A Personal Reflection from Ray Woodard

A Personal Reflection from Ray Woodard, Outreach Canada's Board Chairman

This season of thanksgiving holds special significance for me as I reflect on God’s work within Outreach Canada.

I have a unique opportunity to serve on the Outreach Canada Board with a team of leaders who willingly get involved, pray, and provide support wherever needed.

I am also thankful for the continued and steady support of our donors and partners in ministry.

I have seen the creativity and dedication of our missionaries, who are continuing the work based on their calling from our heavenly Father. Earlier this year I had the opportunity to experience the joy, creativity, and support of our leaders, from across Canada, as we met together and planned during our annual retreat. I continue to see this as we meet monthly to pray for His guidance.

I have had the privilege to see, up close, God use the Leadership Team. Not only has He used them to guide and support the ministry of Outreach Canada, but He has also brought opportunities for our ministries to grow.

We have seen:

• new partnerships through MORE Network
• the rebranding of our Chaplaincy program, now known as BetterIt Workplace Chaplains
• the improved communication of our vision through technology
• and open doors for the expansion of the gospel through the Disciple Making Movements team.

Often, leadership is seen only in crisis, but I am thankful to see leadership during our current season of change and transition; this current season of transition has not been a crisis of leadership.

I am thankful for the work of Craig Kraft and the Outreach Canada team. The leadership which has been developed in the past continues to be built on, allowing the ministry of Outreach Canada to continue to thrive and move forward. I am learning through this effort that leadership development takes place through individuals who use every opportunity to encourage innovation and provide support to new initiatives.

As I watch Craig transition to his new role as the Director for Global Collaboration with the OC Global Alliance, he continues to provide his heart of support through continued contacts, and to use his skills to seek new resources. I have also seen the team members of Outreach Canada reflecting Craig’s heart and work ethic without complaint. Through Craig’s move to the OC Global Alliance, I am thankful God has opened new door of expansion for us through his trusted partnership.

Finally, I am thankful for the privilege of walking through the next days as we launch the search for a new Executive Director. Thankful because we are building on a firm foundation of prayer, care for one another, and support. Thankful because we are seeking an innovative leader who will join a creative and diverse team to inspire faithfulness and dependence on God as we look at new fields of ministry.

I am indeed thankful to participate in the great adventure called Outreach Canada.

Read more updates from the OC Leadership here: Outreach Canada Director's Blog.

Or continue reading our most recent blog articles from Outreach Canada by visiting our Outreach Canada Blog.