AUTHORS
Matthew Swinamer
Matthew Swinamer is a professional engineer with over a decade of experience working across various sectors of the Canadian energy industry. He has been married to his wife, Heidi, for ten years, and together they lead Master’s Counselling Services, a faith-based counselling practice in Calgary providing a wide range of psychotherapeutic services, supporting individuals, couples and families in mental, emotional, and spiritual health. As a mental health advocate, Matthew is passionate about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in both faith communities and society at large, especially in male-dominated environments, industries and workplaces. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California, where he continues to explore the intersection of faith, mental health, and leadership. Matthew and Heidi live just outside of Calgary, Canada, with their furry ‘practice child’ Lily ( a seven-year-old golden retriever dog).
Matthew Swinamer is a professional engineer with over a decade of experience working across various sectors of the Canadian energy industry. He has been married to his wife, Heidi, for ten years, and together they lead Master’s Counselling Services, a faith-based counselling practice in Calgary providing a wide range of psychotherapeutic services, supporting individuals, couples and families in mental, emotional, and spiritual health. As a mental health advocate, Matthew is passionate about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in both faith communities and society at large, especially in male-dominated environments, industries and workplaces. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California, where he continues to explore the intersection of faith, mental health, and leadership. Matthew and Heidi live just outside of Calgary, Canada, with their furry ‘practice child’ Lily (a seven-year-old golden retriever dog).
Joachim Chisanga
Joachim Chisanga was born and raised in Zambia. He graduated from Trans-Africa Christian University, Kitwe, Zambia in 1999. In 2000, Joachim immigrated to Botswana, and served as Assistant pastor for Soul Winning Ministries in Palapye. He graduated from VST with a MAPPL in 2017. Joachim is currently the lead pastor at Claresholm Pentecostal Assembly, Claresholm, Alberta. He has been married to his wife, Nancy, for 22 years, with whom he has 4 children.
Joachim Chisanga was born and raised in Zambia. He graduated from Trans-Africa Christian University, Kitwe, Zambia in 1999. In 2000, Joachim immigrated to Botswana, and served as Assistant pastor for Soul Winning Ministries in Palapye. He graduated from VST with a MAPPL in 2017. Joachim is currently the lead pastor at Claresholm Pentecostal Assembly, Claresholm, Alberta. He has been married to his wife, Nancy, for 22 years, with whom he has 4 children.
Jeremy Gifford
Jeremy Gifford has years of leadership experience in youth, young adults, and pastoral roles. He and his wife, Rachel, are graduates of Vanguard College. He currently is the Lead Pastor of Life Church in Edmonton.
Jeremy Gifford has years of leadership experience in youth, young adults, and pastoral roles. He and his wife, Rachel, are graduates of Vanguard College. He currently is the Lead Pastor of Life Church in Edmonton.
Peter Cusick
Take some time, and focus on God. Quiet the noise all around you and remind yourself Whose you are. God is with you. He longs to spend time with you. He wants you to just "be". Be in His presence. Be in His care. Be in the moment. Be aware of His work around you.
Peter Cusick is a Certified Spiritual Director with an active practice serving the spiritual needs of pastors and leaders. He is a Global Ed Volunteer who travels overseas to teach, train, and provide spiritual direction. He is the founder and director of Beside Peaceful Streams Inc., a ministry of prayer, soul care, and spiritual direction.