How I found my way to TCM

My name is Jakob, and I’m a Liebenzell Missionary from Germany. I have been working with Toronto City Mission (TCM) since September 2025, and I will complete my service in July this year. This is my gap year after high school. Now you’re probably asking why I moved to Canada and specifically, why I’m working with TCM.

Originally, I had planned to move abroad for a year to experience new cultures, gain new experiences, and see something outside of the classroom. But then I found out about the Liebenzell Mission, a German organization that sends young people to various countries to serve. I read about TCM’s organization and mission, and I was really interested in their ministry because I enjoy working with kids. I saw TCM as a learning opportunity to see whether I really wanted to go to teachers' college after my gap year. At first, I wasn’t sure if I should go on this adventure, especially since the thought of leaving my family and friends scared me, so I prayed a lot about it. But God clearly showed me that I shouldn’t be scared and that he’s always by my side, so I took the risk and applied. One Bible verse that really encouraged me during this time was in Matthew 28:20,

“I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”

I have now been in Toronto for more than five months, and during this time I have had the chance to experience so many things which I’m really grateful for. I met a lot of great people and learned so much about living in a city, but I also learned about the dark side of living in a city of millions. I underestimated the poverty experience by kids and how bad the housing situation really is. One moment of culture shock was when I had the chance to visit one of the kids’ apartments. I was shocked by how small it was. God really showed me how grateful I should be for living a privileged life, and that it is not something that I should take for granted. In general, God really made me feel thankful for the opportunity I have and for all the people around me. He has been working on me and teaching me to be gracious. 

My goal for the rest of the journey is to make an impact on the kids, make them feel welcomed and tell them about our Saviour Jesus Christ. Even though my time here is limited, I want to make the most of it and build deep relationships with the kids.