History
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Linda Walker's (formerly Chamagne) heart was transformed by God's grace. The Lord led her from depression, anger and addiction to her calling to share His word and love. With every little step of faith taken, the Lord was faithful and The Bridge on 20th opened its doors on March 3rd, 1999, with a $120 investment and a handful of people who believed in the vision.
The ministry operated out of a very rundown, small building on the corner of 20th Street West and Avenue O South. With a budget of $900/month and a ministry team who worked on a completely volunteer basis, much was accomplished. Eventually bursting at the seams in this make-shift facility, The Bridge served approximately 125 visitors six days per week for four hours per day. The hungry were served bowls of soup, visitors were clothed through the give-away corner and ministered to through weekly Bible studies and Sunday services. In September 2000, The Bridge's Board of Directors was formed. After four years of operation, the team at The Bridge believed the Lord said: “Because you are faithful with a little, you will now be given much.” In June 2003, The Bridge moved into a newly renovated and equipped facility on the corner of 20th Street West and Avenue N. South. The vision to implement a new support called Transitional Program Housing that provided sustained transformation for people who hurt spiritually, emotionally and physically became reality in autumn 2013 with the opening of the Passage House for men. In October 2014, The Bridge purchased its new property at 1008 - 20th Street W and opened on October 2nd 2016. Renovations of the North Wing (Life-Skills Development Centre) were completed in June 2018 and includes a Sewing/Craft Room and Teaching and Prayer rooms. This new facility not only permits expansion of existing ministries, but facilitates the ministry vision of The Bridge to expand into new areas. The Bridge now operates with a Board of Directors, a growing staff, and many precious volunteers. The Bridge continues to provide food, clothing, monthly haircuts, free showers, weekday activities and Sunday services to our visitors, along with additional discipleship, mentoring and relationship-building. Weekday activities include Kids Club, Men's Night, Adult Bible Study, Women's Night, and Youth Night. In addition weddings, funerals, baptisms, and baby dedications have also been performed throughout the years. We praise God for all He has done, all He is doing, and what is yet to come! |
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Luisa Marcal
August 26, 1954 - May 30, 2020
Words can’t express my heart in the loss of a dear friend to me and to all of us here at the Bridge.
Luisa was called by God to serve at the Bridge and joined the staff team on June 9th 2016 as Office Manager.
She delighted in her gift of Administration which in her words meant “serving the servants of God”. She saw this as “adding to the ministry” and that she did!
Luisa will be remembered for so many Godly attributes, her kind and gentle spirit, the way she honored and respected others, and the joy it gave her to be able to make a task easier for someone else by using her gift to organize. Following protocol and order is something she taught so many without even knowing it!
Luisa was fun and easy to be around, her laugh, sparkle in her eye and radiant smile will be remembered and missed forever!
Linda Walker - Executive Director, Founder & Pastor
August 26, 1954 - May 30, 2020
Words can’t express my heart in the loss of a dear friend to me and to all of us here at the Bridge.
Luisa was called by God to serve at the Bridge and joined the staff team on June 9th 2016 as Office Manager.
She delighted in her gift of Administration which in her words meant “serving the servants of God”. She saw this as “adding to the ministry” and that she did!
Luisa will be remembered for so many Godly attributes, her kind and gentle spirit, the way she honored and respected others, and the joy it gave her to be able to make a task easier for someone else by using her gift to organize. Following protocol and order is something she taught so many without even knowing it!
Luisa was fun and easy to be around, her laugh, sparkle in her eye and radiant smile will be remembered and missed forever!
Linda Walker - Executive Director, Founder & Pastor
"Out of the darkness the light shall shine.” 2 Corinthians 4:6