628 11th Street Hanover, ON N4N 1T7 ![](http://www.hanovermissionary.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/phone.png"){kind=small}
519-364-1823 
office@hanovermissionary.com
“Plan to Protect® is the highest STANDARD of abuse prevention and vulnerable sector protection.” (from plantoprotect.com)
Almost 20 years ago a number of concerned Christian leaders saw the need to address the protection of children when they were in the care and instruction of churches across the nations. There had been horror stories – true stories – of children being abused. Out of this was born the resource originally called ‘Winning Kids’ and now ‘Plan to Protect.’
It is the ‘industry standard’ for congregational protection of children, youth, and vulnerable adults. There is nothing better out there.
Very early on EMCC(ED) purchased the original material for every congregation in the then Canada East District. It was a sizeable investment but it was important to do. Phil Delsaut was the District Superintendent of EMCCED at the time. Every congregation took the material and reworked it for its own setting and needs. Not all implementations were equal. And none of the implementations were ‘the last word.’ HMC has had a policy in place but… times change, needs change, laws change, challenges change. And so, HMC Ministry Council has endorsed a renewed Plan to Protect implementation. Yes, it does mean that some of our ways will need to change. But, for the sake of protecting our children, our youth, and our vulnerable adults, it is worth doing!. Yes, it does mean that we will have to make some adjustments – a few, not too many – But we can do it!
Understand that we are realigning ourselves so that we are more fully in step with ‘best practices’. Our children, youth, indeed we all, need this. We want to make sure that we are honouring Our Master by assuring that we are taking the best care we can of those for whom we have charge.
As part of the preparation for the Plan to Protect we are implementing a number of two hour training dates in November. (November 22, 6:30, November 25, 9:00 a.m., November 27, 7:00 p.m., November 30, 7:00 p.m.) Volunteers should select the date that works best for them.
Who should take it?
Everyone who is involved in serving our children, our youth, and our vulnerable adults. It is not just for children and youth ministry workers. In some way this includes almost everyone. It is important that you become aware and stay up to date. (For example, ushers have a responsibility to patrol the foyer and washrooms during service time. What do you do if you find a child alone in the washroom?)
If you are involved in any HMC ministry, this is for you.
In Colossians 3:23 Paul says, Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord. Let’s embrace Plan to Protect with this determination. Let’s keep working to make HMC everything that God has called us to be!
God bless you.
Pastor Phil
HMC EVENTS
Pray for the spiritual temperature of HMC. Pray for God to revive us and refine us so that we burn hot for our heavenly Father. Pray that we may never be accused of being lukewarm. Ask God to give us singleness of heart and open minds to understand His Word so that our hearts are on fire for our great God.
Pray for HMC in the world. Pray that we would be known as distinct from the world in love and holiness, even as we engage outsiders. Pray that many among us would share the gospel this week—and see people come to know Christ! Pray that if persecution comes, we would remember to love, not curse, and to pray for our enemies.
Dave is leaving his position at Port Rowan Mennonite Brethren Church, where he has been serving as the pastor of youth ministries. Prior to that, he spent time working with 100 Huntley Street on the 24 hour prayer lines, was the sole pastor at a church in rural Saskatchewan, and was a worship ministries director before that. Dave has attended Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford, BC, and Briercrest College in Caronport, SK. He is presently working towards his Masters of Divinity through Heritage Seminary in Cambridge.
Pray for our Behind-the-Scenes Workers. Thank God for every preschool/nursery worker, coffee/ facilities/ mission planning/ bylaw/ policy/ finance/ discernment/ personnel/ team member, custodian, etc. devoted to serve. Pray that God would bless them for their obedience and generosity and keep them in an attitude of humility.
Pray for Men in Action. Pray that this ministry will build our men in their faith. Pray that they will be in right relationship with God and each other. Pray for men to love their wives as Christ loved the church, and to instruct their children with patience. Pray that they would hold each other accountable and support and encourage each other.
Pray for our Seniors. Thank God for every grey hair attained by righteous living. Pray that they be willing and Godly mentors, so that all can be blessed by their Christian example and ability to train us. Help us to be humbly submissive as we benefit from their wisdom and understanding. Pray that they receive the strength and power God promised to the weary and weak. Pray that they will put their hope in the Lord and be renewed in the process.