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 - 2021:
Christian Service Brigade - The LIGHT Magazine, BC & Alberta
July 2021 Editions
There is a growing sense of excitement within the Church of Western Canada. Not only are we quickly coming out of COVID, we’re also seeing new opportunities to take the Gospel into our communities and neighbourhoods. Christian Service Brigade shares this anticipation and are encouraging men, families, churches and communities to invest in purposeful ministry to those needing fellowship.
Brigade is an outreach of the men of the local church to the boys in the community, winning and training them for Christ. Our ministries are Christ-centred and action-focused. Our resources build practical skills in everyday living and evangelical Christian principles. We know boys; we know what motivates them, and how to direct them to God. We know men and how to engage them in practical service to their Lord, church, family and community. We build every generation of men by building boys. Check out CSB’s discipleship ministries at www.csbbc.org/for-boys--young-men.html
July 2021 Editions
There is a growing sense of excitement within the Church of Western Canada. Not only are we quickly coming out of COVID, we’re also seeing new opportunities to take the Gospel into our communities and neighbourhoods. Christian Service Brigade shares this anticipation and are encouraging men, families, churches and communities to invest in purposeful ministry to those needing fellowship.
Brigade is an outreach of the men of the local church to the boys in the community, winning and training them for Christ. Our ministries are Christ-centred and action-focused. Our resources build practical skills in everyday living and evangelical Christian principles. We know boys; we know what motivates them, and how to direct them to God. We know men and how to engage them in practical service to their Lord, church, family and community. We build every generation of men by building boys. Check out CSB’s discipleship ministries at www.csbbc.org/for-boys--young-men.html
Christian Service Brigade - The LIGHT Magazine, BC & Alberta
June 2021 Editions
COVID is on the ropes. It has been beaten back, but it isn’t finished. We must push the battle through to completion… and then what? What are your goals for a Post-COVID world? What are Christ’s goals for you post-COVID?
Over the past 18 months, we have been tested. God has allowed us to see what is truly important to us as individuals, as families, and as communities. What did you discover? Where did Christ’s Great Commission end up on your to-do list? Philippians 3:13-14 include these key words, “Forgetting what is behind… I press on toward the goal…” We have all made mistakes in our reactions to COVID – those mistakes are moving behind us. Christians must press on to the goal of making disciples; of winning and training boys and young men of all communities and neighbourhoods for Christ. Check out CSB and our discipleship resources at www.csbbc.org/for-boys--young-men.html
June 2021 Editions
COVID is on the ropes. It has been beaten back, but it isn’t finished. We must push the battle through to completion… and then what? What are your goals for a Post-COVID world? What are Christ’s goals for you post-COVID?
Over the past 18 months, we have been tested. God has allowed us to see what is truly important to us as individuals, as families, and as communities. What did you discover? Where did Christ’s Great Commission end up on your to-do list? Philippians 3:13-14 include these key words, “Forgetting what is behind… I press on toward the goal…” We have all made mistakes in our reactions to COVID – those mistakes are moving behind us. Christians must press on to the goal of making disciples; of winning and training boys and young men of all communities and neighbourhoods for Christ. Check out CSB and our discipleship resources at www.csbbc.org/for-boys--young-men.html
Are you fed up with COVID and want to enjoy a weekend away from the regular routine? Are you needing a little encouragement to make it through the last few months of the pandemic? Then try CSB’s virtual Family Campout in your basement, living room, backyard, or campsite. COVID may keep you apart from friends, but you can still have fun-filled fellowship and encouragement in Christ.
Last year, COVID cancelled the “Tough Guys Father and Son Campout” for the boys and men of Christian Service Brigade, and we couldn’t see it happening again. So, we were inspired to create a virtual “Tough Guys On-Your-Own Family Campout”. The theme is Facing Your Fears and uses the desperation of World War Two to provide a context of what we are experiencing with COVID. Download nine internet broadcasts, four devotions, three Council Fires, oldtime radio shows, and an activity booklet for FREE. www.csbbc.org/tough-guys-campout-2021
Last year, COVID cancelled the “Tough Guys Father and Son Campout” for the boys and men of Christian Service Brigade, and we couldn’t see it happening again. So, we were inspired to create a virtual “Tough Guys On-Your-Own Family Campout”. The theme is Facing Your Fears and uses the desperation of World War Two to provide a context of what we are experiencing with COVID. Download nine internet broadcasts, four devotions, three Council Fires, oldtime radio shows, and an activity booklet for FREE. www.csbbc.org/tough-guys-campout-2021
CSB MEN's NETWORK - The LIGHT Magazine, BC & Alberta
April 2021 Editions
It’s been a year of COVID-19, and we trust we’re coming to an end of this pandemic. Some churches have thrived, most have survived, but some won’t be coming back. What about men? Are they coming back? Have they survived?
Men aren’t equipped for social isolation. Men are often quieter and less interactive than women. So, when they lose their face-to-face opportunities, they lose a lot. Some lose more than others because they lack a social network. That’s where men’s ministry comes in. It’s the brotherhood that connects the man to his Lord by encouraging him to “work out his faith”. It’s the glue that holds him to his church when there is no “church”. It’s the friendly voice that reminds him that he is not alone.
As we return to regular life, let’s expand our territory to include national and regional men’s events – PK and ISI. Check out: csbbc.org/mens-network
April 2021 Editions
It’s been a year of COVID-19, and we trust we’re coming to an end of this pandemic. Some churches have thrived, most have survived, but some won’t be coming back. What about men? Are they coming back? Have they survived?
Men aren’t equipped for social isolation. Men are often quieter and less interactive than women. So, when they lose their face-to-face opportunities, they lose a lot. Some lose more than others because they lack a social network. That’s where men’s ministry comes in. It’s the brotherhood that connects the man to his Lord by encouraging him to “work out his faith”. It’s the glue that holds him to his church when there is no “church”. It’s the friendly voice that reminds him that he is not alone.
As we return to regular life, let’s expand our territory to include national and regional men’s events – PK and ISI. Check out: csbbc.org/mens-network
CAMP TEEPEE POLE - The LIGHT Magazine Alberta
March, April & June 2021 Editions
This is a camp for boys and young men. Affiliated with Christian Service Brigade, our purpose is to “win and train BOYS FOR CHRIST.” We are an OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CAMP where guys can be guys while learning about Christ, their Creator - Psalms 8:3-5.
Our activities are built for boys. Our training sharpens their skills and minds. Our staff are Christian role models who strive to be genuine friends. Our focus includes environmental conservation. And, we add a healthy dose of FUN with mountain biking, hikes, projects, tubing, white water rafting, sports, rappelling, archery, shooting, tuck, morning devotions, and evening campfires. Activities vary, as we ensure things are age and COVID appropriate.
Facilities: max 50 campers each week. There are six cabins, each with ten bunks and loft - bring your own sleeping bag and gear; hot showers; flush toilets; commercial kitchen with qualified cooks who provide Camp Teepee Pole’s great meals each day. Our camps fill quickly, so register early; refunds guaranteed.
We encourage your support, especially during these difficult days. We enlist fathers and other mature Christian volunteers, young and old, to serve as staff and cabin counsellors. God provides. Contact www.campteepeepole.org
For camps for girls, please contact www.AlbertaCampCherith.org
March, April & June 2021 Editions
This is a camp for boys and young men. Affiliated with Christian Service Brigade, our purpose is to “win and train BOYS FOR CHRIST.” We are an OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CAMP where guys can be guys while learning about Christ, their Creator - Psalms 8:3-5.
Our activities are built for boys. Our training sharpens their skills and minds. Our staff are Christian role models who strive to be genuine friends. Our focus includes environmental conservation. And, we add a healthy dose of FUN with mountain biking, hikes, projects, tubing, white water rafting, sports, rappelling, archery, shooting, tuck, morning devotions, and evening campfires. Activities vary, as we ensure things are age and COVID appropriate.
Facilities: max 50 campers each week. There are six cabins, each with ten bunks and loft - bring your own sleeping bag and gear; hot showers; flush toilets; commercial kitchen with qualified cooks who provide Camp Teepee Pole’s great meals each day. Our camps fill quickly, so register early; refunds guaranteed.
We encourage your support, especially during these difficult days. We enlist fathers and other mature Christian volunteers, young and old, to serve as staff and cabin counsellors. God provides. Contact www.campteepeepole.org
For camps for girls, please contact www.AlbertaCampCherith.org
Christian Service Brigade - The LIGHT Magazine, BC & Alberta
March 2021 Editions
“Are we there, yet?” Not long after starting we hear that familiar drone from the backseat. “No! And please stop asking.” And twelve hours later, we arrive at our destination. Well, we’re asking, Lord… Are we there yet? I wish we had a definitive answer, but COVID is unpredictable. Hebrews 10:25 says, “Let us not give up the habit of meeting together…” So, let’s make that our focus. Let’s 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 churches and groups to develop a comprehensive list of options through which you can build the next generations for Christ. Under COVID, we are discovering better ways and new international opportunities to bring others to our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Check out: www.csbbc.org/brigade-under-covid for details.
March 2021 Editions
“Are we there, yet?” Not long after starting we hear that familiar drone from the backseat. “No! And please stop asking.” And twelve hours later, we arrive at our destination. Well, we’re asking, Lord… Are we there yet? I wish we had a definitive answer, but COVID is unpredictable. Hebrews 10:25 says, “Let us not give up the habit of meeting together…” So, let’s make that our focus. Let’s 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 churches and groups to develop a comprehensive list of options through which you can build the next generations for Christ. Under COVID, we are discovering better ways and new international opportunities to bring others to our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Check out: www.csbbc.org/brigade-under-covid for details.
"Ministering to Kids Beyond COVID"
Christian Service Brigade - The LIGHT Magazine, BC & Alberta
January and February 2021 Editions
COVID-19 is an inconvenience, an obstacle to be avoided. If ministry were a football game, COVID would be the opposition, but it would NOT be the focus. In Christian ministry, whether the obstacles are giants or microscopic viruses, the mission of every Christian is to take the Gospel to those who haven’t heard it and make them disciples of Christ.
That’s what was talked about at the November meeting of the CSB BC Regional Committee, and the men got excited. Now CSB is Christian Service Brigade, a men’s ministry to boys that got its BC start in 1943. For generations, “Brigade” has helped churches and their men mentor boys from kindergarten to college, giving them practical examples of Christ-centred manhood.
As those men talked about the impact of COVID on the local ministry, it was quickly learned that not all groups were dead in the water. Some were limping along, others were running, and a couple were thriving. There was even a church in Calgary that saw Brigade as their solution to reaching kids when they couldn’t have Sunday school. The conversation at the committee meeting inspired the men to do CSB in another way.
For years, CSB has encouraged men to develop their skills and hobbies, wrap them in Biblical Truth, and share them with boys. This is the essential foundation of Christian Service Brigade. Every boy wants to grow into manhood, but he can’t do it on his own. In Titus 2, God gives men, and women, the responsibility to train children toward Biblical maturity. Dr James Dobson spoke of mature Christian men being an essential part of every boy’s life. CSB recognizes this and builds healthy relationships between generations. CSB is known as “Christian boy scouts”. In today’s uncertain world, CSB knows how to develop men of God of all generations.
So, when the men heard about what Chief Ranger Jerry Forder was doing with the Tree Climbers, Stockade and GEMS Girls’ Club at Bear Creek Community Church in Surrey, and what Captain Jim Pike was doing with the teenage guys in the Battalion at Calvary Baptist Church in Coquitlam in the middle of a pandemic, they couldn’t help but get excited.
When asked about the impact of COVID on their meetings, Jerry said, “We never took a break. I don’t even think we missed a week. We just moved our meeting onto Zoom and kept going. And when we were allowed, we went back to meeting in the church. We met all through the summer. The parents loved it. In late November when we were no longer allowed to meet in person, we went right back to using Zoom.”
It was noted that girls are equally welcomed to meet with the boys. They were doing that when they met at the church – arriving together and then separating into their own groups. So, when there is only one computer in the home, or limited internet bandwidth, it made sense to include the girls. “Besides,” says the Chief Ranger, “the girls like the active stuff that the boys are doing.”
Captain Jim Pike did much the same with his group, but they moved to a different internet platform that, after the devotional, games and training, allowed the young men to separate into different rooms where they would play video games together. Jim said that, “Transitioning from in-person Battalion to online was a bit of an adjustment. There is a steep learning curve to find ways to maximize participation, create personal connections and deepen the boys' faith, but it is worth it. Joshua 1:9 and Proverbs 3:6 are two verses that continue to help me to keep leading my Battalion boys. I would encourage other boys and men to do the same. It’s worth it.”
Jim and Jerry are not alone in their creativity. Other groups are using intermittent activities to build fellowship – hikes, father-son campouts, service projects, and parking lot video games projected on an exterior church wall.
This is CSB during a pandemic and the committee recognized that it is also a future version of CSB for some families who cannot make it to a nearby weekly meeting – families in Dease Lake, Beaverdell or Indian Arm BC, Carbon, High Prairie or Wandering River AB, Whitehorse YK or Skagway AK, or the missionary family on the Mexican west coast.
There is a place for online CSB units in each time zone around the world in multiple languages. And the first intentional ones are in the Lower Mainland of BC. For now, one happens Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:15pm for boys and their sisters ages 4 to 12. For young men ages 12 and up, it’s on Friday evening 7 to 9pm. Contact Howard Pike, CSB BC, at hpike@csbministries.org, to learn how you can get involved.
Christian Service Brigade - The LIGHT Magazine, BC & Alberta
January and February 2021 Editions
COVID-19 is an inconvenience, an obstacle to be avoided. If ministry were a football game, COVID would be the opposition, but it would NOT be the focus. In Christian ministry, whether the obstacles are giants or microscopic viruses, the mission of every Christian is to take the Gospel to those who haven’t heard it and make them disciples of Christ.
That’s what was talked about at the November meeting of the CSB BC Regional Committee, and the men got excited. Now CSB is Christian Service Brigade, a men’s ministry to boys that got its BC start in 1943. For generations, “Brigade” has helped churches and their men mentor boys from kindergarten to college, giving them practical examples of Christ-centred manhood.
As those men talked about the impact of COVID on the local ministry, it was quickly learned that not all groups were dead in the water. Some were limping along, others were running, and a couple were thriving. There was even a church in Calgary that saw Brigade as their solution to reaching kids when they couldn’t have Sunday school. The conversation at the committee meeting inspired the men to do CSB in another way.
For years, CSB has encouraged men to develop their skills and hobbies, wrap them in Biblical Truth, and share them with boys. This is the essential foundation of Christian Service Brigade. Every boy wants to grow into manhood, but he can’t do it on his own. In Titus 2, God gives men, and women, the responsibility to train children toward Biblical maturity. Dr James Dobson spoke of mature Christian men being an essential part of every boy’s life. CSB recognizes this and builds healthy relationships between generations. CSB is known as “Christian boy scouts”. In today’s uncertain world, CSB knows how to develop men of God of all generations.
So, when the men heard about what Chief Ranger Jerry Forder was doing with the Tree Climbers, Stockade and GEMS Girls’ Club at Bear Creek Community Church in Surrey, and what Captain Jim Pike was doing with the teenage guys in the Battalion at Calvary Baptist Church in Coquitlam in the middle of a pandemic, they couldn’t help but get excited.
When asked about the impact of COVID on their meetings, Jerry said, “We never took a break. I don’t even think we missed a week. We just moved our meeting onto Zoom and kept going. And when we were allowed, we went back to meeting in the church. We met all through the summer. The parents loved it. In late November when we were no longer allowed to meet in person, we went right back to using Zoom.”
It was noted that girls are equally welcomed to meet with the boys. They were doing that when they met at the church – arriving together and then separating into their own groups. So, when there is only one computer in the home, or limited internet bandwidth, it made sense to include the girls. “Besides,” says the Chief Ranger, “the girls like the active stuff that the boys are doing.”
Captain Jim Pike did much the same with his group, but they moved to a different internet platform that, after the devotional, games and training, allowed the young men to separate into different rooms where they would play video games together. Jim said that, “Transitioning from in-person Battalion to online was a bit of an adjustment. There is a steep learning curve to find ways to maximize participation, create personal connections and deepen the boys' faith, but it is worth it. Joshua 1:9 and Proverbs 3:6 are two verses that continue to help me to keep leading my Battalion boys. I would encourage other boys and men to do the same. It’s worth it.”
Jim and Jerry are not alone in their creativity. Other groups are using intermittent activities to build fellowship – hikes, father-son campouts, service projects, and parking lot video games projected on an exterior church wall.
This is CSB during a pandemic and the committee recognized that it is also a future version of CSB for some families who cannot make it to a nearby weekly meeting – families in Dease Lake, Beaverdell or Indian Arm BC, Carbon, High Prairie or Wandering River AB, Whitehorse YK or Skagway AK, or the missionary family on the Mexican west coast.
There is a place for online CSB units in each time zone around the world in multiple languages. And the first intentional ones are in the Lower Mainland of BC. For now, one happens Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:15pm for boys and their sisters ages 4 to 12. For young men ages 12 and up, it’s on Friday evening 7 to 9pm. Contact Howard Pike, CSB BC, at hpike@csbministries.org, to learn how you can get involved.
CSB IN ALBERTA - 2020:
Christian Service Brigade (City Light News - December 2020 Edition)
___Merry Christmas. Before everything else, let’s remember that God Almighty visited this earth in bodily form to rescue us from sin and eternal death. Jesus Christ suffered and died for us, for every boy and girl, every woman and man, and He gave us the hope of eternal life, IF we know to repent of our sins.
This has been quite the year. COVID stole our attention. But has it taken our focus from Christ? If we’re honest, we know that it has, at least somewhat. When Jesus stood on the Mount of Olives as our glorified, risen Saviour and commanded us to “Make disciples,” He was saying to do it despite the circumstances. We won’t be foolish, nor will we give up following His Great Commission.
___Christian Service Brigade is the men of the local church winning and training boys for Christ – ordinary men who are showing neighbourhood kids what it is to be Godly men. As COVID settled in, many Brigade leaders anticipated the impact and established programs that ran over the internet using Zoom and other digital platforms. They continued to minister. And when restrictions relaxed, they jumped back to in-person meetings with all the protocols in place. Many are meeting online this week and every week until school restarts in January. They are called by God to build boys for Christ.
___Please join us in thanking God for these men and families who give so much to serve God. Be inspired to point boys to Jesus.
Christian Service Brigade (City Light News - December 2020 Edition)
___Merry Christmas. Before everything else, let’s remember that God Almighty visited this earth in bodily form to rescue us from sin and eternal death. Jesus Christ suffered and died for us, for every boy and girl, every woman and man, and He gave us the hope of eternal life, IF we know to repent of our sins.
This has been quite the year. COVID stole our attention. But has it taken our focus from Christ? If we’re honest, we know that it has, at least somewhat. When Jesus stood on the Mount of Olives as our glorified, risen Saviour and commanded us to “Make disciples,” He was saying to do it despite the circumstances. We won’t be foolish, nor will we give up following His Great Commission.
___Christian Service Brigade is the men of the local church winning and training boys for Christ – ordinary men who are showing neighbourhood kids what it is to be Godly men. As COVID settled in, many Brigade leaders anticipated the impact and established programs that ran over the internet using Zoom and other digital platforms. They continued to minister. And when restrictions relaxed, they jumped back to in-person meetings with all the protocols in place. Many are meeting online this week and every week until school restarts in January. They are called by God to build boys for Christ.
___Please join us in thanking God for these men and families who give so much to serve God. Be inspired to point boys to Jesus.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
|
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. |
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
