OC Director's Blog: March 2022
Dr. Craig Kraft /
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Pray for Ukraine
Our hearts break for the people of Ukraine as they stand together against this Russian invasion.
Did you know that there is a thriving evangelical church in Ukraine? The nation has a rich Christian heritage that has survived generations of oppression and persecution. The Church will survive the invasion. Pray with me that the Gospel message will continue to spark hope for the people of Ukraine. For more information, see Operation World. I have enjoyed the odd news story and social media post that shows the Ukrainians huddled together in shelters or subway tunnels, singing worship songs.
Our Global Alliance has missionaries in Ukraine. We have a team of Ukrainians who faithfully teach and train students to serve as missionaries in their own country and into neighboring countries. Our team is currently sheltering in Poland and assisting with humanitarian and spiritual needs in Ukraine and among the refugees in Poland. Please pray for their safety and the safety of millions of citizens unable to escape the violence of war.
“O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.” – Psalm 59:17
Outreach Canada
We are growing again.
As we finished 2021, I was sad to see three of our teammates retire. They will continue to be involved in ministry, but no longer as regular OC staff members (we have created a Finishers program for retired missionaries to continue serving while retired). I wondered how we would replace these great people.
In November, we welcomed a new young family to our team. Ramon and Deb Padilla have served for a decade in Mexico, and they have just joined OC to help with diaspora ministry in Toronto. They are skilled in research, scripture engagement, and intercultural ministry. We are thrilled to have the Padillas serving with Outreach Canada. You can read their latest blog article “Conversations as Hospitality” on the Outreach Canada blog.
In February, we interviewed another young couple joining our team in Ontario, and we have more couples and individuals in the application stage. This is so exciting for us. There are many new opportunities for ministry with immigrants and refugees and God seems to be bringing skilled new people to our team to meet this new challenge.
The Lord hears our prayers, and he is bringing new people into our ministry who will be able to serve and lead for years to come.
Dr. Craig Kraft is the Executive Director of Outreach Canada. After 15 years of pastoral ministry in western Canada, Craig, with his wife Heather, served with OC in southern Africa before returning to lead the ministry in Canada. Craig is a graduate of Northwest Baptist Seminary at ACTS and a graduate of Asia Graduate School of Theology with a Doctor of Intercultural Studies. His study has focused on diaspora missiology in Canada. His dissertation explores the potential for revitalizing Canadian churches through the practice of biblical hospitality with refugees and immigrants. Craig loves to watch sports, work in the yard & spend time in the woods.