On October 20, World Renew (previously Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC)) marked a special milestone with a 50th anniversary celebration at Meadowlands Fellowship in Ancaster, Ontario. More than 250 people gathered to celebrate God’s faithfulness through five decades of ministry, sharing good food, meaningful fellowship, and joyful worship.

The event welcomed supporters, volunteers, staff, and ministry partners who have helped shape World Renew’s work in communities around the world.

Celebrating 50 Years of Ministry

The celebration began with a reception featuring hors d’oeuvres inspired by cuisines from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and North America. These regions represent just some of the places where World Renew has partnered with local communities to address poverty, strengthen resilience, and support lasting change.

Guests then gathered for a worship program that reflected on World Renew’s history and the people who have contributed to its mission over the past 50 years.

“Looking back reminds us what a great and powerful and providential God we serve,” said Canadian Director Ida Kaastra Mutoigo, who emceed the program. “He’s been with us every step of the way.”

50th Anniversary Celebration Highlights

Former World Renew Diaconal Ministries Coordinator Peter Zwart spoke about the transformative role of deacons, volunteers, and community development in changing lives.

Zwart served on World Renew’s first Board of Directors and was also a founding member of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB), launched in 1983 with five member organizations. The partnership between CFGB and World Renew continues to play an important role in responding to hunger around the world.

“CRWRC—and now World Renew—always will be a ministry of deacons—both at home and worldwide,” he said, emphasizing the church’s calling to extend compassion beyond what individuals can accomplish alone.

Zwart also reflected on the strength of World Renew’s long-standing Canada-U.S. partnership.

“Looking back at World Renew’s history, on both sides of the border,” he said, “I realized, despite our somewhat different history, we have been able to complement and learn from each other.”

Former Director of Disaster Response Jacob Kramer also shared reflections on World Renew’s early years and the values that continue to guide the organization today. Like Zwart, he highlighted the significance of the ministry’s partnership with CFGB.

He described the collaboration as “A witness that the Christian churches are not standing by idly in times of need, but are engaged in a determined effort to end hunger and to see the world renewed.”

“It has often humbled me to see how dedicated our contingency is to the cause of the poor and the vulnerable. It is a fundamental value, and a lifestyle,” Kramer shared.

Looking Ahead to the Future

While the program celebrated the past, it also focused on the next generation of leaders, volunteers, and advocates committed to serving communities worldwide.

Ryan Geleynse spoke about his experience as a volunteer videographer with World Renew’s We Have Faith caravan, which travelled through Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa in 2011.

“World Renew stands at a crossroads,” said Geleynse. “It is an organization rooted in God’s eternal work and steeped in 50 years of ground level, cross-cultural engagement and relational ties… in a generation starved for a holistic approach to justice.”

Volunteer Lauren Beintema shared how her involvement with World Renew began during her final year of university. She later spent four months in Uganda supporting community development initiatives and went on to participate in earthquake response efforts in Japan.

Her experiences underscored the powerful role volunteers play in responding to need and building stronger communities.

“Learning about the service of Christ incredibly strengthened my faith, gave me hope for the future, and encouraged me,” said Beintema. “It is my hope and prayer that God will continue to work through World Renew to inspire, motivate, and support young people—and volunteers in general—to share our overflowing love from God with all of his children around the world.”

In addition to hearing testimonies and praying together, attendees celebrated through music and worship. They were treated to a moving solo performance of God of This City by Sam Keddy, World Renew’s Assistant Program Manager. As photographs from five decades of ministry appeared on screen, the song’s message reflected the hope, compassion, and faith that have shaped World Renew’s work.

“May our God of this city—our God of this world—be glorified as we continue to share his blessings with those in need,” said Ida Kaastra Mutoigo, extending an invitation to continue supporting World Renew’s mission in the years ahead.

Special thanks to the staff, volunteers, vendors, partners, and participants who helped make this 50th anniversary celebration possible. We are also deeply grateful to everyone who supports World Renew through prayer, generosity, and service. Together, you reflect God’s love for the world, and we look forward to continuing this journey with you.

As we celebrate God’s faithfulness over the past five decades, we invite you to continue walking alongside World Renew as we share hope, respond to need, and support lasting change in communities around the world. Learn more about how you can get involved and be part of God’s work of renewal for years to come.

Editorial Note: This article was originally published in 2012 and has been updated to reflect current World Renew branding, website standards, and audience needs while preserving the original story and intent.