People of South Delta…in solidarity…I am with you! If you've never met me before, my name is Grant Fredrickson, and I am your missionary to Salt Spring Island, just across the pond! Not since the SDBC Office video series (circa late 2000s), have I been so excited to participate in something that South Delta shares online! And if you've seen those videos, it should be obvious that I'm much more excited to write this missions report!
In truth, I have struggled with what to write. I was tempted to use this opportunity to finally clarify many of the stories that Pastor Jordan has used in his sermons over the years (from his youth group days), that may or may not be completely exaggerated! But alas, I chose the high ground, and focused on bringing God glory for how he is at work on Salt Spring, rather than seek revenge…at least for the moment!
On a more serious note, SDBC is where I first put my faith in Jesus in 1986. It is the primary place where I was discipled as a new believer. It is the church family that God first called me to for vocational ministry, and is the church that in many ways, I still consider to be my home church. I am regularly grateful to the Lord for how he has used the people of South Delta to help shape and form me as a disciple of Jesus. And now, also for the amazing support you offer as God has called me to Salt Spring Island as a missionary/pastor. Also, a shout out to the Global Missions Team. They have done a wonderful job of making me feel supported and cared for!
There are so many things I could share in this report of what the Lord is doing, but I’ll focus on the area that is currently occupying much of my time in March. Keeping with the ministry that South Delta started in 1998 and continued every year until 2019, I am hosting and partnering with mission teams from churches all across Canada. A youth team from Emmanuel Baptist Church in Vernon arrived Saturday March 14th and is serving until Friday March 20th (the photo above is from last year's Emmanuel Baptist Youth Team). They will be followed closely by a youth team from Varsity Bible church in Calgary, from March 22nd to March 27th. Both teams do volunteer work for people and organizations in the community, as well as special ministry events geared to love and serve people. For example, I have had about 45 requests for help this week for the Emmanuel Youth team, which has completely filled their time. Besides hosting and coordinating each team, I also follow up the seeds that God plants, and continue to build relationships with people in the community. We are also doing two family days in partnership with the Salt Spring Community Gospel Chapel church that feature inflatable rides, games, popcorn, cotton candy, and a light lunch. All of this is free so that parents can have a break and relax over spring break. The youth also led worship in church last Sunday. By the time Varsity Bible youth leave at the end of next week, we will have had the chance to help about 90-95 families and non-profits on Salt Spring. Last year, the Lord brought four teams that I could host. All four are returning this year, with one possible new team this summer. I'm asking the Lord to provide seven teams annually, that are spread out over the year, as a way to serve the island.
Please be praying for us over the two weeks of spring break. Pray that God would lead, equip, and use us for his kingdom purposes. Also, if you can mark it on the calendar, please be in prayer for the next team to arrive, which is a young adult team from a church in Orangeville, ON, serving from May 11th to 18th. If you would like to receive the occasional ministry update, send your preferred email to me at and I'll add you to my Mailchimp e-newsletter list. Much love and many hugs!
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