BRUCE’S MILL CONSERVATION AREA, Stouffville, Ontario (see map below)

TIME: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

COST: $1.00 food/activity tickets will be sold to benefit Horizons Home Ethiopia.

FUN FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES: Entertainment stage with musical performers, children’s entertainment, activity booths and games!

FOOD, FOOD, FOOD! Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Sausages, and food from three other countries, all available for purchase! Bring your own salad / dessert.

For more information, or to volunteer, contact:
Shannon Bennett (416) 564-3235 or or Carlene Wisdom (416) 436-5575

Connections Update

There was a new approach to the Central District Connections Meetings this year. Based on the feedback from staff, the Connections Meetings were conducted in both Durham (May 8th) and Toronto (May 9th) in order to allow the meetings to share items specific to the geographic dynamics of Central District.

The meetings were divided into three distinct parts: the five year vision of Christian Horizons (CH), the common events occurring in Central District, and the changes and/or new planning for Durham or Toronto specific.

Christian Horizons in 2012 (Five Year Strategic Plan)
Ed Sider, Chief Executive Officer of Christian Horizons shared the vision. He quoted James Reese, the founder of CH, who stated: “The original intention of the ministry was that it be a Christian mission. We did not envision when we started that it would be restricted to Ontario. But our call is to the world.”

We are now starting to see that vision come to fruition as we move into Global Ministries. Currently, CH is actively involved in ten countries to assist and advocate for people who are shunned because of disability, poverty and disease.

Recently Children Homes International merged with Christian Horizons Canada. With that came the introduction of the Global Sponsor Program. This program allows CH to be the conduit for people to support children around the world. The cost to provide one child with food, education, clothing and spiritual development programs is $31 per month. Currently, there are almost 500 children being blessed through this program. Anyone can make the difference for a child.

The work happening globally has not hindered the growth and expansion right here in Ontario. With the last of the institutions closing and community planning initiatives there are an addition 135 people moving into communities across the province with the support of CH. That means approximately 20 new homes provincially! This growth is planned for 2007 and then the next wave of people requiring supports will be planned for in upcoming years. God is blessing CH in ways we never thought would happen. Currently, CH supports 1355 people across the province.

Summary of Vision for 2012:

1. Remain distinctively Christian,
2. Leadership Development, and
3. A Strong membership base

Finally, Ed also shared the efforts of Paul Burston, Director of Government Relations. He is working to keep at the forefront in the minds of government representatives the need to fund salary increases across the developmental disabilities sector. CH was blessed to able to give raises last year to all the staff.

Please keep Paul and government officials in your prayers as funding allocations are being determined over the upcoming years.

If you would like more information about sponsoring a child, please contact Ann at agyurmanczi@christian-horizons.org or 416-630-3646, Ext 247.

Submitted by Ann Gyurmanczi, Area Manager, Durham

Twenty Years of Service

On Thursday, May 10, 2007, the Toronto 7 team celebrated at the Mandarin with Ken Johnston and Verleta Small. Both Ken and Verleeta have faithfully served with Christian Horizons for over twenty years! The team reflected on God’s faithfulness through challenging times, times of joy and milestones reached together. Verleta was presented with her 20th anniversary certificate (Ken will receive his in October), a special letter of congratulations from Ed Sider, CEO of Christian Horizons, and a gift from the team.

Starting early as a teenager at the age of 13 years old, Ken worked at Camp Horizon as a counselor. Verleta started at Toronto 1 in February of 1987. Ken started his first contract at Toronto 1 as well, in October of that same year. Both Ken and Verleta have served as senior counselors, and now continue to bless the staff team and the people they support in their roles as support workers at Toronto 7.

The Bible tells us to “give honour where honour is due”. Verleta and Ken, we honour and thank God for you. You are deeply appreciated by everyone at Toronto 7. Congratulations on 20 years of faithful service!

Submitted by Jeff Jefford, Program Manager at T5 & T7

Connections Meetings
“Many People, One Purpose”!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the May Connections meetings in Toronto and Durham. The next Connections meetings are:
	Oct. 16, 2007 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Durham (King Street Pentecostal Church) Oct. 17, 2007 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Toronto (155 Deerhide) Plan to attend!

Worship Cafés
“Many People, One Praise”!

The first monthly Worship Café took place on April 20, 2007, and was a great success! We enjoyed a time of music and worship, fellowship, and delicious food! $150.00 was raised for Horizons Home Ethiopia through the sales of refreshments, donated baked goods, and worship CDs.

Don’t miss the next worship café – everyone is welcome!

For more information, or to volunteer, contact: Jeff Jefford (416) 629-4050

Got Ideas?

Forward any articles, photos or ideas for the newsletter to:
Charles Milton
Administrative Support
(416) 630-3646, Ext. 221