada and helping its victims find a new life of healing and recovery.

Learn more at www.courageforfreedom.org

Kelly is available to speak and can be reached through office@courageforfreedom.org

kelly_LindaD_woodstock2.jpg
67338286_10162648142430131_7793890445527875584_o-1024x768.jpg
Amany_BPWI.jpg

August 01, 2021 /Kevin Rogers
Kelly Tallon Franklin, Courage For Freedom, Toronto, Human Trafficking, Sex Trafficking, Project Maple Leaf, Eradicate Challenge, Corrections Canada, Substance Abuse, Sexual Abuse
At Risk Youth, Canada, Christianity, Corrections Canada, Kevin Rogers, PAOC, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry, Human Trafficking, Sex Trafficking, Substance Abuse, Sexual Abuse
Comment
Top Row: Doug Whitelaw, Kevin Rogers, Rodger FordhamBottow Row: Mike Morency, Kevin Coghill, Sarah Campbell

Top Row: Doug Whitelaw, Kevin Rogers, Rodger Fordham

Bottow Row: Mike Morency, Kevin Coghill, Sarah Campbell

Meet The Transformers - QUEST Conversation (part 2)

July 15, 2021 by Kevin Rogers in At Risk Youth, Canada, Christianity, Doug Whitelaw, Kevin Coghill, Kevin Rogers, Mike Morency, Religion & Spirituality, Rodger Fordham, Sarah Campbell, Urban Ministry

Robert D. Lupton wrote a book entitled ‘Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help’. In the book he has this intriguing quote:

“Giving to those in need what they could be gaining from their own initiative may well be the kindest way to destroy people. We mean well, our motives are good, but we have neglected to conduct care-full due diligence to determine emotional, economic, and cultural outcomes on the receiving end of our charity. Why do we miss this crucial aspect in evaluating our charitable work? Because, as compassionate people, we have been evaluating our charity by the rewards we receive through service, rather than the benefits received by the served. We have failed to adequately calculate the effects of our service on the lives of those reduced to objects of our pity and patronage.”

So, what do you think? How do we move from creating dependency on services to supporting initiative in the people you are helping? And how do we promote the vision of the organization in ways that dignify the people that we are committed to serve?

Kevin Coghill is a pastor and staff member at Royal City Mission in downtown Guelph. Their tagline is to ‘Make the Invisible Visible’.

When I was a youth pastor in Exeter, I would bring some of my youth and our musicians to help at Ark Aid Street Mission in downtown London. That was a place that had a great influence on my later decision to move to Windsor and start New Song Church. Ark Aid Mission outgrow the little storefront and moved into larger quarters in later years. One of its directors was the recently retired Doug Whitelaw and the one replacing him was Sarah Campbell.

After I moved to Windsor to begin New Song Church, I became acquainted with Mike Morency. He would leave his youth pastorate in Kitchener and move back to his hometown of Windsor and join as part of the pastoral team in our first few years as a new church.

Eventually he would return to University of Windsor and get his degree in social work. After working in the field, he returned to a faith-based organization named Matthew House, a residence that assists refugee claimants as they integrate into Canadian society. Mike then led them from a three-bedroom bungalow to a complex that can house many more.

Our very first podcast in season 1 was with Rodger Fordham, director of Feeding Windsor. What started with a handful of people at a downtown Presbyterian church then migrated over to New Song Church where I pastor, once the starting church closed for good. Together we have witnessed the growth of Feeding Windsor.

Links:

Part 1 of this interview:

https://www.sidewalkskylinepodcast.com/sidewalkskylinepodcast/meet-the-transformers-quest-conversation-part-1

Rodger Fordham - Feeding Windsor interview

https://www.sidewalkskylinepodcast.com/sidewalkskylinepodcast/windsors-little-church-with-a-big-kitchen

Royal City Mission, Guelph ON

https://www.royalcitymission.ca/

Ark Aid Mission, London ON

https://arkaidmission.com/

Matthew House, Windsor ON

http://matthewhousewindsor.org/

Feeding Windsor

http://www.feedingwindsor.ca/

July 15, 2021 /Kevin Rogers
Toxic Charity, Kevin Coghill, Doug Whitelaw, Rodger Fordham, Mike Morency, Sarah Campbell, Ark Aid Mission, Feeding Windsor, Matthew House, Royal City Mission
At Risk Youth, Canada, Christianity, Doug Whitelaw, Kevin Coghill, Kevin Rogers, Mike Morency, Religion & Spirituality, Rodger Fordham, Sarah Campbell, Urban Ministry
Comment
Screen Shot 2021-05-31 at 10.13.57 AM.png

Sidewalk Pastors - QUEST Conversation (part 2)

June 15, 2021 by Kevin Rogers in At Risk Youth, Canada, Christianity, First Nations Canada, Kevin Rogers, Mission Canada, PAOC, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry, Bob Gal, Anna Morgante, Ejay Tupe

In the second part of the Sidewalk Pastors interview, we talk about the stereotypes around poverty and the spiritual formation that is grossly neglected in the field of social work. We will hear more amazing stories about real life people and their courageous struggles.

Our guests are great examples of Street Ministry Workers (letter “S” in our QUEST acronym).

If you have not listened, to part 1 please go back and listen to that first to get a proper introduction to our guests Bob Gal, Anna Morgante and Ejay Tupe.

Links:

Mission Canada

https://paoc.org/canada

Bob Gal

https://paoc.org/canada/workers/bobgal

Anna Morgante

https://paoc.org/canada/workers/annamorgante

Ejay Tupe

https://paoc.org/canada/workers/ejaytupe

June 15, 2021 /Kevin Rogers
Mission Canada, Street Ministry Workers, Bob Gal, Edmonton, Anna Morgante, Calvary Temple Winnipeg, Ejay Tupe, Toronto, Evangelism
At Risk Youth, Canada, Christianity, First Nations Canada, Kevin Rogers, Mission Canada, PAOC, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry, Bob Gal, Anna Morgante, Ejay Tupe
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Sidewalk Pastors - QUEST Conversation (part 1)

June 01, 2021 by Kevin Rogers in At Risk Youth, Canada, Chaplaincy, Christianity, Kevin Rogers, Mission Canada, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry

In the acronym QUEST describing models of engagement for Canadian urban ministry, the letter ‘S’ stands for Street Ministry Workers. Often, the role is pastoral in nature so we have sidewalk pastors.

You will enjoy my conversation with Bob Gal (Edmonton,Alberta), Anna Morgante (Winnipeg, Manitoba) and Ejay Tupe (Toronto, Ontario).

What happens if you intentionally hang around with people on the streets looking for ways to befriend, show hospitality and nurture their spiritual formation? Instead of a formal office with a sign on the door, the office is a backpack, a vehicle or a cell phone.

Street ministry workers find themselves visiting in jails, shelters and hospital wards. They go where they see an opportunity to be the sidewalk pastor of the unchurched. And miracles happen there.

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June 01, 2021 /Kevin Rogers
Street Ministry Workers, Bob Gal, Ejay Tupe, Anna Morgante, Edmonton, Calvary Temple Winnipeg, Toronto, Jail Ministry, Chaplaincy
At Risk Youth, Canada, Chaplaincy, Christianity, Kevin Rogers, Mission Canada, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry
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