SOAR Montreal mobilizes generations for global mission

From July 11–25, SOAR Montreal launched some big dreams. This year’s program, one of several short-term discipleship and service opportunities offered by MBMSI, and supported by the Québec conference, saw 50 young people commit to longer-term mission within the next two years. Another 25 received a call to a career in global mission after seeking God and serving in community in one of Canada’s largest French-speaking cities.

“Montreal is a post-Christian, postmodern society. Yet people are pursuing spirituality in many forms. The city is desperate for an authentic picture of God’s kingdom,” says Philip Serez, MBMSI’s regional mobilizer for Eastern Canada and SOAR Montreal director. “We want Montreal to see a people of mercy, doing justice out of a love relationship with Jesus.”

Eleven teams lived out this vision by taking part in various social service programs and learning about the needs of marginalized people. From renovating a women’s shelter to assisting refugees, participants demonstrated how Jesus’ love moves them to action. Evenings were often spent in local parks, offering free face painting and sports, and ultimately introducing people to Jesus.

Some 90 participants from across the United States and Canada gathered for the experience. Parliament Community Church, Regina, purposefully formed an intergenerational team so people of different ages could serve together. Youth from Québec who had been participants last year, led this year’s francophone teams. And more than 50 volunteers from small, local churches worked in the kitchen and provided transportation for the group – all as an expression of their investment in global mission.

“This is a fully bilingual program that mobilizes the whole church,” says Serez. “It’s such a rich experience to live in community and serve for two weeks with the same group of people, pressing into all that God has for you. It’s a beautiful place to be.”

With Gathering 2008 happening in Montreal, Serez and his team are developing new opportunities for families and intergenerational teams to transmit God’s kingdom in Canada’s least-reached city next summer.

—MBMS International release