We recently crossed the threshold of seven years on the field. Where has the time gone? Thank you for being a part of reaching souls in the Greater Toronto Area. You are a huge blessing to be so faithful all of these years.

In July, our church was able to conduct our own Family Camp. It was a great three days of fun, fellowship, and convicting preaching. We were split into two teams (Salt and Light) and challenged to memorize verses, win Sword drills, and win games together. My favourite part of the entire camp was encouraging people who started out saying, “I can’t memorize those verses; I’m not good at that sort of thing,” and then seeing them actually memorize the very verses they didn’t think they could memorize. My team didn’t win, but I saw people grow right before my eyes. That’s what I call a win!

A few days later, Liz and I got away for our 18th wedding anniversary! As is our custom, we went to a town we’d never heard of and went on a relaxing exploration. After a busy week at camp, we maxed out on R&R and had the best time exploring Rondeau Provincial Park and the surrounding community. Counting our dating years, Liz and I have known each other for 21 years. I can honestly say it’s been a match made in Heaven because only God knew how much we would need each other.

July also included our annual FBC Hammond Youth Conference Watch Party. This has become a favourite among our young people, as we always pair watching the preaching with some sort of activity. This year it was bowling. God touched the hearts of our youth once again this year, with one young man getting the assurance of his salvation and another getting some much-needed help clearing up confusion about his salvation.

In August, our church went to help another church in Orangeville, Ontario. We took over 30 people to go soul winning and pass out flyers for their church. It was a great time, and the church was getting calls from interested folks as early as a day later. Independent Baptist churches here in Canada really look out for each other and stick very closely together.

Our last big event was the annual Vacation Bible School and Teen Event. It’s put on by Cornerstone Baptist Church of Newmarket, Ontario. The VBS had a record year, with over 100 kids in attendance. Later in the week, I got to lead a little boy to Jesus, who raised his hand for salvation during the invitation. It was so neat seeing his simple faith reach out for Jesus. That’s what it’s all about! Amen?! We also had 2 new teenagers join us for the Teen Event. Both are friends of one of our young men who’s been growing a lot over the past few years. He’s been making positive changes for God, including trying to reach his friends with the Gospel. Alex and Ethan joined us several times, and both got to hear convicting Gospel messages each time. Pray for their salvation.

Pray for me as I go to a National Pastors’ Conference in September. I want God to continue to work in my heart. In October, we will have our annual Thanksgiving Outreach, so please pray that many more souls will be reached through this endeavor.

Pressing toward the mark,

Brian and Liz Hebert