5 Things from 2022 Worth Celebrating
As we reflect on 2022 we see the undeniable presence of God at work in the corporate life of Soul Sanctuary. We’ve seen his faithfulness, favour, love, and peace manifested in our church community and we’re grateful for the year that was. Here are five things that happened in 2022 at Soul that we can’t help but celebrate together.
1. We experienced the strengthening of our Family Ministries
We welcomed new children, students, and families to our Family Ministries, all the while improving our structures and Servant Leader training.
This year our Soul Kids Jr., Soul Kids, YOUNG LIFE and WILDLIFE ministries all experienced a season of strengthening. In March we welcomed Pastor Beth to our staff team as our Family Ministries Pastor. Under her leadership our ministries have found a new footing. Our Sunday Children’s Ministries have seen an influx of children and we have welcomed new Servant Leaders, all the while working to improve the function of our ministry spaces. In September we launched a search for a Children’s Pastor to join our Family Ministries team.
Meanwhile, our YOUNG LIFE (grades 6-8) and WILDLIFE (grade 9-12) ministries were able to resume meeting in person after the lifting of pandemic restrictions and have hosted regular youth meetings, small groups, and summer camp. Notably, since September our YOUNG LIFE ministry has initiated “Serving Sundays” where over twenty junior high students are partnered with their leaders in positions of church ministry, including setup, greeting, production, coffee service, and children’s ministry.
2. We gave over $300,000 to our Missions Partners
Our community gave generously to ministries in Ukraine, north Winnipeg, Kenya, Brazil, and more.
This year we gave over $300,000 to various missions partners around the world. The majority of these funds were given to the Ukrainian Assemblies of God as they responded to the immediate humanitarian needs due to the ongoing conflict in their country. Missions designated funds were also distributed to ministry partners in north Winnipeg, Kenya, Eswatini, Indonesia, Turkey, and Brazil. We also retain our financial commitment to support our most recently sponsored refugee family in Winnipeg.
Our community has also been involved tangibly in missions projects that aren’t reflected in financial giving. In Summer 2022 Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht visited our partners Tonia and Alexi Pankov in Turkey as they care for displaced Ukrainian orphans, taking with him sports supplies and activities for the children. This December we’ll deliver thousands of dollars worth of food and infant formula to the Harvest Manitoba Food Bank at Living Word Temple through our Giving Tree initiative.
3. Over 75 students experienced Jesus at Summer Camp
Students in grades 6-12 experienced a fun-filled and high energy camp experience. They participated in interactive breakout sessions and worship services which served to strengthen their faith.
During the last week of August our grades 6-12 students attended YOUNG+WILD Summer Camp. After having to modify our camp experience in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID restrictions, in 2022 we were able to return to our regular overnight format and offer a dynamic camp experience for our students. While filled with fun activities and competitions, the focus of camp was to help students build strong friendships with their peers, to encourage them to build intentional relationships with their adult leaders, and to support them as they cultivated a deeper relationship with God.
4. Pastor Gerry was recognized by World Vision as a “Hero for Children”
In the last 10 years over 330 Canadians have partnered with World Vision through child sponsorship because of Pastor Gerry’s leadership, resulting in over $1,000,000 in total support.
On Sunday, January 23, 2022 Pastor Gerry was recognized as one of five Canadian "heroes" who received awards on behalf of World Vision for their commitment to helping the world's most vulnerable children. Together we celebrated Pastor Gerry and his reception of this award which demonstrates a true reflection of his heart for compassion and justice.
The Rev. Dr. Ken McMillan Award, recognizing an individual who has demonstrated Christian faith in action, a heart for leadership, and a commitment to the church, was awarded to Rev. Dr. Gerald (Gerry) Michalski of Soul Sanctuary in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Michalski has inspired his congregation and community to care for those in need. His church partnered with World Vision on its Matthew 25 Challenge and was the first church in Canada to launch Chosen, a new way of supporting child sponsorship.
In the last 10 years over 330 Canadians have partnered with World Vision through child sponsorship because of Pastor Gerry’s leadership, resulting in over $1,000,000 in total support. In his reception speech Pastor Gerry accepted the award on behalf of Soul Sanctuary church, thanking the Soul community for their continued commitment to care for our world’s most vulnerable.
5. We launched Year 2 of our Internship Program
We welcomed Brendan Bergen and Nic Bergen as second year interns.
In Fall 2022 we launched the second year of the Soul Sanctuary Internship Program. Our internship program was created out of a desire to develop and empower young leaders of character who are passionate about Jesus and His Church. The 10 month intensive program provides young adults an introduction to theological education, experience in local church ministry, and missions experiences. Where first year interns take academically accredited theological courses through Providence University College, our second year interns have a larger focus in church ministry leadership. Nic Bergen serves in our Family Ministries, with a focus in YOUNG LIFE, and Brendan Bergen is responsible for our Sunday production ministry.
Looking Ahead to 2023
As we look ahead to 2023 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 to our Legacy Offering. The Legacy Offering serves to further a series of strategic vision-based initiatives in 2023 that will further our reach, deepen our impact, and make a difference in our community. All donations received by December 31, 2022 will appear on your 2022 Charitable Giving Statement.