Kim and Marc Wyatt serve as CBF field personnel in Canada, where they facilitate and coordinate strategies for reaching refugees, immigrants, international students, the diplomatic community and others from approximately 200 people groups.
Through partnerships, the Wyatts work to empower churches, mission organizations and individuals who seek to minister among internationals in the urban centers of Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto. They help mobilize churches, individuals and organizations who are welcoming those who have fled the violence, persecution or devastation of their homelands. For those that have been uprooted, their physical needs are basic – shelter, food, clothing, but often they must navigate unfamiliar systems in a foreign language and new land.
“We have seen hundreds people arrive with what they have from their life in one suitcase – everything else was left behind,” said Marc Wyatt. “When refugees receive simple donated items – a table, chair or picture frame – and those items become theirs, there is a sense of restoration. As they become apart of our lives, experiencing the security and love of Christian community they are drawn to Christ. In him they find new life; resurrection life for some, a new birth for others. To be part of that process is a gift from God to us as we become their new family.”
Stories from the field
Church joins God’s mission in Canada
In summer 2009, more than 40 youth and adults from CBF partner Shades Crest Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala., traveled to Canada to minister with CBF field personnel Kim and Marc Wyatt. Youth were part of hands-on ministry, including music, building friendships and offering hospitality to new refugees to Canada. Those ministries share the presence of Christ and often result in changed lives. “As [refugees] become a part of our lives, experiencing the security and love of Christian community they are drawn to Christ. In him they find new life; resurrection life for some, a new birth for others,” Marc said.