this is us...

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PRESIDENT & FOUNDER

As a young man of 19, I had an encounter with Jesus Christ that changed my life direction forever. It was then that I discovered that God is not silent, He still speaks today as He has in the past. In obedience to the voice of God, I felt a clear calling to go to India, and it was there that I came face to face with the reality of extreme poverty. I came to understand that as a Canadian, I enjoyed a standard of living that most of the world could never imagine.

As I wrestled with the reality of the human need around me, I was driven to the Bible, where I learned that God’s people are commanded to show compassion to the poor. I discovered that part of my job description, as one who claimed to be a follower of Jesus, was to care for the needs of these people 

(Matt. 25:31-36).

One experience in particular changed me. I was in Hyderabad and came into contact with a young married couple who were struggling to care for the needs of their family, and were facing a desperate situation. I prayed with them, but offered no material assistance. The next morning, God spoke forcibly to me through.

1 John 3:16 & 17

I knew John 3:16 from the time I could crawl, which emphasizes God’s love for us, but I had never considered what the apostle John says in the first of his three letters. It reads, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?”

I knew at that moment, that I had to move beyond prayer to action.  I took most of the money I had to assist that family in their need. As I did that, fear tried to grab hold of me, as I imagined myself living like a beggar on the streets of India because I had just depleted all my resources and had no apparent way of replacing them. 

What I discovered in the coming days and months is that I could not out-give my Father in Heaven, who shortly thereafter blessed me with more resources. This act began a lifetime pattern of giving to the needs of others, and then receiving a blessing myself.

As I moved out in obedience to the voice of God and invited others, who were also learning to hear to come with me, Forgotten People Connection was born. It has been our prayer that we, as Canadians, would be moved with God’s compassion for the needs of people and realize that we have been blessed, so that we can be a blessing.

VICE-PRESIDENT

Aaron has been a part of missions and leading teams for the last 26 years. He currently heads up the Mexico missions and has done so for the last 12 years. As a young boy raised on a farm in the Bruce Peninsula area of Ontario, he always loved helping others and had a heart for the poor and those in need. 

In January 2005 Aaron Farrell and his wife Kathy with their two sons Josh and Caleb left Guelph Ontario for a 6 month sabbatical with Youth With a Mission in Kona Hawaii. As a part of the program, teams were sent on outreaches throughout the Hawaiian Islands. While teams were out evangelizing, Aaron’s family was sent to serve in home construction. At first this brought great disappointment. 

Aaron was in the construction industry for 18 years and had been looking for a rest on this trip. By the end of the week the team had completed various projects on three cottages, saving the families thousands of dollars. Seeing the joy on the home owners faces and the financial impact that was made, Aaron realized for the first time he could serve in the area of missions by loving people using his hands not just his voice.

Thus began his journey into building homes and schools for poorest of the poor in the Baja of Mexico. Since then, Aaron has lived out his belief that we are all hardwired to serve people and he is always desiring to bring people along-side in his journeys.

Proverbs 31: 8-9 (NIV)

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. 

SECRETARY

Lesley has served as Secretary for the Forgotten People Connection Board since its inception. She comes from an education and medical background, Ph.D, Bsc (hons), served on numerous professional boards including Academic, Charitable and Non-profit. She has a desire to serve and advocate for the disadvantaged both locally and overseas. 

Lesley is thankful and privileged to be part of an organization that brings profound change to the lives of individuals and communities around the world. 

Lesley has served with numerous groups and ministries providing basic needs and hope to impoverished and hurting people locally in Guelph, the UK and Mexico. It was on a mission trip to an orphanage in Mexico with her preteen daughter that she first saw the life-changing impact visiting other cultures and serving in love has, not only on those receiving, but also on those stepping out to serve. 

Lesley continues to focus on bringing hope, nurture and practical aid to at risk and susceptible populations in local women's shelters and the precariously house

Jeremiah 29:11 

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

DIRECTOR

My wife Brenda and I were founding members of FPC at its conception. We wanted to be a part of a body of believers who shared the same vision and values as we did. Both Brenda and I were involved, and still are,  in reaching out to the community where we lived in Guelph. 

We collected food, clothing, and other resources to help those who were in need. We also held events in our neighbourhood where we gave new bikes to children as well as school supplies, backpacks, and other necessities for school. We held small groups in our home sharing and teaching the gospel.  

Now, I still take donated clothing to the downtown area where I set up tables and clothing racks. In addition, I go to the area by the Mission Church on Quebec St. to pray and encourage hurting people, to tell them about the love and hope of Christ. 

Isaiah 58 : 7-9

Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.