Trusting in God: Epp and McComiskey

“Being able to trust in God is an essential part of Christian leadership,” said Reverend Ardith Frey to a crowd of over 100 people at the Commissioning Service for Edwin (Ed) Epp and Dave McComiskey on June 12th at Springvale Baptist Church, Stouffville.

Marion Mills, Chair, cbm Canada Board of Directors, opened the ceremony with a reading from James 3:13, 17 & 18.  She asked for God’s blessing and wisdom to rest on Ed, who has taken the helm as new Executive Director of cbm Canada, and Dave who will serve as Regional Director of cbm’s Southern Region Africa office, in Cape Town.

“Dave has served cbm Canada with humility, vision, passion, and grace for 24 years,” said Mills. “Dave’s leadership has been recognized not only in Canada, but internationally which has culminated in Dave transitioning to an international role.… I am anticipating good fruit as you step out in faith to the calling God has placed on your life.”

Reverend Don Mills, of Wilmont Centre Missionary Church, officiated on behalf of Dave, while Rev. Frey  of North Waterloo Mennonite Church officiated on behalf of Ed. 

Rev. Mills opened his devotional speech with Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”.

Mills told the audience that no matter what new challenges they personally encounter, they need only read the book of Joshua to see how God is faithful. Mills explained how God helped Joshua meet the enormous challenge of leading His people into their Promised Land.

“You do not travel alone, but always with God – The One who gives you His Strength for whatever it is that is before you,” said Rev. Mills.  He encouraged Dave and his wife Cathy to follow Joshua 1:9 by being strong and courageous, emphasizing:

• Hold on to the Lord’s promise everywhere your journey takes you
• God will be with you wherever you go
• God will bring you through challenges and difficulties that you encounter
• God will give you a never-ending supply of his strength and courage

Rev. Frey spoke from Psalm 23, outlining the characteristics of God -- as a caring, loving, and nurturing Shepherd.

“God is our Shepherd, and we need to rely on God to guide us and provide for our needs,” said Frey. She encouraged Ed’s continual practice of prayer, reading of Scripture, and prayerful listening to discern the pattern of God’s activity and to learn how God is presenting Himself in the lives of others.

Rob Chartrand, Senior Associate Pastor at Beulah Alliance Church, Edmonton, and cbm Board member concluded the service with a prayer of commissioning.

cbm Canada invites you to join us as we continue to pray for Dave and Ed as they each move forward in their new roles.