It is with very heavy hearts that World Renew shares the news that our dear friend, teammate, and coworker in justice, Iona Stewart-Buisman, passed away on January 2, 2024.

Iona faithfully and fervently served with World Renew Canada for 18 years, most recently as Director of Church and Community Engagement. She had been in hospital for several months, and her family was able to be close to her in her final days.

Our grief at saying goodbye to our sister in Christ is immeasurable. Iona walked humbly alongside us in so many of our journeys. Her joy in the Lord, passion for the mission, and compassion for others bubbled from deep within.

Leading volunteers brought her particular joy, as she witnessed the Spirit transforming hearts and minds. Her vision of deepening engagement between the church in North America and the body of Christ in the Global South was inspiring—and continues to shine through the people she led, uplifted, and served with so faithfully.

We praise God for the remarkable testimony of Iona’s life: for the passionate way she helped others see their place in God’s great story; for her determination in pursuing justice and equity for those most vulnerable; and for her genuine desire to reflect God’s image in every person she encountered.

Iona was both persistent and patient in her calling to love deeply and generously. Her influence will continue to shape the World Renew community—in Canada and around the world she loved so much—for years to come.