“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.