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Never Doubt ...3 Thoughts and Prayer for Survivors of Human Trafficking A big hola from Mexico! As we finish off our remarkable time in southern Baja, I am reflecting on a few things:
Let's take a moment and pray for survivors of human trafficking in Mexico, Cambodia and Refugees (Tenth's 3 main global priorities). When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers. Proverbs 21:15 We want to see God intervene in the lives of people affected by human trafficking, and we want Him to bring lasting change to their situations. Pray for survivors For those who are trapped in slavery, pray:
From 24-7 Prayer. Continue praying for God to shine for those who are vulnerable to human trafficking. For more infomation visit:
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Ranch Life ImmersionSpending time with lively, loving, warm, welcoming, gentle and generous people This newspost is Part 2 from a Tenth Mexico Justice Journey, written by Tenth Kids Director, Marie Lee. Part 1 featured our spiritual formation teambuilding orientation in Los Cabos. On Friday afternoon we said goodbye to our place of comfort - both physically and emotionally - and arrived at Rancho El Camino at night. This amplified the sense that we were entering into the unknown. Strange shapes, vaguely visible rose to greet us. The only source of light was the stars in the sky and a sliver crescent moon, yet the light it cast was still strong enough to cast shadows on the ground. It felt like a foreshadowing of what we were about to experience. And what a first day! It was a full immersion into ranch life. We spent the morning touring the grounds (which was stunning in the light of day) and meeting the kids who came for kids club. Some of us got to help out with the horses, and others participated in a scavenger hunt, and got to see the kids play and connect with their leaders and have a wonderful time. Some of us even got to witness two kid goats being birthed! Later that evening we got to be a part of their church gathering - many of the youths and kids we saw earlier in the day were at church as well, so it was a wonderful opportunity to continue to smile and nod (for myself and other non-Spanish speakers) and continue lively conversations (Ana and Michael) with familiar faces. The service was simple, intergenerational, generous of spirit, and full of deep love. Kids and youth were seamlessly integrated into the service. It felt like worshipping with extended family. There was a new baby being passed around and cooed over, and there was a palpable sense of joy and pride and welcome over this new addition to the family. The next day, as we were driving around the local colonias (materially poor neighbourhoods), Pete pointed out all the places that they’ve held summer camps and gatherings, where they’ve made connections and built relationships with kids, parents and local community centers. It seemed to me that if we were to look at these places on a map, these places of hope would mirror the stars that we saw that first night - points of lights shining the love of Christ in a dark and broken world. If that were the case, the moon would be the Ranch, and the stars - its people. Pete has said that the Ranch is the community of people, rather than the property. It’s not a physical location, it’s wherever its people are. And the people are lively, loving, warm, welcoming, gentle and generous. You can quickly tell that they not only love each other, they love being with each other. They are quick to smile, laugh, serve, and share. The heart for kids, youth and families is clear to see - many of the current youth volunteers grew up in the kids club, and some have continued on as staff and are part of the leadership program at the ranch as well. It has been a blessing to be invited into their way of life, and as we enter the Sabbath rhythm tonight, my prayer is that the Lord will continue to open our eyes and hearts to what He is doing here. Pete and Emily facilitate a strong team of leaders at Rancho El Camino in La Paz as they primarily serve children, youth, and families through camps & recreational ministries, community development initiatives, leadership training programs, and church-based ministries. For more infomation visit:
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Business as Mission Leadership LunchThursday, February 29th, 12:15pm at Tenth Church Business as Mission Leadership lunch over authentic Mexican food. Come on February 29th to meet and learn from two of our BAM 2024 Conference keynotes, Dr. Gea Gort and Bill Job. Gea co-founded and leads Business as Mission (BAM) in the Netherlands, she is also globally involved with the BAM movement and has authored several books on the subject, a.o. BAM Global Movement (2018). Gea has a unique voice on the subject, so you will appreciate her insights. Over the past 30 years, Bill Job created 9 product lines in 3 companies in China. Today, Bill is most interested in encouraging entrepreneurs and business operators to explore the practical meaning of “steward” regarding their businesses and business ideas. Bill will be sharing out of what he has learned in Asia in ways that will inspire marketplace leaders in Vancouver. If you are looking for a space to meet other local leaders while hearing practical business as mission content, you will find this to be a valuable time together. You may even learn new ways of getting involved. Food will be provided by The Tamaly Shop, a community restaurant which has been flourishing during adversity through the hard work and innovative leadership of its owners, originally from Mexico. Lunch will be hosted by Tenth’s Patrick Elaschuk and Ana Velazquez. We will also premiere the Just Bags Spring line. DATE: Thursday, February 29th TIME: 12:15 - 1:15pm PLACE: Tenth Church, 11 W 10th Ave, Vancouver BC V5Y 1R5 Lower East Hall - Entrance D: Park in parking lot between Broadway and 10th Ave. TICKETS: $20 includes lunch and beverages. Tickets are limited, so First Come, First Served. Don't forget, you can hear much more from these and more BAM speakers and practitioners at the BAM Conference on March 1st. Deadline to purchase lunch tickets - Tuesday February 27 - 11pm. For more infomation visit:
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Inner Work to Outer ActionHow our Mexico Justice Journey Started This newpost is part 1 from a Tenth Mexico Justice Journey, written by Tenth Kids Director, Marie Lee. What a gift - we arrived in Los Cabos to balmy weather, stunning views, and a comfortable living space. For the first three days of our Justice Journey we inhaled the presence of God in community, and basked in the joys of preparing meals and eating together. We reflected on prayer, hospitality, compassion and justice, and practiced hearing the voice of God in solitude. We were encouraged to bravely share what the Lord has impressed on us, and affirmed and built one another up through listening and accepting each other. Through these exercises, we experienced the beauty of the multifaceted nature of God love shining through each set of unique perspectives and gifts. As we left our place of comfort to step into a different space, we were encouraged to consider what the Lord had in store for us. To go from inner work to outer action, challenged to bringing our whole selves - all our strengths and weaknesses, our curiosity, our willingness both to lend and hand and to learn from others. The journey has only just begun! Learn more about this Justice Journey. For more infomation visit:
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Business as Mission ConferenceONE-DAY SUMMIT OF TALKS, ACTIVITIES, PANELISTS, AND CONNECTING The goal of this event is to educate, inspire, and connect business as mission practitioners from across the globe. Patrick, Tenth's Global Mission Pastor, and Ana, Tenth's Global Coordinator, will be sharing and selling Just Bags at the conference, as well as hosting a table. Email patrick@tenth.ca if you would like to join our table for a discounted rate, or get your own tickets here. Details:
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Cambodia Catch-up and PrayMonday, March 18, 2024 at 7:30pm on Zoom Come be part of a Cambodia update and prayer time on Zoom, hosted by Makara - our Tenth Liason and Patrick - Global Missions Pastor. For more infomation visit:
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Upcoming Global Events
Saturday, February 24, 9.15am-3pm: Love Without Borders - Welcoming Refugee Claimants Orientation with Journey Home Thursday, February 29, 12-1:30pm: Business is Mission Lunch at Tenth Friday, March 1, 8am-5pm: Business As Mission Vancouver Conference 2024 Monday, March 18, 7:30pm: Cambodia Catch-Up and Pray May 10 to 27, 2024: Cambodian leader Sarady will be visiting Vancouver, stay tuned for events October 18, 2024: Business is Mission Focus Justice Journey to Cambodia Community events with friends and refugee newcomers: If you would like to participate in our regular events, email refugeesupport@tenth.ca for an invitation. For more infomation visit:
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PSGet involved with God's global mission at Tenth Thank you for your ongoing prayer and support! Volunteer opportunities - shoot out an email to patrick@tenth.ca if you are interested in being part of a Justice Journey or our global team. To invest in Tenth Global priorities, go to tenth.ca/give and choose Missions, Cambodia or Refugee Fund. Patrick Elaschuk, Global Missions Pastor NOTE: picture is sunrise at Rancho El Camino For more infomation visit:
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