Halifax, N.S. – Pennies and Sparrows is a special place. With operations based out of Stone Church in Saint John, N.B., this community care organization seeks to serve the downtown core of Saint John with a drop-in program, adult English language classes for newcomers, summer day camps for newcomer children, a cooking class, a seniors' social group, and more such relationship-focused programs.

It is this dedication to “faith in action” for those in unstable circumstances and on the margins of society that has earned founders Terence and Jasmine Chandra the 2026 Honourable Mayann Francis Faith in Action Award, presented by Atlantic School of Theology (AST).

“Most recently, we watched as one of our staff members (Jennifer) held a guest at our drop-in program tightly in her arms, hugging her for ten minutes straight as if she were a small, hurting child,” shared Terence Chandra, who makes up one half of the husband and wife clergy team.

“I knew that, for at least a few minutes on a Thursday afternoon, our guest—a woman to whom the world had been unspeakably cruel—felt safe, loved, and valued. I’m convinced that Jesus himself was involved in that hug.”

Faith in Action. That is the simple yet powerful premise behind The Honourable Mayann Francis Faith in Action Award. This award recognizes individuals across Atlantic Canada whose religious commitments have been translated into tangible, positive change, significantly benefiting the wider community and improving the quality of life for those they serve.

“We are both deeply honoured to receive the Faith in Action Award from Atlantic School of Theology,” shared Chandra. “We hope that this award will bring attention—not to us—but to ministries like Pennies and Sparrows, thereby inspiring others to step out in faith and launch similar initiatives of their own.”

Terence and Jasmine met while studying theology at Wycliffe College. During their time in seminary, the Chandras became involved in Sanctuary—a Christian ministry based in Toronto and committed to serving the most hurting and vulnerable people of the city. Their involvement with Sanctuary would serve as an inspiration for the kind of work they would later do in N.B.

After serving in various parishes throughout the Diocese of Fredericton independently of one another for a while, in the summer of 2014, with the support of the ninth diocesan bishop of Fredericton, Rev. Claude Miller, the Chandras launched Pennies and Sparrows. The Chandras were nominated for the Faith in Action award by Canon Shawn C. Branch of the Diocese of Fredericton, with the full support of their current bishop, Archbishop David Edwards.

In Archbishop David Edwards’ own words, “Pennies and Sparrows is demonstrably not a ministry focused on quick results but on being a faithful presence and building long-term relationships. Jasmine and Terence lead with humility, courage, and perseverance, remaining committed even when the work is challenging or costly. Their ministry reflects a lived theology—one that seeks empowerment over dependency and long-term commitment over short-term answers.”

AST President Rev. Dr. Heather McCance, commenting on the recognition, said, “The Christian faith is often judged by its misuses, but the example of Jasmine and Terence Chandra reminds us of its enduring power to inspire compassion, service, and profound good in the world. We are grateful to them for their work and to Dr. Mayann Francis, whose founding of this award allows AST to be part of recognizing such inspirational people every year.”

The award will be formally presented during the 2026 AST Convocation on May 9, 2026, to be held at Cathedral Church of All Saints in Halifax. The event will also be available for public viewing via a live stream.