A MONTHLY UPDATE ON CCBF & RELATED ACTIVITIES

ISSUE 2009-12, DECEMBER 2009

CALENDAR
WEDNESDAY Dec. 16, 2009 BRANTFORD Breakfast 7:00 AM Sherwood Restaurant 799 Colborne Street, Brantford.
THURSDAY December 17, 2009 NIAGARA Breakfast 7:00 AM Fifth Wheel, 398 N. Service (QEW&Casablanca) Grimsby.
TUESDAY January 5, 2010 WEST LINCOLN/ SMITHVILLE Breakfast 7:00 A.M. Maple Leaf Pancake House.
WEDNESDAY January 6, 2010 HALTON Breakfast 7:00 AM Smitty’s, 1035 Brant Street at Plains Road, Burlington.
TUESDAY January 12, 2010 WENTWORTH Breakfast 7:00 AM The Egg & I Restaurant, Duff's Corners, Ancaster.
THURSDAY January 14, 2010 WATERLOO Breakfast 7:00 AM at Galtview Restaurant, Cambridge.
WEDNESDAY Jan. 20, 2010 BRANTFORD Breakfast 7:00 AM Sherwood Restaurant 799 Colborne Street, Brantford.
THURSDAY January 21, 2010 NIAGARA Breakfast 7:00 AM Fifth Wheel, 398 N. Service (QEW&Casablanca) Grimsby.
WEDNESDAY January 27, 2010 LONDON Breakfast 7:00 AM River Valley Restaurant 1600 Highbury N. London.

A PATRIARCH GONE
On Saturday December 12, 2009 we were privileged to be present at the “Celebration of the life of Joop DeVoest” in London and Mount Brydges. The tributes paid by children and grand children revealed a side of our friend that we as business acquaintances were not aware of. He obviously was much loved and a strong influence in the lives of those who called him Dad and Grandpa. Joop, in his 85th year, passed away suddenly on December 7. He lived a very active life both as the owner of Hollandia Bakeries and as a member/supporter of the numerous organizations he was involved in. Because of his many years of active involvement in CCBF, he will be sorely missed. He always had an encouraging word and re-emphasized the need for Christian business people and professionals having a venue to be of support and encouragement to each other. He was one of three members who continued as CCBF Directors following the reorganization in December 2000. As recent as last November 18 he attended the CCBF Directors’ meeting in Brantford. We pray that God will be with his children and grandchildren and his friend and companion Ann Vonk as they cherish the many memories of Joop.

CAN YOU HELP?
Frank Galea (416-395-7727) is with the Catholic Children's Aid Society and would like some advice regarding employment opportunities with a Christian Contractor, or carpenter for a young man he is working with. “He comes from a rather tragic set of circumstances …. The reason I am approaching CCBF (Contractor or carpenter) is because I feel he will be treated fairly, with decency, respect and would have an opportunity to be mentored… He is a very committed young man and wants so badly to be a carpenter. I was hoping you might assist me in identifying contractors/carpenters who would be willing to give him an opportunity to fulfill his dream of being a carpenter's apprenticeship.  Any thing you could suggest would be appreciated.” Any one you can connect Frank with? F.Galea@torontoccas.org

For more details on these and other opportunities check CCBF’s Web Site www.ccbf.org/jobs.htm

REFLECTIONS
Five years ago, in the December CCBF monthly update Fax Facts, we said then as we echo now:
Just like you, CCBF also reflects on the year almost gone by. How was 2009? This year we’ll have had 80 breakfasts. Eighty opportunities, where on average seven Christians, active in the marketplace, shared their faith, giving opportunity to interact, encourage and network. Several people benefited from CCBF’s recruitment and placement service. Support and encouragement by CCBF Directors Joop DeVoest Sr., Jerry Gerritsen and Clarence Louter is encouraging and much appreciated. Those thanks still hold but CCBF will need to identify someone to take Joop’s spot. It is our wish and prayer that you all may be richly blessed in your daily activities and that God’s love may be evident always also in your place of business and your home. May you all enjoy a blessed Christmas and may 2010 be healthy, happy and prosperous.

Canadian Christian Business Federation 970 Bonnieview Avenue, Burlington, Ontario L7T 1T5
Phone (905) 522-8602, Fax (905) 524-1203, Cell (905) 320-9280
J. Hans Vander Stoep, Executive Director
info@ccbf.org    www.ccbf.org