In this episode, Matt sits down with Ivhan Rusli, Ontario Director for Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), to explore why reaching kids with the gospel is one of the most strategic ways to impact the world.

Ivhan didn’t grow up in a Christian home but became a believer at 16. Since then, he’s dedicated over 30 years to children’s ministry and has served with CEF Ontario for more than 20 years. When he’s not doing ministry, you’ll find him playing board games with his wife, two teenage boys, and his ten-year-old daughter who’s going on thirty!

In this conversation, Ivhan shares:

✔ His personal story of coming to faith at 16

✔ Why children’s ministry matters more than ever

✔ The mission and global vision of Child Evangelism Fellowship

✔ How STEM clubs are transforming outreach in Canada

📌 Connect with CEF Ontario: www.cefontario.org

🎙 Subscribe to The Sowers Podcast for more conversations on gospel-centered mission and innovation.

Chapters

00:00 Ivan's Journey to Faith

03:07 The Importance of Children's Ministry

05:54 Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) Overview

09:01 The Significance of Reaching Kids

12:08 Current CEF Initiatives in Canada

15:01 Innovative STEM Programs

17:59 Practical Steps to Start a STEM Program

20:49 Training and Equipping Volunteers

24:04 Stories of Transformation through CEF

27:12 The Heart of a Child in Ministry

30:09 Opportunities for Church Planters

33:05 The Future of the Church in Canada

In this episode, Isaiah Bennett and Liam Wilson join Matt to share the origin story of Pony Church and the 10:2 Network. From praying in a mini mart to launching a disciple-making movement, this episode is packed with practical wisdom for anyone passionate about gospel sharing and church planting.

What you’ll learn:

+How Pony Church started in a convenience store

+Why weekly “in the harvest” evangelism is central to their DNA

+The vision behind the 10:2 Network and how you can get involved

📌 Connect with 10:2 Network: https://10-2network.com

📌 Connect with Pony Church: https://www.ponychurch.com/

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Pony Church

01:01 The Origin of Pony Church

03:50 Defining Church and Community

06:48 Transitioning to a Church

10:53 Weekly Rhythms of Pony Church

13:01 The Importance of Gospel Sharing

17:03 The Birth of the 10-2 Network

20:56 Engaging Different Demographics

24:53 Training for Evangelism

30:06 Stories of Transformation

34:04 The Future of the Church in Canada

As 2025 comes to a close, Matt reflects on key insights and themes from the conversations held during the fall season. Drawing from 12 conversations with leaders across Canada, this episode unpacks six key insights for following Jesus in a post-secular culture:

+Unity and collaboration for kingdom impact

+Deep formation as the engine of mission

+Faithful presence and adaptive leadership

+The power of story and worship to shape imagination

+Courage and creativity in discipleship

+Calling, gifts, and perseverance for the long haul

Whether you’ve listened to every episode or are just joining us, this conversation will inspire you to live out and share your faith in the places you live, work, learn, and play.

Join The Sowers Community here: https://join.thesowerspod.ca/

👉 Subscribe for more conversations that help you share and follow Jesus in Canada.

📧 Got guest suggestions? Email us at ask@thesowerspod.ca

🌐 Visit: thesowerspod.ca

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Recap Episode

01:39 Insights for the Post-Secular Church

02:52 Unity and Collaboration for Kingdom Impact

07:02 Deep Formation as the Engine of Mission

10:50 Faithful Presence and Adaptive Leadership

13:43 The Power of Story and Worship

16:43 Courage and Creativity in Discipleship

19:59 Calling, Gifts, and Perseverance for the Long Haul

24:39 NEWCHAPTER