MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Mark Drabenstott
Last weekend I attended my 50th High School reunion. Everyone was talking about their plans in retirement—or all the things they had already done in their retirement. Spending time with family was a common theme, but I found that a broader sense of purpose was missing from many of the conversations I had. Most people were talking about taking life easy—or just living the good life.
I’ve been thinking a lot about purpose because I retired earlier this year from my 40-plus year career as an economist. After all those years of work, I admit there is quite a bit of downshifting that happens. You just don’t make the adjustment overnight—and I’m still not sure what gear I’m in!
NEWCOMERS: ONE FAMILY’S STORY
Alan Ghent
A couple from the Kayseri ecclesia in Turkey, together with their two young daughters, have providentially been resettled in Canada after a decade of disappointments. Iranian refugees in Turkey are increasingly caught in no-man’s land, because the Turkish government has hindered the United Nation’s High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR) in issuing refugee status to the countless refugees awaiting resettlement.
VOLUNTEER VOICE
Amy Lagasse
WCF is grateful to the many individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and energy to growing faith in our community. WCF relies on a team of individuals working together to grow faith worldwide. We want to grow our team and hope you are interested in volunteering to help us inspire and motivate others to develop and grow their faith.
LIFE CHANGING: Jessie McQueen
July 2023 will always remain amongst the favorite months I’ve ever experienced, spent with energetic kids, cuddly orphans, chatty local young people, enthusiastic co-workers, penguins, and the awesome CUDDLE TRUST committee in South Africa. Although the Cuddle Trust technically stands for "Community Upliftment Development Directives Liaison & Education," its acronym is so fitting, as it accurately describes the love, hugs, and care that the team of Brothers and Sisters in Cape Town pass on to many preschool-aged kids, helping them to help themselves which sustainably extends to their families and communities.
