PROFILE
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Youth and children’s pastor igniting youth
for others, and how to make everyone feel valued and important. “Growing up we were the house that all our friends always came to because my par- ents treated them, and everyone that came through our doors so well. They would make anyone who came over feel a part of the family,” said L’Ecuyer. L’Ecuyer has also involved himself in the community, and has committed time vol- unteering with the Agape Centre, at his church, and coaching volleyball teams. He is a person who is passionate about any- thing that he is involved in. “I am a little bit of a perfectionist, which has it pros and cons at times,”quips L’Ecuyer. L’Ecuyer also plays volleyball, guitar, and enjoys reading, but the Bible by far is his favourite book, and the book that has changed his life. “The more I read it, the more I love it and the more I learn from it. I also read books on Christianity, youth culture, ministry and how to enhance my faith. I think it’s impor- tant that everyone has hobbies in order to relax and unwind. I also think it’s important to have close friends that you can just be yourself with.” If L’Ecuyer had the chance to go anywhere it would be Sydney, Australia. “It’s always been a place I wanted to visit. I would learn how to surf, play beach volleyball, try to pet a kangaroo and visit my favourite church which is called Hillsong.” If there is anyone that L’Ecuyer could meet it would be The Apostle Paul. “Other than Jesus, he is, in my opinion one of the most influential figures in the Bible. I would like to talk to him about theology, doctrine, Jesus, ministry and life. He lived an amazing life and had amazing faith. I would love to learn from him.” When asked if he considers himself to be successful, L’Ecuyer is somewhat reserved. “If success means learning not to live for yourself, but instead living to help and love other people then perhaps I am. “ “But I think it also means to never have a sense of arrival. You are successful when you realize there is always more to do and more to accomplish.” “I still have a long way to go, and many things to get right.” “Math is all about practice and children need to spend more time practicing it,”Ban- ga said when asked why he felt there was a need for his program. “Like anything else, it is the repetition that gives us confidence in our skill and it is confidence that moves us forward.” Candy Pollard, business consultant with the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre, said Banga sees the value of math in every- day life and in business.
LISA ETHERINGTON- RUNIONS
When youth in Cornwall step in the doors for an evening at “Ignite,” it is obvious that this is more than your average youth group. The excitement, the music, the laughter and the camaraderie is inspir- ing. But even more inspiring is the group under the leadership of Paul L’Ecuyer. L’Ecuyer, born and raised in Cornwall, is the youth and children’s pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship. He mainly oversees the youth program called Ignite, which is ever growing in popularity. Under the direction of the former student of Redeemer University College in Ancaster, Ont., the program has exploded in popular- ity. “It wasn’t so much as I chose this occupa- tion,” said L’Ecuyer, “but more like this occu- pation chose me. My senior pastor, Pastor Roy Stephenson, offered me this position about two years ago.” “I was originally going to school to be a teacher, but God had other plans for my life. I took the position in September 2011, and haven’t looked back. It’s by far the most amazing fulfilling thing I’ve ever done in my life.” L’Ecuyer feels the hardest part of this posi- tion was starting from scratch. When he first came into the position there was no youth program. He had a handful of youth and a few volunteers but no structure of any sort. His senior pastor invested a lot of time into training him and helping him to start Ignite. The first few months were difficult, but it has grown in leaps and bounds. Being passionate about his work and the enjoyment of wanting to have a positive in- fluence on the lives of teens and being an active role model is the key to the success of the group. “One of our goals at Ignite is to have a positive influence in teenagers’ lives to help them highlight their gifts and strengths and show them that they can accomplish some- thing significant.” “We are also there to help them with ev- eryday teenage issues and help give ad-
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The youth group at Harvest Christian Fellowship has exploded in popularity under the leadership of Paul L’Ecuyer.
vice and be a place where they can build meaningful trustworthy relationships” said L’Ecuyer. This combined with theme nights, such as the recent semi- formal evening, activities, games,
most teens went through the same issues and problems associated with adolescence while he was growing up. One of L’Ecuyer’s most inspirational mo-
ments was when he was a child and his father became a Christian. “He started to come to church with my mom, my brother and I. It changed ev- erything in my fam-
You are successful when you realize there is alwaysmore to do and more to accomplish.”
music, contests, and refreshments allows youth to socialize in a friendly hangout. On theme nights, it is common to see
more than100 teens in attendance. They have been able to show teens that church can be a fun place. The youth group meets every Wednesday evening at Harvest Chris- tian Fellowship. L’Ecuyer follows in his parents footsteps, and like them reaches out to those in need. He wasn’t always this way, and like
ily. He was an amazing father before he was a Christian, but there was a noticeable change in him after, and he’s been the most influential person in my life. I am so grateful for him and the role he plays in my life,” said L’Ecuyer. Both of L’Ecuyer’s parents have inspired him, showing him how to genuinely care
123 Math Magic offers winning formula for local students
The Journal jcornwall@eap.on.ca
“123 Math Magic is much more than just math,” Banga said. “It is a unique program offering after school, focused classes for children from Grade 3 to Grade 8.” “I created this math tutoring program to boost confidence in students and to teach them how to work both independently and as a group.” 123 Math Magic is a curriculum-based program offering separate classes for each grade level. Children are tested at the end
of each chapter and test results are e- mailed to parents so that they are able to keep track of the progress. Class sizes will remain small, will be com- pletely instructor led and will be fully fo- cused and Banga is adamant that every child will receive individual attention. The program provides two class- es per week - the first class is fully fo- cused by grade and the second class will be a group setting of all grades.
Ravinder Banga knows that for some chil- dren, math is a bit of a struggle. He also knows that as a parent we want the best for our children – we want them to be con- fident and successful. It is his belief that developing skills in math builds confidence and leads to other successes.
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