Giving Update Kimseys
Too often, the significance of our tithes stops the moment we sign the check. Too often, we don’t know where our gift is going, or what ministries we are supporting. The Giving Team wants to change that. It is important that the church body be aware of where our tithes are going, so that we can partner with local and overseas ministries in a way that extends beyond finances. That is why we will be periodically highlighting one of the ministries that your tithing helps fund.
Sent to Serve: Joel and Krista-Dawn Kimsey
When Joel and Krista-Dawn Kimsey moved their family to Canada in 2010, their plan was simple: they would work for an organization called Servants to Asia’s Urban Poor, and invest in recent college graduates who were called to work with the urban poor. However, it was soon evident that God had other plans for them. During the nine months that the Kimseys worked for Servants to Asia’s Poor, they felt God guide them towards something new—not just for their family, but also for Canada. The Kimseys are now committed to starting Servant Partners in Canada. Servant Partners is an organization that works as a recruiting, training, and sending hub for missionaries called to work with the urban poor. In the past, individuals from Canada have not been able to work for Servant Partners, since the non-profit did not exist in their country.
“All of this feels very big. We left the River to do something fairly small, and now we are [starting] a whole organization that could grow to hundreds of missionaries,” Joel remarked. Yet both he and Krista-Dawn feel called to their new ministry, and confident that Christ will provide what they need internally (confidence) and externally (people to support them along the way). The River Church community has been integral in supporting the Kimseys on their journey this past year. In Joel’s fifteen years in ministry, he feels more supported by the River than any other church, and considers his connection with the River to be an enormous blessing.
As the Kimseys move forward with founding Servant Partners Canada they ask for prayer that they continue to say yes to the challenge, that they are not hindered by set-backs, and that the Canadian government quickly approves the non-profit and foundation. While Joel admits that they are “out there on a limb, needing Jesus to come through on a daily basis,” he acknowledges that, “this is what faith is.” For more information about how you can support the Kimsey’s you can contact them at .
written by Kristina Fluitt
Past Giving Team Spotlights: Ember Ink