Investing in the Next Generation
One of my greatest priorities as the B.C. Regional Coordinator is investing in the next generation of leaders who will help carry campus ministry forward.
October gave me some great opportunities to do just that!
I began the week in Langley at TIMEOUT, a gathering of youth and young adult pastors ahead of our annual BCYD LeadForward conference. I love connecting with these leaders, encouraging them in their ministry, and helping them see that UCM is ready to welcome and walk alongside their students as they transition into university.
Our UCM Apprenticeship team joined me for the week, which made it especially meaningful. These are young graduates taking a year to grow in their faith, develop ministry skills, and explore their calling to serve God in ministry.
LeadForward was also a wonderful opportunity to connect with pastors and leaders from across our district. This year's theme, "Step Into More", challenged us to believe again that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
We wrapped up the week with our annual UCM Campus Leads Day. Together, we spent time praying, dreaming, and planning for the future of campus ministry across B.C. Two things were especially on our hearts: finding the right person to help lead our ministry at UVic and seeing God raise up the next generation of campus ministers.
I left encouraged by the leaders God has already brought together and expectant about those He is still calling!
A Welcoming Community at SFU
I love visiting our UCM-SFU community! There's always plenty of energy, creative icebreakers, and, apparently, cereal served in cups (Lucky Charms and Reese's Pieces, to be exact!). But underneath all the fun is something much more important: a community where students feel welcomed, encounter Jesus, and learn to live as people of His Kingdom.
It was great to connect with our team, including Daniel Zander, our newest campus worker, Megan Tan, our apprentice, and Katrina, who is serving as Interim Director while Milly is on maternity leave. I'm grateful for the way this team continues to build a place where students can belong and grow in their faith.
Growing at UFV
Our UCM community at the University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford is growing! Around 40 students are now gathering each week, and it's exciting to see students stepping up to serve, particularly as their worship team continues to develop.
I had the opportunity to join them for an evening of worship, teaching, and discussion as part of their God Is... series. A special shout-out to Kyler McAlister, our Campus Ministry Assistant, who is doing a great job helping lead this growing community!
Back at UBC Okanagan
I had the opportunity to return to UBC Okanagan and share a message on Jesus and the Redemption of God's People. We explored how Jesus is at the centre of God's redemptive story throughout Scripture and what it means to find our place in that story.
One of the things that stood out to me was the size and enthusiasm of their student leadership team! These students aren't just showing up to attend a weekly gathering; they're the ones organizing, leading worship, welcoming others, and making ministry happen. It's exciting to see students taking ownership of their campus community and creating spaces where others can encounter Jesus. This is what we love to see at UCM: students leading students!
Where I'll be in November:
After a very full October, November will bring a bit of a change of pace as I turn some attention toward preparing for year-end. It's an important season for connecting with ministry partners, looking ahead, and making sure we're well-positioned for the opportunities God has for UCM in the coming year.
🎤 November 8 — Preaching at Bethel Church (Quesnel, BC)
🎂 November 25 — Celebrating another trip around the sun! 😉
🙏 Prayer Requests
Raising Up the Next Generation: Pray that God would call and prepare the next generation of campus ministers and ministry leaders. In particular, we're praying for the right person to join our team at UVic.
Growing Campus Communities: Pray for our campus workers and student leaders as they continue creating welcoming communities where students can encounter Jesus, grow in their faith, and discover their own calling to lead and serve.
Year-End Provision: As we approach the end of the year, pray for God's provision through our ministry partners and supporters. Pray for continued generosity and new partnerships that will help sustain and strengthen campus ministry across B.C. in 2027.
Year-End Financial Update
Each year, I like to give you, my team of champions, a quick financial update on the ministry. Your prayers, encouragement, and generosity make it possible for me to oversee and support our seven UCM campus ministries across B.C. — and to continue reaching university students with the love of Jesus.
As we approach the December 31 financial year-end, here are the current needs I'm responsible for as UCM Regional Coordinator:
James' Campus Worker Budget: $10,500 still needed by year-end
UCM General (Regional Budget): Fully funded! Thank you!
Emerge Retreat: $2,000 needed to help cover Okanagan and Island bus rentals
Would you prayerfully consider making a year-end contribution toward one of these needs before December 31? Your generosity helps us continue proclaiming and demonstrating the love of Jesus to university students across B.C.
All donations receive a tax receipt from UCM (PAOC–Mission Canada), which will be mailed out in February 2027.
Thank you for being part of the team that makes this ministry possible!