I recently attended two gatherings focused on how God’s people in Canada can best respond to the Great Commission. I have the privilege of seeing firsthand what God is doing through churches and ministries across our nation and beyond. It was good to pause and reflect on the question: “How are we doing?”

As I travel, I’m often asked, “How is InterVarsity doing these days?”

The answer is that we are making significant changes to respond to new opportunities. We are working in a rapidly evolving landscape of cultural shifts and generational challenges that require renewal.

The gospel does not change, but the way we do gospel ministry must continually adapt to keep step with what God is doing. We must not become second hand dealers in old artifacts but imagine a new missiology.

In the past year, we have restated our mission, sharpened our values and aims, and launched a three-year strategic plan. In doing this, we took time to listen — to God, to our staff, and to young people across Canada.

InterVarsity’s response to the Great Commission is to build on what has gone before and to let our present be shaped by the future the Lord is calling us into. We are seeking God’s direction to best serve emerging generations with faithfulness and creativity. We urgently want to reach more young people with the good news of Jesus and help them live out His transforming love in every area of life.

I have been reflecting on the story of Ezekiel. It covers a time of exile and rebellion, yet it opens with a fresh vision of God who speaks and commissions Ezekiel to proclaim hope to His people.

The call to be a watchman begins with him sitting among the exiles by the Kebar River. As he spends time with them he is “greatly distressed”. In our strategic planning process, we have been walking in the footsteps of Ezekiel.

We have sought to listen to God and to sit with those in exile. Campers, students and high schoolers have shared moving stories. They face well-documented issues of mental health, waning resilience, financial strain, discrimination, loneliness and anxiety. But they also express an increased interest in truth, a search for meaning and a desire for something real. The overwhelming experience of those in exile is a thirsting for more and a longing for home.

Advancing these strategies at camp, in high schools, on campus, and in the transition into work depends on the dedicated work of our staff, increasing partnership, and above all, the movement of the Holy Spirit.

Ezekiel was given a vision of a valley filled with dry bones. It is a lifeless vista until the word of God connects bones, nerves, sinews and muscles, making a whole body of healthy tissue. But life only comes when the Spirit of God breathes into them.

At times, our ministry has felt a little like that valley. Programs that once worked lost vitality as culture shifted around us. Yet we have seen God breathe new life: young leaders stepping forward, campers filled with expectancy, and students courageously sharing their faith on campus. What once felt dry is being renewed.

God has done more than we could have hoped for or imagined. I pray you, too, will be surprised at what God can do in and through you as together we serve Him. May the Lord surprise us all.

I came away from the events I mentioned at the start, believing that InterVarsity is uniquely positioned to participate in advancing the Great Commission from coast to coast to coast and beyond.

Curiosity is percolating as God stirs the hearts of young people. Our prayer is that the Lord will send workers into the harvest field. We have exciting opportunities for staff and volunteers in camp, high school and campus. I invite you to pray through your participation. Every prayer, every gift, and every act of encouragement helps young people encounter Jesus, be formed by His Word, and step with confidence into the places where God is calling them.

This is a great time to be alive. Ezekiel could only look forward to these days. I am grateful for all who stand with us in this season of renewal.

I appreciate your partnership as we follow God’s call into this next season of growth and renewal. Together may we see new life rise, not from our own strength but through the breath of God bringing renewal to this generation.

I am glad for our fellowship and look forward to connecting soon.

     Nigel Pollock, President