A March Break Mission Trip to Toronto
Rev. Sigfrido Ortiz – Pastor Dufferin Street Baptist Church,
Luz Iglesias - Manager of Youth Mission and Education BCOQ,
Rev. Dr. Rob Patterson - Toronto Baptist Missions Coordinator
A group of 32 young men and women spent one week living in the converted balconies of Dufferin Street Baptist Church. The balconies were renovated by student volunteers over seven years ago and are currently used by Oasis as Education Wings.
The group of youth from churches across Ontario shared times of worship, welcomed motivational speakers and enjoyed fun and games in a hundred year old church.
During the week, the youth divided-up and volunteered at various ministries and missions. A group of energetic and compassionate girls from Bilberry Creek Baptist Church helped out at the Oasis Food Bank.
Over 100 families were served that day at the Oasis Food Bank. Vegetables, fruits and dairy products are given to those in need as pictured above.
While visiting Toronto, the youth were exposed to the realities of street living, hardships of the needy and they learned how a difference can be made in many lives through the many ministries they visited including: Adam House, The Gateway, Oasis, Sanctuary Ministries and Urban Promise.
The trip has left a lasting impression on many of the youth and put a “SPOT LIGHT” on the great need found in the city of Toronto.
A former Oasis volunteer, Gloria Segura (pictured above) lovingly prepared the meals for the group and invited guests. It was quite an undertaking as teenagers LOVE to EAT!
The short term mission trip by the youth is a vital experience in preparing them for their future callings. With inspirational leadership from Luz Iglesias and her team along with youth pastors such as Curt Erb from Immanuel Baptist Church (pictured above), the future of these youth is in good hands. Gaining first hand knowledge of the many challenges facing the needy in Toronto will go along way in raising awareness, preparing committed volunteers and developing the leaders of tomorrow.