Brandon Martel

As our culture gets more and more complex, it can be difficult to answer some of the questions your kids throw at you. From conversations about abortion, to LGBTQ issues and everything in between, kids/teens are bombarded with society’s views on sensitive issues. Below are just a few tips to make your conservations go just a little bit easier when your kids bring up some sensitive topics.

Create an open environment
Even before your kids have questions about topics, encourage them to approach you if they ever see or hear something that they don’t understand. Say, “We may not agree on everything, but I’m interested in what you have to say.” You may also consider talking to them about certain world events (natural disasters, wars, etc) as they happen, this helps ensure that they are getting accurate information, as opposed to sometimes biased views from other sources.

Listen to what your kids have to say
Actually listen to them! It can be easy to just be listening to have an opening to make your next point but make an effort to understand your kid’s perspective. Common Sense Media suggests “Ask open-ended questions to get kids to think more deeply about serious topics. Ask, “What did you hear?,” “What did it make you think?,” and “Why do you think that?”” They may not agree with you fully, but helping them feel heard will leave them open for further discussion.

3. Respect different worldviews and don’t ridicule them.
It can be tempting to treat other views as amusing and just ridicule them. This will always be unproductive, and un-christlike. Many things that we hear in culture may seem crazy to us, but to others are completely normal, just like how many atheists may feel about the claims of the Christian faith. Matthew 7:12 reminds us “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

4. Guide conversation back to God, and the Bible.
Our opinions and feelings must not guide our discussion. Neither do we simply want to make our child feel better. Once we ask our kids questions, we must focus on what the Bible has to say about the issue. This encourages them to seek out answers for themselves, especially as they get into the phases of their life where they assume their parents don’t know anything. It also shows them that the Bible is the ultimate framework to base our lives from, and that the Truth can be found in it.

While it can be difficult, having these conversations with your kids will be a benefit to them and you. Remember that God is with you and that if you ask for wisdom He will give it to you (James 1:5).

Have you ever pondered the deep meaning behind baptism? It’s not just a religious ritual; it holds immense spiritual significance. Baptism is like a public proclamation of faith, a symbolic act that represents dying to our old selves and rising to a new life in Christ. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of baptism, drawing insights from the Bible to shed light on its transformative power.
Obedience to Christ’s Command: In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus instructed His disciples, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” By embracing baptism, we demonstrate our commitment to follow Christ’s teachings and honor His command.
Identification with Christ’s Death and Resurrection: Romans 6:3-4 beautifully captures the essence of baptism: “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” Through baptism, we symbolically identify with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. As we are immersed in the water, our old self dies, and as we rise from the water, we experience a new life in Him.
Forgiveness of Sins and Spiritual Renewal: Acts 2:38 emphasizes the connection between repentance, baptism, and forgiveness: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” Baptism serves as a profound moment of surrender and spiritual cleansing. It symbolizes our repentance and signifies the forgiveness of our sins. We are born anew, experiencing a spiritual renewal through God’s grace.
Unity within the Body of Christ: Galatians 3:27 beautifully illustrates the unifying nature of baptism: “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Through baptism, we become part of the body of Christ, the global church. It’s an act that binds us together with fellow believers, providing an opportunity for communal growth, support, and joint participation in God’s mission.
Public Testimony and Witness: Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation. It is a powerful testimony of our faith in Jesus and His work in our lives. By publicly declaring our commitment through baptism, we invite others to consider the life-changing message of the gospel. It becomes an opportunity to share the love and truth of Jesus with those around us.
Baptism is more than a mere religious ritual; it is a deeply significant step on our spiritual journey. By obeying Christ’s command, we identify with His death and resurrection, experience forgiveness and renewal, find unity within the body of Christ, and bear witness to the transforming power of God. Let us embrace the sacred waters of baptism, recognizing its profound impact on our lives as we embark on a path of faith and discipleship.
As Mark 16:16 reminds us, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” We encourage you to get baptized at this year’s Plunge event occurring on July 16 at 1pm at Moonlight Beach. This event has been going on for over a decade and sees churches from across the city come together to celebrate baptism

Sunday mornings in Pebbles Nursery and Rock City Kids (Kids Min) includes fellowship, mentoring, worship, spiritual growth, teaching, application, and of course fun. God is doing incredible things in our kid’s lives and we should celebrate and praise Him for it.

Fellowship
When you walk in on a Sunday morning the classroom can look a little chaotic. There are a lot games and activities, kids are hanging out, laughing, talking, moving from one activity to another, and being loud. It looks very unorganized and pointless. But actually this chaotic time is designed to look like this. Kids are meant to be moving through the room doing whatever they want and hanging out This 20 minutes is designed to be 20 minutes of friendship building. Kids being kids with other kids and creating bonds with other Christians that will outlast Kids Min. Creating relationship during fun moments that will help and hold them through the hard moments in life, now and in their youth and adulthood.

Every week when kids come into the classroom they are asking if their friends are there. They have a plan on who they want to see and what they want to do with them. But it doesn’t stop there because they are welcoming and ready to add in anyone who asks to play or a new kid that gets introduce to them. There is no judgement or leaving kids to sit in the corner, everyone is doing something with someone and it is a wonderful sight to see.

Mentoring
There is a kid who absolutely loves Nathalie, one of our volunteers, and the first question at Check-In is always “Is Miss. Nathalie here today?” and if the answer is no then he goes and mopes in a corner for 2 minutes before finding something to do. She is an important part of church to him because she listens to him and is excited to hear about his life. When she teaches him something, comments on his life or corrects his actions, it matters and he listens. Because she is important to him, her opinions are important and he knows that she cares about him.

There are three girls who really love to draw. They make drawings every week and in September were very shy about showing them to the leaders and asking what they thought. The leaders have been very supportive and the girls’ art has gotten really good. The girls now ask for criticism and tell the leaders’ what they can do better in their own drawings. This is a great connection point where great friendships with leaders are being created.

Worship
Kids Min took over the main stage twice this year to encourage the adults to dance and worship with their whole bodies. It was a lot of fun and Sunday morning worship is always loud and from the heart in Kids Min.

Spiritual Growth
Julia, the Children’s Ministry Director, gets her lessons interrupted by questions a lot. But if you asked her if it bothers her, it doesn’t, in fact she welcomes it. The questions are how the kids learn, how they take the knowledge they are being given and figure out why it matters to them and what they need to do with it. After a lesson a few kids always come to Julia or other leaders and ask more questions. Kids are hungry to know Jesus and being able to help them on their journey is an wonderful gift.

Teaching
Did you know that Daune, another one of our volunteers, might or might not have a twin brother from the south? He visited us for a Sunday morning sing-a-long. Daune had to run an errand and didn’t want us to be a volunteer short, so we got a special teacher. He told us about how Jesus loves us, reminded us that worship can be just a guitar and voices, that worship can happen all day everyday and the kids still talk about this lesson months later.

June 2023’s series has been Ever After; crazy true stories in the Bible. The kids have been amazed by the different fairytale like stories that seem so imaginative but are totally true and can be found in the Bible. They take great joy in discovering stories and learning the crazy, strange, wonderful, bizarre, real things that God has done.

Application
December 2022 was Kids Min second year of Advent Boxes. Advent Boxes are 24 days of crafts and activities for families to take home and complete together. They are designed to get kids reading their Bibles, making notes and applying their knowledge to their lives. Every Sunday there was a Bible passage to read a prompt to write or draw their favourite part. There was a memory verse to learn (in Kids Min we often talk about the importance of keeping verses in our heart and mind so that we can use them for comfort and strength), families were encouraged to practice together and over the month many kids were able to tell their leaders the verse. 2022’s theme was Joy to the World, spreading the Good News to the whole world. There were actives that asked them to tell others about the Good News of Jesus’ birth and on Sunday mornings we talked about how to share the news in practical ways and challenged kids to tell their friends and families about what God has done.

Fun
VBS 2022 was a huge hit! Detective Carll helped kids uncover the mysteries of Jesus’ life and how what He did so long ago, impacts us today and tomorrow and for eternity. 73 kids attended from churches all over the city and learned about Jesus. It was a wild 4 days of fun, activities, learning, and friendship building.

The Kids Min Check-In hallway gets new decorations for every new theme. Julia and her volunteer make a lot of the decor, but the kids also help out. In May 2023 the kids made messages about Jesus to announce to anyone walking through the hallway that they are loved and tell them the story of Jesus’ life and impact on the world.

Pebbles Nursery
Pebbles Nursery has been running in the Rock City Kids room since reopening Kids Min in 2021. It has been a bit of a challenge as having toddlers in the bigger kids classroom can be a little chaotic, but it has lead to some amazing opportunities for our older kids to be able to take on some leadership roles. Spring 2023 Pebbles was reopened by Alen the Nursery Supervisor.

With Father’s Day just recently past, I had the opportunity to reflect a little bit of what fatherhood means to me. Fathers, grandfathers, and father figures have been a source of guidance, love, and strength throughout our journey. They have been the steady hands that lifted us up, the warm voices that offered encouragement, and the quiet presence that provided security. This week, reflect and choose to honor and celebrate these remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on our lives.

A Foundation of Love: Fatherhood is grounded in love, which forms the bedrock of a family. Our fathers have consistently shown their affection, embracing us with open arms and nurturing us with care. They have been our protectors, shielding us from harm and teaching us to navigate life’s challenges. On this special day, let us express our gratitude for the unconditional love our fathers have bestowed upon us, recognizing the profound impact it has had on shaping our lives.
Lessons in Integrity and Character: Fathers serve as beacons of integrity, teaching us the importance of honesty, responsibility, and respect. They lead by example, demonstrating the values they hold dear through their actions. From the simple acts of kindness to the moral choices they make, our fathers have instilled in us a strong sense of right and wrong. As we commemorate Father’s Day, let us honor their teachings by striving to embody those same virtues in our own lives.
Encouragement and Support: Fathers have an incredible ability to encourage and uplift us. They believe in our potential, cheering us on as we pursue our dreams. Whether it’s a word of wisdom, a comforting embrace, or a listening ear, our fathers have been our unwavering support system. This week, let us acknowledge the invaluable role they have played in our personal growth and accomplishments, appreciating the motivation and guidance they have provided along the way.
Fathers as Spiritual Leaders: Within the context of our faith community, fathers often play a crucial role as spiritual leaders. They guide their families on a path of devotion, teaching us the principles of faith, compassion, and humility. As we honour our fathers on this day, we recognize the spiritual legacy they have passed down to us and acknowledge their role in nurturing our relationship with God.
Father’s Day offers us an opportunity to honor the influential men in our lives, celebrating their love, sacrifices, and unwavering support. It is a time for expressing gratitude, acknowledging the lessons they have imparted, and cherishing the memories we share. Happy Father’s Day!

The sun has finally begun shining! As we wave goodbye to spring and feel the warmth of the sun on our faces, we’re standing at the threshold of a brand new season—summer! It’s a time of plentiful blessings, fresh beginnings, and exciting opportunities for spiritual growth. So, let’s gather ’round as we dive into the significance of summer in our lives and within our faith.

Soaking Up Nature’s Symphony: Summer is like a symphony composed by God himself. The trees whisper in the breeze, and the birds serenade us with their joyful tunes. It’s a perfect time to bask in the beauty of God’s creation and give thanks for the abundance surrounding us. Let’s take a moment to marvel at the wonders of our Heavenly Father and express gratitude for the blessings He’s showered upon us.

Rest, Rejuvenation, and Soul-Searching: Summer is an open invitation to hit the pause button, recharge our batteries, and reconnect with our inner selves and with God. It’s a season for relaxation, whether through vacations, strolls in nature, or quiet moments of prayer. Let’s embrace this chance to replenish our spirits, reflect on our faith journey, and draw nearer to God.
Fellowship and Fun: As the days grow longer and the temperature rises, summer creates the perfect environment for community-building and cherished connections within our church family. It’s time to come together, enjoy picnics, and celebrate outdoors. Let’s embrace one another with open arms, appreciating the unique diversity that enriches our congregation and cherishing the bonds that unite us as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Spreading Sunshine Through Service: Lastly, summer provides us countless ways to spread God’s love to those in need. As we bask in the warmth of the season, let’s keep those who are less fortunate in our hearts and seek out opportunities to serve our community. We can volunteer at local organizations (like the Elgin Street Mission), organize outreach programs, or simply lend a helping hand to our neighbors. Let’s be a tangible expression of God’s love, making a positive difference in the world around us.
Remember, just as summer brings abundance and growth to the world, it also holds the promise of spiritual abundance and growth in our lives.

So, let’s seize this opportunity for joy, transformation, and embracing God’s blessings. Wishing you a blessed and joyful summer!

Over the last number of months, I have had the privilege of serving regularly at The Elgin Street Mission, most recently becoming captain of the Wednesday night team. It has proven to be a rewarding experience, where I have learned from the guests, and seen the importance of helping Sudbury’s vulnerable population. Founded by Gary Newbury in 1989, it has grown from serving 8 people on its first night, to needing to provide support to over 200 people every day.

Even though it is one of the most important organizations in our city for caring for the vulnerable, many Sudburians do not know what they do. The Elgin Street Mission is one of the 3 organizations contained in the Samaritan Centre. The most commonly known thing that the mission provides is breakfast and dinner, every day, 365 days per year. But they also do so much more! They provide clothing, shower facilities, a drop-in centre, pastoral care and weekly church services. The Blue Door Soup Kitchen serves lunch through the week and Teen Challenge (the newest tenant to the centre), provides addiction and rehab assistance to those 18 and up.

All Nations Church has provided much support to the Mission over the last number of years with our Cookies for Christ program, and sponsoring one night a month with volunteers. We also have the privilege of sponsoring a BBQ this Wednesday for the guests with black angus beef hamburgers! Our own Pastor Gerry is on the Community Care team, who work at the mission to fund all of the services provided.

But this work can’t continue without all of our help. As the opioid crisis worsens and society recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, there are more and more people needing to be served. If you can, we urge you to sign up to volunteer for a team (my team is on Wednesday nights!) or donate to the organization. Donations can be done monetarily, or through purchasing food. Their most needed food items are coffee mate, coffee (not instant or k-cups), canned sandwich meat, pasta and pasta sauce.

We had the absolute blessing and privilege to have the Watoto Children’s Choir join us on last week! As I reflected on this event, I wanted to take the opportunity to share some of my thoughts about the concert, the organization and some other information about taking further action.

The Watoto Children’s Choir is choir composed of children from Uganda, who because of diseases, poverty and other life situations have become orphans. The choir was founded in 1984 in Kampala by Canadians Pastor Gary and Marylin Skinner when they started Kampala Pentecostal Church. Since then, they have grown considerably and currently have over 3000 children in their care, providing them education, medical care and most importantly love. They also provide job training for women, partner with schools across the country and have begun expanding to other countries in need such as war-torn Sudan.

What struck me about this choir and the kids we met wasn’t just how great the organization has been for Uganda, but how on fire for God these kids are. Even though many, if not all, had stories of poverty and sadness, they exuded a joy and faith in God that was inspiring. I think of the story in the Bible where Jesus instructs us to have faith like a little child, and Watoto was a prime example of what Jesus meant. The kids showed it through the way they talked about God, the way they prayed and the way they sang that God was who they relied on. We heard a moving rendition of No Longer Slaves (Bethel Music) sung by the choir and it was clear they believed every word. We also got to hear a testimony from one young woman who talked of being orphaned, abandoned and sexually abused, only to be saved by Watoto. She proudly told us that this year, she graduated with a bachelors of human resources and was looking forward to all that God had in store for her.

While we encourage you to pray for this ministry, I also want to encourage you to seriously consider how you can partner with this organization in the future. You can sponsor an orphan for just $41 dollars a month, (less than $1.50 each day) and help them see that same faith and future with God.

As a parent, you want nothing but the best for your children. You want them to be healthy, happy, and to live long, fulfilling lives. Unfortunately, there are many dangers out there that can threaten their health and wellbeing. One such danger is vaping. Vaping has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among young people. In speaking to one grade 9 youth, I was told that it seemed like more than 60% of people at their high school vaped, and that if someone didn’t, they 100% knew someone who did.
Many people see it as a safer alternative to smoking, but the truth is that vaping is far from safe. In fact, it can be incredibly dangerous, especially for young people whose bodies are still developing.
There are many reasons why vaping is dangerous. One of the biggest is that it can lead to addiction. Vaping devices are often designed to deliver high levels of nicotine, which is highly addictive. This can make it incredibly difficult for young people to quit vaping once they start.
Nicotine addiction can also have serious consequences for young people’s health. Nicotine can harm the developing brain, which can lead to learning and attention problems. It can also increase the risk of mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
Another danger of vaping is that it can damage the lungs. Vaping devices deliver a mix of chemicals and metals, which can irritate the lungs and cause inflammation. This can lead to a range of respiratory problems, including chronic bronchitis and asthma.
Vaping can also expose young people to other harmful substances. Many vaping liquids contain flavorings, which can be made from a variety of chemicals. Some of these chemicals have been linked to lung disease and other health problems. In addition, some vaping liquids have been found to contain heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, which can be toxic.
As Christian parents, it’s important to take these dangers seriously. Our bodies are a gift from God, and we are called to take care of them. This means doing everything we can to protect our children’s health and wellbeing.
Addressing vaping before it occurs is obviously the best alternative. Talk to your child about the dangers of vaping. Explain to them that vaping is not safe and can have serious consequences for their health. Encourage them to make healthy choices and to avoid harmful substances. You can also set a good example by not vaping yourself. Children are more likely to take up vaping if they see their parents doing it. By not vaping, you can show your child that you take their health and wellbeing seriously.
But believe it or not, there is a likelihood that your child has already tried vaping, or is doing it on a regular basis. If that is the case, there are also a number of steps you can follow. The first is opening the door of communication, and ask questions to help you understand better. Questions you can ask include: What made you want to start?, What triggers your cravings?, What’s been stressing you out? and How could I help make quitting easier?. As well, you must remember to be patient, this is an addiction and if your student wants to quit, it can be a long process, that is difficult for both of you. Finally, help them to make a plan to quit, this can include removing the temptation, activities they can do when feeling tempted or seeking further help from a doctor or professional.
Remember, it’s never too late to make positive changes and to protect your child’s health and well-being!

Mother’s Day is a special time of the year when we show our appreciation for the women who have loved, nurtured, and guided us throughout our lives. As we reflect on the sacrifices our mothers have made for us, we can’t help but think about the valuable lessons they have taught us along the way. Proverbs 31:31 says “Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” In this blog post, I’d like to share some of the things I’ve learned from my mom.
Hard work pays off.
My mom has always been a hard worker. She worked full-time to provide for our family while also taking care of my sisters and I. She taught me the importance of working hard and never giving up, no matter how difficult things may seem. I’ve applied this lesson to my own life and have seen the benefits of perseverance and dedication. When we take the time to work hard, and put our faith in God, He is faithful to guide us to success.
Honesty is the best policy.
My mom has always been honest with me, even when it wasn’t easy. She taught me the importance of being truthful and transparent in all aspects of life. This lesson has helped me build trust with others and maintain healthy relationships based on mutual respect and honesty. I’m reminded of Ephesians 4:25 “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour, for we are all members of one body.”
Be kind to others.
My mom has a kind and generous heart. She has always gone out of her way to help others, whether it be by volunteering her time at church or talking to a friend who needs it. She taught me the importance of being kind to others and giving back to the community. This lesson has helped me develop empathy and compassion for others and has inspired me to make a positive impact on the world.
In conclusion, our mothers are some of the most influential people in our lives. They teach us valuable lessons that shape who we are and how we interact with the world. I am grateful for the lessons my mom has taught me and will carry them with me for the rest of my life. Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms out there!

So, you might be wondering, do Christian denominations really matter? It’s a fair question. After all, aren’t we all supposed to be following the same God and the same Bible? The truth is, there are real differences between different Christian denominations. These differences might be theological, cultural, or practical in nature, but they exist nonetheless.
Some people argue that these differences are necessary for maintaining doctrinal purity and preserving the unique traditions and practices of different groups within the Christian faith. Others argue that denominationalism can be divisive and that it undermines the unity of the body of Christ.
So, where does that leave us? Well, I think the answer is unity. As Christians, we all share a common faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. That’s what matters most. Our ultimate goal is to live in fellowship with God and with one another. In John 17:21, Jesus prayed that all of his followers would be one, just as he and the Father are one. This unity is not just a nice ideal – it’s an essential part of our witness to the world.
Now, that’s not to say that we should ignore our differences or compromise on important matters of faith. We should still hold true to our beliefs and convictions. But we should approach those differences with humility and a willingness to listen and learn from one another. When we focus on our shared beliefs and our common goal of serving God, we can overcome the divisions that exist between different Christian denominations.
So, why is unity so important? Well, for one thing, it’s a powerful witness to the world. When we’re united, we show the world that our faith is not just a collection of isolated groups, but a vibrant and unified body that is committed to the love and grace of God. It’s also important for our own spiritual growth. When we’re in community with other believers, we can encourage and support one another in our efforts to follow Christ.
In conclusion, Christian denominations do matter, but they don’t have to be a barrier to unity. As Christians, we should strive to work together and to seek common ground wherever possible. When we do that, we can show the world what it means to be part of the body of Christ – a diverse and unified community that is committed to serving God and one another.