OC Blog Digest: Making Disciples of ALL Nations

"You cannot obey the Great Commission until you obey the Great Command" - Al McKay

Just a few weeks ago, Statistics Canada released data on the 2021 census related to immigration, citizenship, and ethnocultural and religious diversity. This data is important as we consider how to make disciples of ALL nations in Canada!

• Making Disciples of All Nations in Canada offers insight into this data, as well as 5 ways to be intentional about making disciples in YOUR neighbourhood among those of Muslim faith.

Also, in this OC Blog Digest we share:

• A Prayer for the Persecuted Church: Each November we recognize the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Pray along with us in this prayer based on Ephesians 3. 
• Adult Third Culture Kid Research: We are so proud of Shelly Lyons, a member of MORE Network, and her research work with Adult Third Culture Kids (TCKs). TCKs are children who have spent a significant number of their developmental years in a country other than their passport country.
• Our OC Director’s Blog: November 2022 featuring updates from our Executive Director, Dr. Craig Kraft.

May you be inspired, encouraged & equipped to go and make disciples!

A Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Canadians experience great freedom of religion compared to so many places in the world. In fact, it is hard for us to think that our brothers and sisters in Christ in other parts of the world are under attack. Churches meet in hiding, believers pray and worship in private, and many live in constant fear of arrest, beatings, or even execution. 

Several years ago, one of our associates was executed while leaving a prayer meeting in Asia. This brought the issue much closer to home for us at Outreach Canada. We continue to pray for the church around the world, especially those facing persecution. 

Sunday, November 6th, was International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Today we offer a prayer, based on Ephesians 3:14-21, and a few suggestions for how to pray for the persecuted church ... Read More

Making Disciples of All Nations in Canada

Statistics Canada has just released the CENSUS 2021 data on population and reported that “millions of people from all over the world have chosen, and continue to choose, Canada as their new home. In 2021, more than 8.3 million people, or almost one-quarter (23.0%) of the population, were, or had ever been, a landed immigrant or permanent resident in Canada.”

It is clear to me that God has created a huge opportunity for Christians to share the gospel with the world in Canada; the nations of the world are in our neighbourhoods.

Have you ever considered that those of Muslim faith who live among us might have been sent by God to Canada in order to find Him?

Here are 5 ways to be intentional about making disciples in your neighbourhood among those of Muslim faith ... Read More

Adult Third Culture Kid Research

One of the main reasons I decided to pursue doctoral studies was to conduct research. Not just any research, but "Adult Third Culture Kid" (ATCK) research. For many years, I worked with children, teens, and adults from various mission agencies, preparing them for international ministry and helping them transition back to Canada.

As I listened to their stories of joy and heartbreak, accomplishments and struggles, I realized that there is so much more that we, as caregivers and organizations, can learn from these international workers and their families to contribute to their transition and healing. In particular, we need to find new ways to help them help themselves, long after the end of the transition retreats and workshops we offer.

The question I am exploring for my research is “How can spiritual self-leadership encourage identity development and sense of belonging in ATCKs in order for them to fully realize their potential and value contribution in the workplace?” ... Read More

OC Director's Blog: November 2022

In our November Director's blog, our Executive Director, Dr. Craig Kraft, shares about those who "lay down their lives for their friends" as well as updates on the OC Leadership Conference, MORE Network ministries, and current global projects.

... Read More