MENGJIAO'S REFLECTION ON GRATITUDE
I had the privilege of hosting a traditional thanksgiving supper for a few dear friends from Adam House at my apartment. As a recent transplant from the USA, I was excited about sharing some of my most cherished family traditions and, of course, various delicious southern casseroles, with my newly adopted brothers and sisters. After the meal, we gathered around the table and each shared something that we are grateful for in the past year. Many friends gave thanks for God’s providence in various ways during their journey to Canada, and for the care and the kindness they received from strangers, and every single person in the room expressed their gratitude to Adam House for making them feel like a “family” while they are far away from home.
“In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.” (Ephesians 1:4b-6) As I count my blessings, I am thankful for Adam House, for the lovely and courageous friends I’ve encountered there. But mostly, I am thankful for Christ’s love which made us sons and daughters; by the extent of his gracious love, we can love and adopt one another as family.
AFFILIATE AND COMMUNITY NEEDS
Find ways to love our neighbours in partnership with our affiliates and other organizations serving the community.
SERVING - FOR INDIVIDUALS
Toronto City Mission
- Volunteers still needed for the EPIC program in Flemingdon Park (near Don Mills Rd and Eglinton Ave E), Kingston-Galloway (near Lawrence Ave E and Kingston Rd), Willowtree (near Finch Ave E and Willowdale Ave), and Jesse Ketchum (near Davenport Rd and Bay St). For more information: https://www.torontocitymission.com/volunteer.
- TCM has summer internship spots available. For more information: https://www.torontocitymission.com/summer-internships.
TANGIBLE NEEDS
Adam House
- Short-term and long-term rentals needed. All current residents of Adam House need to move out by March as 430 Gladstone Ave will be undergoing a substantial renovation. If you know of housing options or have a room / apartment to rent out, please contact Lucy at lchaimiti@adamhouse.org. For more details (here).
Yonge Street Mission
- Needs: non-perishable food, hygiene products, diapers (size 6), and catfood
- For more information or to arrange drop off, please contact Eleanor at 647-466-1865 or eedwards@ysm.ca.
For more information contact: rosemarie@gracetoronto.ca
PRAYERS
Help love our neighbours by praying for them and the organizations that serve them.
+ ADAM HOUSE
Praise God for healing the residents who were affected by COVID-19 recently and protecting the rest of the house, staff, and volunteers during this.
Pray that all residents will find suitable accommodation before renovation starts in March, and that as a community we will find a way to stay connected, support, and encourage each other.
+ LIGHT PATROL
Pray for the staff as they reach out to youth housed in hotels, who are often lonely. Depression and use of drugs is especially high during these dark months.
+ SQUADS
Pray for families in this low-income area as they live through the dark, cold days of January and February. These months are especially prone to causing depression.
Pray for the start of the kids clubs in the Regent Park area
+ TORONTO CITY MISSION
Pray for families who often experience food insecurities living from day to day, which are especially felt during the cold winter months when warm food is needed.
Pray for TCM staff and volunteers to be able to bring some relief and hope to the families.
Pray for the launch of the downtown Jesse Ketchum site, for good connections with staff at the Jesse Ketchum school.
Pray for safety and protection for all the TCM staff and volunteers in the communities they serve.