Book Lovers sale supports youth mentorship
“God has been at work since that quiet day in the park.”
Janet Mabie
Spur Ottawa Writer
One Way Ministries is hosting a “Book Lovers and Bake Sale” May 25 to 27, with all proceeds going to support The CODE. The annual event is a chance to pick up Christian books, DVDs, and baked goods at bargain prices, while supporting Christian youth mentorship in Ottawa.
“Our mission at The CODE is to provide godly mentors in the challenging lives of our youth, who deserve to achieve a safe, successful, and meaningful future,” shares David Bracewell, The CODE’s program manager. “The CODE finds and trains Christian mentors, and prepares them to come alongside boys and girls, ages 12 to 24, who may be on a journey of faith or not.”
It began about 5 years ago as group mentoring for boys, but the group is now preparing mentors to work with young women, as well. The mentor-training process normally takes six months before mentors start working on-on-one.
“The CODE for girls started last year and has trained a group of lady mentors. They are in the process of finding mentees,” Bracewell explains. “In the meantime, group mentoring and training sessions are in progress.”
The CODE’s founder, Gerry Organ, has seen God’s plan in action in the lives of many youth over the years. He shares how it started with a young man named Justin, who immigrated to Canada from the Congo, with his mother and siblings. Justin had a dream of becoming a professional soccer player. When a retired missionary couple saw him practicing alone at a park, they were impressed by his diligence and helped him connect with Organ.
“What lies ahead is a mystery, but I invite you to pray and to stay tuned.”
“I dutifully followed up by phone calls and visits to Justin’s home, established a warm relationship, and wondered how to help Justin achieve his dream,” Organ states.
Through Organ’s professional sports connections, Justin was eventually sponsored in an elite training program, at no cost.
“Justin has since been training and soon he will compete against some of the best young players in North America. Coaches and agents from Canada and the U.S.A. will attend, representing pro teams and universities. At 16, he will be one of the youngest players.”
Marveling at God’s plan, Organ adds, “It appears God has been at work since that quiet day in the park, featuring a lonely, determined young immigrant with a passion to play elite-level soccer, and two retired, godly saints who care much for people. What lies ahead is a mystery, but I invite you to pray and to stay tuned.”
That’s what The CODE is about, bringing godly men and women around youth so they can be challenged to experience their full potential in every God-given opportunity.
“Jesus said, ‘I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.’ The CODE is about that journey of life,” Bracewell says. “It’s about a relationship between older and younger men and women, who are determined to benefit mutually over an extended time together.”
The book sale will take place at One Way Ministries’ office, at 89 Auriga Drive, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the Thursday and Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Saturday.
Similar Articles
Fostering love for orphans
Ottawa churches seek to add local flavour as they join churches around the world to recognize Orphan Sunday. The day, landing on November 11 this year, raises awareness of the need for foster and adoptive care for children. “There’s a whole culture we’re […]
Good tidings to all
Christmas is known as a time of generosity; a time where people embrace giving to their communities. For families, Christmas is an ideal opportunity to instil the value of emulating Christ’s gift to us by giving your time and love to those around you. Volunteering […]
Roll up your sleeve for the Easter blood drive
Blood. It’s a central theme in the Christian faith. Coincidentally, as we reflect on the suffering and death of Jesus this Easter, Ottawa faces a critical shortage of blood for emergency transfusions. The pandemic reduced the Canadian Blood Services’ donor […]
The best-kept secret in women’s ministry
It started with 12 women from the Metropolitan Bible Church (MET). Today, Woman to Woman (W2W) is a 220-women strong Bible study group, with 42 local churches represented. “It’s […]
Five baptisms at new Barrhaven church plant
A new church plant in Barrhaven is getting ready to baptize four people, in their second baptismal service since they launched on Easter weekend. The multi-ethnic Neighbours Church held an outdoor baptismal service earlier this […]
Can life have meaning without God?
Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Dig and Delve Dialogues explores this age old question with Dr. Os Guinness and Dr. Christopher DiCarlo […]