Daniel Lepojarvi and I are pleased to share several opportunities for your church to engage in meaningful ministry this fall as we seek to respond to hunger and poverty in Jesus’ Name.

Children's Food Justice Curriculum

ERDO has developed a downloadable Food Justice Curriculum for children, available in both English and French. Created in collaboration with PAOC children's ministry leaders, these resources help children understand the connection between poverty and hunger while introducing them to God's heart for justice, compassion, and restoration.

As children hear stories of families facing hardship, they will also discover the hope of the gospel and learn how God is bringing transformation through the local church and global ministry partners. These engaging, age-appropriate lessons are an excellent resource for your church, so we encourage you to review and share it with your children’s ministry team:  https://erdo.ca/curriculum

Invite an ERDO Speaker to Your Church

One of the most effective ways to inspire your congregation's engagement with global missions and biblical justice is through firsthand stories of God's work around the world.

Daniel Lepojarvi, ERDO's CEO, has been travelling across Canada, speaking in districts, churches, and ministry gatherings about ERDO's impact and the biblical call to care for the vulnerable. He would be pleased to connect with your church or leadership team in the coming year.

ERDO’s Area Managers, John Stewart (Eastern Canada) and Perry Zelman (Western Canada), are also available to speak at churches, leadership gatherings and missions committee meetings. We are grateful for the warm welcome so many churches have already extended to them.

In addition, ERDO is privileged to have Barry Slauenwhite, former CEO of Compassion Canada, serving as our Global Ambassador. With decades of ministry experience, Barry is helping share powerful stories of transformation and hope from ERDO's work among vulnerable children and communities worldwide. He is available for district events and other strategic speaking opportunities.

To learn more or book a speaker, visit: www.erdo.ca/speaker.

Responding to Hunger This Thanksgiving Season

As we gather to give thanks for God's provision, we are reminded that millions of families around the world continue to face food insecurity and hunger. Thanksgiving provides a meaningful opportunity for our churches to put faith into action and extend Christ's love to those in need.

Here are three simple ways your church can make a difference:

1. Take a Thanksgiving Offering for Hunger Relief

Consider receiving a special Thanksgiving offering to support ERDO's food and nutrition projects around the world. Your congregation's generosity can help provide life-saving assistance and long-term solutions for families facing hunger. Current food crises include Cuba, Sudan, and Yemen. More information can be found on ERDO’s website: https://erdo.ca.

2. Promote ERDO's Gift Catalogue

ERDO's Gift Catalogue offers practical ways for individuals and families to make a tangible impact. Food-related gifts include school lunches, nutrient-rich breakfast drinks, emergency food assistance, and other initiatives that help vulnerable communities thrive.

Explore and share the ERDO Christmas Gift Catalogue with your congregation.

3. Share the Children's Food Justice Curriculum

Use ERDO's free curriculum to help the next generation develop a biblical understanding of compassion, generosity, and justice. By engaging children in these important conversations, we can help raise lifelong disciples who care deeply for both their neighbours and the nations.

Thank You

Thank you for your faithful leadership, your commitment to the mission of the Church, and your heart for those who are vulnerable. Together, we can bring hope, dignity, and practical support to families facing hunger while demonstrating the love of Christ in tangible ways.

"Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." (1 John 3:18)

With appreciation,

David Wells                                                                                     Daniel Lepojarvi
General Superintendent                                                                  Chief Executive Officer
The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada                                          ERDO

Photos courtesy of ERDO.