April 2023
Dear Innercity Intercessors,
Where has the time gone!? Already we are entering the second quarter of 2023. -in my mind, I am still somewhere back to the early days of the year. But, no! Snow is becoming a memory, clocks have leaped forward and this month we will celebrate with great joy the resurrection of our Lord.
However, while I may be having trouble keeping up, there is much to be thankful for over the past three months -
After a couple of years of decline in numbers as a result of COVID, youth are returning and new youth are joining our Innercity Arts program in record numbers. Staff and volunteers are excited by these new opportunities to come alongside these young people with the goal of making a difference to their lives In January, for the first time in three years, our Street Friends were able to sit with friends and family and enjoy a Turkey Dinner with all the trimmings at our Christmas meal! Up until then, only take-out could be offered.
Staff and volunteers were delighted to be able to reconnect with old friends. Our Street Friends, in turn, expressed their gratitude in multiple ways, including a hand-written message of thanks on a lightly-used napkin.
Our new winterwear service has been a great success. It provides our street friends with opportunities to browse, try on and take away warm winter outerwear and spend a little time in relationship, and sometimes in prayer, with the staff and volunteers serving them. This new initiative will wind down once the weather warms but plans are already underway for a relaunch in the Fall.
Even with number of homeless increasing, our red-vested teams have remained steadfast and able to deliver much appreciated sandwiches, beverages and other necessities nightly regardless of the weather. Their greatest joy on these walks comes from conversations and times of prayer, often initiated by their Street Friends.
Yes, there is much to thank God for over the past three months - and onward to the next three and beyond.
And we thank you for your prayers for us, our work and for those on the streets, vulnerable and alone. May you have a blessed Easter and be renewed by the Hope promised by the resurrection.
Bless,
Margo Dewar
Managing Director
391 Gladstone Ave. Ottawa, ON K2P OY9
(613)237-6031 • ottawainnercity@rogers.com • www.ottawainnercityministries.ca
