Friday at 4:30PM
Impoverished Thinking: The Power of Assumptions
Church Room 2 (Missionary Principles & Practices)
This workshop cuts through a culture that primarily defines poverty as a material deficit and challenges life-long assumptions that many carry with them in regards to the origin and solution of global poverty.
Presented By: Melissa Giles
As training manager at FH Canada, Melissa has the unique opportunity of travelling across the country and engaging with groups on issues of poverty and social justice. Trained as a teacher, Melissa changed careers in 2003, and has been involved in community development ever since.
Medical Missions: Make a Short-Term Commitment with a Long-Term Impact
Church Room 4 (Short-Term Missions)
How short-term medical teams can run with standards of excellence and intentionality to build relationships with international health care communities and ensure permanent solutions for providing care to the poor.
Presented By: Leanne Ferris
Leanne Ferris is the Executive Director of Medical Ministry International Canada. Leanne has a heart to serve the world’s poorest individuals. Her passion for bringing healthcare to an often forgotten world in need has spanned across the globe for 20 years. Leanne holds an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University, specializing in International Business.
Rebuilding, Restoring Our Land through Art
Church Room 5 (Missions in Arts & Media)
God calls and equips artists (Exodus 35:30-35) to equip, encourage and evangelize. This seminar will look at how artists can be part of rebuilding and restoring our land.
Presented By: Robert White
The Administrative Director of Artists in Christian Testimony (A.C.T. Canada), Robert White is an award-winning journalist and author. He currently freelances and hosts Arts Connection on Faith FM which explores the intersection of faith, art and Canadian culture.
Outreach Your Muslim Friend
Gym Room 1 (Least Reached)
This seminar gives an overview on Islam as an ideology and belief. How Islam views Christianity and how Christianity views Islam will be explored. We will differentiate between Islam and Muslim friends. We will suggest 10 commandments for sharing the Gospel with Muslims. As the GTA hosts more than 500,000 Muslims, churches and Christians must engage with them to present the Gospel.
Presented By: Amal Gendi
Amal was appointed Canadian Director of Arab World Ministries in 2008. After the merger with Pioneers Canada, he took over his new responsibilities as Arabian Peninsula Area Leader, and as Dean of Training with PALM (Preparing Arab-world Leaders for Ministry). He is a skilled business leader with more than 25 years of experience including work in the Canadian pharmaceutical industry.
Jewish Evangelism Seminar
Gym Room 2 (Missionary Principles & Practices)
We’ve found that if you can witness to a Jewish person, you can witness to just about anybody! By attending our “How to Witness – Jewish Evangelism” seminar, you will glean valuable tips on presenting the gospel to Jewish friends and “not so Jewish” friends alike. This seminar provides insight into various objections to the gospel as well as conversation techniques, understanding Jewish sensitivities and more!
Presented By: Andrew Barron
It was in 1981, while helping to design and plan space shuttle missions for the U.S. Space program, that Andrew came across a gospel pamphlet from Jews for Jesus. Andrew is currently an evangelist with Jews for Jesus Canada, an organization that proclaims Jesus is the Messiah of Israel and Saviour of the world. “What could be more Jewish than following the Messiah?” says Barron, who considers himself 100% Jewish and 100% Christian.
Saturday at 10:00AM
Mobile Device Ministry
Church Room 2 (Missions in the Arts & Media)
We will review best practices for mobile device ministry (smart phones and tablets) and brainstorm around mission applications referencing the mobile ministry forum and personal experiences.
Presented By: Jim Klaas
Jim has worked in international missions since 1984 (14 years living in Argentina) and uses his Masters of Education degree in distance learning to promote learning via the web. His passion is discipleship and evangelism. He believes that Christians should be the best learners in the world.
You Can Do It! Missions as a Second Career
Church Room 4 (Opportunities Again)
Everyone can have a part in the Great Commission, even at mid-life and beyond. Learn from “second career” missionaries how to use “first career” skills and experiences in world missions.
Presented By: Don and Myrna Hines, China Outreach Ministries
Don and Myrna serve as Recruitment Directors for China Outreach Ministries (COM), mobilizing campus workers who bring Christ to Chinese scholars on university campuses throughout North America. As “second career” missionaries, they began ministering to Chinese students and scholars in the U.S. and China in 2001. Don and Myrna are passionate about reaching China’s leaders for Christ, mobilizing Christians in missions, and seeing God glorified among the nations.
Changing Lives Through Short-Term Missions
Church Room 5 (Short-Term Missions)
What will it take to change your life? Give hungry children food, make new friends, build much needed homes and connect with youth. Come and find out how you can impact your life and the lives of others.
Presented By: Alan and Sue McDougall
Alan and Sue were full time missionaries for 18 years in South America. They have been doing short-term trips for over 8 years. All 3 of their children have done shortterm mission trips and have seen the benefit.
Ministering To Europe’s Marginalized
Gym Room 1 (Least Reached)
While Europeans struggle to handle significant challenges of financial debt and high unemployment, they witness a steady stream of refugees arriving within their borders seeking a better life. In this context, can the church of Jesus Christ minister effectively and share the good news of God’s kingdom?
Presented By: Paul Burke
Paul has ministered for a number of years to Torontonians living in the heart of the city. He has a special passion that the disadvantaged would know and embrace Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Since 2008, Paul has been involved with ministering to the Roma people in the suburbs of Paris and Lille, France. He is also involved in ministering to the new refugees arriving in Europe.
Proactive Waiting
Gym Room 2 (Preparing for Missionary Service)
Has God called you to be a missionary, but has not released you to go to the field? This seminar will help you and your church to better prepare for the field while you wait on Him.
Presented By: James M. Kim
James surrendered to God’s calling for him to be involved in missions through a gunshot to the chest in 1996. Since joining Pioneers in 1997, James has travelled to over 30 countries and mobilized over 1500 workers for the unreached. James has also built teams and planted two churches in the U.S. He currently serves as the Executive Director of Pioneers Canada.
Saturday at 11:30AM
Understanding Israel: What’s All The Fuss About?
Church Room 2 (Mission News & Views)
What “IS” all the fuss about Israel? Why is Israel always in the news…and why should I care? How does it impact me and our country? What is God’s prophetic timetable and what can I do?
Presented By: Jude Hodgson
Jude was born in Toronto. She has served on the Board of Directors of ICEJ Canada for many years and is currently Board Chair and Director of Communications. More recently her work has focused on missions and communications, in the field and as a consultant. She served seven years as Executive Director of MissionFest Toronto.
Finishing Well: Golf or Ministry
Church Room 4 (Opportunities Again)
Are you 50+ considering a “Life Shift” from Career into Ministry, either short-term or long-term, either here in Canada or overseas? After you play a few games of golf you may wish to explore options. It is reported that over 200,000 Canadian evangelical Christians will be retiring early in the next 10 years. Find out how you can explore and prepare for a mid-life shift into ministry.
Presented By: Wayne Matthews
Wayne worked for 30 years as a Professional Engineer, served on his church Mission Committee for 18 years, was on the MissionFest Management Team for 8 years and helped in the formation of Finishers Canada. He has been leading the Perspectives movement in eastern Canada since 2001 which has now trained over 1000 students in Ontario. He is also the Director of Mobilization for OMF International Canada.
Reverse Mission
Church Room 5 (Preparing for Missionary Service)
New Canadians from majority world countries are not just adjusting to life in Canada, but are also seeking to engage in mission, peace and reconciliation initiatives to their respective countries. They need our prayers and support. You will be inspired and challenged.
Presented By: Chris Pullenayegem
Born and raised in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious community, Chris immigrated to Canada in 2001 with his family and has been working as a Refugee Policy Analyst in Toronto. With an academic background in law and psychology, senior experience in the private, not-for-profit and government, Chris contributes to many faith-based discussions in the areas of church renewal, organizational change and mission.
Offering Chilies in Their Curry
Gym Room 1 (Least Reached)
In a multi-cultural Canada, a wider discussion on how believers living in Canada can share Christ with those who have never found the church to be relevant to their life.
Presented By: Amitabh Singh
Amitabh is an international speaker and author who travels on behalf of impoverished children, raising awareness and support for their education and care. He is driven by his passion to see disadvantaged children given the opportunity to rise above their circumstances and pursue their dreams. Amitabh grew up in Calcutta, India and attended primary and secondary schools built by missionary legends, Dr. Mark and Huldah Buntain.
Going Global
Gym Room 2 (Preparing for Missionary Service)
With 26 years’ experience in Africa, Dr. Wood will illustrate 6 essentials necessary for an effective ministry for the work of missions.
Presented By: Philip Wood
Dr. Philip Wood was a surgeon with WEC International in D.R. Congo for most of 1973 to 2012. He is the honorary director of MissionFest Toronto and the previous director of WEC International (Canada).
Saturday 3:00PM
A Creative Approach to the Unfinished Task
Gym Room 1 (Missions in the Arts & Media)
This unique seminar will look at the great need and the growing number of opportunities for artists to take part in the world wide missions movement.
Presented By: Chris Middleton
Chris oversees STM Connexion (Fellowship International’s short term program) for Fellowship International. Chris and wife, Sara, as missionaries to Turkey, served in a creative arts ministry called “TACO.” TACO is a ministry that is committed to creatively sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Muslim world. In his role with TACO, Chris served as an artist, helped develop a more contextualized artistic team, and helped organize and lead short term outreach tours.
Diaspora Engagement in Global and Local Mission
Gym Room 2 (Preparing for Missionary Service)
Mission is no longer the “West to the Rest.” It is now “from everywhere to everywhere”. God is bringing people from all over the world to Canada. God is sending missionaries from the non-Western world to plant churches in urban centres like Toronto. The presenters’ testimonies will convince you that missions must be “The church from all nations bringing Christ to all nations.”
Presented By: Endrit Mullisi & Narry Santos
Endrit Mullisi from Albania and Pastor Narry Santos from Philippines will share how God is using them as missionaries in Toronto. Endrit entered full time ministry in Albania where the religion was allowed to be practiced after 25 years prohibition. He served as worship pastor, teaching pastor, outreach, and worked with children. Endrit has also worked for World Vision in Community Development and for Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Additionally, he has been able to share the Gospel without fear in the workplace creating an opportunity for people to take the Word of God seriously. Narry is Senior Pastor of GCF-Toronto and Executive Pastor of GCF Canada. After 10 years of church planting in the Philippines, he was sent by his mother church to do urban church planting in Canada. He has seen God raise 6 new churches. Narry also serves as adjunct professor at the Tyndale University, College & Seminary teaching on diaspora missiology.
Saturday 4:30PM
Muslim Misconceptions to Christian Beliefs - How to Respond?
Church Room 2 (Missionary Principles & Practices)
This apologetic seminar helps you to answer all misconceptions your Muslim friend might have. The Scriptures, Diety of Christ, crucifixion of Jesus, the Trinity, the Atonement and gospel of Barnabas. We will present if Muhammad is foretold in the Bible.
Presented By: Amal Gendi, Pioneers Canada
Amal was appointed Canadian Director of Arab World Ministries in 2008. After the merger with Pioneers Canada, he took over his new responsibilities as Arabian Peninsula Area Leader, and as Dean of Training with PALM (Preparing Arab-world Leaders for Ministry). He is a skilled business leader with more than 25 years of experience including work in the Canadian pharmaceutical industry.
Participating in Global Community Starts at University
Church Room 4 (Marketplace Missions)
The marketplace is becoming increasingly global. How are relationships around the world the same, yet different? Learn the culture of world leaders by including an international student in your circle of friends.
Presented By: Twylla Plett
Twylla has been enriched by a circle of international student friends for almost 20 years. Aside from the year spent working in South East Asia, Twylla has had countless discussions with foreign students in Canada. She is the National Field Director for International Student Ministries Canada.
Let Us Pray for the Nations
Church Room 5 (Prayer & Intercession)
This seminar is for anyone who would like to know how to prepare spiritually and naturally to be able to change a nation through prayer, intercession, prophecy, movement and the power of the spoken word. Each believer can participate in the redemption and reformation of a nation, the land and its people.
Presented By: Charmaine Hinds
Charmaine has been the founder and director of Worship in Motion since 2001. WIM is a unique dance ministry comprised of cross generational and multi-cultural dancers from many different congregations in the Greater Toronto Area. As a prophetic dancer she has a God given desire and passion to see others released into the ministry of movement as they come to a greater level of worship and intimacy with the Lord.
Engaging Cross Culturally
Gym Room 1 (Preparing for Missionary Service)
In our globalized world, cultures interact on a daily basis. Whether you are ministering to Afghans, Somalis, Iranians in Toronto or going overseas, you need to be prepared with the skills to effectively minister in cross cultural contexts. This seminar will introduce you to many excellent resources that will prepare you and your church for effective cross cultural ministry.
Presented By: Robert Cousins & Chris Pullenayegem
Robert is from N. Ireland and immigrated to Canada in 1974. He served as a missionary in theological education and leadership development with Africa Inland Mission, as director at MissionPrep, and is currently director of Tyndale Intercultural Ministries Centre seeking to engage multicultural leaders in global missions. Robert also consults in Nicaragua in leadership training. Born and raised in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious community, Chris immigrated to Canada in 2001 with his family and has been working as a Refugee Policy Analyst in Toronto. With an academic background in law and psychology, senior experience in the private, not-for-profit and government, Chris contributes to many faith-based discussions in the areas of church renewal, organizational change and mission.
The Task Remaining: What Can I Do?
Gym Room 2 (Least Reached)
Over 7,000 people groups in the world have not yet been reached with the Gospel, billions of people. Come and get the big picture of the Task Remaining and learn of 6 practical ways you can get involved.
Presented By: Wayne Matthews
Wayne worked for 30 years as a Professional Engineer, served on his church Mission Committee for 18 years, was on the MissionFest Management Team for 8 years and helped in the formation of Finishers Canada. He has been leading the Perspectives movement in eastern Canada since 2001 which has now trained over 1000 students in Ontario. He is also the Director of Mobilization for OMF International Canada.