Dear Friend,
On a flight into Ottawa, I sat next to an MP, then being headlined in the news. I introduced myself, acknowledged the pressure he must have been under, and asked whether he was a person of faith. “Yes, but not the Christian faith,” he said. I asked if I could pray for him. He gladly accepted.
As we got off the plane, he said, “Thank you. Your prayer means a lot.”
I was grateful. Praying is simple, and yet sometimes I forget to do it. I’m glad I offered. “Thank you for the opportunity, Lord,” I prayed.
In that spirit, I say,
Thank you. Your prayers and support for The EFC and for me, personally, means a lot—more than words can express.
Talking about prayer, I’ve been reflecting on Luke’s nativity account which contains three prayers: Mary’s, Zechariah’s, and Simeon’s. All offer praise to God for the gift of Jesus, “the light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of the people of Israel” (Luke 2:32).
At Christmas we celebrate
Emmanuel—God with us. Or another way to say it,
The God who is near.
Mary, Zechariah, and Simeon, living in a time when Messianic hopes were dim, received the news of Jesus’ birth in joyful praise. God has come near in Jesus—and remains near to all who draw close to him!
But this is a perspective that many today do not yet have eyes to see.
Early in his ministry Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Pray the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Matt 9:37-38).
I’m struck by Jesus’ confidence. He is not concerned that gospel interest is lacking.
The problem is the shortage of workers. Jesus’ answer is simple: Pray. Ask God to send workers.
This is a
top priority for The EFC and is a vital part of our strategic plan.
Where are workers needed? Everywhere. There is virtually no place—including online—where the harvest is lacking.
Who are these workers? Influencers. Innovators. Planners. Financial supporters. Builders. Preachers. Teachers. Helpers.
We know we are only a small part of the vast team needed to bring the gospel to a hungry nation. Yet through The EFC’s growing network of denominations, schools, churches, and organizations—and through your support—we are making the near presence of Christ known:
- In courtrooms, defending freedom of religion and expression necessary for gospel work.
- In Parliament, offering biblical perspectives to protect vulnerable groups and for just laws.
- In conversations, uniting ministry leaders for innovative and impactful partnerships.
- In research and resources, equipping the Church to speak and live the gospel.
When God called me to join the staff in 2017, I was convinced that The EFC had a unique gospel role. Now after nearly three years as President, I am more persuaded of this than ever. But we can only do this work with your help.
So let me be forthright. Despite several years of rising costs, we have balanced our budget for long-term sustainability. We did this without cutting programs, but limited resources mean we can’t do more without additional funding.
But may I ask you to do something
right now? Would you pray along these lines: “God, would you want me to contribute sacrificially this Christmas to The EFC ministry?”
We often distinguish “funders” from “workers,” but that’s an unhelpful distinction. All who give to Gospel causes are rightly understood as harvest workers.
Many of you give regularly and sacrificially already. Thank you. If you cannot give beyond your regular giving, thank you for praying about it! But if God prompts you, your additional year-end gift will strengthen our EFC workers to speak truth with grace, to defend faith and freedom, and to encourage churches across the nation for the sake of an increased harvest.
Thank you for believing that the gospel still changes lives—and that it will shape our nation if we pray and obey Jesus’ command. Lord, send workers into the harvest field!
On behalf of all of us at The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, I wish you a Christmas filled with peace, joy, and renewed faith in the One who came near, Jesus Christ our Lord.
With joy and hope,
Dr. David Guretzki
President & CEO