CarePortal Launch @ WCV

CarePortal is an online platform specifically designed to connect real-time needs of children and families (identified by partnering child serving organizations, such as SafeFamilies & CFS) with local partnering churches. Congregation members & community are promptly able to respond relationally to local needs through the local church.

CarePortal started piloting in Winnipeg May 2019 and officially launched November 2019. So far, they have 12 churches working together to serve the needs of 2 referring agencies. They have seen 51 children’s needs met through CarePortal and are looking forward to being a part of the greater number of over 50,000 children served through CarePortal Internationally.

God is using the church to have a direct impact on Child Welfare and they are answering the call by saying yes to caring for the vulnerable children and families in our communities.

>>>Please note: WCV is postponing its launch date and interest lunch that was scheduled for this Sunday, March 22nd.

Everyone Gets to Play

Nasira from WCV on Vimeo.

In the Vineyard we hold very dearly to the notion that ministry isn’t solely for a select group of “anointed” people. The fullness of the Spirit’s presence fills everyone who believes in Jesus! On the day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2, the Spirit came with the sound of a violent wind and what seemed to be tongues of fire rested on each of the believers gathered together in the upper room.

Whereas in the Old Testament the Spirit filled people (usually leaders of some sort) for a specific time and purpose, Acts 2 marks the inauguration of the Holy Spirit’s abiding presence with all believers. It was this wonderful news that motivated Peter to address the crowd and proclaim the fact that God promised to pour His Spirit out on “all people,” including “sons and daughters, young men, old men, even on servants, and men and women.” In short, the Spirit doesn’t exclude anyone.

And if the fullness of the Spirit is for every believer, then so are all the hallmarks of Jesus’ ministry. So we’re really not that surprised that Nasira (a four year old) healed her sister Maiya’s arm in the name of Jesus. We’re filled with excitement and joy that kids get to participate in ministry, and that God has anointed them to do all of the works of the kingdom. After all, everyone gets to play!

Nepali Fast – Monday

Welcome to the first full day of our Nepali Fast!  These daily updates are meant to inspire and inform us in our prayer and fasting activities this week.

Drawing Near to God

Draw near to GodPart of what it means to draw near to God is to pray that we have his heart – that we see the world from his perspective and are moved by it.  Somehow when we are close to him his heart is transferred to us.  What he cares about, we begin to care about.

Pay attention to the movements of your heart today.  Where is he inviting you closer?  What does he want to share with you?  In the activities of your day, pay attention to the moments his Spirit is whispering.

Drawing Near to Others

Part of our fast, by way of Isaiah 58, is meant to help us draw near to others in healthy ways.  Understanding the lives and burdens of our Nepali brothers and sisters will help knit together the bond of love we have.  Also, we want to pray for others.

Misal, Amit and Lakpa play in the Katmandu Vineyard courtyard.Today is the “Global 4-14 Day“.  It is a day to pray for the generation between the ages of 4 and 14.  Across the world, 71% of the people who are currently following Jesus begin to do so within this age range.

Today let’s pray for the kids and youth of the Himalayan Region and Winnipeg.

  • Reaching children – that Kids and youth would come to know and passionately follow Jesus.
  • Calling children – that God would sovereignly reveal himself.
  • Protecting children – from all manner of evil (slavery, malnutrition, gangs, prostitution, homelessness, hopelessness, etc).
  • Releasing children – to lead in prayer and praise.
  • Resourcing children – that God would send workers.
Photo Credits (excluding the hand): Matthew Sawatsky