November 29, 2007 - For the second year in-a-row, Gateway Church in Caledonia took an offering to give away in its entirety - what they call the "Great Giveaway." According to Pastor Steve Kerr, it was conceived as a way to encourage his people to trust God with their finances and do something for others. Last year's Great Giveaway goal, set at $30,000 was exceeded by $12,000. The $42,000 was evenly divided between a church on the neighbouring Six Nations Reserve and the New Jerusalem Church in Phnom Pen, Cambodia.

This year Gateway decided to give the money raised by the offering to a local church plant and Ambrose University College. In choosing Ambrose, Steve knew that he would need to educate his congregation about the school, since most do not have an Alliance background. He started with the assumption that "no one knew and no one cared." Therefore, during the seven weeks leading up to the November 25^th offering he took time in the worship services to talk about Ambrose and its educational purpose.

When asked what message about Ambrose really resonated with the Gateway congregation, Steve immediately replied, "Educating for missions." "People understand that today's missionaries need degrees in professions that give them access to certain countries and the skills to serve. But they still need training in missiology and ministry. Ambrose is a place that provides both kinds of education. Even though Ambrose is far away from us, it is the best option in Canada for missions education. Our future as a missions denomination depends on training at a state-of-the-art Christian university like Ambrose."

According to Steve, the offering became a real "spiritual challenge" to the Gateway congregation. Husbands and wives prayed about what they would give and came to each other with the same amount in mind. Children and teens gave "large chunks" of their allowance. Folks who had never tithed gave for the first time.

Steve described the Great Giveaway day as a "tremendous encouragement." "We were thrilled with the generous response of our people." The offering of $60,000 doubled the goal of $30,000. The $30,000 designated for Ambrose will go towards the building of the new campus.

In reflecting on the Great Giveaway, Ambrose's VP External Relations Gordon Dirks wanted the church to know that "We are highly grateful for the sacrificial gift that the Gateway Alliance Church has given. The people of Gateway have chosen to invest in the training of a new generation of Christian leaders and workers. It is so important that we educate men and women who will serve in the Church and the world for decades to come. Thank you."

Contact: Gordon Dirks VP External Relations
Phone: 403.410.2904
Email: GDirks@ambrose.edu