We know this time of year can be tough on the email inbox. First comes the plethora of Black Friday deals (Black Friday is really a month long now isn’t it!). Then, Cyber Monday beckons us to buy some new technology. Then, finally, today, is Giving Tuesday. Although this day is definitely a welcomed change from the overwhelming "buy this!" message, we know that it can still feel like just another day devoted to thinking about money.
That is why this year we wanted to do something a little different. Today we want to send a big “thanks!” to our community! Maybe we can call it a “Thanksgiving Tuesday”. God has blessed us for over fifty years and we are so thankful for that. We are also so thankful for the way he has used people like you to support this school and the hundreds of students who have passed through its doors. So, this year, we want to celebrate that.
One of the ways we want to give back is to let you know about a few of the people you have directly helped through your support of Mount Carmel. We caught up with two of our alumni from last year to ask them what a year at Mount Carmel meant to them, and how the school helped them get to where they are today. We hope that hearing a bit of the impact Carmel has had on them will be an encouragement to you!
I am working at Eagle’s Nest Ministry Centre outside of High Level. I really have to say God led me here. During our Northern Alberta trip I learned about an opportunity to work in the summer for Eagle’s Nest which peaked my interest. I fully intended to come back to Edmonton, to my community of family and friends. I have moved many times and finally was starting to feel like I was putting down roots. However, during the summer I was offered a job to stay and work as a community outreach worker. It felt like God was opening a door. Since then, there have been many times that I questioned whether this was a good decision and if it was actually what God wanted for me. Yet, time and time again, I hear Him say, “Just wait. Stick with me”. This doesn’t mean there has not been times of doubt or difficulty but, in the midst of this, I have experienced a lot of gratitude for where I am.
There have been some slow moments for sure, waiting for things to be set up in communities and with funding. However, December looks to be very busy. We are preparing and delivering candy bags to the surrounding communities. We also will be making hampers and helping with various community dinners and Christmas celebrations. After Christmas we will start running kids clubs in the communities of John D'or Prairie and South Tall Cree.
One of the biggest things is that it helped me learn how to love people better, to try and love as Christ loves us. For one of my volunteer placements last year I was at “The Cellar”, a Youth Unlimited Drop-In Center. This placement really taught me to listen well and to seek to understand others, to try and put myself in their shoes. It helped me see how everyone, despite our differences, is created in the image of God. It helped me step outside of myself and called me to submit to where God wants me, even if it’s not necessarily where I want to be in the moment. It has helped me see how we are all equal at the foot of the cross and how Jesus is for everyone.
Practically it also helped me know the Bible better which has helped me teach others better. I have been a Christian most of my life, but Carmel gave me the knowledge and confidence to live out my faith.
Thanks for allowing Carmel to continue being a space for young adults to ask questions and gain experiences. For me it was a place of healing, a place to invite others into my life and to share my story. It was a place to learn. I felt like summer camp broke the ground for my faith on which Carmel then built a foundation. Now I am trying to ‘build the house’, to keep expanding on what I have. I want to thank everyone for supporting that and giving people like me a space to figure things out.
I’m working as an Outreach Worker at Tegler Youth Drop-In, a centre run by the Hope Mission. I honestly just heard about the job opportunity this summer and applied. I enjoy working with youth, and have volunteered in youth ministry before. I also want to become a junior high or high school teacher and this seemed like a great way to build skills.
My job consists mainly of running after-school programs/clubs. The mornings are spent prepping and cleaning for all the kids that come in the afternoon. I run the basketball club, skateboard club, and a small group. We also have music and art programs, as well as Bible studies. Even though I started the job not knowing how to skateboard, I’ve learned quite a bit since being here. Ask me about my new tricks!
Carmel definitely helped me realize that service is not about me but rather sacrificing for others. For my Impact placements I volunteered at a local elementary school as well as St. Albert Alliance Youth Group. Both places helped me learn how to better care for kids/youth and how to be a better support to them.
It was great, I got to know my classmates so well! A large part of this is just because we spent so much time together. Now, even though we don’t see each other every day, we still encourage each other and want what is best for one another. It is great knowing there are people to lean on or to reach out to when I need help. We run a Bible study together now, and I am roommates with two of my classmates.
I really appreciate how the school is affordable! It’s a great place to learn skills for real life, and to learn how to balance school, work, service and relationships. It really teaches you how to live out your life as a Christian surrounded by a supportive community.
