The Accidental Foodbank

June 15, 2022 by Kevin Rogers in Canada, Christianity, Kevin Rogers, PAOC, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry, Rhema Annett, Vir Mateo

Pastor Vir Mateo and his daughter Rhema Annett started the Good Measure Foodbank out of their church. Listen to their story as to how they saw a need in their community, responded to serve and found critical partnerships to feed their hungry neighbours in Mississauga. This session was recorded at Our City Toronto Conference 2022.

Virginio Mateo

Vir is the lead Pastor of Christ for Life Ministries, a church he planted 28 years ago. He has a desire for the church to be the hands and feet of Christ and to spread His Gospel and make disciples. In collaboration with his daughter, Rhema, they started Good Measure Food Bank as the need in their community became apparent.

Rhema Annett

Rhema felt called by the Lord to start Good Measure Food Bank in 2016. Her expectation? Small Closet Food Pantry. The reality? A full fledged operation that she had no idea how to operate. Through mistakes and continuous learning she realized that her community didn't need another food bank based on efficiency, but a place where people could go for not only their physical hunger, but spiritual. It would soon become not only a space for those in need to know their value and be loved, but for Christians to be equipped to share the gospel. Since the start of the food bank they have seen salvations from both people who receive food and volunteer.

Links:

Good Measure Food Bank

http://goodmeasurefoodbank.com/

Christ For Life Ministries

http://christforlife.ca/

First Nations And The Canadian Church (Aaron Mix-Ross interview)

February 15, 2021 by Kevin Rogers in Canada, Christianity, PAOC, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry, First Nations Canada

Aaron Mix Ross is the new pastor at Richmond Pentecostal Church in British Columbia. Prior to that he served on staff at Heartland Church in Mississauga and before that he was part of the pastoral team at Toronto’s Stone Church.

Aaron is an urban pastor with great insights into city life.

During his years at Stone Church he completed his PhD in theology at the University of Toronto's Wycliffe College. The title of his thesis was "The Heavens Have Become a Highway" The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Northland Mission and the Indigenous Principle.

With one half living in major urban centres and two-thirds of the Metis living in cities, it’s a worthy exploration for every Canadian.

Sniff, Sneeze, Splice (James Craig, Archivist)

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

James Craig is the archivist for Pentecostal Assemblies Of Canada. He runs a state of the art archive with documents and artifacts related to the history of the Pentecostal movement in Canada. We will learn some intriguing details about data storage and the value of looking back.

Part of this interview explores the early Pentecostal history of ministry engagement in urban centres.

Jim is also the executive director of The Lifestream Initiative.

The Lifestream Initiative exists to discover, disseminate and facilitate new opportunities for churches to love their neighbours. Current areas of focus include the mental health needs of First Responders and their families, mental health education for faith leaders, and assisting churches to become more engaged in their communities. With a primary emphasis on Mississauga, Ontario, Canada's sixth largest city, the initiative serves to bring Christian leaders together and make new connections between and among those engaged in a variety of ministries.

Missional Priorities In Canada

September 01, 2020 by Kevin Rogers in Canada, Christianity, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry

As the national mission agency of the PAOC, Mission Canada seeks to place uniquely skilled workers into gaps in our nation where the gospel message must be taken. It also exists to network leaders across the nation who are passionate about reaching various people groups. Mission Canada prioritizes five challenges for mission, and has Guiding Groups that strategize together, resourcing one another and our local churches. As the Mission Canada Director, Brian is responsible for working with our districts and churches to identify and release workers who will go to the missional gaps in Canada. He is passionate to see individuals released to reach their God-sized dreams, impacting the unreached regions and peoples of the nation.

Viewing Canada From 30,000 Feet (Dr. David Wells)

Sidewalk Skyline Podcast

August 15, 2020 by Kevin Rogers in Canada, Christianity

Our guest on today’s podcast is Dr. David Wells, a Canadian with a global perspective and a view from 30,000 feet. As General Superintendent of the Pentecostal Assemblies Of Canada and president of the Pentecostal Charismatic Churches of North America, he is an influencer that is shaping generations of believers and churches around the world.

He is a key architect of Mission Canada and the PAOC 2020 Initiative revitalizing churches and disciples across the nation. He is an urban thinker and intercessor with a high view of cities in the plans of God.