SABBATICAL

Hi,

I am posting this here to let you all know that I have been approved to take a 3 month sabbatical leave from May 20, 2023 to September 4, 2023. I have been serving at UrbanPromise Toronto (UPT) for the past 17+ years and serving in some type of Christian ministry leadership for about 25+ years. This is a gift from UPT that I am thankfully receiving in order to step back from regular work responsibilities mainly for spiritual direction and retreat as well as rest and recreation while still receiving board-approved remuneration and benefits. If you haven't done so and feel led, I invite you to support me financially as I intentionally invest my time seeking God first and worshipping Him in this way.

I will return to my roles as Community Director with UPT, as a patch leader with MoveIn and as a basketball coach with CCYAA's Jeremy Lin Basketball School. I have an amazing team in Ayesha and Enrico at Camp Hope. Their compassion and competence make this extended time off possible. As well as our next generation of young community StreetLeaders who serve weekly...all of whom I love and miss very much.

For those who are wondering...I am not sick, quitting, getting fired, going through some theological crisis or stopped following Jesus. I have dealt with an unusual amount of loss in the past several years and my life's circumstances are growing differently.

For everyone at UPT, MoveIn, CCYAA and other collaborators, I will not be: present in the office, reading or answering work emails, attending my home church at Morningstar Christian Fellowship, doing any speaking engagements, leading workshops, etc. However, if you see me at some event, restaurant, cafe, beach, gym, basketball court, longboarding, online or offline...don't hesitate to reach out or greet me.

I am just resting from work, not from relationships.

I will still be residing in Oakridge, Scarborough but going away to Great Wolf Lodge, Silver Haven Retreat and California. You can expect me to be at 2023 CCYAA Celebrity Classic presented by Google Pixel, Muay Thai Fest Toronto 2023 and Fan Expo Canada.

Chantelle and I are growing a lot spiritually as we have recently found a local fellowship in Waverley Road Baptist Church. We have been going through some devotionals called 'Experiencing God - Knowing and Doing the Will of God' by The Blackaby family and 'The Marriage Course' by Alpha. The church already knows us and are aware that I am not looking to get involved in their ministries but it will give us some spiritual nourishment, healthy routines and stability as we pursue godliness.

I'm taking a page from someone who is also on their first ever Sabbatical by posting all of this. We're all learning as we go and the reality is that each church and ministry handles sabbaticals differently. For more information, please visit this LINK. Thankful to God for your continued prayers and support. God bless.