miyo-manitowi-kîsikanisik! – Merry Christmas to all!,
It is -20o C outside as Cory and I meet for our weekly prayer walk through the North Central neighborhood. As we walk and pray, several people return our greetings or recognize us now.
A woman is huddled in a doorway with no mitts, gloves nor toque. As I stoop down to talk to her and give them to her, she doesn’t move much since she is conserving as much warmth as possible. She hasn’t eaten today. As I go to buy her something to eat, I remember that Jesus was homeless as well.
“Whatever you do for the least of these, my brothers (and sisters), you have done for me.”
We stop in at the Awasiw warming shelter and I leave another pair of mitts and toque there for anyone who needs them. The things we hand out are brand new – not used. Either store bought or handmade donations from supporters. For several years now we have received quilts, mitts and toques from a local woman’s quilting and craft guild. These are gratefully received on days like today’s walk.
This Advent season, I am incredibly grateful to God for many answered prayers. For prayers answered in so many ways. and for prayers yet to be answered. Not just my prayers, it’s not about me. It never was. Its about the Shelly’s, the TJ’s, the Mark’s, Jackie, Randene, Tyrone, Paul, Shawn’s, Larry’s… the prayers offered up on the streets by people who wonder if God sees them; who wonder if God’s people see them. Advent is about God’s arrival. Advent is about answered prayers. Their prayers.
This year, a lot of good things have happened, and always a lot of prayer has brought much Divine guidance and blessings. I would call this a breakthrough year for Regina Discipleship Project. As we walked along, rejoicing in the privilege of our prayer walk, Cory reminded me that it has been a year since he came onboard. We’re doing it – disciples working to make disciples! To find the one – that person looking to be healed, to be seen, heard, to be redeemed, to become a disciple of Jesus.
This has all been bathed in much prayer. First of all, by you, our network of supporters, by our financial and ministry partners and ourselves. We have had professionals donate of their time and expertise as well. For the first time, Regina Discipleship Project has a growth strategy in place that goes far beyond what I alone, could ever hope or accomplish. And truly, it is an answer to the prayers of those to whom we seek to bring the healing of Jesus Christ.A paradigm shift for the people of God – from being the church to being disciples of Jesus Christ. In the new year, we would like to see people join us on these prayer walks.
Our Vision and Mission
The vision of Rising Above Healing Ministries is to see Indigenous people empowered by the Holy Spirit experiencing life, identity, purpose and healing in Jesus Christ for the Glory of God.
The mission of Regina Discipleship Project to bring healing and restoration by educating, equipping and empowering Indigenous people through the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
In the coming year we want to:
- Lead weekly prayer walks in North Central.
- Lead a Discipleship group as in past years.
- Lead monthly Indigenous Christian Discussion groups.
- Lead a prayer walk on Whitebear First Nations.
- Lead an indigenous missions group.
Prayer is our Privilege, Praise, our Purpose
- Praise the Lord for the 2025-2027 Strategic Map now in place.
- Praise the Lord for the 30 souls baptised this year at Gentle Road Church of Christ.
- Praise the Lord for the success of the Indigenous Christian Discipleship Groups in 2024
- Praise the Lord for the two discipleship groups at Gentle Road and several other locations.
- Praise the Lord for the faithful saints who have successfully completed the Journey Through the Bible Discipleship Course.
Please pray for:
- The Lord to provide for the projected 2025 budget.
- For the participants of Indigenous Discussion Groups
- Health and healing for both Nick Helliwell and Cory Illingworth as well as our families.
Wishing Each and Every one of You
the Blessings of our Savior
this Sacred time of Year
| Picture adapted from an original painting ‘Christmas Mystery’ by Karen Bonnie, from https://www.eleganthorsepictures.com/bonnie-christmas-mystery.html |
Thank you, and God Bless,
Nick Helliwell
- Follow us on Facebook at Regina Discipleship Project Page
- or check out our newly launched website: reginadiscipleship.ca
- or the Rising Above Ministry Website
| Created in Christ of paskwâwiyiniw (Plains Cree) heritage, working and serving in Treaty 4 Territory, traditional lands of the Nêhiyawak (Cree), Nahkawé (Saulteaux), Nakota, Dakota, Lakota and the Métis/Michif peoples. Extending the Peace, Grace, and Welcome of Jesus Christ to all settlers and newcomers. ta-tawâw, (there is room, you are welcome.) |
Founded in 1992, Rising Above is First Peoples helping First Peoples; Initiated and governed by Indigenous people, Rising Above Healing Ministries is a Christian based registered charitable organization, offering hope and healing from a biblical perspective. Charity Registration number is 889485835 RR 0001