Making Room for God in Ontario

“Making Room for God, for Others, for You” was the theme of a conference that drew 750 women last month to Oakville, Ontario.

Heather Matt, fitness instructor.

Sponsored by Coffee Break Ministries and Christian Reformed Home Missions, the biennial conference is in its 16th year and is the only one of its kind in the denomination, according to organizer and volunteer Marian Lensink.

In addition to worship, the event included speaker Joyce Rees, who works at Jacob’s Well in the lower east side of Vancouver with people facing drug and alcohol addiction. A fitness trainer led participants in exercises and talked about healthy lifestyles.

“We were blessed to see a younger crowd this year, which has been our hope as we continue to plan these events,” said Lensink. “We wanted women to be motivated for the greater mission of God. Women were challenged to consider their own rhythm of Sabbath rest, which fills us so that we are able to make space and serve others. I believe this message was well received.”

Lensink said the committee is trying to reach the next generation by including younger women on the planning team and choosing a missional theme that resonates with the desires of this age group to make a difference, and to be engaged in missions.