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About Us
Our
Vision
- Believers from several
nationalities, churches, and different denominations,
- coming together to make a
difference in our communities
- by taking the church to the
streets, bringing the good news of the gospel,
- so that peoples lives can
be changed by the power of Jesus Christ.
Our goal is set.
Our mission is clear. We look forward for a great harvesting of
souls right here in our community to the Glory of God our father.
It is our prayer that the same oneness of spirit and mind, and the
enthusiasm that exuberates from the planning team, will be
transferred to all participants in the march, so that disunity will
give no place for the enemy of the church to come in.
How We
Came About
It was a hot
Saturday afternoon, and it was Bro Ellis’ first visit to the Jane &
Finch Community Centre. As he entered the parking lot he heard a
distinct voice saying to him, “What a great harvest field!” Looking
around, at all the people, young and old, black and white, people of
all races and creeds were everywhere. Several months later, the
picture of those beautiful faces having always been with him, he
approached his local pastor and shared his concern about the lost
people right there in the community, and the churches responsibility
toward these people.
Shortly
after, an application to Parks and Recreation for a permit was made,
and a permit for his local church to march from Stong Court and
Driftwood was obtained. The Driftwood Church of God then became
engaged in approximately four marches over that same summer on
Sunday evenings. The marches passed through the Driftwood and Jane
intersection, where a street meeting was then conducted each time.
These local marches, although only comprised of the members of a
very small church at that time, were hugely successful, in that
several people gave their hearts to the Lord. These summer time
marches were again repeated between 1990-1992.
In August of 1992
it was decided that other churches in the community should share the
gospel message and they were invited to participate. On Saturday
August 31st, 1992 approximately 12 churches in the
community, belonging to different denominations, actively
participated in the march with much enthusiasm and great joy.
Summertime marches continued at the local church through to 1994.
In 2001,
however, the call to mobilize churches to reach the masses in
the community remained strong on his heart and Bro. Ellis invited
many churches to come together to help plan a combined march.
Cultural and denominational affiliation was not a factor in deciding
which churches to invite to this combined march. (With the aid of
the Shepherd’s Guide, 120 invitations were sent out and followed up
with phone calls.) Those churches that responded and got involved
were those who actively participated in the 2001 march. It was at
this time that the participants in the initial meetings in 2001
agreed on a name for the march, most poignantly “Together for
Jesus.” The 2001 march was quite successful with
approximately 300 participants. There was one large float with two
bands (one English-speaking and the other Spanish speaking).
The 2002 march was
very successful with approx 1500 people participating, from 34
different churches
Together for Jesus
2003 and 2004 Marches entailed the coming together of about 60 churches-with an
attendance of approximately 2,000 brethren, friends and well
wishers. This year there were six sermonettes, one of which was done
in both English and Spanish. We were also pleased to have
representation from the police community. This year's police
representative gave an exhilarating speech on the need for these
kinds of marches, and of the importance of the community and police
services working together to maintain safety. Rev. C. Hall was the
closing speaker as we culminated the march in a time of worship and
thanksgiving.
We distributed New Testaments to
those not born again. We also donated toys and clothing to needy
families in the community.
The 2005 Together for Jesus
March was held for the first time from Kipling/Finch (Albion
Mall) to John Garland/Martingrove. Tracts, devotionals, and New
Testaments were handed out as hundreds came to take back the
neighborhood from crime to Jesus.
The 2006 and 2007 Together for Jesus
Marches were once again held at Jane/Finch with over 50 churches
participating. Again, tracts, devotionals, and New
Testaments were handed out as hundreds came to take back the
neighborhood from crime to Jesus.
The 2008
TFJ March
The 2008
Together for Jesus march is scheduled for
Saturday, August 16th,
2008 – at 10:30a.m.
sharp. We will begin
and end at the Brookview Middle School park (Jane/ Driftwood).
After we march, we will
convene in the parking lot where many of our young people will be
ministering in the art of Christian dance on a pre-set stage.
Several youths
will also share testimonies, outlining how their lives have changed
since they accepted the Lord.
We are also planning to have a steel band performing
Christian music. A small tent will be on site with information
booths inside. In the tent
will be Police, talking about jobs in the force, Social Service
workers and Naturopathic representatives. Snacks will be available.
The Jane and
Finch Coalition, consisting of ten churches, have joined the
Together for Jesus team) is largely responsible for the new changes
taking place this year.
Our attendance
goal for this year is 1500 and we believe the scripture that says:
all things are possible
to them that believe.
If any individual or church is interested in becoming part of this
great soul winning ministry, please contact Bro. George Ellis at 905 456-1813
(email: george.ellis@sympatico.ca).
For more info
please contact: Rev. Basden 416 665-1926; Bro. George Ellis
905 456-1813 or Rev. Clarke at 905-837-9081.
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