My First Living Waters Ambassadors’ Academy
This past June 12–15, I attended my first Living Waters Ambassadors’ Academy in Southern California. This is the ministry God used back in 2006 to ignite Cory’s passion for evangelism and ultimately inspire him to launch The Cross Current in 2007.
CLICK HERE to watch Cory’s testimonial video of how it all started.
As Administrative Assistant with The Cross Current, my purpose for being at the Academy was volunteering my gifts and experience to serve and support this new gospel partner of our ministry. But what impacted me most wasn’t just the excellent teaching—it was the people. From the Living Waters staff to the Academy attendees, there was genuine joy, humility, and love for one another.
Night One Nerves!
On the first evening, everyone seemed a little nervous, but those walls came down quickly. Within hours, I watched true Christian fellowship develop as strangers became brothers and sisters united around the gospel. It was a beautiful reminder that when Christ is central, unity naturally follows.
The Greatest Gospel Impact
While the classroom sessions were outstanding, three experiences especially encouraged my heart
The first took place at the Santa Monica Pier, where Mark Spence invited Cory to join him at a “Chat With a Christian” table. During one conversation, a young man on a mission trip admitted he had never truly surrendered his life to Christ. Right there, on the pier, he placed his faith in Jesus. Witnessing that moment firsthand was unforgettable.
CLICK HERE to watch the conversation.
The second was meeting our bus driver, Miss E. Cory and I spent much of the ride talking with her and learned she was a new believer. She was thrilled to be driving a bus full of Christians out to share the gospel. On the return trip, one academy attendee organized a collection to bless her financially. Through tears, she thanked everyone over the microphone, sharing how deeply the gift encouraged both her and her faith. It was a powerful picture of the body of Christ caring for one another.
Finally, I was deeply moved by the hospitality of the Living Waters team. We shared meals and fellowship not only with ministry leaders but also with their spouses and families. Seeing entire families committed to proclaiming the gospel and discipling believers was both inspiring and refreshing.
Having now experienced what so profoundly impacted Cory nearly twenty years ago, I better understand why this ministry has borne such lasting fruit. My prayer is that through The Cross Current and our growing partnership with Living Waters Canada, many more churches across our nation will be equipped and encouraged to faithfully proclaim Christ.
Because Canada needs Christ,
Dawn McKenna serves as Administrative Assistant with The Cross Current and lives in London, Ontario, with her husband, Cory, and their two sons, Joshua and Caleb.
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Please pray for our staff to experience rest, refreshment, and renewed strength this summer. Ask the Lord to prepare our hearts and equip us for a fruitful season of ministry this fall.
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Please pray for the Lord to also continue leading more listeners and multiplying more ministry through The (new!) Gospel Unity Podcast with The Cross Current.
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Please pray for our team as they serve in various summer ministry assignments. Ask the Lord for safe travel, open hearts, and much lasting fruit as the gospel is faithfully shared.