Famous Toronto church serves prayer and food to neighbours
Known for one kind of blessing, church offers another
Catch the Fire Toronto (CTF), the church best known for hosting the global Toronto Blessing revival for the past 30 years, is known by its North Etobicoke neighbours as a congregation that serves them well.
“We’re purposefully trying to be a blessing to the city,” says Steve Long, a former senior leader, now one of CTF’s global ambassadors. Ten years ago CTF opened a lounge in a local mall where youth could get help writing resumes, play games and take Youth Alpha courses. Three years ago Michael Ford, a local city councillor, asked CTF to provide snacks at Covid vaccination clinics.
CTF “were consistent. People looked forward to receiving prayer and help from them every week,” says Russ Mitchell, collaborative services lead at Rexdale Community Hub, a community centre that has partnered with CTF. Encouraged by the church’s activism, Mitchell asked it to purchase groceries for 700 local families. CTF agreed.
Last December the church also donated food, new clothing, bedding and toys to 800 families who live nearby. CTF partnered with CityServe, an agency that gathers new items for donation purposes.
At community events CTF sets up a Spirit Café where visitors can choose to receive prayer and prophetic ministry offered by the church, known as peace treatments, healing treatments and destiny words in Jesus’ name, says Long. “For every 20 people who get a treatment, one of them will get born again.”
Churches need longevity to reach a community, says Long, and stresses the importance of partnerships with other organizations. The church’s relationship with Scott Mission, Toronto’s longest-established mission to people experiencing poverty, is an example.
Peter Duraisami, Scott Mission CEO, says the two organizations “have the same heart.” CTF has “a great role in ministering to our clients and staff.”
“We’re purposefully trying to be a blessing to the city.”