OUR MISSIONARIES
Devin
MISSIONARY - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Since a young age I have wanted to honour and serve the Lord with my life, and He assured me that I would be able to do whatever it was that He had in store for me. Yet somewhere along the way I fell into the trap of trying to figure out my life in my own strength. God had to show me that I cannot do it on my own, but only as I rest in Him will I be able to do all that He has for me to do. As a follower of Christ that is really our first responsibility- abiding in Him. Then, out of this can properly flow all life and ministry.
God made it clear to me that I was to come to North Bay and serve through Hope Awaits. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities that He has provided so far to both grow in my faith and share it with others. I look forward to continuing to serve and support the staff, volunteers and men that God brings to us.
Festus
MISSIONARY - SHELTER SUPERVISOR
Service to humanity has always been my passion as I grow in Christ. As Jesus Christ commanded us to preach the gospel and make disciples of men, it has always been my joy to show the love of Christ to anyone around me. In coming to Canada I prayed to God to give me a job that will not take away from Him. Then I discovered Hope Awaits Ministries, a place of love, where Christ's hope is renewed for the hopeless. Hallelujah!
Gene
MISSIONARY - SHELTER CARE WORKER
I have been involved with Hope Awaits from the very early stages, first as prayer support and then as spiritual adviser. It was during this time that Holy Spirit started speaking to me about being a doer of the word and not a hearer only; Jesus said to His disciples that feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting those in prison, and ministering to the widow, was being His hands, His mouth, and His feet.
When asked if I would consider being a missionary at Hope Awaits, the Lord spoke to me clearly that He was asking for my obedience. I have long learned that obedience is the highest form of worship, and confirmed it with great peace in accepting this call.
Jayden
MISSIONARY - SHELTER CARE WORKER
I grew up in a rough neighbourhood as a child, and was around drugs my entire life. I came to know Christ in my teen years and would struggle with addiction, but Jesus never gave up on me; He pulled me out of the waters and delivered me from my addictions. Once I confessed and repented of my sins and pursued Christ 110%, I knew right in that moment that I needed to share my testimony with other fellow addicts. I wanted them to have what I had and that was a personal relationship with Christ Jesus. I've always loved helping people, God put on my heart that I was to work in this ministry, to share what He has done in my life with all the clients, to show them they are not alone, that I was once where they were and God pulled me out! At the end of the day Holy Spirit has me here for a reason and I couldn't be happier to be a part of His ministry.
Angel
MISSIONARY - SHELTER CARE WORKER
Since my childhood I wanted to do God’s ministry. As I am from India I thought I would be involved in any Indian ministry. But God’s plan was different. He opened ways for me to study in Canada with the course I wanted to pursue. I asked God to give me a ministry based job as full-time even before coming to Canada. On my first semester in college I came to know about Hope Awaits. Hearing about this place, I thought it is an ideal place to work. I didn’t have any hope that I would get a job at Hope Awaits but still I just asked God that if it was His will and if He wanted to place me there give me a job in Hope Awaits Ministries. Soon after the completion of my course, when I was eligible to work full time I got job at Hope Awaits. God brought each and everything into place in the right time. The bible says "He will give you the desires of your heart". So, I am more grateful to God in giving me an opportunity to work for Him and share the gospel.
Adenike
MISSIONARY - SHELTER CARE WORKER
I was born and raised in a Christian home. And since my childhood, I’ve
known Christ and the love of the gospel. God has been awesome in my
life, and I love to show and share this love and passion for Jesus to
people around me, so that they may be able to experience the
awesomeness of God.
I’ve always loved to be around people who are yet to know Christ, to
spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and let them know that God can
change any situation around for good. The Bible says in Matthew 6:33
to seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and he will
give you anything you need.
A few months after I came to North Bay, I prayed to God to direct me to
where he wanted me to be, and God brought me to Hope Awaits
Ministries. It is fulfilling to be part of a team dedicated to making a
positive impact in people’s lives, especially during their most vulnerable
moments and to share the Gospel which has been my heart’s desire. This is a place where Christ’s love abounds.
There is peace and contentment in serving the Lord.
Glory to God
Emmanuel
MISSIONARY - SHELTER CARE WORKER
Joy
MISSIONARY - SHELTER CARE WORKER
My name is Joy Okonkwo, and I was born and raised in a Christian home where my parents, deeply dedicated to God’s work, taught me about Christ from infancy. I received salvation at an early age, and as I grew, I dreamed of becoming a medical doctor to fulfill my passion for saving lives. After university, I explored various roles within the hospitality industry, yet my heart yearned for something deeper—a career that contributed directly to the well-being of my community and humanity.
This drive led me to humanitarian and community development work, where I found my place in administration (human resources and logistics) and project management (shelter, livelihood, and health programs). It was fulfilling to witness lives transformed through these initiatives. When I moved to North Bay, my passion to impact lives and serve my community came with me.
Today, as part of Hope Awaits Ministries, I feel immensely fulfilled. My work extends beyond offering compassionate support to those facing housing challenges; it provides an opportunity to share the gospel and lead others to know Christ. This role has allowed me not only to pursue my passion but to make a lasting impact in the lives of others, contributing to a more compassionate and faith-centered work in the community.