10/05/2026
Markdale GROW Hope
DS Steve and Pat Ottley attended the annual GROW Hope Celebration Weekend on Sunday, August 23. The event celebrates the meaningful partnership between Markdale GROW Hope, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Canada (NCMC), and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
Through GROW Hope, funds are raised to plant crops on farmland in the Markdale area. When the crops are harvested and sold, the proceeds are contributed to NCMC’s account with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. Through the Government of Canada’s matching program, eligible funds can be matched by as much as 4:1. This means that an acre of crops generating $500 can potentially become $2,500 to support NCMC projects around the world.
The GROW Hope Celebration Weekend was coordinated by Sharon and Wayne Goudy of Markdale Church, in collaboration with the NCMC team.
Saturday’s guest speaker was Sandeep Mukhiya, Executive Director of Riverview Christian Camp. Before moving to Canada, Sandeep served with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries in Nepal. He is married to Nicky Solis-Mukhiya, who serves as a Project Manager with NCMC.
DS Steve Ottley was the guest speaker for the Sunday morning worship service.
Pastor Mark Coulter brought the message at the Sunday evening closing service. Pastor Mark serves as pastor of three congregations on the Canada Central District: Barrie Ferris Lane, Markdale Community, and Collingwood Erie Street Churches.
The goal for the weekend was to raise enough funds to plant 41 acres. That goal was not only reached—it was significantly surpassed! More than $24,000 was raised, providing funding to plant over 61 acres.
We celebrate the generosity of everyone who participated and give thanks for this partnership that allows something planted in the fields of Markdale to make a difference in the lives of people around the world.
