Had a fantastic vision day today with our staff team.  Love the fact we can laugh together, share our hearts, and dream about the future of God's work in and through the family of KGF.  What a gift!  Significant day for sure.

What a powerful Sunday we had together, focusing on how we can put our Love In Action, and Refuse to do Nothing!

When all was said and done, 58 kids found sponsors in this one day, and we couldn’t be more excited!  That’s 58 individual children who’s lives will be changed forever.  What makes that number significant is God led us to Isaiah 58 as our key text for this series, which says

As part of this series, we watched a video entitled “58”, and you can watch it online here.

You can watch the message from Pastor Mike here.

Colin Ashton from Compassion Canada shares his heart here.

If you would like to find out more about Compassion’s amazing work, or sponsor a kid, go to www.compassion.ca

"When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." Act 4:13 NIV

There is nothing more rewarding than being used by God to minister to others. Unfortunately, there is an underlying belief that in order to do significant things in the Kingdom, we need great oratory skills, a dynamic personality and a formal education. This is simply not true. Preaching, teaching, sharing your faith, praying for people, giving to the poor, or simply having the courage to stand for Christ in the face of adversity; are all ways that we can be used of God.

What we need is a divine education, and that comes from walking with Jesus. God loves to take ordinary, foolish, weak people and transform them into useful instruments in His hands. This takes time, and an intentional focus on our part to grow in Christ through the Scriptures, prayer, relationships and taking risks to step out in faith and do stuff that matters.

We will receive an education regardless of what we do in life; either from our culture, or from Christ. Choose Christ, the rewards are eternal!

Monty Scott

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We had a great working lunch looking at the latest stage of Gardom Lake's lodge expansion plans. . . God is really up to something awesome!  A brand new chapel that can accomodate 250 plus, and an up to date kitchen facility are just some of what is in store.  Stay tuned for more.  Way to go team!!

By the way, if you are looking for a tangible way to put your "Love In Action" this summer, why not look at the many amazing opportunities to serve at Gardom Lake Bible Camp?  Deadline for your summer staff team application is February 15, 2013.  More here:  

We are preparing for Compassion Sunday at KGF this Sunday, February 10th. This is an opportunity we have to invite people to make a life-changing decision on behalf of a child they may never meet.

Exactly one year ago, my wife Michelle and I spent a week in Ecuador with Compassion.  Truly life-changing experience. 

We brought this amazing ministry back to KGF, several ways, and have some videos to share that help tell the story, including my own reflections on what we experienced (you can watch that 10 minute video here)

Christian recording artist Geoff Moore joined us on the trip, and then at KGF.  His sharing was very powerful, and you can watch it here:

We had a great chance to spend a few minutes with the director of Compassion Ecuador, Fernando Puga. This guy loves Jesus and feels passionate about the work of Compassion in this great country. You'll hear more in this brief interview.

We had the amazing privilege of hearing the story of 21 year old Edwin, who was first sponsored with Compassion Ecuador when he was 7. Find out the impact it's had on his life, and the continuing investment in him now through the Leadership Development Project in University.  Watch it here:

When we shared last February, more than 80 kids found a sponsor family from KGF.  That is unbelievable!  Changing lives one young person at a time.

We ask that you join us this Sunday February 10^th to prayerfully respond to God’s invitation to put our Love In Action.  Let us refuse to do nothing!

Pastor Mike Penninga

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In January 2013, we moved our Trek youth ministry into a Jr. High and Sr. High component, and the results have been awesome.  Here is an update from Mark & Amy Wiersma, who are working with Trek Sr.  

Had another fantastic evening at Trek Sr. High!  We now have 5 incredible youth leaders, but are praying for others to join the team as when someone is sick or away we really feel their absence.  Tonight we had 12 Sr. Highers out, and as much as we are not all about numbers, I was sitting there feeling so blessed and thankful that we could influence and love two more kids for Jesus (we’ve had 10 kids the other nights).  What a great blessing!  We’ve been seeing over half our group consisting of new faces in Trek... some coming by themselves and originally not knowing anyone but so excited to come back each week, some coming from non-Christian homes and wanting to come back.  These are exciting stories! 

Of course being Sr. High we’re having some fun launching our faces into plates of whipped cream and doing ridiculous relays and such, but truly we are so loving what God is up to in these kids.  Last night we completed week 2 of our “Crazy Love” series based off Francis Chan’s book.  The kids are diving into discussion and many are completing the “challenges” we make each week.  The kids are giving great feedback on their experiences of seeking God in prayer, and now of viewing life in light of eternity.  These kids are ready to be challenged, and have incredible dreams planted in their hearts!  We are so excited to see God continue to work in this group and draw these teens closer to Himself.

Thank you all for your support and prayers!  We are so grateful to be part of what God is doing here at KGF!

You can follow along with TREK Sr. Facebook page here: 

Blessings,

Mark and Amy Wiersma

An invitation to a Gala? At the Laurel Packing House? For me? My life consists of being a wife, mom to two teenage daughters and hanging out with preschoolers during the week. What to wear….I don’t think my jeans and hoodie will be suitable. I raided my friend’s closet and found something perfect.

What an amazing evening! The venue was so beautiful and every detail had been taken care of. Pretty lights and balloons, beautifully decorated tables and amazing desserts. Simply amazing. Let’s not forget the professional photographer taking great photos and a game to help us learn more about the other people who serve alongside us. Multiple generations mingling and getting to know each other. So much laughter! New friendships made.

How is it that I was included in this fine event? Oh yes, I help out with three-year-olds in Kids’ Church. Working together with a group of amazing people doing what God has called us to do. Teaching children about God and serving each other.

It was such a blessing to be appreciated and see all the many people that make up this church that we call home.

Jeanne Acheson 

When I first began attending KGF in 2009 I was new to Kelowna and the only member of my family attending church. The first Sunday I attended at KGF I was greeted by Jake Shroeder, welcomed by Pastor Mike, and overwhelmed in a powerful way by Jesus. Now, 3 ½ years later, KGF is like a second home to me; my husband and I were married at KGF, my entire family attends KGF on Sunday morning, I was baptized alongside my sister this past June at KGF's One service in City Park, and when I attend KGF Sunday morning I am surrounded by friends!

This past Friday evening at the Volunteer Appreciation Gala was no different. When my sister, husband and I walked into the Laurel Packing House I was excited to be surrounded by familiar faces - some close friends, some new friends, some mentors, some life group members, some volunteers I work alongside in children's ministry, and ALL my KGF family! What a beautiful celebration and representation of God's hands and feet at KGF. There was meaningful conversation, prayer, tears, laughter, beautiful music, some very tasty desserts, and again an overwhelming feeling of God’s presence.

As I looked around the room, I felt so incredibly blessed to be a part of the KGF family and honoured I get to serve alongside and “do life” with these amazing people! Even though this event’s purpose was to recognize all those who serve within the walls of KGF, this night was also a great reminder to me that what God is doing at KGF extends far beyond the walls of the building on the corner of Gordon and Casorso. It goes into our community – into our businesses, homes, and schools – because the Holy Spirit lives in each of us.

REFLECTIONS ON KGF Volunteer Appreciation Gala - Friday February 1

Wayne Laurie

Photos here: 

It was billed as a Gala event to say thank you to those who have given service to the many ministries of Kelowna Gospel Fellowship but symbolized even more.

It was billed as an evening of thanksgiving to those who volunteer at KGF, people who go about their service seeking no recognition.

We as Christian were given a new command  - To Love one another.  As Christ loved us, so we must love one another. And by this everyone will know that we are Christ’s disciples, if we love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Taking the time to show appreciation in the center of our city, not hidden away in our own facility KGF showed in form and symbol how to love one another.

Paul wrote a passage that many hear read at weddings but was written for relationships in the church.

Join the Men of KGF at the

GARDOM LAKE LODGE

MEN’s WEEKEND

March 22-24, 2013

Come for all or part

Join us for an awesome men’s weekend at the Gardom Lake Bible Camp Lodge.  Get to know the guys, maybe play some games, sports or just hang out around the fireplace or campfire.  The theme is finding your place of belonging and learning how to be guided by the Spirit, two of our church families key focuses.   We have no guest speakers, just us guys getting closer to God.

We plan on challenging you to become THE MAN GOD MADE YOU TO BE !!!

For more details see us at our table in the church lobby, pick an information sheet, contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call Deryl anytime toll free at 1-877-377-5205.  Anyone with commitments on Sunday can leave Saturday night.

“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:14 NIV

God has employees, messengers that appear sometimes in human form or unseen to the human eye. They can protect us from danger, and provide revelation to people on behalf of the Lord. They also work and worship in heaven, administrating God’s order and being commissioned at His will. They are called angels.

We as God’s people are privileged to have these beings watching over and serving us. They are however, simply servants, not masters. They are not to be worshipped, or to be the source of our prayers and affections.

Only Christ is worthy of such things. Let’s be thankful for them and always mindful of their work, for we also work for and worship the One who has given life to us all.

Monty Scott

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MARTENS MISSIONARY REPORT – JANUARY 31, 2013

PRAISE THE LORD

I just completed a very full 4 day ‘Pain of the Heart Workshop’ at YWAM Eagles Nest Ranch, 60 miles South of Medicine Hat, with Island Breeze, a Pacific Islander outreach team who focuses on Canada’s First Nations in ALBERTA ; They have great reception from the FN.

Altogether there were about 20 people in the room with 4 or 5 First Nations ‘Nations’ represented; and each one said:

“We need this on our reserve.”

One of the FN ministry leaders said:

“This is a great tool to get to the root for our First Nations people".

She said, “You First Nations - use the tools, you can reach your people!”

Here are a few more comments from the participants:

“It feels like my spirit is washed; like I’m baptized in my new identity (in Jesus).”