Childhood Influence

At 12 years old I moved. Moved to what would be the most formative place, the country. Raising sheep and weeding vegetables taught me perseverance, but it was the neighbours the friends that meant the most. My family moved to the county to a farm we called Patmos, after the rock of Peter's desolation and revelation. We moved with 5 other families from the city, and from our church. We were to live in a community, built around a prophetic dream that has yet to be realized.

Despite our parents religious idealism something was caught by us kids who played hide and go seek most summer nights till it was well past our bedtimes. The thing we caught was friendship, sharing, living with blurred lines of family. Today I share nephews and nieces with my best highschool friends, because of the strength of these friendships. The strength of that group of people has been what has launched the majority of us into ministry. Most importantly it has influenced the way we think of the place we live, the people we meet, those we call our friends.

When I read Bonnehoeffer's book LIFE TOGETHER, I realized that we were meant for something much different than our typical work/neighbourhood communities offer. Community is only realized as we life for, with and to God. Everything else falls short. For me friendship is not about proximity, but about the ongoing attitude of my heart to bless and desire the best for the people God allows me to bump into. I suppose this may be the fulfilment of my parents idealism, maybe it is the beginning of my own.

Resume

Education

Masters of Theology Studies
Wycliffe College, University of Toronto,
Thesis: An in depth analysis of the theology and practice of the Short Term Mission
Movement and its importance in the scheme of the Global Christian Mission

Honours B.Sc (Agr) in Environmental Biology
University of Guelph

Thesis: A scientific study to determine the ability of Galerucella sp to
complete it's life cycle on Purple Loosestrife (an invasive foreign plant) in flooded conditions.


Work Experience

Development
I have spent much of my adult life working on projects for sustainable development. Networking needs with resources and taking an active role in creating positive change. This desire to make a difference has led me to live amongst the poorest peoples of the world. I have also been involved locally in advocating and marketing fairly traded products like Equator FairTrade Coffee, and in organizing life changing opportunities for disadvantaged children.

Agriculture Development and Training Parntership of VisionLedd and PAOC
In 2002 I moved to Kitwe Zambia to help develop 50 Ha around the Tran Africa Theological College and Village of Hope. Part of the task was developing a farm plan and education program to train pastors in basic agriculture principals and techniques. 2002

World Vision Intern World Vision Canada, Guatemala
El Tule, Chicimula, Guatemala is a center for agriculture training for all of Guatemala. There I learned organic agricultural techniques, and acted as a program developer and liaison with World Vision Canada building strategic funding partnerships. 1998

Computer Teacher Yonge Street Mission
Fall/Winter 2002 I worked as a computer skills teacher helping disadvantaged and immigrant children computer skills and web building. 2003




Business and Agriculture
I enjoy the thrill of creating, whether it is in business, or Christian ministry and have been involved in several entrepreneurial projects. Applying my agricultural background has led me to initiate agricultural businesses in Canada and Zambia. I have also had a variety of agricultural learning and business environments both inside and outside of Canada.

Organic Market Gardening Patmos Farm Organic Vegetables and Produce
I operated a 5 acre market garden, established a weekly customer base and CSA, was responsible for planning and implementation of all aspects of the business: market research, planting, sales, marketing, insect control. 1995-6

Farm Plan Development. TransAfrica Theological College, Kitwe Zambia.
I developed a plan to allow the college to produce its own food stores. This project included everything from research of products and markets to implementation, advanced problem solving. 2002

Pest Management Scout Ontario Ministry of Agriculture,
I monitored orchards and berry farms in Eastern Ontario for Provincial Pest monitoring program. This involved answering homeowner's questions regarding horticultural related problems and diagnosis of pest related problems. I also participated in Bt. Corn trials 1996

Vegetation Management Ontario Ministry of Transportation,
I Participated in Biological Control programs for Purple Loosestrife and Cyprus Spurge. This included insect releases, writing of public fact sheets and republication of pesticide and MSDS manual. 1995


Education and Leadership Development

Lead Pastor Vineyard Community Church Kitchener, ON
Consistent teaching, creative outreach and a simply lived theology were a part of my 3 years as lead pastor at Vineyard Community Church. 2003-2006

Bible College Instructor. Trans-Africa Theological College, Kitwe Zambia.
Teaching bible college students in Kitwe. I taught a course in Apologetics, Missions, and designed a course in Agriculture. 2002

Youth Pastor, Guelph Vineyard Church.
At Guelph, I worked extensively at mentoring young leaders and developing student leadership programs. I also focused on interdenominational and outreach opportunities. A highlight was organizing a cross-cultural trip to Zambia. Duties included, planning activities, counseling, mentoring, and public speaking. 1998-2002

Substitute Teacher
I frequently substitute taught 2001-2005 a variety of courses at Woodland Christian High School and Laurentian Christian School.

Outdoor Education, Ontario Pioneer Camp
As an Education Facilitator my outdoor and agriculture experience provided a platform to facilitate groups of up to 150 students aged 10-18. I taught programs in: mountain biking, low ropes, wetlands studies, skiing, winter survival and many other outdoor programs. 1995-1996




Acquired Skills

Facilitation- Facilitation of Groups Large and Small is perhaps one of my best-formed skills. I have also been a part of formal training through Eagle’s Flight programs and several seminars. Facilitation was a key component all my Christian leadership and Teaching experiences.

Proposal/program Development- At World Vision Guatemala I wrote development proposals for implementation of Canadian Funded programs, many of which where successfully completed. In Guatemala I also wrote a submission to the Dubai International Practices Awards of behalf of World Vision Canada. I consider proposal development as the foundation for the businesses I have started. In Guelph I worked closely with a group that lobbied the community and Government in order to develop a Youth Drop in Center. At Eagle’s Flight I saw how they developed new training material, and participated in both alpha and beta program tests.




Extra-Curricular Activities And Interests

Outdoor Recreation extensive canoe trip experience including: Missinabi River, Temagami. Hiking experience includes the West Coast Trail (B.C.) and Grand Bend National Park (Texas) other interests: sailing, white water rafting.

Travel- My wife and I love to see the world. She grew up in Israel and together we have traveled to Africa, England, Ireland, and in 2002 we took the local bus to see Zimbabwe. We have both spent significant time living overseas. My most significant experience was living in a small Guatemalan village for 5 months. I have done extensive research in the travel and adventure travel industry. A life goal is to do an eco-adventure.

Health and Fitness I am personally committed to remaining healthy and fit enjoy activities such as cross country skiing, swimming and other outdoor activities like canoeing and camping. In 2000 Kate and I ran the Toronto International Marathon and in 2001 the Niagara Falls relay marathon.