The Christian Heritage Month Initiative began in December 2023 after a troubling headline caught my husband Jay Banerjei’s and my attention. The Canadian Human Rights Commission had petitioned the government of Canada to declare Christmas and Easter as racist holidays. This news deeply troubled us, and as we read, the Spirit of the Lord moved mightily within us. In that moment, we felt called by God to launch a campaign to have December officially declared Christian Heritage Month in Canada.

 

 

Jay and I, both Realtors with Re/Max, had no experience in political advocacy. However, we knew how to work hard and persevere. With Jay’s support, I dedicated myself fully to this mission, volunteering my time as the CEO of the Christian Heritage Month Initiative, often working up to 80 hours a week. Though we had no idea how we would succeed, we trusted that God would guide us through every step of the journey.

 

 

We faced many challenges, including doubts from others who told us it was a “waste of time,” that “the country is too far gone,” or that “no one would even answer our calls.” Despite the negativity, we continued to move forward in faith, trusting God would open the doors we needed.

 

 

In May 2024, we started writing letters to municipalities across Canada, requesting them to recognize December as Christian Heritage Month. A month later, we received an email from the mayor of Orillia: “I have signed your proclamation. Come and get it.” This was the breakthrough we had been praying for, and it sparked the momentum we needed.

 

 

From that point, the movement began to grow rapidly. In just six months, we secured proclamations from 45 municipalities, including major cities like Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Mississauga, and Regina, as well as three regions: Durham, York, and Cape Breton. The province of Saskatchewan also officially declared December as Christian Heritage Month.

 

 

By God’s grace, we were able to celebrate “Christmas on the Hill” in 2024, 2025, and every year from now on. This event, which began as a small gathering to honor Christian heritage, has grown into a significant celebration of faith, unity, and the Christian values that have shaped our nation. It is a time for believers across Canada to come together in worship, reflection, and celebration, making it an annual cornerstone of the Christian Heritage Month Initiative.

 

 

The Christian Heritage Month Initiative, known as Team Jesus, started with our family—sons, nieces, and nephews—united in faith. Over time, it has expanded to include believers from all walks of life across Canada. Our movement is non-political, non-partisan, and multi-denominational, with support from people of every ethnicity, starting with First Nations communities. It unites Catholics, Protestants, Evangelicals, Charismatics, and Orthodox believers, all honoring the Christian heritage that forms the foundation of Canada.

 

 

In December 2024, we saw a near victory when Motion-171 was introduced in Parliament, bringing us closer than ever to seeing December officially declared Christian Heritage Month at the federal level. Unfortunately, Parliament was dissolved before the motion could pass. However, the doors we opened and the support we gained proved that momentum was building, and we knew God was with us every step of the way.

 

 

Our journey has been guided by Isaiah 46:13 (NLT): “For I am ready to set things right, not in the distant future, but right now!” This verse has been a constant reminder that God is with us, and His purposes will not be thwarted.

 

 

By 2025, we had gathered over 18,500 signatures and secured the support of nearly 60 municipalities. The provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario are preparing to declare December as Christian Heritage Month, and we expect at least 100 new municipalities to join by 2026.

 

 

The Christian Heritage Month Initiative continues to grow, powered by God’s faithfulness and the support of countless believers across Canada. We invite you to join this movement—whether through prayer, signing our petition, spreading the word, or attending our events. Every step we take together brings us closer to seeing Christian Heritage Month declared across the nation.

 

This is just the beginning. We are excited to see how God will continue to move through this initiative, and we trust the best is yet to come. Together, we will continue pushing forward in faith, unity, and action.

 

People have started to call me Deborah of Canada!

 

I am deeply humbled and honored by this, as it reflects not only the journey we’ve been on but the strength and unity of our mission. Like Deborah in the Bible, I am standing boldly in faith, leading this charge, trusting in God’s direction, and believing that He will continue to use this movement to unite and inspire His people across Canada.