Canada Spring Update
Canada, New Hope Youth Centre
More than 10 years ago New Hope Fellowship Church in Thunder Bay, Ontario – a First Nations’ led church – founded a youth centre dedicated to serving First Nations teens. Most of these young people hail from Northern Ontario and have come to Thunder Bay for high school. New Hope Youth Centre (NHYC) provides a safe place to hang out, make friends, receive encouragement, and hear about God’s love.
Published June 7, 2021, < 1 min read.
Pre-Covid, an amazing group of volunteers ensured a friendly face and a warm welcome for young people. But the Centre needs a full-time Director. Consistent leadership is critical to ensuring that teens who need a safe haven – or just a fun place to hang out together and feel welcome – will find the lights on. Not just Saturday nights, but weekdays too. Those who need a place to go in a time of crisis cannot always wait a couple of days. Someone needs to be there today.
In February 2021, Ken Shin was hired as an interim Director, on a part-time basis, to prepare for a reopening and explore the possibility of longer-term service. The pandemic limited Ken’s interaction with youth, and much of his time was focused on physical repairs, outfitting the drop-in with new (used) furniture, and serving as a tech resource for the Church. It wasn’t exactly what he signed up for – imagine trying to lead a youth group without any youth! – but we’re grateful for Ken’s hard work during such an unusual time. Starting in June, Ken let us know he will be pursuing opportunities in a different Church. Although we are sad to see him go, we’re glad to know that we have gained another committed volunteer. Recently we asked leadership how we could pray for the Church and Centre.
Please pray for...
Wisdom in reopening in coming weeks or months. We are grateful that many in the community have already received at least an initial vaccination.
That the Church will be able to meet many of the needs revealed amid the lockdown with the love of Christ.
The hiring of a new Director!
About the New Hope Youth Centre
More than 10 years ago New Hope Fellowship Church in Thunder Bay, Ontario - a First Nations’ led church – founded a youth centre dedicated to serving First Nations’ teens. Most of the young people are from homes in Northern Ontario communities and have come to Thunder Bay for high school. New Hope Youth Centre (NHYC) provides a safe place to hang out, make friends, receive encouragement, and hear about God’s love.