Servants moving on

Rosemary and Terry Brown are moving shortly from Victoria to Nanaimo. The couple, both as individuals and together, have been involved in a range of servant leadership roles in Victoria-based Christian ministries for close to four decades.

In the 70s, they helped transition children at the Cridge Centre for the Family – from dormitory living in the old Protestant Orphanage building, into group homes on the property. At the time, Terry was a social worker at Cridge; and Rosemary was a member of the founding committee and board of Pacific Christian School. Later, she taught and was a counsellor at PCS.

In the late 70s, they developed Maranatha Farm, offering organic food products and school tours. In 1985, they founded Island Christian Info, the newspaper which continued under various names – such as Island Christian Herald and Sunday Magazine – until coming under the aegis of BC Christian News   as Island Insight.

For some years, they co-ordinated volunteers for Focus on the Family; then they were involved in the founding of Victoria’s Crisis Pregnancy Centre, where Rosemary was executive director until last year. And, as a registered clinical counsellor, she has operated a private practice, Hope Counselling, for several years.

Rosemary has now accepted a position as co-ordinator/counsellor of youth programs at Nanaimo Hospice. Terry will be a health care worker at a seniors’ home in the same area – a similar position to what he has held at the Lodge at Broadmead for the past six years.

Over their years in Victoria, the Browns have been involved with Emmanuel Baptist, Lambrick Park and Royal Oak/Gateway Baptist churches.

If Roundup may be permitted a bit of editorializing, we would like to note that this couple will leave behind many friends in Victoria – who will wish them God’s blessing, as they seek to honour him in their new locale.  

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Counselling to conservation

Those familiar with Ian Gartshore’s work as executive director of Shore Counselling might want to take note that the ‘Shore’ name will now front an energy consulting company. Shore Energy Solutions will bring counsel and advice in the areas of energy conservation, both in the home and transportation field, according to the firm’s website. It notes that Gartshore’s interest in energy is longstanding. He hopes to combine technological skills in the field with what he has practiced in the counselling area, in conflict resolution and working with voluntary organizations. More info at www.shoreenergy.ca.

Hunger Challenge

September will be a busy month, for raising support for The Mustard Seed. The Kraft Hunger Challenge  will run from September 4 to 28. People wishing to donate can do so at a secure site at www.cfab-acba.ca. Kraft Canada will match all donations dollar for dollar, to a total of $150,000.

And on September 21 at 1 p.m., the Texas Scramble will take place as part of the Mustard Seed Golf Tournament fundraiser at Cordova Bay Golf Course. Tournament and dinner cost $150, with a $50 tax receipt issued. Prizes will be awarded for longest fairway drive; and ball closest to the pin. Registration at 250-953-1575.

– Lloyd Mackey

September 2007