Ministry Update - February 2026

To our generous gospel partners,

I count it a great privilege to serve God's people here in Kelowna, BC, Canada, at Redeemer Baptist Church. And it is on behalf of the whole church that I say thank you to all of our partners who pray for us and give financially to support the work. We are so encouraged by your generosity. It reminds me of Paul when he says to the Corinthians: "You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many." (2 Corinthians 1:11). God apparently doesn't think the way we do. When we want to get something done, we just do it with as few people involved as necessary. We try to limit the chain and be as direct and efficient as possible. God, however, delights to do His kingdom work through many. He appoints workers and supporters of all different types. His work is done through weak men and weak women, supported by the prayers and encouragement and generosity of God's people everywhere. He does this so that many will give thanks. We, on the frontlines, see our work expand and grow; you, who support us, see your prayers answered and your gifts put to good use. And in the end we all give thanks to our God of every grace.

"For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God." (2 Corinthians 4:15)

It has been a blessing these last few months to see God provide for Redeemer Baptist Church. We began 2025 with some major questions about our finances; and the question of reducing my paid pastoral hours and beginning a tent-making endeavour again in 2026 was on the table. But we praise God that through this new and unexpected connection with HeartCry, and through the regular giving of God's people here in our church and in our region, we are able to press on ahead with even greater confidence. I rejoice in this because the people of our church have witnessed firsthand that God answers His people's prayers. The Lord provides. As Hudson Taylor famously said:

"Depend on it. God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply. He is too wise a God to frustrate His purposes for lack of funds." – Hudson Taylor

As we look back over Christmastime, we give thanks. We were able to do a few key evangelistic outreaches in December. First, we had Christmas Carols in the Park. This was our 4^th Annual event where we sing gospel-rich carols, proclaim the story of Christ, and give out gifts in downtown Kelowna. We did this at the scenic downtown ice rink where hundreds of people were skating and hundreds more were walking by. We were able to give out many Bibles and storybook Bibles, along with gallons of coffee and hot chocolate.

Second, we were invited by the East Kelowna Market to sing at their Christmas market in the very neighbourhood that our church is planted. This was also a great opportunity to sing of Christ, to give out invites to church and to shine a light in the East Kelowna community.

And third, we had a wonderful Christmas Eve service that brought in a lot of visitors to hear the gospel. I was particularly encouraged to hear of people that came because they received an invitation from us earlier in the month.

As we go into 2026 we are determined to double down on all that God calls us to do. And that begins with worshipping the Lord, Sunday by Sunday, with reverence and awe. The saints at Redeemer have been encouraged and edified weekly, as we preach through Ephesians, partake of the Lord's Supper, and share extended times of fellowship. One really encouraging sign of God's grace in our church has been the increased attendance and involvement at our Sunday morning prayer meetings. Like Spurgeon said, the prayer meeting is the furnace room of the church. It is always on my heart to remind myself and the flock that God delights to hear and answer the prayers of His redeemed. He is no stingy Father. He is no miserly King. He is so wonderfully generous.

Thou art coming to a King
Large petitions with thee bring
For His grace and power are such
That none could ever ask too much

Speaking of things that we are asking God for. We are always asking God to save the lost in our city, to bring us true revival. Specifically, we are asking God to build up and grow our church with three kinds of people. We want God to bless us with new believers, that we would be counted worthy to be spiritual midwives and nurses, bringing into the kingdom new-born babes in Christ. We are asking God to bless us with growing believers, that we could be teachers and instructors bringing God's little ones into deeper and more mature faith. And we are asking God to bless us with strong believers, those who would be eager coworkers and partners for the great work that God has for us. It is our prayer that we would see many people in all three categories added to our number this year.

We are also asking God to provide for our church a mid-week space for ministry. This could take the form of a leased space that we are thinking of calling Redeemer Commons. This would be for offices, and a large library/meeting room. But what we think would be even better than a leased space would be if we owned our own building. So, we are also praying for this and pursuing this. We would love the opportunity to grow and develop spaces for ministry, and to dig down into our community more permanent roots. So please pray for us with this "big" dream. We recognize that our God is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20), and so truly there are no "big" prayers. Our God is greater than anything we could ever need, and we trust Him to provide even for things that feel big to us. But please pray for us in this.

Again, thank you for your partnership in the gospel with us at Redeemer here in Kelowna, BC. We pray that God would be glorified in the work that He has begun. To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:21).

With thankfulness and hope,

Pastor Ross Odnokon
Redeemer Baptist Church, Kelowna BC, Canada