CHINESE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH (TORONTO)

2024 programs Since the last quarter of 2023 we have focused our ministry efforts on religion education and gospel music-based programs. In 2024 our first ministry titled Enterprising Youth is in its 4th Year but is the first year that it was conducted in person. We were excited to partner with Salvation Army and Youth Unlimited. The three partners worked on this in person version at Salvation Army church. We had graduated 12 youth from this program who live around Jane and Finch. We had trained 7 volunteers as mentors and facilitators. Our business plan competition and award ceremony was attended by over 100 families and friends. During the 18-week program we taught Bible stories had games and snacks followed by business concept sessions for the youth. The last session was for youth to practice what they have learned. Our second ministry was the Singing praises life group. This group has been hosting Belmont Praise Worship at Belmont House since December 2015. Last year (as in the past 9 years) we conducted monthly praise worship as well as our annual Christmas Carols at Belmont House. Further we were invited to sing Christmas Carols at the Christie Gardens like the previous year. We were blessed to be with the residents and staff at both venues and experienced the presence of God. Our group had also started international appearances in 2019. In Dec 2024 we restarted our Houston senior home visits and gospel music sharing; members sang hymns and Christmas carols and also used musical instruments such as violin and keyboard with mic and amplifier. They were very well received. We thank God for such door opening; we shall seek God’s will for any new serving opportunities. Our third ministry is the Joy Café for our seniors and shut ins via virtual meeting. Since May 2020 we have been meeting via Zoom. Last year we continued our weekly zoom meeting. As we had ushered two members’ passing to God in 2024 our group became tighter. We also started to meet in person for dinner such as our Christmas dinner at one of our member’s home.

2025 New Programs In the new year after our continuous prayers God has guided us to add one more ministry to our existing programs. We therefore prepare to launch our publication of faith-based business education for youth to support and complement our religious education programming. We plan to start by working on teaching materials for youth. Further another new program is to fully launch our international gospel music for seniors starting from Houston Texas. We plan to expand our Singing praises life group program to Houston Texas as a result of our successful pilot. In both cases of publication and international expansion we have sought God’s guidance and seen God open doors. Budget for new musical instruments are in place for increased resources and capability in both local and international gospel music programs. Finally we are still praying for expanding the Enterprising Youth and the Joy café ministries.