Grace Canadian Reformed Church
God's Work of Renewal
By God’s grace, Grace Canadian Reformed Church is today a vibrant and welcoming congregation, marked by joyful fellowship, spiritual growth, and a growing passion for sharing the gospel. Located within a rapidly expanding community, the church has seen the Lord open doors not only for outreach, but also for a season of renewal that brought new energy and purpose to congregational life.
The Opportunity
Long before formal mission plans were in place, God was already preparing the way. Through a providential property redevelopment, Grace Church was relocated into the heart of a new neighbourhood—placing the congregation in a strategic location amid many newly arriving residents.
As visitors began attending worship services and relationships formed, the Council recognized the rich opportunities the Lord was placing before them. At the same time, they discerned a need to grow in intentional hospitality and meaningful relationship-building within their changing community.
The Partnership
During this season, Sycamore Tree Mission (formerly GTA Mission) had the privilege of walking alongside Grace Church. Working closely with Council, STM helped clarify direction, conduct research, and encourage the church to move forward in faith.
STM also assisted in establishing the role of a mission pastor, supporting the calling process, and helping secure both initial seed funding and long-term financial stability. In God’s timing, Rev. Eric Onderwater was called to serve as Pastor of Missions, helping to shape and guide the congregation’s growing outreach.
The Renewal
As the mission took shape, the Lord worked deeply within the congregation itself. Learning how to engage their community drew members closer together, strengthened fellowship, and renewed excitement for sharing the gospel. What emerged was not only expanded outreach, but a congregation increasingly united, encouraged, and alive in their faith.
The Outcome
With the Lord’s blessing, Grace Canadian Reformed Church has experienced a remarkable season of renewal over the past five years. New relationships have formed, lives have been transformed by the Gospel, and many have grown in faith through the good news of Jesus Christ. Alongside this work, the congregation itself has been strengthened—its fellowship deepened and its shared sense of purpose renewed.
Through STM Mission, the Lord provided clarity, structure, and support—step by step—so that we could pursue outreach faithfully and with confidence.