Here in Mytilene, Greece, my work is to help displaced people begin to understand their new home. I assist them to adjust by providing them with language skills through English education. Refugees are a highly vulnerable group of people, and the ability to speak English decreases their vulnerability. I may be the first Christian contact with whom they interact on a more regular basis. I may even be their very first teacher! This is a privilege and an opportunity to build deeply supportive relationships with them based on the joy and compassion which comes from the heart of God.

Our missionaries Gary and Galina Timmerman (Resonate Global Mission) grow church-based partnerships both in Canada and in the Baltic countries of Estonia and Latvia. Since May 2021, they have made their base in Canada, allowing Gary to take the lead in Resonate Canada’s strategic focus to work at nurturing more multiethnic ministries around the CRC. With their long experience in serving among Russian-speakers, Gary and Galina are exploring ways for CRC churches to collaborate with immigrant communities in ways that welcome and embrace them, helping their faith communities to bring Christ’s love and peace to Canada’s newcomers.

Our church faithfully supports The Ministry to Seafarers in Vancouver (founded in 1993). This is a chaplaincy ministry focused on support for and outreach to seafarers who pass through the Port of Vancouver, Canada and other ports in BC. At present 1 full-time chaplain, Gary Roosema is employed throughout the year. Many years an intern is also hired to serve during the summer months.

Our church is one of the founding supporters of the campus ministry at UNBC. This chaplaincy ministry seeks to encourage and foster the spiritual wellbeing of the whole campus. Through one-on-one spiritual care, group Bible studies, communal worship and fellowship over meals, this ministry draws students, staff and faculty from all over the world closer to God and one another.