In many countries, it is difficult or illegal to share the Good News about Jesus the Christ. In Canada, we have been blessed as most of these nations have chosen to come to us.

Ontario is the destination for many of these ‘Closed/Creative Access Nations.’ Every year, there are over 40,000 international students studying in the Toronto area alone, not counting the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) surrounding it. Ontario accounts for nearly half of all the roughly 400,000 internationals in Canada, and the top sending countries include China, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan and Turkey.

Hello. My name is Johnson Hsu, and I am the ISMC City Director for the GTA region.

I came to Canada as a young child, and grew up in an Atheist/Agnostic home. I met the risen Christ while teaching abroad, and after wrestling with Him in the margins for several years, I finally welcomed Him into my life as LORD and Saviour.

My family and I have served with the OMF in Asia, where we expected to spend all our days, but found ourselves brought unexpectedly back to Canada due to parental health issues. Since my return, I’ve taught for three years in a Sunni Muslim Madresse, served with the Scripture Gift Mission, and currently serve as English Pastor within a Chinese church network and in my capacity with ISMC.

I’m with ISMC because I see God directing my steps here, and I see His moving through this ministry now. The GTA is a massive field. Some of the projects I am currently seeking to walk with God on are:

1. WelcomeAirport: Lovingly welcoming and helping incoming students at Pearson International Airport. Especially in Asian coutries, this is understood as a strong act of love: “To have friends coming from afar, how delightful!” (Confucius). From this beginning, we connect them to Christians who continue to care that loving care.
2. University of Toronto Scarborough: Facilitating cooperation between Christians and Christian groups, and working towards a campus where faith is welcome. There should be no contradiction between strong faith and strong academic studies.
3. Awakening the Body: Kindling the fire of Believers and churches through International Student ministry. Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest!

There are three main areas of need for my family and I:

Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. (Ephesians 6:19)

• PRAYER: Our first and greatest need is prayer. In the words of Hudson Taylor, we endeavor to, “Move man, through God, by prayer alone.” We call upon you to pray with us, that God may open doors for our message, so that we may boldly proclaim the mystery of Christ.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matthew 9:37-38)

• WORKERS: The task before us is greater than any man. But we do not go forward in the power of man. There is great need for many types of service. If you feel God pulling you to service, we would welcome the opportunity to explore how we might serve together.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty… Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.(Philippians 4:11-12, 17)

• FINANCES: If God moves you to partner with us financially, we welcome your support. Our faith is that God will provide all that we need, and we thankfully welcome all who desire to walk with us through financial giving. May it be an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

Johnson
johnson.hsu@ismc.ca

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