In this Update; I will summarize the events of 2025 and give a short sneak peak into the plans of 2026. If you want more details on some of the stories check out my previous updates from throuout the year.
Here is the browser version of the Update if you prefer that. There is also a PDF version at the bottom of the page.
Hey everyone! I pray you are doing well and ending the year with peace and joy. As 2025 comes to a close, I’ve been looking back on everything God has done this year, and honestly… it’s a lot! From running schools, to traveling across the world, to moving out of the staff house, this year has been full, stretching, and so, so good. I’m excited to share some highlights with you!
DTS
The year kicked off with our Discipleship Training School (DTS), and what a gift it was to walk with this group of students. We had seven students from around the world, each bringing their own story, culture, and passion to the table. We ran two tracks at the same time: the Snowboard & Ski DTS and the Kingdom Justice DTS, which made our crew lively and diverse.
Our weekly rhythms of prayer stations, city reach, neighborhood clean-up, and mountain ministry kept us grounded here in Vancouver while also giving the students real opportunities to love people and practice what they learned in the classroom. God showed up week after week through speakers, conversations, breakthrough moments, and those quiet times when students realized, Oh… God really does speak to me.
Japan Outreach
In April and May, the DTS team spent two intense, yet beautiful months in Japan. We traveled through Yokohama, Otaru, Sapporo, and Asahikawa, sharing the Gospel, hosting worship nights, giving out free hugs, teaching kids, having deep conversations, and praying over cities.
One of my highlights was meeting Masato in Otaru. What started as a simple free hug turned into multiple days of conversations, shared meals, questions about life and Jesus, and even bringing his mum to a church event. Watching him connect with the church and keep showing up was a reminder that sometimes ministry happens one relationship at a time. Please keep praying for him and his family.
So many walls are coming down in Japan. People are curious. People are searching. And God is moving.
New Room
In June, I moved out of staff housing and into a new place with two other guys. I had quietly been praying about moving out, and before I had spoken to anyone about my hopes, God opened a door through a friend who offered me a room at a place he was moving into. It has already been such a blessing. More space to rest, think, and host people. Rent is higher, but God made it clear He would provide. And He has.
DBS
This summer and fall, we ran the Discipleship Bible School (DBS). Last year, I was a student; this year, I was staffing and even teaching on it. Leading small groups, grading homework, talking to strangers about the Bible in the park, and watching students discover the story of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation has been incredible.
One of my favorite moments this year was teaching on Ecclesiastes, sprinting through my content, as usual, but loving every minute of it. Teaching is a skill God keeps highlighting in my life, and I’m grateful He’s giving me opportunities to grow in it.
India & Thailand Outreach - Home Alone
As you may know, I was planning to join our DBS outreach to India and Thailand in October-November this year. However, I wasn’t able to join due to not being fully funded for the trip and needing my Canadian work permit to be approved before I left the country (the permit arrived 4 days before the team returned from outreach lol). Even though this was pretty disappointing news, I tried to make the most of the situation. While the team was teaching and serving in South/Southeast Asia, I was praying for them, participating in our regular ministries, working on teachings, studying, and organizing a party for the outreach team to share their stories when they returned. It was a slow and lonely season, as my house was empty. At times, I felt very lazy, like I wasn’t doing enough. But God wanted to teach me how to rest and abide in Him. A premise that I knew, but was not practiced in. It was tough. Resting is difficult, especially when others are hard at work. I had to wrestle with that unease and guilt. I managed to learn a little, but I am far from an expert in rest.
Meanwhile, the outreach team was also having a hard time adjusting to their ever-changing team dynamic. It was a small and intimate crew of only 5 adults and 1 four-year-old. Due to many different circumstances, the relationships within the team were strained and pushed. Yet, God was using our crew to reach more than 1000 people with His word. They taught the Bible for a total of 48+ hours over 6 weeks, partnered with 12 different churches, and distributed 8 Bibles. These are just some of the numbers from the trip; the stories are really the important part. God is alive in India. I could tell that He is moving powerfully from the testimony of my team. I won’t be able to do their stories justice, but if you want to hear more, I will share our YWAM end-of-year report on my socials once it has been posted.
Coming up in 2026
2026 is already looking to be a busy, busy year. I think that’s why God wanted to teach me a bit about rest. We have a Snowboard + Skier DTS starting at the beginning of January with 6 students signed up so far. I am going to England to see family, friends, and work on building my support network in April-May. In June, we begin a DBS, which I will be co-leading with Andrew. There will also be a School of Evangelism, potentially running at the same time. Then, in the fall, we as a base are pioneering a couple's DTS. Mixed in with all of this are a number of teams coming to participate in our Mission Adventures program. And! Two of our families are expecting to bring little people into the world around springtime! So, LOTS happening! I am very excited and can’t wait to see God show up in amazing ways again next year.
Fundraising Update
Thank you so much to everyone who has partnered financially with me this year. Truly, I would not be able to do any of this without you.
This year, my average support has been around $600 CAD/month, but my goal is $2000 CAD/month so I can sustainably serve long-term, covering rent, groceries, health care, ministry costs, travel, and gradually paying off my student debt.
If you feel led, please pray about joining my monthly support team. Even small monthly amounts make a big difference.
Check out the support page on my website for ways to give. Click here!
I have also created a Facebook group where I try to post more frequent updates on what God is doing through my life. If you would like to join, you will find the link to my Facebook account at the bottom of this page.
Prayer Points
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For our staff, that we would be prepared and energized for next year, trusting in God to provide all we need and make a way for His will to be done.
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For all the students who will come through our programs, that they would learn more about God, and allow Him to develop them in the areas He is highlighting.
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For snow on the mountains, safety and boldness as we minister on the slopes to the ski culture.
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For continued provision as I pursue long-term ministry with YWAM Vancouver.
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That I would continue to trust God in all that I do. Allowing Him to lead the way in my relationships, finances, and future.
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Rest.
Thank You!
Thank you for praying, supporting, reading my newsletters, and cheering me on. I am so blessed to have you in my corner. If you want to chat, hear more stories, or ask questions about what’s next, feel free to reach out anytime. If you would like to read more of my newsletters or find ways to support me, check out my website.
God Bless you, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
Ezekiel Smith
Facebook: Zeke Smith Instagram: (@smith_zeke)
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