Tell us a bit about yourself
Hello! My name is Simon, and I'm excited to share about how I've seen God working this summer! I came to Toronto for university 3 years ago, and have experienced God in so many awesome ways here through my campus ministry, Power to Change, and through my church, Zoe Toronto. This summer I was working a full time internship as well as participating in a summer discipleship program called Greenhouse.
What is a favourite memory from your summer so far?
My favourite memories from this summer were living with the Filicicchia family. I've known Mikey and Jessie for a while through my church, and by God's plan they happen to be renting out their spare room during the exact months that I needed a place to live. After being away from my family for a few years, it was sooo delightful to live with a family again. I had tons of fun playing with their kids Ransom and Glory (many magic shows were watched, many stories were read 😆). I also loved bonding with Mikey and Jessie when we had the chance to eat dinner together, talk about life, and watch cool documentaries/movies. It was also such a joy to be around as they welcomed their newborn daughter Immanuelle!
How has God encouraged you this summer as you pursue His mission?
I was really encouraged by the faith of an international student named Kian. I remember sitting next to him at a Chinese New Year dinner hangout, and he started telling me about how he had recently started reading the bible and watching Christian online videos, and he was really interested in it. I invited him to my church, and as we kept talking, I realized he didn't yet have a clear understanding of the gospel. So I offered to walk him through the gospel in more detail, and as me and my bro Mikey explained what the bible says about God, sin, Jesus, and salvation, Kian wanted to give his life to Jesus. He still had some reservations about surrendering EVERY aspect of his life to Jesus, but over the next few months God kept giving him more and more confidence and faith. It wasn't long before he reached the point where he wanted to be all in for Jesus, and made the decision to get baptized! I had the privilege of baptizing him, and continue to have the joy of being his bro and walking alongside him in his journey with Jesus!
How have you seen God working this summer in your life / community / this world?
One really awesome way I've seen God working this summer is in my friend Anson's life. He was first introduced to my church by a friend in the spring, and although not a Christian himself, he was interested and willing to join Greenhouse (a summer discipleship program). It was such a delight to be in a discipleship group with him and hear his life story! I was so amazed by his willingness to pray earnestly that God would reveal Himself to him. I am excited to continue walking with Anson, and I am confident that he will experience all of God's security, peace, and deep joy because everyone who seeks the Lord will find him!
