Avant Ministries Canada

Avant Ministries Canada is a Canadian nonprofit organization and a registered charity dedicated to church planting and missionary work among unreached people groups around the world. It operates as the Canadian branch of Avant Ministries, one of the oldest missionary sending agencies in North America, founded in 1892. Avant Ministries Canada holds the Canadian charitable business registration number 118942564RR0001.

History and Background

Avant Ministries, originally known as the Gospel Missionary Union, has a long history dating back to the late 19th century. It has been committed to evangelism and church planting, particularly focusing on places where no church currently exists. Avant was the first evangelical mission to enter countries like Ecuador and Mali, where it helped establish vibrant national churches. Over time, the organization’s methods have evolved, but its core objective remains the rapid planting and development of churches in unreached regions.

Avant Ministries Canada continues this legacy by strategically supporting missionary teams and cultivating partnerships with local believers to multiply church planting efforts. The organization emphasizes innovative ministry techniques alongside spiritual development and discipleship.

Mission and Vision

Avant Ministries Canada’s vision is encapsulated by the phrase "Where There is No Church," reflecting its dedication to reaching the unreached with the gospel. The organization aims to alleviate suffering, offer eternal hope, and facilitate the development of healthy, sustainable, and reproducing churches around the world.

Ministry Focus

The Canadian branch supports a wide range of ministry areas, including:

• Church planting
• Discipleship and spiritual development
• Human trafficking and slavery prevention
• Clean water and sanitation projects
• Christian education at elementary and high school levels
• Camp ministries

Organizational Structure and Leadership

Avant Ministries Canada operates under the broader leadership structure of Avant Ministries International, whose President and CEO was appointed in 2023. The Canadian office is overseen by Mike Reimer, who has served as the Vice President and Canadian Executive Director since 2015. With extensive cross-cultural mission experience, Mike Reimer and his family have served in South America for over 20 years, including leadership in church planting in Bolivia and Uruguay.

The Canadian Service Centre is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and coordinates the organization’s Canadian operations and missionary sending.

Financial Accountability and Affiliations

Avant Ministries Canada is recognized as a registered charity by the Canada Revenue Agency under the business number 118942564RR0001. The organization maintains high standards of financial accountability and governance. It is a member of several reputable Christian charity and mission associations, including:

• Missio Nexus (formerly the International Foreign Missions Association)
• Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA)
• Canadian Centre for Christian Charities (CCCC)

Avant Ministries undergoes annual independent audits to ensure transparency and appropriate stewardship of donor funds. Its Canadian audits are conducted by PriceWaterhouseCoopers, while its international audits are performed by Capin Crouse.

Through sustained commitment to its foundational mission, Avant Ministries Canada continues to advance church planting efforts among unreached populations, partnering with national believers and utilizing innovative strategies to expand the global church.