Muffins & moms

The NewGround program of Diaconal Ministries Canada has been on a 40-year journey of impact and blessings all across this country. Some may remember the program by its former name, Operation Manna. NewGround believes that God is constantly at work, inviting churches to follow him into their communities to work for its transformation. Through partnerships with local organizations, churches can do this in exciting and diverse ways!

One church in Surrey, B.C., saw God working through their local Youth Unlimited (YU) organization, a part of Youth for Christ and began hosting a Muffin Morning program at their church. Greater Vancouver YU needed a new space, staffing and church volunteers and Fleetwood CRC applied to NewGround (then Operation Manna) in 2008 for a community ministry grant to help make that happen. The Muffin Morning is a place where young moms are respected and loved, have their practical needs met and are encouraged to participate in “Thrive,” an intensive life skills program to help them better their lives and gain financial independence.

When the grant came to an end, the church added this ministry right into its budget. Fleetwood designates $7,000 annually as a grant, not an ‘expense.’ This not only shows the church’s commitment to these young moms and families, but they feel it is a more respectful approach, Brian Woudstra, a member of the Reaching Out team, shared.

“This ministry allows our church an opportunity to be a ‘good host,’” Brian continues. “Our focus is to have open doors and be a safe place. . . We are striving to show hospitality in Jesus’ name and the muffin morning fits into this.”

“The volunteers [at Fleetwood] continue to pour love and encouragement over the children and mothers,” shared Cherise Buikema, a YU youth worker, “and their commitment over the years has really made a lasting impact in their lives.”

“This is what NewGround is all about, helping churches love their community so that the people and places in it can flourish for years to come,” said Diaconal Ministries’ NewGround Coordinator, Karla Winham.

How could NewGround help YOUR community?

This article is made possible through a partnership with CRC Ministries within Canada.