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Joint service of the missions “Samaritan Aid” and “CDH-Stephanus”
Many years ago, our brothers in British Columbia, Canada, particularly those from the Vernon congregation, expressed a desire to participate in missionary work. They subsequently established an independent mission there. The first mission conference was held in October.
Brother Viktor Goldnik, the former elder of the Vernon congregation, was convinced that God's field of work for the Canadian brotherhood was missionary work. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and other organizational challenges prevented them from being as active as they had hoped.
Following occasional joint missions with CDH-Stephanus in recent years, a joint mission to Kyrgyzstan took place in June 2021, where our Canadian brothers and sisters carried out a successful relief operation. Our Canadian brothers and sisters also provided financial support to those suffering from the war in Ukraine. These joint missions always involved a significant organizational effort. Therefore, to enable effective and organized aid from Canada, the mission "Samaritan Aid" was established there. It maintains close cooperation and communication with CDH-Stephanus.
Looking ahead, Canada hopes to support projects in Africa, where the English language is a clear advantage. There is also a desire to provide humanitarian aid in Latin America.
The first mission conference in Canada in Vernon showed us: the “Samaritan Aid” pursues the noble goal of letting people experience the love of Christ, giving glory to God and serving Him in His community.
Michael Akulenko
CDH-Stephanus Speyer
Lunch together in the pavilion
Kitchen team of the municipality of Vernon, BC
First Samaritan Aid Conference
Our brothers Viktor Folz and Nikolaus Wall traveled to Canada in October to participate in the missions conference and to instruct our brothers and sisters in church work and encourage them in missionary service. The following is a report of the conference:
Guided by the verse "For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose" from Philippians 2:13, we experienced a wonderful and blessed time in Vernon, BC (Western Canada) in October 2022. Once again, we witnessed how God brings together and unites people from different churches and countries. We were amazed to see how the will was put into action. This was only possible through God's grace, His wonderful guidance, and the work of the Holy Spirit.
The presiding bishop from Canada, Brother Daniel Bullert, opened the mission conference with the words from Psalm 118:24: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!” He emphasized that the meeting served as a forum for sharing God’s deeds and miracles. The guest speakers from Germany, Ukraine, the USA, and Canada encouraged every attendee to joyfully carry out the Lord’s work. Guests from more than 20 congregations participated in the conference. Musical contributions from the music groups and choir of several congregations enriched the worship service.
Eduard Spitzer, chairman of the Samaritan Aid Ministries Mission, confirmed how working on the projects unites them all. He also warmly invited all participants to actively get involved.
Brother Nikolai Wall reminded us that “a missionary” translates from Latin as “an envoy.” The Lord Jesus commanded His disciples: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
During the conference, seminars and instruction sessions were held for elders and deacons. All participants were exhorted with the words from Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly, as working for the Lord, not for people.”
Brother Viktor Folz's concluding words moved everyone to reflect: "For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved, [...] the fragrance of life leading to life" (2 Corinthians 2:15-16).
The support of leading brothers from various countries in establishing the mission strengthened us. We thank all our guests for visiting. We look forward to welcoming many more friends and guests and remembering God's miracles and deeds together. May God richly bless you all!
Andreas Sachs
Brotherhood in Canada, British Columbia
More information about the aid organization and current projects:
