Often we think of missionaries as those who go overseas to reach out with the gospel of Jesus Christ - but what about those who are reaching out to the needy in our own community?

In Acts 1:8 it says "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."  Jesus calls us to be His witnesses in our city (Jerusalem), province/country (Judea and Samaria), and to the end of the earth.  Hope Awaits Ministries' staff is following Jesus call to witness to those in our city - but we need your help!

In order for Hope Awaits to run we require a minimum of 2 people at the facility at all times - which leads to us needing 5 full-time and 2 part-time missionaries. Our missionaries salaries make up the largest part of our budget, but they also make up the largest part of our ministry.  The individuals listed below have all been called by God to minister to the homeless and hurting in our community.  They will be continually working with the clients we serve in order to help them get back on their feet while also sharing the love of God with them.

Please consider sponsoring a local missionary.  Our full-time missionaries require approximately $2,670 a month, and our part-time missionaries require approximately $1,630 a month.  You can see a complete list of our missionaries below, along with their stories of how and why they decided to join the Hope Awaits team.

To make a one-time donation, or become a monthly partner please click on the corresponding button at the top of this page.  If you have any questions, or would like more information please contact us.
Nicole Millage
Executive Director / Full-Time Missionary
I always had a plan for what I was going to do with my life, but one day while reading my bible and praying I realized that my life was not my own, so I said "God, what do you want me to do with my life?"  In that moment God told me that he wanted me to open a homeless shelter in North Bay.  At that time I was 20 years old and going into my last year of University.  While I wrestled with what God called me to do I kept telling God that He had chosen the wrong person - I was a young woman that knew nothing about starting a homeless shelter, surely there must have been a better candidate than me.  However in 2 Corinthians 12:9 it says "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness."  In the world's eyes I was not a good candidate for this task; but through my weakness God's glory is revealed.

As I continue to move forward in the calling God has placed on my life I am forever grateful that God has given me the opportunity to be His hands and feet in North Bay.  The scripture that continues to move me in ministry is Matthew 25:37-40 "Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give you drink?  When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?  Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?'  And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'"

Thank you for partnering with me both in prayer and financially.  May God bless you for how you bless us!
Gene McGlashing
Full-Time Missionary
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.
Emily Gray
Full-Time Missionary
My whole life I dreamed of being a teacher. So I moved to North Bay and completed both my undergraduate degree (in Biology and Chemistry) and teaching degree at Nipissing University. My dream became a reality when in 2013/2014 year I began working at a local high school and transitioned into a full time teaching position, however it was not in my preferred subjects to teach. I was required to teach courses on cooking, sewing, visual art, and the occasional science course. I couldn’t understand what God was doing; yes, I was teaching subjects that I enjoyed doing as hobbies but I was a science teacher. I loved my job though, it was an amazing school with a phenomenal staff, community and amazing student body, but during my 3rd school year teaching, over Christmas break, the Lord called me to quit my dream job. I obeyed and at the beginning of January 2016 I resigned from my full time teaching position. Within a few weeks, the possibility of working at Hope Awaits Ministries as a shelter worker was brought to my attention and after two prayerful weeks I felt a peace that this is where the Lord wanted me; I could see why I had been called out of my teaching job and why for the past 2.5 years I was teaching life skills and working with so many people in need - He had been preparing me for something bigger.

Since the spring of 2016 I have had the unbelievable privilege to volunteer with Hope Awaits, not only with preparing the building to open, but to be the hands and feet of Jesus to men in need here in the city.  Over my first 2 years with Hope Awaits I have witnessed the Lord soften hearts, bring healing (physically, spiritually and emotionally), and provide care for men who’ve never had people who cared about them. To be a part of the Hope Awaits team is an unbelievable honour, and I’m so excited to continue to be a part of the great commission in this capacity and role. Thank you so much for your support, both prayerfully and financially, may God bless you over and abundantly!
Tyler Smith
Part-Time Missionary
Several years ago I traveled with a group of Christians from Lakeshore Evangelical Church to Kenya for a 2 week mission’s trip, it was on this trip that I began to really feel and understand what Gods calling on my life was.  I believe that calling is simply this “Love people, share the Gospel”.

In the fall of 2013 I chose to further my education and become a pastor, I am still working toward that goal. Currently alongside with Hope Awaits myself and my wife Laura direct and give leadership to Gateways Youth and Young Adults ministries.

Hope Awaits allows me to partner with an organization where I can live my calling every day. I believe Hope Awaits will be an incredibly impactful organization within our city. I also declare that through Hope Awaits many men will come to know God the Fathers love for them, and they would accept that love and walk in it every day.

I ask you to partner with myself in prayer as we seek to help the lost and give them Hope. Pastor Linda says “Prayer Precedes Revival”.

Thank you so much for sponsoring myself and Hope Awaits Ministries!

Joshua Meecha
Full-Time Missionary

I have always felt a strong calling to help those who need God’s help and have strived to be a light to the world. I wasn’t sure where I was heading but I trusted God to orchestrate my path to bring me into a place where I can help in a way that impacts members of the community. I’ve always had a desire to be there for those less fortunate than myself. This has only grown over time.
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I never intended to have a future in social work but that all changed a few years ago when I felt called to go back to school. This led to an interesting series of events that brought me through school for addiction and mental health counseling. By God’s grace, this included a placement here at Hope Awaits, which led to full-time employment.

I was raised in a believing household as a pastor’s kid, which provided me, by the grace of God, a solid biblical foundation, and a depth of scriptural knowledge, that I am extremely grateful for. As a husband and a father, I want to impart the biblical foundation I was raised with to those who did not have the same opportunity. Hope Awaits Ministries helps to foster an environment for growth and transformation among the men of need in North Bay.

I hope to bring my education, as well as my passion and knowledge of the word of God, to those whom I will be ministering to at Hope Awaits. I have built up relationships with these men already and look forward to seeing the Lord work in their lives. I ask that you support me prayerfully and financially in this calling. May the Lord richly bless you for your support.
Please Note: any designated funds received that exceed the total amount needed for a given month will be given to the designated missionary during the current payroll period
​Only monthly donations will be reflected in the thermometers for each missionary.