God's Mission for CSB in Alberta Continues
What started as a call for men and women, and their churches, to get involved in building children and youth for the Lord Jesus Christ has blossomed into a growing number of churches starting Brigade... And then along came COVID.
What started as a call for men and women, and their churches, to get involved in building children and youth for the Lord Jesus Christ has blossomed into a growing number of churches starting Brigade... And then along came COVID.
CSB in Alberta - 2020:
Christian Service Brigade - Men's Ministry to Men
(City Light News - November 2020 Edition)
We are blessed. COVID is being used by God to build us into the people He wants. If COVID is the opposition, we would be regrouping in the locker room, exiting to the gym, and building up our strength to go into the next quarter, period, heat, whatever, ready to beat the opposition into submission; ready to win and take the Cup. But we aren't fighting COVID, we are battling our way through it to bring men into fellowship with our Saviour. We are on the battlefield, and our goal is winning and training men for Christ. COVID is simply getting in our way.
November is ISI Month. Virtual Iron Sharpen Iron Men’s Conferences are taking place across the continent. CSB USA has a Friday evening/Saturday morning conference. The ISI Network has an evening-based national conference. And CSB BC/AB has a Saturday morning “breakfast” conference, reasonably timed. Check out https://www.csbbc.org/mens-network.html.
(City Light News - November 2020 Edition)
We are blessed. COVID is being used by God to build us into the people He wants. If COVID is the opposition, we would be regrouping in the locker room, exiting to the gym, and building up our strength to go into the next quarter, period, heat, whatever, ready to beat the opposition into submission; ready to win and take the Cup. But we aren't fighting COVID, we are battling our way through it to bring men into fellowship with our Saviour. We are on the battlefield, and our goal is winning and training men for Christ. COVID is simply getting in our way.
November is ISI Month. Virtual Iron Sharpen Iron Men’s Conferences are taking place across the continent. CSB USA has a Friday evening/Saturday morning conference. The ISI Network has an evening-based national conference. And CSB BC/AB has a Saturday morning “breakfast” conference, reasonably timed. Check out https://www.csbbc.org/mens-network.html.
Christian Service Brigade - Men's Ministry to Boys (City Light News - November 2020 Edition)
In Matthew, Jesus commands Christians to "make disciples of all nations" and that includes the boys and young men in your community. His calling however doesn't include "when we have COVID figured out." So how do we as Christians follow Christ in building future generations when we have rules and protocols to be heeded? First, we obey the guidelines provided by our government authorities, church leadership, insurers, and parents. Second, we work together to figure out what can be done in person and what must be done virtually at a distance. Building Christ-centred boys and young men isn't all that complicated even under COVID. CSB is partnering with our churches and groups to develop a comprehensive list of options through which you can build the next generations for Christ. Under COVID, we will find better ways to bring others to our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Check out: www.csbbc.org/brigade-under-covid for the details.
In Matthew, Jesus commands Christians to "make disciples of all nations" and that includes the boys and young men in your community. His calling however doesn't include "when we have COVID figured out." So how do we as Christians follow Christ in building future generations when we have rules and protocols to be heeded? First, we obey the guidelines provided by our government authorities, church leadership, insurers, and parents. Second, we work together to figure out what can be done in person and what must be done virtually at a distance. Building Christ-centred boys and young men isn't all that complicated even under COVID. CSB is partnering with our churches and groups to develop a comprehensive list of options through which you can build the next generations for Christ. Under COVID, we will find better ways to bring others to our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Check out: www.csbbc.org/brigade-under-covid for the details.
Christian Service Brigade (City Light News - October 2020 Edition)
As we settle into a new routine under COVID, we find that nothing is routine. COVID exposures are in our schools and community. Care homes are impacted by outbreaks. Our governments are imposing new limits to keep this pandemic from spreading. Still, Jesus commands us to “Go and make disciples.” We do this by obeying the guidelines provided by our government authorities, church leadership, insurers, and parents. Then, we work together to figure out what can be done in-person and what must be done virtually at a distance. Building Christ-centred boys and young men isn't that complicated even under COVID. CSB is partnering with our churches and boys’ groups to develop a comprehensive strategy of options through which churches and their men can build the next generations for Christ. Under COVID, we will find new ways to bring others to our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Check out: www.csbbc.org/brigade-under-covid for the details.
As we settle into a new routine under COVID, we find that nothing is routine. COVID exposures are in our schools and community. Care homes are impacted by outbreaks. Our governments are imposing new limits to keep this pandemic from spreading. Still, Jesus commands us to “Go and make disciples.” We do this by obeying the guidelines provided by our government authorities, church leadership, insurers, and parents. Then, we work together to figure out what can be done in-person and what must be done virtually at a distance. Building Christ-centred boys and young men isn't that complicated even under COVID. CSB is partnering with our churches and boys’ groups to develop a comprehensive strategy of options through which churches and their men can build the next generations for Christ. Under COVID, we will find new ways to bring others to our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Check out: www.csbbc.org/brigade-under-covid for the details.
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Christian Service Brigade (City Light News - September 2020 Edition)
In Matthew, Jesus commands us to "make disciples of all nations" and that includes the boys and young men in your community. His calling however doesn't include "when we have COVID figured out." So how do we as Christians follow Christ in building future generations when we have rules and protocols to be heeded? First, we obey the guidelines provided by our government authorities, church leadership, insurers, and parents. Second, we work together to figure out what can be done in person and what must be done virtually at a distance. Building Christ-centred boys and young men isn't all that complicated even under COVID. CSB is partnering with our churches and groups to develop a comprehensive list of options through which you can build the next generations for Christ. Under COVID, we will find better ways to bring others to our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Check out: www.csbbc.org/brigade-under-covid for the details. |
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Christian Service Brigade (City Light News - August 2020 Edition)
It’s August and time to start planning our fall ministries, but with this world of COVID, plans are always changing. It doesn’t mean that we don’t plan. It means that we seek God and plan according to His Leading, recognizing that He knows the future. And while our plans may come to nothing, He will use them to build us in other ways. How is your planning going? Brigade is having a huge online Kickoff on Wednesday, August 26. It is for boys and their families, Brigade leaders and their churches. Two 45-minute sessions are being put together by two teams of experienced CSB staff and Brigade leaders for Stockade and Battalion. They will be presented twice that same night to allow participation from all across North America. Check it out at www.csbbc.org/brigade-kickoff. Serving our children and youth for Christ is different today. CSB can help your men and boys. |
Christian Service Brigade (City Light News - July 2020 Edition)
Are you looking for something good for kids to do while stuck at home? Then check out CSB Canada’s growing library of free Achievement Samplers. These resources have always been a take-home opportunity to build boys as men of God in training; people who grow like Jesus “in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Luke 2:52. They have been formatted for boys (and girls) ages 5 to 18 years old, and are found on the CSBBC website at: www.csbbc.org/brigade-at-home. New Samplers are added every few weeks for Tree Climbers (children 5 to 7 and their dads), Stockade (boys 8 to 11) and Battalion (young men 12 and up). This past month included Star Lantern, Pet Owner Interview, Electricity, Special Needs, Mastermind and Siege Weapons.
CSB builds Godly men (and women) of today and tomorrow through resources, training and certification. Check out how CSB can serve you.
Are you looking for something good for kids to do while stuck at home? Then check out CSB Canada’s growing library of free Achievement Samplers. These resources have always been a take-home opportunity to build boys as men of God in training; people who grow like Jesus “in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Luke 2:52. They have been formatted for boys (and girls) ages 5 to 18 years old, and are found on the CSBBC website at: www.csbbc.org/brigade-at-home. New Samplers are added every few weeks for Tree Climbers (children 5 to 7 and their dads), Stockade (boys 8 to 11) and Battalion (young men 12 and up). This past month included Star Lantern, Pet Owner Interview, Electricity, Special Needs, Mastermind and Siege Weapons.
CSB builds Godly men (and women) of today and tomorrow through resources, training and certification. Check out how CSB can serve you.
Christian Service Brigade (City Light News - June 2020 Edition)
Are you looking for something good for kids to do while stuck at home? Then check out CSB Canada’s growing library of free Achievement Samplers. These resources have always been a take-home opportunity to build boys as men of God in training; people who grow like Jesus “in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Luke 2:52. They have been formatted for boys (and girls) ages 5 to 18 years old, and are found on the CSBBC website at: www.csbbc.org/brigade-at-home. New Samplers are added each week for Tree Climbers (children 5 to 7 and their dads), Stockade (boys 8 to 11) and Battalion (young men 12 and up). This past week included Star Lantern, Pet Owner Interview, Electricity, Special Needs, Mastermind and Siege Weapons.
CSB builds Godly men (and women) of today and tomorrow through resources, training and certification. Check out how CSB can serve you.
Are you looking for something good for kids to do while stuck at home? Then check out CSB Canada’s growing library of free Achievement Samplers. These resources have always been a take-home opportunity to build boys as men of God in training; people who grow like Jesus “in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Luke 2:52. They have been formatted for boys (and girls) ages 5 to 18 years old, and are found on the CSBBC website at: www.csbbc.org/brigade-at-home. New Samplers are added each week for Tree Climbers (children 5 to 7 and their dads), Stockade (boys 8 to 11) and Battalion (young men 12 and up). This past week included Star Lantern, Pet Owner Interview, Electricity, Special Needs, Mastermind and Siege Weapons.
CSB builds Godly men (and women) of today and tomorrow through resources, training and certification. Check out how CSB can serve you.
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Christian Service Brigade (City Light News - May 2020 Edition)
CSB Canada is excited to announce a new initiative to make Samplers from their extensive library of Christ-centred resources available for free to the general public during this time of isolation. Brigade’s Achievement for boys has always been a take-home opportunity for their families to build their boys as men of God in training; men who grow like Jesus “in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Luke 2:52. These resources have been reformatted for boys (and girls) ages 5 to 18 years old, and are found on the CSBBC website at: www.csbbc.org/brigade-at-home. Sign up is free. New Samplers are added each week for Tree Climbers (children 5 to 7 and their dads), Stockade (boys 8 to 11) and Battalion (young men 12 and up). CSB builds Godly men (and women) of today and tomorrow through resources, training and certification. Check out how CSB can serve you. |
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Christian Service Brigade (City Light News - February 2020 Edition)
It’s not easy being men today - ridiculed in broadcast media; shamed and vilified by social media. It’s bad, but it’s far worse for boys; especially Christian ones. Who is going to show boys what it is to be a righteous man of God? Men! Men who are called by God to make disciples of Christ one boy at a time. Good men. Trained men. Confident men. Men who are built by God through their churches and Christian Service Brigade. Join us at Missions Fest Alberta on February 21-23 at the West Edmonton Christian Assembly and see how CSB continues to be relevant to today’s boys, men, families and churches. Obtain free samples of our resources and discover what’s happening at CSB’s Camp Teepee Pole near Sundre. Check out what’s new with CSB in Alberta at www.csbbc.org/alberta and get your boys and men involved in a CSB group near you. |
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Christian Service Brigade (City Light News - January 2020 Edition)
Christian Service Brigade and the churches of Alberta are building Godly men of today and tomorrow. The need for boys to have a Christ-centred meeting place where they can learn to be men of God has never been greater. Parents from all across Alberta are looking to the Church for a wholesome ministry that will build their sons as strong men of God. Men within the local church are certified by CSB to win and train today’s active boys and young men for Christ. Developing leaders hone their skills through games, projects and storytelling. Christian Service Brigade becomes an outreach to the families of their neighbourhoods and schools. CSB churches grow as their men and families incorporate “service to others” as their mission for Christ. Check out what’s new with CSB in Alberta at www.csbbc.org/alberta and get your boys and men involved in a CSB group near you. |
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Christian Service Brigade - The 2019 Overview:
The Principle of Multiplication is a marvellous concept: if every year you give someone something, and that someone does the same thing, and you all repeat it to different people every year, very soon the whole world will have been given that something. The problem is that it doesn't work, because it's missing the moving of God. To multiply God's Kingdom is to allow Him to do it as He determines. This is how CSB is growing in Alberta... God's way. In Calgary, it is by people and churches attending a rally and catching a common vision. In Edmonton, it has been through one church showing another church the value of building its men - yes, its men - through ministering to boys. In BC, it's something else. The point is that CSB grows through God. Our purpose is to be so tight with the Lord that we are walking with Him. Not running on ahead, not lagging behind, but right with Him. CSB is growing in Alberta through people who are seeking God. Please pray that we do it God's way.
The Principle of Multiplication is a marvellous concept: if every year you give someone something, and that someone does the same thing, and you all repeat it to different people every year, very soon the whole world will have been given that something. The problem is that it doesn't work, because it's missing the moving of God. To multiply God's Kingdom is to allow Him to do it as He determines. This is how CSB is growing in Alberta... God's way. In Calgary, it is by people and churches attending a rally and catching a common vision. In Edmonton, it has been through one church showing another church the value of building its men - yes, its men - through ministering to boys. In BC, it's something else. The point is that CSB grows through God. Our purpose is to be so tight with the Lord that we are walking with Him. Not running on ahead, not lagging behind, but right with Him. CSB is growing in Alberta through people who are seeking God. Please pray that we do it God's way.
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Christian Service Brigade (City Light News - December 2019 Edition)
On a cold December night outside Chicago, young Joe Coughlin introduced his Sunday school class to a new idea: Christian Service Squad. He worried that though his boys lived like Christians on Sunday, they were anything but during the week. That was 1937. Things have grown worse. Few boys attend church on Sunday; men even less. Most congregations do little for the boys or men in their churches or neighbourhoods. As a society, though we lament the loss of Christian values in our schools and government institutions, we hesitate to go into the community to change it. Please pray that the Lord will raise up workers to go into the fields to win and train boys and young men for Christ. Become a volunteer yourself. Encourage your church to reap the harvest. If not you, then who? Who else will build your community for Christ? Check out Christian Service Brigade: www.csbbc.org/alberta. |
Christian Service Brigade (City Light News - November 2019 Edition)
The CSB club in Waldheim Saskatchewan is starting their fifth year of Brigade. They are a community of about 3,000 people. The staff of CSB attended their Stockade Kick Off Barbecue. They had 55 of their 57 registered boys in attendance. At the church, 29 Battalion teenage guys were having their second meeting. That's a huge buy-in from the community, but it is a two-church effort.
They inspired a pastor in Fairview AB to try the same thing. He’s working with five churches in his community. God established CSB to build men of today... and tomorrow. But it's the man in the local church who God engages to make it happen. Every community needs CSB for their boys.
CSB builds Godly men of today and tomorrow through resources, training and certification. Check out how you can partner with CSB at www.csbbc.org/alberta and start a Christ-centred midweek club in your community.
The CSB club in Waldheim Saskatchewan is starting their fifth year of Brigade. They are a community of about 3,000 people. The staff of CSB attended their Stockade Kick Off Barbecue. They had 55 of their 57 registered boys in attendance. At the church, 29 Battalion teenage guys were having their second meeting. That's a huge buy-in from the community, but it is a two-church effort.
They inspired a pastor in Fairview AB to try the same thing. He’s working with five churches in his community. God established CSB to build men of today... and tomorrow. But it's the man in the local church who God engages to make it happen. Every community needs CSB for their boys.
CSB builds Godly men of today and tomorrow through resources, training and certification. Check out how you can partner with CSB at www.csbbc.org/alberta and start a Christ-centred midweek club in your community.
Christian Service Brigade (City Light News - October 2019 Edition)
A pastor in a northern church saw an opportunity to build the boys and girls of his community for Jesus Christ through the CSB and GEMS midweek club ministries. He approached the other evangelical churches and asked if they wanted to get involved. They did. Christian Service Brigade welcomes Fairview Unit #4280 into membership.
Several other groups are restarting: Devon, Calmar, Olds, Carstairs and Bow Island. Their Brigade programs are excellent ways to apply Sunday’s Christian teachings to the practical living of daily life. KNOTS, for example, teach the reliability of Christ. FLIGHT shows the outcome of Christian faith. FISHING demonstrates the importance of a strong Christian witness. Boys learn important Biblical Truths through God-inspired Action and Adventure.
CSB builds Godly men of today and tomorrow through resources, training and certification. Check out how you can partner with CSB at www.csbbc.org/alberta and start a Christ-centred midweek club in your community.
A pastor in a northern church saw an opportunity to build the boys and girls of his community for Jesus Christ through the CSB and GEMS midweek club ministries. He approached the other evangelical churches and asked if they wanted to get involved. They did. Christian Service Brigade welcomes Fairview Unit #4280 into membership.
Several other groups are restarting: Devon, Calmar, Olds, Carstairs and Bow Island. Their Brigade programs are excellent ways to apply Sunday’s Christian teachings to the practical living of daily life. KNOTS, for example, teach the reliability of Christ. FLIGHT shows the outcome of Christian faith. FISHING demonstrates the importance of a strong Christian witness. Boys learn important Biblical Truths through God-inspired Action and Adventure.
CSB builds Godly men of today and tomorrow through resources, training and certification. Check out how you can partner with CSB at www.csbbc.org/alberta and start a Christ-centred midweek club in your community.
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Christian Service Brigade (City Light News - September 2019 Edition)
A small community bus driver wrote us asking for help. “Groups of mostly boys board our buses and cause disruptions. Drugs, alcohol, profanity, aggression etc. Security is stretched… This looks like a prime opportunity to invite these boys to Battalion.” CSB’s Battalion ministry is certainly for young men. Its practical adventure brings God’s Word into the real world without being preachy. But Battalion and CSB need the partnership of local men. Few are willing to step up to lead these lost boys, and fewer churches are willing to support them. What does the Lord want? For us to reach out to these normal young men right where they are. And, it starts with manly action in Christ. CSB builds Godly men of today and tomorrow. We provide resources, training and certification. Check out how you can partner with CSB at www.csbbc.org/alberta and start a Christ-centred midweek club in your community. |
Christian Service Brigade (City Light News - January 2019 Edition)
Christian Service Brigade and the churches of Alberta are building Godly men of today and tomorrow. The need for boys to have a Christ-centred meeting place where they can learn to be men of God has never been greater. Parents from Fort McMurray to Medicine Hat, Lethbridge to Lloydminster, Calgary to Edmonton are looking to the Church for a wholesome ministry for their sons.
Ordinary men of the local church are certified by CSB to win and train today’s active boys and young men for Christ. They hone their leadership skills through games, projects and storytelling. Their churches use Christian Service Brigade as an outreach to the families of their communities. CSB churches grow as their men and families incorporate “service to others” as their mission for Christ.
Check out what’s new with CSB in Alberta at www.csbbc.org/alberta and get your boys and men involved in a CSB group near you.
Christian Service Brigade and the churches of Alberta are building Godly men of today and tomorrow. The need for boys to have a Christ-centred meeting place where they can learn to be men of God has never been greater. Parents from Fort McMurray to Medicine Hat, Lethbridge to Lloydminster, Calgary to Edmonton are looking to the Church for a wholesome ministry for their sons.
Ordinary men of the local church are certified by CSB to win and train today’s active boys and young men for Christ. They hone their leadership skills through games, projects and storytelling. Their churches use Christian Service Brigade as an outreach to the families of their communities. CSB churches grow as their men and families incorporate “service to others” as their mission for Christ.
Check out what’s new with CSB in Alberta at www.csbbc.org/alberta and get your boys and men involved in a CSB group near you.
Christian Service Brigade - The 2018 Overview:
For Christians, education is more than just sitting in a classroom and learning facts. It is about building a relationship with Jesus Christ and incorporating His principles into everyday life. Adult believers get this, but children, especially boys, need to see it demonstrated in practical ways. CSB gives boys hands-on experiences, activities and games which reflect real-world action and adventure. Certified CSB leaders – ordinary men with real-life jobs – show them what it is to be a man of God in today’s world. CSB resources capture the action of life and wrap it in Biblical truths in a way that appeals to both boys and men. Imagine that: men leading the boys and young men of their communities to serve Jesus. It’s a hallmark of CSB.
For Christians, education is more than just sitting in a classroom and learning facts. It is about building a relationship with Jesus Christ and incorporating His principles into everyday life. Adult believers get this, but children, especially boys, need to see it demonstrated in practical ways. CSB gives boys hands-on experiences, activities and games which reflect real-world action and adventure. Certified CSB leaders – ordinary men with real-life jobs – show them what it is to be a man of God in today’s world. CSB resources capture the action of life and wrap it in Biblical truths in a way that appeals to both boys and men. Imagine that: men leading the boys and young men of their communities to serve Jesus. It’s a hallmark of CSB.
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CHRISTIAN SERVICE BRIGADE (Christmas Edition 2018 - City Light News)
On a cold, wintery night just outside of Chicago, a young college student introduced his Sunday school class to Christian Service Brigade. He was worried that though his boys lived like Christians on Sunday, they were anything but during the week. That was in 1937. Things have gotten worse. Few boys show up at church on Sunday; men even less. Most churches don’t do much for the boys or men in their own congregations, let alone in their neighbourhoods. As a society, we lament the loss of Christian values in our schools and government institutions, but we do little to change it. We won’t volunteer to be part of a Christ-centred ministry. Very few people even encourage those who give up an evening each week to win and train boys and young men for Christ. It’s hard making a difference in people’s lives. Two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ entered this world and changed it. Generation after generation went and made disciples of Jesus. Those disciples reached us – this generation of Christians. Building Godly Men of Today and Tomorrow is hard work. It takes time, money and dedication. Be part of the solution. Point boys to Jesus through Brigade: www.csbbc.org/alberta. |
August 2018 Update:
As the fall season of ministry approaches, we are encouraged that three churches in the Calgary area have been pursuing CSB ministries for their communities. This is a critical time as the Lord is about to expand His Kingdom into neighbourhoods in a different way. The opposition doesn't like it and will do anything to put things offtrack. If you are a follower of Christ, please pray that God will encourage and protect these churches as they push on to finish the race.
There is other news, and while we can't be sure, it looks like our effort to grow CSB in Calgary is washing over into other parts of the province. A church north of that city is considering restarting their ministry of men to boys. We are working with them to help it happen.
When we began our effort in Calgary, we placed one ad in the City Light News. Nothing happened, or so we thought. We received a few inquiries from the area. Then we got the idea that the Lord might be beginning something, so we began to pray in earnest and enlisted others to do the same. The interest grew. That's all explained in the updates below. But what also happened was some generous donors gave us money to pay for the work in Calgary and that included more advertising.
What we didn't know was that, at the time, City Light News was being bought by Light Media, a publisher in the Lower Mainland of BC. They were our advertisers there, and they told us that our discounts in Vancouver would be applied in Alberta. That saved us a huge amount of money. And, it benefited our CSB camp west of Sundre: Camp Teepee Pole. Then they told us that they were expanding the paper's territory to include Red Deer and Edmonton. The result was more readership for a lot less money.
God has His plan and we don't have the privilege of knowing it. Our job is to follow. Christ simply said to His disciples, "Follow Me." And they did, and His Church has not stopped growing. CSB is part of that. Please be praying for us. Lord, make us all faithful.
As the fall season of ministry approaches, we are encouraged that three churches in the Calgary area have been pursuing CSB ministries for their communities. This is a critical time as the Lord is about to expand His Kingdom into neighbourhoods in a different way. The opposition doesn't like it and will do anything to put things offtrack. If you are a follower of Christ, please pray that God will encourage and protect these churches as they push on to finish the race.
There is other news, and while we can't be sure, it looks like our effort to grow CSB in Calgary is washing over into other parts of the province. A church north of that city is considering restarting their ministry of men to boys. We are working with them to help it happen.
When we began our effort in Calgary, we placed one ad in the City Light News. Nothing happened, or so we thought. We received a few inquiries from the area. Then we got the idea that the Lord might be beginning something, so we began to pray in earnest and enlisted others to do the same. The interest grew. That's all explained in the updates below. But what also happened was some generous donors gave us money to pay for the work in Calgary and that included more advertising.
What we didn't know was that, at the time, City Light News was being bought by Light Media, a publisher in the Lower Mainland of BC. They were our advertisers there, and they told us that our discounts in Vancouver would be applied in Alberta. That saved us a huge amount of money. And, it benefited our CSB camp west of Sundre: Camp Teepee Pole. Then they told us that they were expanding the paper's territory to include Red Deer and Edmonton. The result was more readership for a lot less money.
God has His plan and we don't have the privilege of knowing it. Our job is to follow. Christ simply said to His disciples, "Follow Me." And they did, and His Church has not stopped growing. CSB is part of that. Please be praying for us. Lord, make us all faithful.
June 2018 Update:
Two weeks ago, another church got in touch with us about restarting their CSB ministry of men to boys in their church. There is something happening in Alberta, and it started with the Lord pushing us in Calgary.
As the March 7th Rally approached, we had seven people registered. The day before two people called to say that they couldn't make it. Five people were coming. As Steve Grove, the president of CSB Canada, and I went to set up our meeting room we asked, "How many chairs should we set out?" Twenty was our mutual answer, though it made no sense. We then went and bought refreshments for twenty people. People started arriving, and as we started twenty-one people were in twenty chairs; one being a two-week old baby boy whose mother wants to have the same opportunities with CSB as his dad. The presenters had to grab three additional chairs for themselves.
Seven churches were represented... That night and within a few weeks, there was fruit with three of the churches. Two other churches had been interested for quite some time. This is the Lord's Work and we do not presume upon His favour. He will do what He does and inspired those whom He will. We know the value and the potential for CSB in the local church for the local men, boys and families. We - the leaders, volunteers and staff of CSB - KNOW it! But we must wait for the Lord to bring it to fruition.
We are now seeing an increasing interest about CSB from the greater Edmonton area. This is primarily from parents looking for something for their sons. This is how it started in Calgary. What is the Lord's next step in Edmonton? How is CSB to respond? This is where prayer and prayer warriors are vitally needed.
At the same time, the CSB Area Committee in the Lower Mainland of BC is getting anxious about its future. What does the Lord want of them? And, they are feeling the pressure - they know that He is stirring up things in their part of the world.
The Lord is moving and people are taking notice. Please be praying for His will to be done. Thank you.
Two weeks ago, another church got in touch with us about restarting their CSB ministry of men to boys in their church. There is something happening in Alberta, and it started with the Lord pushing us in Calgary.
As the March 7th Rally approached, we had seven people registered. The day before two people called to say that they couldn't make it. Five people were coming. As Steve Grove, the president of CSB Canada, and I went to set up our meeting room we asked, "How many chairs should we set out?" Twenty was our mutual answer, though it made no sense. We then went and bought refreshments for twenty people. People started arriving, and as we started twenty-one people were in twenty chairs; one being a two-week old baby boy whose mother wants to have the same opportunities with CSB as his dad. The presenters had to grab three additional chairs for themselves.
Seven churches were represented... That night and within a few weeks, there was fruit with three of the churches. Two other churches had been interested for quite some time. This is the Lord's Work and we do not presume upon His favour. He will do what He does and inspired those whom He will. We know the value and the potential for CSB in the local church for the local men, boys and families. We - the leaders, volunteers and staff of CSB - KNOW it! But we must wait for the Lord to bring it to fruition.
We are now seeing an increasing interest about CSB from the greater Edmonton area. This is primarily from parents looking for something for their sons. This is how it started in Calgary. What is the Lord's next step in Edmonton? How is CSB to respond? This is where prayer and prayer warriors are vitally needed.
At the same time, the CSB Area Committee in the Lower Mainland of BC is getting anxious about its future. What does the Lord want of them? And, they are feeling the pressure - they know that He is stirring up things in their part of the world.
The Lord is moving and people are taking notice. Please be praying for His will to be done. Thank you.
March 2018 Update:
CSB Canada had an introductory dessert fellowship – a CSB Rally – in Calgary NW on Wednesday, March 7th, from 7 to 8:30pm at Harvest Hills Alliance Church. Interested parents, concerned church leaders, Christian men and CSB Brigade supporters were invited to hear about CSB’s newly updated ministries to boys and young men, and to pray for the Lord's leading in serving the boys and families of Calgary. This was a step forward in CSB's effort to equip churches in “Building Godly Men of Today and Tomorrow.”
Over the past year and a half, about 18 families and churches have approached CSB Canada about weekly groups in the Calgary area. There are none. Well, this is not an anomaly. CSB, Awana, Pioneer Clubs and every other church-based midweek club ministry is disappearing from Canadian cities. What makes Calgary so different is that an inordinate number of families are looking for something wholesome for their boys.
CSB Canada has been working hard to develop programs that are attractive to boys and men. We have been putting together key resources which explain the work to which we are called. We have brochures and samples and videos that share our vision. Across the country, we have five staffmen who are experts at the doing of CSB. We have taken years to get to this point and now we have all the tools to relaunch CSB.
CSB has always been a work of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are Spirit-led, so when God starts moving in a specific area, we take notice and we choose to follow His lead. Calgary is NOT a convenient place to have a revival of CSB. No staffmen live there. But, the Lord knows best. Calgary is a starting point. We don't know where it will lead, but we are determined to follow.
In a few days, a report of what we learned through the Rally will be added here. Thank you for your patience.
CSB Canada had an introductory dessert fellowship – a CSB Rally – in Calgary NW on Wednesday, March 7th, from 7 to 8:30pm at Harvest Hills Alliance Church. Interested parents, concerned church leaders, Christian men and CSB Brigade supporters were invited to hear about CSB’s newly updated ministries to boys and young men, and to pray for the Lord's leading in serving the boys and families of Calgary. This was a step forward in CSB's effort to equip churches in “Building Godly Men of Today and Tomorrow.”
Over the past year and a half, about 18 families and churches have approached CSB Canada about weekly groups in the Calgary area. There are none. Well, this is not an anomaly. CSB, Awana, Pioneer Clubs and every other church-based midweek club ministry is disappearing from Canadian cities. What makes Calgary so different is that an inordinate number of families are looking for something wholesome for their boys.
CSB Canada has been working hard to develop programs that are attractive to boys and men. We have been putting together key resources which explain the work to which we are called. We have brochures and samples and videos that share our vision. Across the country, we have five staffmen who are experts at the doing of CSB. We have taken years to get to this point and now we have all the tools to relaunch CSB.
CSB has always been a work of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are Spirit-led, so when God starts moving in a specific area, we take notice and we choose to follow His lead. Calgary is NOT a convenient place to have a revival of CSB. No staffmen live there. But, the Lord knows best. Calgary is a starting point. We don't know where it will lead, but we are determined to follow.
In a few days, a report of what we learned through the Rally will be added here. Thank you for your patience.
