For the past year, lockdowns in Canada have restricted daily activities. Many were isolated from social interactions for extended periods of time. Churches were also unable to meet, limiting ministry initiatives in the nation.

Through those lockdowns, a team of five missionaries was called to minister to young people in Calgary, Alberta. While Canada’s restrictions were definitely a challenge, they also opened up space for unlimited creativity and relationship development. 

The Pais Canada team believes this past year also highlighted the importance of personal connection and small groups. The only way they could connect with students was through walks and small gatherings around a bonfire in the middle of the Canadian winter.

“In a world without restrictions, we most likely wouldn’t have had the same focus, intentionality and creativity. We saw students taking ownership, stepping up in their leadership and taking steps in their relationship with Jesus” said Letitia Olivier, Team Leader in Canada. 

One of the team’s creative ministry ideas were Prayer Packs. Prayer Packs have different interactive activities that are designed to help students and families engage in and build a life of prayer. They were able to deliver the packs to 67 students.

One of their Grade 6 students wrote “The Prayer packs were amazing, they were filled with all kinds of goodies and activities (…). My family and I enjoyed them, we took notes from the [encouragement] jar every night at dinner. It has brought us closer together as a family.” 

Through those challenges, the five missionaries were inspired by a deep conviction that God opened the doors for them to be there, which meant he also had a plan. As the year comes to an end, their success in leading students to Jesus and equipping them to reach their peers is evident.  

Follow and support the Pais Canada team here!