The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel, which means "God with us."

As we approach this joyous time of year called Christmas let us consider the blessings of the past months, but also take hold of the opportunity to proclaim publically the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. At Christmas many around us, including family members and friends, are more receptive to what this season is truly about. There seems to be a desire in many to seek more than what the world has to offer, as they know that material pleasures do not give lasting joy. True joy and peace, can only be found in Christ and Christ alone and not in the trappings of this world. Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the family gatherings, decorations, gifts, the carols and oh yes the food. They are important for we are to enjoy what the Lord has blessed us with but they can never be a substitute for a personal relationship with Him.

As some of you may know, Ruth and I joined the CSSM family a short time ago. We have been so touched by the support and encouragement that many have shown us since our coming on board. In case you may not know, I have the privilege of being the new National Director of this honourable ministry. As you read on you will have the oppor- tunity of learning a bit more about how the Lord has worked in our lives. Before going in that direction, I wanted to mention that, as I write this letter I am in the process of reading an excellent book entitled Explosion of the Ordinary, The On-going Story of the Canadian Sunday School Mission. If you have not read this book outlining the history of CSSM I would encourage you to do so.

What challenged me most about this book is the dedication and passion the founders, and those that followed in their footsteps had in seeing children saved and nurtured through the work of CSSM. I believe it is important for us today to constantly seek that same desire & drive in seeing the Gospel proclaimed to those in need, to go beyond the ordinary and reach out to those around us as well as those in areas in Canada that have no strong witness. CSSM has a strong history of doing just that and is in an excellent position to continue to do so in the future.

There is a poem in the book written by Rev. Hunter, the founder of CSSM. This poem shows the passion that he and others involved in the ministry had for lost souls.

“May your burden for souls going into an eternity, O anguish and shame, make you forget the broken cisterns of earthly pleasure-A burden so real that the Lost will feel it; so contagious that it will break out like prairie fires wherever you go. Then the deep abiding joy of Fellowship with Him Who gave His life, His all, will Fill your life; and nothing else will matter.” J. Lloyd Hunter

Today this same passion for souls is shown in the mission statement of CSSM. “The purpose of the Canadian Sunday School Mission is to present and promote the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, pri- marily to the otherwise unreached in Canada, to the end that the lost shall be evangelized, and that Christian believers shall be taught and strength- ened in the faith”.

As I mentioned before, I thought I would give you somewhat of a history of our spiritual journey. We are a testimony of how sinners are saved and lead by the Grace of God.

I (Scott) was born into an unsaved family. It was at

Past Present and Futureby Scott Kelusky, National Director

a Bible camp started by “Uncle” Doug (my father’s cousin) that I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Savior when I was 12. Later in our lives we would work at this camp and be “commended” to the Lord’s work through the chapel beside the camp (with the “Brethren Assemblies” ).

Growing up after my salvation was a difficult time, in that it was hard living for my Savior in an un- saved home. I do clearly remember feeling the presence of the Lord during this time. Looking back, I see how He had His hand of protection on me through these years as I was not living a very good life.

When I was in my early twenties, the Lord brought into my life a beautiful saved woman who became my wife in 1976. Ruth was born into a traditional church family and accepted the Lord as her Savior in grade 5 through the ministry of the “Gideons”.During our engagement I remember praying to the Lord saying how I wanted to serve Him in some

kind of ministry. Through a number of different events the Lord led us into buying a Christian Bookstore. Up to this time Ruth and I were living Christian lives that were not very strong in the

continued on back page...

evangelical sense. It was through the business at the bookstore that the Lord led into our lives a strong Bible teaching pastor from an evangelical church. He answered many of the questions we had about adult baptism and living the Christian life. In 1983, Through his ministry we were baptized and rededicated our lives to the Lord’s service.

From that time on we have been involved in many different evangelical ministries and Bible camps. It has been rewarding and enjoyable but not without its challenges. Ruth also home schooled our 4 children. Since I started in ministry, I have also

...continued from front page

preached and taught in different churches and camps and find this a great joy. Ruth, in addition, has been involved in speaking at ladies’ meetings and hosting retreats and conferences.

Looking back over the past years we can see how the Lord has lead us to this time in our lives. Joining the CSSM family is both humbling and rewarding.

Yes, it’s only through the mercy and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ that we are saved and have a place forever with Him. To God be the glory for all that He has done in our lives.

Here at CSSM, we are excited and encouraged by the many success stories in this mission over the past year. We know that as 2009 unfolds there will be many more for we serve an awesome God. This ministry has been blessed by many faithful support- ers. The part each plays, both in prayer, financial, and physical help, greatly contributes to the overall strength of the Lord’s work here. To each of you CSSM extends a heart-felt “THANK YOU” and wish for you and your family a blessed Christ -centered Christmas and New Year.

The “Jet Plate” has landed and is now producing images onto our printing plates from a digital format. This long awaited miracle arrived the last week of Oct. It took several days for the technician to put it together and calibrate the various functions and printers that come with the system.

This equipment allows us to keep printing as the support for the system we had been using was quickly drying up. We are pleased to announce that when the entire system had been set up and running, enough money had come in to cover the price and taxes of the machine and the renovation expenses incurred to make room for the Jet Plate system. Now if I could only remember all the details involved with running it!!!

New Equipmentby Fred Penner, Printer

It is a privilege to be part of the ministry of Canadian Sunday School Mission and I believe the Lord led me here. My work at the front desk of the National Office is interesting and enjoyable, as I commu- nicate with people across the country.

For many years I was employed as Assistant to the Registrar at Providence College. I was able to take courses there, but I received most of my Bible School training at Steinbach Bible Institute (College) and Briercrest Bible Institute (College).

Fourteen years ago I married a widower, David Froese, and moved to his farm near Sperling, MB.

The “package” included four daughters and one son- in-law. We now have another son-in-law and three adorable grandchildren! My life has been richly blessed by joining Dave and his family. Dave and I moved to Winnipeg five years ago and attend Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church.

Sylvia FroeseAdministrative Assistant

I am so pleased to have joined the CSSM Family as the Accountant here at the National Office.

This opportunity to contribute to a Christ-centred organization has been an answer to prayer. Praise God for His abundant blessings! My office hours are 9am-3pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. I am

also available via e-mail anytime at twills@cssm.ca. My husband, Brian, and I moved to Winnipeg in August, 2007 from Whitecourt, Alberta, although we are originally from B.C. We have 4 children, Kimberly (10), Jared (8), Gavin (6) and Nathan (4). We were members of the Alliance Church in White- court, and since moving to Winnipeg, have been attending Springs Church. I left the work force in 2000 to better care for my family so it has been quite an adjustment returning to work outside our home. I’m thankful for the support I have received, both from my family and from CSSM Ministries.

Tannis WillsCertified General Accountant

ANNUAL BANQUET - Saturday, February 7, 2009Please join us at 6:00 pm at Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church, 500 Lagimodiere Blvd.

Tickets are complimentary, but reservations are required. Please call our office at (204) 667-8207 if you are planning to attend.

PLEASE NOTENew full-time missionaries

needed for the expanding ministry of CSSM. Please contact the

National Office for more info:189 Henderson Hwy., Wpg, MB R2L 1L7

(204) 667-8207

An evening of information & inspiration!

“Christmas Blessings”From National Office!May you enjoy great fellowship

with family & friends!

NEW FACES

A warm welcome intothe CSSM family!

May God bless you as youserve Him faithfully.

TOM & JEWELL COLLEYBonanza Chapel, AB

JAKE & MARTHA FRIESENGimli Bible Camp, MB

SYLVIA FROESENational Office, MB

RICHARD & KRISTY FRIESENBlue Bronna, AB

GEOF & ROSSANNE HYDEBlue Bronna, AB

Beginning on the Tuesday evening and going through till the Friday night 18 missionaries had opportunity to gain a better understanding of how the Lord has and is working in the lives of people through the ministry of CSSM.

New missionaries that attended this year’s orientation were blessed with an excellent time of instruction and fellowship. There were also a number of times set aside for prayer and worship which helped to rein- force our dependence on an awesome God. Cliff Pedersen, branch director for Alberta, along with his wife, Gloria, did a super job of organizing and hosting the event which was held at Camp Silversides. The camp, located in Alberta, was nestled in beautiful surroundings and had excellent facilities. The delicious food, prepared and served by the King family (photo on next page, top right), also went a long way in contributing to a successful orientation.

The orientation wrap-up included a beautiful banquet followed by the presentation of certificates and pins to the missionaries by their respective branch director. During the evening celebrations, there was also a wonderful time of worship & prayer followed by the observance of the Lord’s Table.

Richard & Kristy Friesen, Blue Bronna Wilderness Camp -“Missionary Orientation was a great opportunity to connect with the CSSM as a whole. Now we see ourselves as part of a bigger community/family.”

Gil & Andrea Kidd, Nordegg Church -“We really felt the leading of the Holy Spirit this week through the people at this conference. We felt the warmth, love and encouragement of the candidates and leaders. This time has been a vehicle for the Holy Spirit to show us the next steps in our lives. The care and love of the National Director and Regional Directors for this ministry, was very evident. The emphasis on prayer was a heartwarming experience.

Orientation Overview

JEFF & AMANDA PENNERCamp Silversides, AB

DAVE & JAN THIESSENRanger Lake, SK

Branch Director’s Meeting - Post Missionary Orientation

JONATHAN & ALLISON LORENTZEN Joy Chapel, AB

GIL & ANDREA KIDDNordegg Church, AB

SCOTT KELUSKYNational Office, MB

Jake & Martha FriesenGimli Bible Camp

“This week was a great experience. The sessions were very informative and we learned a lot about the larger community of CSSM. The prayer times and fellowship were a tremendous blessing to us. We feel we are part of a large family, doing this ministry together.”

Jonathan & Allison LorentzenJoy Chapel

“Missionary Orientation was a good time of fellow- ship and getting to know the other candidates. It was nice to see the big picture of CSSM. It was great to have the Alberta Board present for the banquet and last session. We also enjoyed the wonderful food provided by the King family!”

Dave & Jan ThiessenRanger Lake Bible Camp

“It is exciting to see the passion that the candidates feel about the importance of prayer and the impact that has on the ministry. It is also exciting to see the candidates whose passion is to see children’s lives changed for Jesus Christ. It was great to meet Scott and to see CSSM grow.”

On Nov. 3, eight men came together for two days of meetings at Camp Silversides. This group consisted of branch directors from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Quebec and the Atlantic region. A representative from the British Columbia Council, the National Executive and the National Office were also in attendance.

These meetings occur generally 2-3 times a year and result in an excellent time of prayer, personal interaction, discussion and brain storming on issues that affect the practical

day to day ministry of CSSM. These directors carry a big load in managing the operations of the various ministries in their respective regions. Coming together as peers helps and encourages them in these tasks. CSSM is blessed to have these dedicated, caring directors who need our prayers and support as they serve the Lord.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your past support and do humbly request that you please continue supporting the on going commitments of CSSM Ministries to see souls saved and strengthened for Christ in Canada. Without taking away the importance of the different ministries of CSSM we would like you to also be aware of the ongoing financial needs of our National office. In closing please note that as important as your financial gift is we here at CSSM do cherish far more your prayers as we go about fulfilling the Great Commission of our Lord and Savior.

A warm welcome intothe CSSM family!

May God bless you as youserve Him faithfully.

TOM & JEWELL COLLEYBonanza Chapel, AB

JAKE & MARTHA FRIESENGimli Bible Camp, MB

SYLVIA FROESENational Office, MB

RICHARD & KRISTY FRIESENBlue Bronna, AB

GEOF & ROSSANNE HYDEBlue Bronna, AB

Beginning on the Tuesday evening and going through till the Friday night 18 missionaries had opportunity to gain a better understanding of how the Lord has and is working in the lives of people through the ministry of CSSM.

New missionaries that attended this year’s orientation were blessed with an excellent time of instruction and fellowship. There were also a number of times set aside for prayer and worship which helped to rein- force our dependence on an awesome God. Cliff Pedersen, branch director for Alberta, along with his wife, Gloria, did a super job of organizing and hosting the event which was held at Camp Silversides. The camp, located in Alberta, was nestled in beautiful surroundings and had excellent facilities. The delicious food, prepared and served by the King family (photo on next page, top right), also went a long way in contributing to a successful orientation.

The orientation wrap-up included a beautiful banquet followed by the presentation of certificates and pins to the missionaries by their respective branch director. During the evening celebrations, there was also a wonderful time of worship & prayer followed by the observance of the Lord’s Table.

Richard & Kristy Friesen, Blue Bronna Wilderness Camp -“Missionary Orientation was a great opportunity to connect with the CSSM as a whole. Now we see ourselves as part of a bigger community/family.”

Gil & Andrea Kidd, Nordegg Church -“We really felt the leading of the Holy Spirit this week through the people at this conference. We felt the warmth, love and encouragement of the candidates and leaders. This time has been a vehicle for the Holy Spirit to show us the next steps in our lives. The care and love of the National Director and Regional Directors for this ministry, was very evident. The emphasis on prayer was a heartwarming experience.

Orientation Overview

JEFF & AMANDA PENNERCamp Silversides, AB

DAVE & JAN THIESSENRanger Lake, SK

Branch Director’s Meeting - Post Missionary Orientation

JONATHAN & ALLISON LORENTZEN Joy Chapel, AB

GIL & ANDREA KIDDNordegg Church, AB

SCOTT KELUSKYNational Office, MB

Jake & Martha FriesenGimli Bible Camp

“This week was a great experience. The sessions were very informative and we learned a lot about the larger community of CSSM. The prayer times and fellowship were a tremendous blessing to us. We feel we are part of a large family, doing this ministry together.”

Jonathan & Allison LorentzenJoy Chapel

“Missionary Orientation was a good time of fellow- ship and getting to know the other candidates. It was nice to see the big picture of CSSM. It was great to have the Alberta Board present for the banquet and last session. We also enjoyed the wonderful food provided by the King family!”

Dave & Jan ThiessenRanger Lake Bible Camp

“It is exciting to see the passion that the candidates feel about the importance of prayer and the impact that has on the ministry. It is also exciting to see the candidates whose passion is to see children’s lives changed for Jesus Christ. It was great to meet Scott and to see CSSM grow.”

On Nov. 3, eight men came together for two days of meetings at Camp Silversides. This group consisted of branch directors from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Quebec and the Atlantic region. A representative from the British Columbia Council, the National Executive and the National Office were also in attendance.

These meetings occur generally 2-3 times a year and result in an excellent time of prayer, personal interaction, discussion and brain storming on issues that affect the practical

day to day ministry of CSSM. These directors carry a big load in managing the operations of the various ministries in their respective regions. Coming together as peers helps and encourages them in these tasks. CSSM is blessed to have these dedicated, caring directors who need our prayers and support as they serve the Lord.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your past support and do humbly request that you please continue supporting the on going commitments of CSSM Ministries to see souls saved and strengthened for Christ in Canada. Without taking away the importance of the different ministries of CSSM we would like you to also be aware of the ongoing financial needs of our National office. In closing please note that as important as your financial gift is we here at CSSM do cherish far more your prayers as we go about fulfilling the Great Commission of our Lord and Savior.

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel, which means "God with us."

As we approach this joyous time of year called Christmas let us consider the blessings of the past months, but also take hold of the opportunity to proclaim publically the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. At Christmas many around us, including family members and friends, are more receptive to what this season is truly about. There seems to be a desire in many to seek more than what the world has to offer, as they know that material pleasures do not give lasting joy. True joy and peace, can only be found in Christ and Christ alone and not in the trappings of this world. Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the family gatherings, decorations, gifts, the carols and oh yes the food. They are important for we are to enjoy what the Lord has blessed us with but they can never be a substitute for a personal relationship with Him.

As some of you may know, Ruth and I joined the CSSM family a short time ago. We have been so touched by the support and encouragement that many have shown us since our coming on board. In case you may not know, I have the privilege of being the new National Director of this honourable ministry. As you read on you will have the oppor- tunity of learning a bit more about how the Lord has worked in our lives. Before going in that direction, I wanted to mention that, as I write this letter I am in the process of reading an excellent book entitled Explosion of the Ordinary, The On-going Story of the Canadian Sunday School Mission. If you have not read this book outlining the history of CSSM I would encourage you to do so.

What challenged me most about this book is the dedication and passion the founders, and those that followed in their footsteps had in seeing children saved and nurtured through the work of CSSM. I believe it is important for us today to constantly seek that same desire & drive in seeing the Gospel proclaimed to those in need, to go beyond the ordinary and reach out to those around us as well as those in areas in Canada that have no strong witness. CSSM has a strong history of doing just that and is in an excellent position to continue to do so in the future.

There is a poem in the book written by Rev. Hunter, the founder of CSSM. This poem shows the passion that he and others involved in the ministry had for lost souls.

“May your burden for souls going into an eternity, O anguish and shame, make you forget the broken cisterns of earthly pleasure-A burden so real that the Lost will feel it; so contagious that it will break out like prairie fires wherever you go. Then the deep abiding joy of Fellowship with Him Who gave His life, His all, will Fill your life; and nothing else will matter.” J. Lloyd Hunter

Today this same passion for souls is shown in the mission statement of CSSM. “The purpose of the Canadian Sunday School Mission is to present and promote the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, pri- marily to the otherwise unreached in Canada, to the end that the lost shall be evangelized, and that Christian believers shall be taught and strength- ened in the faith”.

As I mentioned before, I thought I would give you somewhat of a history of our spiritual journey. We are a testimony of how sinners are saved and lead by the Grace of God.

I (Scott) was born into an unsaved family. It was at

Past Present and Futureby Scott Kelusky, National Director

a Bible camp started by “Uncle” Doug (my father’s cousin) that I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Savior when I was 12. Later in our lives we would work at this camp and be “commended” to the Lord’s work through the chapel beside the camp (with the “Brethren Assemblies” ).

Growing up after my salvation was a difficult time, in that it was hard living for my Savior in an un- saved home. I do clearly remember feeling the presence of the Lord during this time. Looking back, I see how He had His hand of protection on me through these years as I was not living a very good life.

When I was in my early twenties, the Lord brought into my life a beautiful saved woman who became my wife in 1976. Ruth was born into a traditional church family and accepted the Lord as her Savior in grade 5 through the ministry of the “Gideons”.During our engagement I remember praying to the Lord saying how I wanted to serve Him in some

kind of ministry. Through a number of different events the Lord led us into buying a Christian Bookstore. Up to this time Ruth and I were living Christian lives that were not very strong in the

continued on back page...

evangelical sense. It was through the business at the bookstore that the Lord led into our lives a strong Bible teaching pastor from an evangelical church. He answered many of the questions we had about adult baptism and living the Christian life. In 1983, Through his ministry we were baptized and rededicated our lives to the Lord’s service.

From that time on we have been involved in many different evangelical ministries and Bible camps. It has been rewarding and enjoyable but not without its challenges. Ruth also home schooled our 4 children. Since I started in ministry, I have also

...continued from front page

preached and taught in different churches and camps and find this a great joy. Ruth, in addition, has been involved in speaking at ladies’ meetings and hosting retreats and conferences.

Looking back over the past years we can see how the Lord has lead us to this time in our lives. Joining the CSSM family is both humbling and rewarding.

Yes, it’s only through the mercy and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ that we are saved and have a place forever with Him. To God be the glory for all that He has done in our lives.

Here at CSSM, we are excited and encouraged by the many success stories in this mission over the past year. We know that as 2009 unfolds there will be many more for we serve an awesome God. This ministry has been blessed by many faithful support- ers. The part each plays, both in prayer, financial, and physical help, greatly contributes to the overall strength of the Lord’s work here. To each of you CSSM extends a heart-felt “THANK YOU” and wish for you and your family a blessed Christ -centered Christmas and New Year.

The “Jet Plate” has landed and is now producing images onto our printing plates from a digital format. This long awaited miracle arrived the last week of Oct. It took several days for the technician to put it together and calibrate the various functions and printers that come with the system.

This equipment allows us to keep printing as the support for the system we had been using was quickly drying up. We are pleased to announce that when the entire system had been set up and running, enough money had come in to cover the price and taxes of the machine and the renovation expenses incurred to make room for the Jet Plate system. Now if I could only remember all the details involved with running it!!!

New Equipmentby Fred Penner, Printer

It is a privilege to be part of the ministry of Canadian Sunday School Mission and I believe the Lord led me here. My work at the front desk of the National Office is interesting and enjoyable, as I commu- nicate with people across the country.

For many years I was employed as Assistant to the Registrar at Providence College. I was able to take courses there, but I received most of my Bible School training at Steinbach Bible Institute (College) and Briercrest Bible Institute (College).

Fourteen years ago I married a widower, David Froese, and moved to his farm near Sperling, MB.

The “package” included four daughters and one son- in-law. We now have another son-in-law and three adorable grandchildren! My life has been richly blessed by joining Dave and his family. Dave and I moved to Winnipeg five years ago and attend Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church.

Sylvia FroeseAdministrative Assistant

I am so pleased to have joined the CSSM Family as the Accountant here at the National Office.

This opportunity to contribute to a Christ-centred organization has been an answer to prayer. Praise God for His abundant blessings! My office hours are 9am-3pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. I am

also available via e-mail anytime at twills@cssm.ca. My husband, Brian, and I moved to Winnipeg in August, 2007 from Whitecourt, Alberta, although we are originally from B.C. We have 4 children, Kimberly (10), Jared (8), Gavin (6) and Nathan (4). We were members of the Alliance Church in White- court, and since moving to Winnipeg, have been attending Springs Church. I left the work force in 2000 to better care for my family so it has been quite an adjustment returning to work outside our home. I’m thankful for the support I have received, both from my family and from CSSM Ministries.

Tannis WillsCertified General Accountant

ANNUAL BANQUET - Saturday, February 7, 2009Please join us at 6:00 pm at Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church, 500 Lagimodiere Blvd.

Tickets are complimentary, but reservations are required. Please call our office at (204) 667-8207 if you are planning to attend.

PLEASE NOTENew full-time missionaries

needed for the expanding ministry of CSSM. Please contact the

National Office for more info:189 Henderson Hwy., Wpg, MB R2L 1L7

(204) 667-8207

An evening of information & inspiration!

“Christmas Blessings”From National Office!May you enjoy great fellowship

with family & friends!

NEW FACES