Standing Boldly Against Injustice: Interview with Mackensey from Dalhousie Church

2) What gets you out of bed in the morning? Why are you passionate about issues of injustice?

What gets me out of bed in the morning is coffee… just kidding! Truly, it’s the excitement of not knowing what the day holds! Always having the possibility of making the day great; sometimes this turns out and other days it doesn’t. I’m passionate about the issues of injustice because of how I was raised. My dad has always had a heart for the poor, the hurt, and the broken which has been passed on to me. He always questions the injustice found in society and has taught me how to love the people that others don’t usually think about. My first experience was working with First Nations children on the reserve. I went to the reserve with my dad when I was very young, but then was able to get involved on my own around age 11. A group of us would just play with the kids, sing, dance and have puppet shows. It was an amazing experience and I got to meet an even more amazing group of kids. To this day, God has laid upon my heart to show love and mercy in my day to day life for anyone who I come in contact with.

3) Why is fundraising to end slavery with IJM important to you?

It takes money to spread awareness but even more so to help those that need help in a tangible way. There are doctor fees, lawyer fees, basic human needs like shelter, food, water. Without that fundraising, a lot of things wouldn’t be achievable. The Bold in the Cold campaign is just one of many ways to raise funds and awareness, but it is something that God specifically told me to do and specifically with my church.

4) What are you doing to fight injustice?

I’m fighting injustice by trying to spread awareness throughout many areas of my life. I try to talk about modern-day slavery at school— specifically in my leadership class and with friends. I also lead a worship team at Dalhousie Church where I have had a few opportunities to share my passion through talking and singing.

5) How did you share your passion with your church? How did you get others to buy into your vision?

I’m still in the process of sharing my passion, but I have sung and talked about my passion throughout a few [church] services. This month I’m taking on the vision of “Bold in the Cold” by working with members of my church as well as the pastors to bring the idea of “Bold” alive. We are transforming the stage to have yellow accents to show our support as well as connecting a worship song each week to the theme. My mom and I are making bracelets that are yellow to raise money for IJM and also to make it easy for the congregation to participate in wearing yellow all month. Our church will be taking up a special offering for this campaign.

6) Why should others get involved in fundraising and advocacy?

This is the easiest question yet: Simply because we are to live the life of Jesus and to follow The Way. Luke 4:18 says, “He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, sent me to heal the brokenhearted and set the captives free.”

7) How can our readers get updates on your success?

Updates will be posted to the Dalhousie Church Facebook Page!

8) If you could choose anyone to play you in a movie of your life, who would it be and why?

Personally, I would rather star in a movie about someone else’s life! I’m very passionate about acting, and it’s something I find enjoyable.

This article is part of a series featuring the amazing individuals who offer their time and talents to fundraise for us.

Inspired? Get started with your fundraiser at IJM.ca/fundraise.