Alberta News

“These are exciting times and I’m just so grateful for what God has being doing,” says Jeff Dyer, who became the new Chief Operating Officer of the Mustard Seed Society on February 1. As COO, Jeff says he is living “a dream come true,” because he gets to work with an inspirational leader, Pat Nixon, and a top-notch executive team to establish the Mustard Seed Society’s overall direction as it continues on its journey from its early days as a church and food bank towards becoming a core part of Alberta’s plan to end homelessness in the next 10 years.

Jeff announced in the fall that he would step down as the Executive Director at Gull Lake Centre sometime in the spring. Involved at GLC since childhood, working there for 13 years and the last 6 as Executive Director, leaving the Centre wasn’t easy, but it came at the right time for both Jeff and the Centre.

“I came to the conclusion that what I had to offer was at an end, but I know Gull Lake is healthy and vibrant,” says Jeff, noting that former Program Manager Steve Roadhouse is now the Managing Director. “Watching Steve and the new team that is in place take over, I’m so relieved. It could not be better. I believe that Steve will be the brightest, strongest leader Gull Lake ever had. I’m leaving Gull Lake on a great note and so proud of what is happening there. Kudos to the board and to Steve for taking this on.”

“I am looking forward to seeing where God takes Gull Lake Centre in the next 90 years,” says Steve who had been Program Manager for the past 3 years, noting that Gull Lake is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. “I feel like we are just getting started now that we have made the transition from summer camp to year-round ministry centre.”“Jeff has really laid down a foundation for me. He focussed on excellence and sustainability and leaves the centre in a very good place. I’m looking forward to seeing how he takes his passion and creativity to the Mustard Seed.”Until the end of April, Jeff will spend about 20% of his time mentoring Steve and supporting his leadership. Sometime in April, the GLC board and Steve will decide whether he will become Executive Director on an interim or permanent basis. “We wanted to make sure Steve has a clear, strong mandate with official markers, rather than having Steve just inherit the job from me,” explains Jeff.

As of March 1, new staff member Ben Rogers replaced Steve as the Program Manager to hire staff, run programs and make sure the centre runs effeciently. “Gull Lake seems to be one of those places God is smiling on,” says Ben, who comes to the Centre after 5-7 years in music evangelism around the world and 5 years experience in camping ministry in Southern Alberta. “I’m just thrilled at what God has in store for Gull Lake and already feel like my wife and I have been welcomed into an extended family.”

Spaces at Gull Lake Centre’s summer camps are filling up fast. Last year, Gull Lake had more campers than ever before – over 1,000 campers! – so the centre expects all summer camperships to be fully booked this year. For more information or to register, go to www.gulllakecentre.ca

The Mustard Seed Society is a Canadian Baptist ministry that runs ministries for the homeless and vulnerable in Edmonton, Calgary and Sundre, Alberta. In December 2009, the Society received $4 million from the City of Calgary for its 18-story, 224-unit affordable housing initiative in Calgary. For more information, go to www.mustard.ab.ca or www.theseed.ca