Ministry Location: Latin America & the Caribbean

Ministry Focus: Bonita is continuing to work primarily in the area of theological educations throughout Cuba, not simply to teach students but to educate new professors so that they can continue to give the gift of a deeper knowledge of God's Word to the pastors of Cuba.

She is also continuing the humanitarian work that she and her late husband Alberto have been involved in for many years, and in fact, the reach of this work is growing. However, these projects must remain discreet, and fuller information can be obtained by contacting her directly.

Ministry History: Bonita first went to Cuba on a short-term missions trip in 2001 and while there, God clearly called her to return and minister in that island nation. Full-time ministry in Cuba had been restricted for many years, and remains restricted to this day, but God miraculously opened the doors for Bonita to minister in Cuba in this way. Several years later, God brought Alberto into her life and they ministered together from one end of the island to the other for the next 15 years. Sadly Alberto passed away due to complications of coronavirus in March of 2021. Bonita fell into a coma and was airlifted to Canada due to the same. After almost 2 months in coma, God restored Bonita and she returned to Cuba to serve.

Prayer Requests:

• Wisdom, favour and protection as Bonita continues this journey without the aid of her husband.
• Strength and provision for the work.

Ministry Location: Cat Lake First Nation

Ministry Focus: Jonathan and Katie Larsh serve in Cat Lake: a remote (fly-in-only) First Nation reserve about 180km north of Sioux Lookout, a community of about 500 people. They moved there in 2011 to start up an A.C.E. Christian school at the request of the Band Council. Since then the school has grown to over 30 students, in grades K-8 so far, but with potential for High School grades as well. In addition to being principal/teacher/administrator of the school, in 2013 they also started leading services in the small local church, which was not running at the time. Since then, Jonathan has gotten credentials through the PAOC as a pastor under the APM (Aboriginal Pentecostal Ministries), and they continue to lead services and do other ministry through the church. Jonathan and Katie also have 5 children (Joshua, Hosanna, Elijah, Caleb and Matthias), 4 of whom are now in the Christian school. One of the biggest forms of ministry for the whole family is being a living example of a God-centered life; in marriage, family, parenting, work, and daily life.

Prayer Requests:

• For the school staff: that they will remain consistent and dedicated and continue to grow in their roles and enjoy their work.
• For the school as a whole and everyone connected with it (staff, students, parents…); That they would see God and come to know Him.
• For our home life; that we get the rest we need, balance our responsibilities, and be able to parent all of our kids well, and no one would get lost in the shuffle.
• Continued attendance and growth in our church.

Missions Canada Urban Worker

Ministry Location: Toronto, ON

Ministry Focus: Urban Ministry

As an Mission Canada urban worker in downtown Toronto, Ejay ministers to those in the urban core who find themselves in cyclical poverty. He has been a consistent presence on the streets of Toronto for over 11 years. One of the Scripture passages that guides his life and ministry is:

“To the weak I became weak, to win the weak.

I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”

1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (NIV).

Ejay believes that marginalized people cannot be saved through programs. Loving people with deep compassion is a precious calling. This is why he believes in serving in whatever capacity he is able in order to meet these needs. It is an incredible privilege to be trusted by the people he serves. Ejay is grateful for how he is able to journey with people in the margins. Ejay, and his wife Cheryl, serve to be a bridge to their neighbours both rich and poor, building community amongst them and practicing radical hospitality. They do this so they may have a glimpse into the kingdom of God.

www.ejaytupe.com

Video Update

Prayer Requests:

• Organizing & effectiveness of ‘Our City Conference Toronto’ (May 27-28). It is an Urban Ministry conference as a rally cry to inspire, encourage, empower and reignite vision for ministry in the city.
• Pray for housing decision makers to listen to people on the frontlines regarding feasible solutions.