Greetings from Winnipeg

Summer Sun

Having already enjoyed many warm (and even hot) days, we are excited to have summer well on it’s way! The past few months since our last update have flown by and we are eager to enjoy the warm weather and enjoyable summer plans. For our family, this summer promises lots of enjoyment, especially with family. We are thrilled that Kim’s parents will be coming all the way over from Australia to spend a good portion of the summer with us (and most especially, with their grandchild, Micah). We even have a road trip to Colorado planned! We’re also going to be enjoying a big family gathering in Rainy River. We hope your summer promises as much fun!

Peace & Justice Internship Finishes

Our third Peace & Justice Internship recently finished and, as it has before, it was a wonderful success on so many levels. We had three women participate in the program- a young woman from Portage la Prairie, a member of our YWAM staff and a woman from our church, Little Flowers Community. The three were so very different, it was hard to imagine how they would gel, yet they formed a tight community that embraced the training and vision of the program with zeal. This program, which we developed a few years ago, continues to develop, surprising

us with it’s impact on all involved. Whether they remain in our community or go elsewhere, we are confident the interns will take God’s passion (and compassion) for peace & justice with them.

While almost a year away from our next program, we are already preparing and improving the program. Should you know anyone who might benefit from participating in the program, send them our way or tell them to check out our website at www.ywamwinnipeg.com

Jamie’s Sabbatical Begins!

As of June 1, Jamie has been on his long-awaited and much needed sabbatical. After launching his book (“Vulnerable Faith”) at the wonderful new Marpeck Commons at Canadian Mennonite University, he has made that space his retreat for writing most mornings. In the few weeks already he has found time and space to rest, to write and to re-examine his roles as we move towards the future. He has even written several articles and a chapter for a new book of essays. His hope is to write at least one book in the coming year, but his main focus is on rest and healing as he addresses the challenges of his Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Your continued prayer and support during this time is greatly appreciated. During this time, Kim continues to serve full-time as YWAM’s director, so the work goes on!Micah

While challenging Micah to follow through with something, he said he would try. So Jamie pulled some Jedi wisdom:

"Do or do not. There is no try."

"Great," he replied, "I choose 'do not'".#schooledbymyson.

Micah 6:8 Do Justice. Love Mercy. Walk Humbly.

www.arpin-ricci.com director@ywamwinnipeg.com445 Furby St. Winnipeg, MB R3B 2V7

Adoption Update Unfortunately, further delays have slowed our second adoption again. While we knew this was likely (as Micah’s adoption had years added to the process due to delays), it is still discouraging. However, we are trusting God that His timing will be perfect for us and the child who will eventually join our family. In the interim, we will continue to prepare ourselves for his arrival, saving for the mounting expenses and continue to pray for the process. Please join us in those prayers, as we need all the support we can get.

Little Flowers Community & Chiara House As Jamie starts his sabbatical, it impacts Little Flowers Community the most, as he has been serving as the full-time pastor since we planted the church many years ago. However, the other leaders (including Kim) have already taken up his responsibilities and carried the ministry forward. Jamie will not be attending Little Flowers for the first three months of his sabbatical, visiting other churches. After that, he will return to the church, but only as an attendee for the remainder of his time off. In addition to giving Jamie time to recharge and redefine his future roles in the church, it has been a wonderful opportunity for other leaders to rise up and develop their gifts and strengths.

Our housing ministry at Chiara House has continued to draw interest for many who would like to share life in the supportive and affordable community. However, the stability it offers means that there is not much turn over. This has inspired us to call for others Christians to meet this need in helping provide stable, affordable and dignified housing in our inner city neighbourhood. We have learned that housing is one of the single most impacting dynamics to a persons ability to stabilize (i.e. economically, mental health, etc.), to develop healthy relationships and be able to engage in the transforming life that God offers in His church. Our dream is to see this model multiplied more and more in the future.

We’d love to hear your summer plans. Hopefully we will get to visit some of you over the summer. As always, thank you for your prayer and financial support. God bless!

Peace,Jamie, Kim & Micah

MICAH Many of you read (and enjoyed hearing) about how amused Micah was when he learned that the cover openings in the s t r e e t w e r e c a l l e d "manholes" (snicker).

Yesterday, as we were walking, he spotted one and said:

"Hey Dad, look! One of those... what are they c a l l e d a g a i n ? Buttholes!"He was dead serious and I lost it.

#funnywithouttrying

www.arpin-ricci.com director@ywamwinnipeg.com445 Furby St. Winnipeg, MB R3B 2V7