President's Blog

Our Fellowship Chaplaincy has grown from 27 to over 180 chaplains in the past dozen years. In 2024, our chaplains witnessed 140 professions of faith and 28 believers rededicating their lives to Christ. This past year, 2025, we witnessed 136 professions of faith through the work of our Fellowship chaplains.

The following stories from two of our Fellowship volunteer chaplains illustrate some of the ways that people are coming to Christ.

Resurrection Power at Work in Quebec

I thank God for the opportunity to hold a weekly meeting in a seniors’ residence in the chapel to teach the Word of God and pray. Over time, the number of those who initially participated with us gradually decreased as people realized we would not follow the Catholic rites. God made this happen so the only people who continued to attend were thirsty for the Word of God. We could now concentrate on the study of John’s Gospel as well as the plan of salvation. There was faithful attendance at all the meetings and a 93-year-old lady gave her life to Christ.

God also gave me the opportunity to make a few visits to the unit for people with cognitive impairment. On my first visit there, I was put in touch with a resident who had just learned of the death of one of his brothers. He appreciated hearing about God’s love for him. We prayed that God would help him get through this difficult time. I don't know what he remembered because of his cognitive impairment, but God’s plan was for me to have a ministry of presence to him.

A pastor, knowing that I was at ease visiting the terminally ill, contacted me. He asked me to accompany him on a visit with a Christian lady who had not been able to attend church for a long time due to being severely ill with cancer. We were able to pray with her and encourage her. She was reaffirmed in her faith and became optimistic at the idea of meeting her Saviour. Her husband, who was not a Christian, was amazed to see his wife forget her pain and be at peace. She was open and verbal about her relationship with Jesus Christ with him.

We then took some time with her husband because he was also going through a difficult time knowing that he was soon going to lose his wife whom he had loved for many years. We offered to have the pastor accompany him through this ordeal. He agreed and later that year joined the assembly. I was told a while ago that he had given his life to Jesus. We had supposed that God had called us to the lady’s bedside (and He had) but, in His wonderful plan, He led us to her husband’s heart as well. God always surprises us.

I have offered my services as a chaplain to hospitals and other seniors’ homes in the area but the fact that I am not Catholic closes doors. However, wanting to make Him known to all, God has convinced a few brothers and sisters of our assembly to join me in getting involved in the harvest by sharing the Gospel. After praying and putting on the full armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-17) we will sometimes go to parks. We feel the power of God guiding us to the people He wants us to talk to. His Holy Spirit gives us the right words to capture their interest and bring the Word of God to them. In the summer of 2024, 99 people agreed to receive a copy of John’s Gospel. The back cover of these Gospels includes the plan of salvation and the address of our church.

Please continue to pray for the chaplains in the province of Quebec as well as for our small evangelistic group. (Matthew 28:18-20)

Thank you and may God bless you!

Claude Joly is a volunteer Fellowship chaplain serving in the province of Quebec in the region of Vaudreuil-Soulanges, and is a member of the Vaudreuil-Dorion Baptist Church.

Chaplaincy Boundaries are Unlimited

When my wife and I were newly married, about 20 years ago, we opened our home to a friend who needed a place to stay. It was a season filled with both blessing and challenge. My heart desired to support him while endeavouring to build a strong foundation with my new bride. Yet, as the days turned into weeks, I often found myself caught in a difficult tension. Both my wife and my friend longed for quality time with me, and I struggled to give fully to both. I wanted to be present for my friend in his struggles, encouraging him in his walk with Christ, while also investing deeply in my new marriage. Balancing those priorities was not easy, and, at times, I felt stretched thin.

Eventually, my friend and I moved to different provinces, and though we were no longer under the same roof, we stayed connected. As a chaplain, I am called to be present to those who are hurting, wherever they are. With my friend, this included answering those late-night calls. I longed to see him grow in his faith, and I did my best to encourage him. I shared Scripture, prayed with him, and reminded him of the hope we have in Christ. Despite my best efforts, it often felt like his growth was stagnant.

My friend was living in a rural area of New Brunswick. Unfortunately, he lacked a local body of believers to walk with him, love him in the day-to-day messiness of life, and to encourage him to love in return. Though I could offer words of truth and friendship from afar, it wasn’t the same as having brothers and sisters physically present to share burdens, rejoice in victories, and sharpen him in the faith. Without that vital community, it was hard for him to flourish.

At times, I felt discouraged. I wondered if my words made any difference. I prayed, asking God to surround him with believers who would genuinely care for his soul. I knew that what he truly needed was not just one voice of encouragement, but a family of faith to embrace him, walk with him, and help him grow.

Then, just recently, by God’s sovereign grace, something unexpected happened. Through TikTok (of all places) my friend encountered Christians whose passion for Jesus was contagious. I'm not sure how it all worked, but he joined Bible studies through the TikTok app. It reawakened his hunger for God. What my words over the phone could not accomplish, God did through this unlikely platform. My friend began to re-engage with his faith.

Looking back, I can see God’s hand in it. Though I often felt inadequate in my ability to come alongside my friend, God was never hindered. He was working all along, even through unexpected means, to draw my friend back to Himself. His story is not over and there are still many battles to be fought, but I am encouraged that the LORD is the best Chaplain, meeting the hurting, struggling, and spiritually needy right where they are.

Phil Anderson is a part-time Fellowship community employee chaplain working with PAXnorth, an urban church in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Phil’s ministry includes music coordinating, youth group leading, and small group leadership.

Please pray for our Fellowship chaplains who are serving our local Fellowship churches by being the hands and feet of Jesus in communities across our nation.

Pray about becoming a volunteer Fellowship chaplain. Even the commitment of a couple of hours each week to a community ministry or organization can have eternal value. Check out the Fellowship’s Chaplaincy ministry on our website at fellowship.ca/FellowshipChaplaincy and/or contact Fellowship Chaplaincy Coordinator, Rev. Larry Freeman (lfreeman@fellowship.ca) to find out more.