A Compelling Need

Faces Canada today is a nation of approximately 33 million people—a diverse population that is often called the world’s truest “mosaic” of nationalities. As we celebrate the richness of this mosaic we must also remember that there is one need uniting all Canadians—the need to know Jesus Christ. In a secular society like ours where privacy is highly valued, it is less and less likely that the majority of people in Canada will come into contact with the Gospel of Christ as they go about their lives.

Accessibility to the Gospel is one of the key needs guiding our concerns. But there is also the undeniably rapid secularization of our nation. The receding influence of the Gospel in the public square has changed our nation deeply. When one understands the true state of our society and grasps the true spiritual condition of our nation, the urgency of the need is undeniable. Consider the importance and significance of these 10 sobering realities...

As Canada becomes increasingly secular, religious freedoms—particularly with respect to Christianity—are eroding.
A growing majority of Canadians have a very limited knowledge of the Bible and little or no understanding of the Gospel.
A shrinking percentage of Canadians regularly attend a living faith church.
Churches and Christian organizations in Canada are making minimal progress in their effort to communicate directly and effectively with non-believers.
There are not enough Christians practicing lifestyle evangelism to ensure that everyone in Canada can be reached with a clear presentation of the Gospel.
A sizable percentage of Canadians are reluctant to visit a church full of strangers.
In most churches, very little is budgeted to ensure that the Gospel is repeatedly and clearly communicated to every home within the immediate community, much less to homes across the nation.
Concerns about the violation of personal privacy have made many Christians reluctant to reach out to others with the Gospel.
The truth of Jesus Christ must be communicated in a way that is clear but not offensive and creative but not deceptive. Such communication must afford the opportunity to receive the message, reflect upon it, be convicted of its truth by the Holy Spirit and then respond.
Once a person responds, it is imperative that they receive immediate attention, spiritual direction and encouragement to become a follower of Christ.

Peace Tower Although Canada is blessed with over 20,000 churches, much of their influence is waning. The average man, woman or young person in Canada is biblically illiterate. Millions in our country have never received a clear, cogent presentation of the Gospel. The Good News of eternal life in Jesus Christ has yet to reach their eyes and ears and hearts. Countless Canadians are dying every day without Christ and without hope.

Something must be done to meet this compelling need! People across Canada must hear the message of Christ’s love and redeeming grace. That is the driving purpose behind a bold new initiative called MISSION 33.