5 Things from 2020 Worth Celebrating
2020 has been a difficult year for many, including many in the Soul Sanctuary community. We have seen many storms this year; however we have also seen God’s continued goodness and faithfulness in the face of struggle, suffering and loss. Here are five things that happened in 2020 at Soul that we can’t help but celebrate together.
1. Together We Gave over $100,000 To our Missions Partners.
In 2020 our community contributed over $100,000 towards our short-term and long-term missions projects and partners. Despite not being able to host our golf tournament, which raises a large amount of missions support, we were still able to fulfill all our missions giving commitments. Notably, we were able to contribute over $20,000 to Living Word Temple which included emergency food relief, Christmas hampers and contributions toward Titus Graham’s ministry position. Furthermore, we were able to provide approximately $29,000 to the Ukrainian Assemblies of God for orphanage relief efforts and a portion of a deposit for a permanent physical location for their church in Lutsk.
Other recipients of missions giving in 2020 include the Eswatini Care Point (Children’s Hope Chest), Bonnie & Evan Falk (Wycliffe Bible Translators), All Hands Held (Kenya), All Hands Held (Indonesia), ARC Canada, Russian Assemblies of God and Home of the Good Shepherd (Brazil).
2. Together we saw 200+ Adults connect in digital life groups.
In a year where social interactions were routinely limited to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, we were still able to see over 200 people connected to a weekly Life Group. Life Groups are core to our ministry at Soul and we’ve heard countless stories of people finding community and life transformation this year.
During Manitoba’s spring lockdown we were able to host 7 social life groups that met on Zoom. These groups helped over 50 people connect during a time where social interactions were limited. Further, we saw 50 more people join our Advent Life Group this December during Manitoba’s second lockdown.
3. Together We Safely Ran Kids and Youth Summer Camps.
Throughout July and August our Summer Ministry Team ran six weeks of Kid’s Day camps which served as an outreach to our community and provided essential childcare during the pandemic. We saw over 100 kids come through our camps this summer! Further, YOUNGLIFE (Gr. 6-8) and WILDLIFE (Gr. 9-12) ran YOUNG+WILD Summer Camp in a revised, COVID-restriction friendly format, seeing over 50 students participate for a week unlike any other.
4. Together we gave sacrificially during a time of need.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a major financial impact on Soul Sanctuary. When the first wave hit, we were able to defer our mortgage interest payments for a number of months as our rental revenues dried up. Our measurable rental revenues are down 55% due to COVID related cancellations and event postponements, alongside intangible losses from bookings that never came to fruition. However, we have seen a 13% increase in our general fund giving which, alongside government subsidies, has allowed us to retain our ministry staff and continue to minister to our community through difficult times.
5. Together we saw over 80 people complete Growth Track.
Growth Track is the next step for anyone looking to further their involvement in the Soul Sanctuary community. Since launching our new Growth Track curriculum in September 2019 we’ve seen over eighty people enrol and complete the course. Growth track is a guide for community members to learn about the history and operations of Soul Sanctuary, to discover their gifting in Christ and to have their personal leadership developed. If you’re looking for a way to get connected in the life of the Soul Community, Growth Track is your next step, our next session runs in January and you can register below.
Looking Ahead to 2021
As we look ahead to 2021 we’re excited for everything God will continue to do through our community. We believe that Soul Sanctuary will continue to be used to impact Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and the world at large. We want to invite you to contribute to the future of Soul Sanctuary by giving a year-end gift. All donations received by December 31, 2020 will appear on your 2020 Charitable Giving Statement.