RSVP Ministries celebrates success and charts path ahead

Linda Sprunt
Special to Spur Ottawa

RSVP Ministries, Canada’s only national evangelistic ministry for women, is marking their 50th anniversary with a series of dessert galas in seven cities across Canada. The “Celebrate the Light” gala takes place in Ottawa on May 10, at Tudor Hall.

In addition to celebrating a half-century of evangelism, and 1000s of decisions to follow Jesus, the ministry, formerly known as Stonecroft Canada, plans to use the event to announce some strategic changes they have made.

“We believe God is directing us to take some bold steps forward in order to be relevant to the women of today,” explains Shirley Richardson, an RSVP regional representative. “We have developed film and media resources that can be used by churches and small groups.”

Many North American Christians find it difficult to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with their neighbours, despite the clarity of the Great Commission mandate. RSVP Ministries helps women overcome obstacles to reaching out by inspiring them to grow in their faith and helping them find ways to invest in others. Ultimately, they want to help women “RSVP to God” by accepting Jesus Christ.

“We want to equip women to share their faith in creative ways,” Richardson says. As an example, she suggests “establishing a regular place of belonging in local communities, where those invited can find a Christian faith-discussion in an environment where no prior faith background is necessary to fit in”.

Barbara Bedley, who oversees four RSVP groups, says the ministry’s model is very effective.

“I became involved with Stonecroft Canada in 1983 because it ministers to women where they are,” she explains. “It ministers to women who are seeking a relationship with God, even if they may not know it yet.”

Although the ministry specifically targets women, the upcoming gala is open to everyone. The program includes live worship, a video presentation, and a special message from Donna Lamothe, Executive Director of RSVP.

“RSVP is such a worthy ministry,” Bedley says. “To see women come to faith in Christ is such a joy. This is the only national ministry of its type, in Canada, that ministers to women, inviting them into a relationship with Christ. I just feel it is so important.”

For more information, visit www.rsvpministries.com.