Celebrating 10 years with GAiN

Dec 10, 2019 | by Lindsey Schacter

As fall turned into winter, I completed 10 years of ministry with GAiN Canada! I wanted to update and celebrate with you.

Many of you have prayed and partnered with me for the past 10 years I’ve been with GAiN, and even before that for the two years I was in Panama with the campus ministry. Thank you. I could not have walked this journey without you. I have been reflecting on the past ten years and want to share some throwback photos and a few lessons that I continue to learn as I journey in ministry with GAiN:

1) Poverty is incredibly complex; spiritually, emotionally and relationally.

The first time I was in Haiti I had this heavy realization that this would not be easy. God has placed incredible value on the life of every individual and it can be hard to see the individual in the middle of the mass of need. The longer I am in ministry and the field of international development, the more I realize that there are no easy fixes. It is hard, deep work to partner together to reveal hope and restore life.

2) God is sovereign and this world is not fair.

There are things that I have seen and stories I have heard that have rocked my understanding of all that is just or all that should be. Stories that make me question where a good God can be in the middle of it all and how I yearn for Him to come back to redeem all things. God is with those who suffer and He sits firmly on his throne. I still don't know how to reconcile it all, but I continue to hold fast to these two things in the midst of the questioning.

3) I’ve met my heroes.

Our staff and partners in the field are people in incredibly challenging circumstances that persevere in such faith to share the love of Christ with those around them. They labor so faithfully and with such rich faith, I want to be more like them.

4) It’s worth it.

I am deeply thankful as I reflect on the past ten years. It has been incredibly difficult at so many times and yet it has been and continues to be so worth it. As believers who love Jesus we are not called to live comfortable lives that are isolated from the needs of those around us, whether at home or around the world. God calls us into the deep places and into relationship with those around us that challenge our faith and what we think we know.

Thank you for journeying with me & for your incredible partnership over the years! I'm not sure what is in store for the next ten years but I know it will be good, because God is good. May you and your family have a blessed season of Advent as we look ahead to celebrating the birth of Christ. Merry Christmas!

- Lindsey 

PS - JRCC's Christmas tradition is to raise additional funds for our 5 supported mission workers. This year’s goal is $5,000. Please give generously by designating your funds on a Giving Envelope on Sunday mornings, accessing our secure online donation portal, or visiting the Welcome Centre for debit/credit card donations.