Stephen & Denise Cornish

Stephen and Denise Cornish live in Niverville, Manitoba, and have three children: Jonah (21), Levi (16), and Grace (14). They have been married for 26 years and are originally from Saskatchewan. Both Stephen and Denise work at the University of Manitoba in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management—Stephen as an Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education, and Denise as an Assistant Fitness Training and Assessment Coordinator with Recreation Services.

In late August 2023, their eldest son, Jonah, left Niverville to live and volunteer in Israel for 11 months as part of the Zealous Project, an initiative of Bridges for Peace. The mission of Bridges for Peace is: “Christians supporting Israel and building relationships between Christians and Jews in Israel and around the world.” Jonah chose to remain in Israel and continue his volunteer commitment even after the events of October 7, 2023. Jonah’s decision to serve in Israel also became Stephen and Denise’s “yes,” as their understanding of and love for Israel and the Jewish people deepened.

In late May 2024, Stephen and Denise participated in the Hineni Solidarity Humanitarian Mission Trip to Israel, which was organized in partnership with three organizations: The Jewish National Fund, the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, and Bridges for Peace. During their trip, they took part in various intensive volunteer activities, connected with locals to hear their stories, and visited several memorial sites. The most meaningful part of their journey was building connections with the other participants while standing in solidarity with Israel.

Their eldest son, Jonah, returned to Israel in September 2024 and is currently serving another 11-month volunteer term with Bridges for Peace in Jerusalem.

Lisa Lewis

Lisa Lewis provides management consulting and customized training services through her company Beyond Excellence Creative Consulting. She is a member of the Animakee Wa Zhing #37 First Nation, was a founding member of the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce and is presently on the board of directors for the Clan Mothers Healing Village and Knowledge Centre.

In her spare time Lisa is a book editor, photography enthusiast, community volunteer and proud to stand as an ally to Israel and the Jewish community of Winnipeg.