Missions
 We Go Into The World!

 

 

We believe in reaching beyond ourselves, beyond our borders and our culture, beyond the familiar.  Calvary Temple is taking the gospel to many parts of the world in many ways…

…and we want you to meet some of our Partners!

 

Sergio & Nancy Bersaglio, ZAMBIA

Profile...Sergio and I are the directors of Village of Hope in Zambia where there are over 800 orphans and vulnerable children being cared for each day.  An on-site clinic provides free medical care and the school provides free education from pre-school to grade 12.  The gospel is shared with the children at Village of Hope and most have made personal commitments to the Lord.  Sergio is also the director of the newly formed Villages of Hope - Africa Society which has villages in Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe and two location in Zamgai.

Pray...that with God's help, VOH will continuously meet the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of the children in their care, and that the students will be open to the gospel; for our health and protection from malaria; for the Lord's wisdom, guidance and financial provision.

 

John & Ruth Kerr, ZAMBIA

Profile...We serve at the Trans-Africa Theological College in Kitwe, Zambia where John is the Principal and Ruth has a hand in everything from music to missions. They work with approximately 80 mature and motivated students; most of them have already planted a church. John is also working with a team to organize lay leadership across Zambia. Ruth is involved in AIDS Awareness training and takes this urgent message into teacher training institutions and churches. Currently, they are developing a national committee to raise awareness in all the churches.

Pray...that graduates would continue to evangelize the nation, disciple new believers and reach out to the greater southern Africa region.

Manuel & Agripina Bessa, MOZAMBIQUE

Profile...We are newly appointed missionaries to Mozambiques.  Initially the two main thrust of our ministry will be leadership training and child care programs.  While Manny will teach at the Bible school in Maputo and also do inland travelling, Agripina will focus on Christian education programs (women, youth and children) and ChildCARE Plus.  Our natural ability to speak Portuguese and our understanding of the local culture from previous experience is a tremendous advantage in caring for our responsibilites related to the mission field.

Pray...for effectiveness in leadership training; for effectiveness in our work with abandoned or orphaned children; for relationships that foster the growth of the kingdom; for safety and good health in precarious conditions.

Stephen & Heather Chaloner, AFRICA REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Profile...Based in Nairobi, Kenya, I lead PAOC's team of over 90 missioinaries deployed in Africa in the areas of evangelism, church planting, leadership development, education, health, community development and emergency relief.  My mandate is to facilitate the healthy development of PAOC initiatives in Africa and it's network of AFrican churches known as the Pentecostal Assemblies of Africa.  You can contact us directly via email at; schaloner@paoc.org 

Pray...for Godly wisdom and discernment; for health and safety; that God will strengthen and encourage ministries and churches affiliated with The Pentecostal Assemblies of Africa and beyond. 

 

 Bill & Linda Mercer, MOZAMBIQUE

Profile...The Mercers opened the Bible school in the capital city of Maputo in 1985. Bill oversees the extension program that reaches approximately 100 centres and over1,000 students in Mozambique. Linda oversees an active Christian education department. This includes pre-schools in the local churches, ministry to youth, a moral and ethics course, and an AIDS prevention program in the public schools. She is also involved in a medical association, promoting health projects such as food supplement for undernourished children.

Pray...that God will send more long term missionaries to this region; for health and protection in the midst of disease, crime and erratic traffic; for unity and spiritual growth in the churches; for Christians in churches and schools to have a greater vision to reach the lost among them and beyond their country's borders.

Izirlei and Lenilda Guimaraes, MOZAMBIQUE

 Profile...The Guimaraes are a good example of people from a traditionally 'receiving' country, Brazil, who have heard the call of God on their lives to overseas missions. They picked up the missionary torch and felt led to minister in Mozambique. Being Portuguese, the Guimaraes are able to minister to the people of Mozambique in their own language. Izirlei teaches in our Bible College in Maputo and has a very effective ministry in the local churches.


Pray...that the missions vision of the church in Mozambique would be awakened; that God would strengthen the church to face the challenge of Islam in their nation; for me as I travel across the country to evangelize and hold seminars at local churches. 

 

 

 

 Debbie Funk, ROMANIA

Profile...My country of burden is Romania. Nancy Cucheran and I are directors of the DeeperAssociation. Our primary focus is discipleship and mentorship with young people around the nation. We also facilitate 'Deeper' international conferences bi-annually. In February 2004, we opened, 'La Cafenescu', an internet cafe in the Grosavesti area of Bucharest. The vision of 'La Cafenescu' is 'to see Jesus authentically expressed through a relevant community of believers towards a generation posed to influence.' We are a relationally based ministry focusing on building community. My desire is to see the students embrace Christ and empower this generation to transform their nation. I will be in Canada studying for the next two years. Please pray for a keen mind and sharpened skills as I expand my knowledge and professional development to better serve God's purposes in Eurasia.

Pray...For the volunteers and staff of 'La Cafenescu' as they reach out to the student populace; events and opportunities at the coffee house to build community and be an expression of Jesus; strength, wisdom and discernment for ministry and life in Romania; for the young leaders stepping out to follow the dreams God has placed in their hearts.

Ken & Shirley Birch, EAST WEST AFRICA

Profile...The Birches are regional coordinators for East and West Africa where they work with over 50 PAOC missionaries and in partnership with national churches. Ken travels on a regular basis consulting, advising and facilitating the work of missionaries and national leaders. Shirley welcomes dozens of guests from all over the world who stop by in Nairobi as a "hub" for visiting African mission fields. Shirley also serves on the Kenya ChildCARE Plus Committee.

Pray... for protection during travel in Africa and in Canada; for anointing and wisdom in giving counsel to missionaries; for favor and response in meeting with churches and individuals sharing the story of PAOC missions today.

Peter & Patricia DeWit, THAILAND

Profile...Peter and Patricia and their family have been serving the Lord in Thailand since 1991. Peter gives oversight to the Thai field as team leader and is also involved in church planting, youth leadership training and the 250 kids sponsored by ChildCARE Plus. The Thai church is still a needy church with many churches not able to support themselves. Out of 43 churches in the fellowship, only one-third are self-supporting. Since 2002, nine new works have started. The spiritual atmosphere is changing and Thais are more ready to receive the truth of Jesus now than ever before!

An integral part of their strategy is to train God-loving teenagers, who will become future leaders in the fellowship. We are seeing many teens who desire to attend our Bible School and receive training but it takes years for a young person to become respected, equipped, experienced and ready to plant new churches.

Peter and Patricia also have a burden to minister to Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. The Lord has opened a wide door for Southeast Asia, (Revelation 3:8) but a desperate need for laborers to walk through that door are required.

Pray...for NewSong Bangkok, that many life changing stories will be told; that our five children would walk closely with God and in His truth; that God's provision will exceed our budget needs; for our spiritual vitallity; that the Thai church will grow in influence here and in neighboring countries. 

 

 

 

 Frank Bonazzo, ARGENTINA

Profile...I serve as a construction missionary with the PAOC, working with missionaries in various countries to complete capital building projects.  God has prepared me for this ministry through 36 years in the construction industry in Canada and through ministry with many short term mission teams.  I have supervised construction projects in Rwanda and Zambia.  Through a unique partnerhsip agreement between the PAOC and Global Teen Challenge, I will coordinate the construction of quality Teen Challenge facilities and other PAOC projects around the world.

Pray...for safety and favour as I travel and work in various countries, and for boldness to share Christ's love; that I would gain a clear understanding of wide ranging building codes and practices; for good communication between PAOC and Teen Challenge Global as they work cooperatively to facilitate this ministry. 

 

 

 Other Cross Cultural Ministry
Calvary Temple is involved with Arab World Ministries right here in Canada, as well as care and ministry for new immigrants here in Winnipeg.  For many years we have been partners with a church in Tambov, Russia and continue to develop this relationship.

Since sending our first missionary in 1908 (Martha Hisey to Liberia) to this day, Calvary Temple has believed the Gospel is for everybody in every part of the world. 

There are exciting ways to be involved in Missions at Calvary Temple.  You can give financial support, pray for our partners, or serve in volunteer mission’s ministry!