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About Children Arise

Transforming Nations By Discipling Generations

Children Arise is a Christian movement dedicated to forming the next generation into Jesus-centered Kingdom citizens. Based in Victoria, BC, we work locally, nationally, and globally to help families, churches, and educators recover a biblical vision for discipleship that touches every part of life.

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    We believe that education and discipleship were never meant to be separate. Throughout history—and in the ministry of Jesus Himself—teaching has always been the means by which hearts are shaped, minds are set, and lives are transformed – for better or worse. What children learn through hearing words, seeing actions, and experiencing context, forms how they see God, the world, and their place within it.

    Our heart is to see Canada—and the nations—filled with mature believers who know the story of God, trust the truth of Scripture, and joyfully give their lives to building God’s Kingdom on earth. Children Arise is not simply an organization; it is a growing collaboration of parents, pastors, educators, volunteers, and partners united around a shared calling.

We believe that education and discipleship were never meant to be separate. Throughout history—and in the ministry of Jesus Himself—teaching has always been the means by which hearts are shaped, minds are set, and lives are transformed – for better or worse. What children learn through hearing words, seeing actions, and experiencing context, forms how they see God, the world, and their place within it.

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Our Mission

We exist to empower leaders to disciple children – Together they will shape nations.

Our Vision

We envision a society where families, churches, schools and governments collaborate to disciple children into their god-given potential.

Our Corporate Values

Faith

Our Christian faith compels us to serve our communities and build strong families. View our faith statement HERE

Children & Youth

Children and youth are at the heart of everything we do.

Collaboration

We actively engage with local leaders and global partners to generate lasting and sustainable change.

Integrity

We embrace accountability, transparency, and excellence.

Compassion

Compelled by love, we are moved to action to help children and youth.

Creativity

We believe that creativity, innovation and entrepreneurialism catalyze transformation.

Meet Our Team

The Arise team has diverse skills and capacities. We share core values and are committed to transformation of communities so that every child will have the opportunity to thrive.
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Bruce Friesen

President
Partner Financially

Leah Gray

Program Development
Partner Financially

Andrew Banman

Treasurer & Secretary

Paul Vermes

Vice-President

Rory Campbell

Director

Tony Zanon

Director

Jan Zanon

Director

Our Big Why

Children Arise exists because of this unshakable conviction: Nations are transformed when the next generation is discipled and discipleship happens most powerfully through education.

  • This is a biblical pattern, a historical reality, and a present-day urgency.
  • We aren’t just reaching children, we’re shaping nations.
  • We aren’t just teaching lessons, we’re forming identity, worldview, and destiny.
  • We aren’t just responding to need, we’re participating in God’s plan to see His Kingdom come here on earth as it is in heaven.
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