Loving God- Loving Self- Loving Others

I believe we were created to have healthy relationships both vertically and horizontally. I believe our soul was created for a relationship with God our Creator. We were designed to be connected with other people to fulfill the greatest commandment as based on the SHEMA as penned in Deuteronomy 6:4-7. This is a precept to the ‘greatest commandment’ which is a life long journey:

“Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40

I am a daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunty, grandma, friend- who is a passionate visionary- communicator- peacemaker and mentor who’s foundations are based on the principles of Jesus Christ. I am a truth seeker and grace giver.

I’m a 2020 graduate of Briercrest Seminary. I’ve been so grateful for the challenge, growth, and mentorship that poured over me through the Christian Ministries and Leadership and Management tracks amidst the other required courses. If you’re curious what my Statement Of Faith is: I love Jesus and want to follow Him to the best of my ability knowing His teachings and example of truth and grace is unmatched by anyone who has walked this earth. His love for humanity takes my breath away. I ascribe to the Nicene Creed. If you’d like to dig deeper than that, I can send you the much more detailed 25-page paper I wrote on my faith statement in fulfillment of my grad requirements for seminary - ha!

My internship prior to graduating in fulfillment of my Masters degree was focused on the area of Truth and Reconciliation. I have been a member of Reconciliation Saskatoon and am grateful for the experiences I have had thus far. I have more to learn from others’ unique journey- no matter their race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability as noted in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. I weigh that mandate under the higher call of Biblical reconciliation as I know to be true as the scriptures calls us to be “Ministers of Reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:11-21).

I am a member of Forest Grove Community Church which is a part of the MB denomination. I was raised in Minnesota with the influence of the Lutheran denomination and then in 1990 married Tim who was raised Catholic. In 1999, I founded Women’s Journey of Faith where I had grown to absolutely love and appreciate the diversity in the body of Christ. Imperfect? Yes. On the pathway of redemption, restoration and realignment?( Please Lord- do your mighty work among your people! ) My heart remains non-denominational in premise as I hear the prayer of Jesus and His heart-cry for unity as found in John chapter 17. As Hope Restored Canada was formed in 2015, I have also grown to expand my love for humanity as I met and served with a diverse group of people as we worked to address the injustice of sexual exploitation. Founded by faith and rooted in Judeo Christian principles, it has shifted to adopt an expanded philosophy statement that is open for diverse beliefs and perspectives to engage in this mission.

If you’d like to read my detailed statement of faith based on my personal experience and convictions, Click here to read one of my blog posts devoted to this. https://www.jodikozan.com/blog/worldview-statement-of-faith This was one of my required papers to write in the fulfillment of graduating with my Master’s degree at Briercrest Seminary in 2020.

As a dual citizen of the United States of America and Canada, I am currently residing in Saskatoon, SK Canada which is on Treaty 6 territory, the traditional territory of Nêhiyaw (Cree) Peoples, and the homeland of the Métis Nation and the ancestral lands of many First Nations (including the Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Dakota, and Lakota peoples.)

My desire in writing, speaking and engaging in community impact is to follow God’s calling on my life and share what is on my heart with others. When I do so, I believe I am exercising my rights and responsibilities as outlined in the Charter. In doing so, I am true to myself, my Creator with my personal aim to love and serve others. To the best of my ability, I will respect the fundamental rights of others which includes ones freedom of conscience and religion; and freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication among others noted in the charter. *

*It’s strange I even have to mention this last paragraph in my beliefs, but in today’s ever increasing “cancel culture”, I’m simply stating the obvious, freedom for all. Grateful that I am learning of the difference between the worlds definition of freedom and God’s definition:) For me, Jesus is God’s plan for Restoration- family and world.