Many of OIM’s volunteers and staff can likely attest to the difficulties of ministry to our street friends. Seeing people at their worst, who have been taken advantage of, who struggle with addiction, mental and physical health. While we know that God is ultimately and sovereignly in control, it can be difficult to see His plan amid suffering. Speaking for myself, I deal with my own suffering in certain ways (by trying to give it to God), but it can be difficult to deal with

Last weekend, I was driving along King Edward Avenue with my wife. As we drove, I shared my reflection about how sad it was to see so many people hunched over because of drugs, sleeping in a small alcove or tent, and just seeing groups of street friends huddled near the shelters. It was truly heartbreaking. I shared how incredibly blessed I felt to have a roof over my head, even though I sometimes can be a bit ungrateful for the kind of home I have. My wife chimed in, saying

Imagine this: After a long day of trying to find relief from the elements, you’re faced with a choice that feels like no choice at all. Do you head to a shelter, where the threat of physical or verbal assault is likely? Do you retreat to a rooming house, where every corner is occupied by people struggling with untreated mental illness or substance abuse? Or, do you go into the same tent you’ve called home for months, or years, simply because it’s the only place you feel safe?

In one of my previous blogs, One Step at a Time, I shared that two of our Step-Up youth had been accepted into a university course. It was more than just a course; it was a doorway, a turning point, and a chance to step into a future they had never fully allowed themselves to imagine. Today, the rest of the OIM team and I are incredibly proud to share that the two youth have successfully reached the finish line. Graduating from this course is not simply an academic achievemen

Recently, I had the honour and privilege to attend a memorial for a Veteran. I know the first thing most will think of is, how is that an honour? Let me explain. When these men and women sign up with our military, they sign a blank cheque indicating they will follow orders and do what is necessary for their country and to keep the citizens safe from harm. Again, most will look at this and say “and...?” However, I challenge each of you to think about that for a minute. Recentl