Mend: An Invitation from Jesus to Return to Land-based Repair
 

AVAILABLE NOW IN PAPERBACK AND EBOOK

 

About Mend

Are you searching for a meaningful way to respond to the challenges of colonization? Mend: An Invitation from Jesus to Return to Land-Based Repair offers a hands-on pathway for Christians in Canada and beyond to pursue a path of repairing right relations. Centred around the story of Zacchaeus from the Gospel of Luke (Luke 19:1–27), this book serves as a guide, recovering repair as central to discipleship and the restoration of communities to health. Let Mend invite you into a journey of hope, transformation and even joy—discover practical steps to embrace repair and experience the life-changing impact of following Jesus to repair the damage of the colonial project.

 

Kindle version is now available Amazon.ca

Available in paperback on Amazon.ca

Local orders available for pickup in Vancouver, Saskatoon and the Waterloo region.

For orders of 10+ copies, contact publishing@newleafnetwork.ca for discount details.


Join us for an online Book Club for Mend in November in the New Leaf Learning Centre.

Registration and more information

 

About the Author

Jodi Spargur

Jodi is a Settler of Nordic/German heritage who lives as a guest on unceded Coast Salish territory on the west coast of Canada. She leads Red Clover Initiatives, which works to heal and restore relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous neighbours across Canada. This book grew out of Jodi’s PhD studies with NAIITS, an Indigenous Learning Community exploring Indigenous theology and Christian ethics. In addition to this work, Jodi finds renewal outdoors—fishing, camping, and spending time on the land connecting with the places and people who inspire her work for right-relationship.

COVER ART by RANDALL BEAR BARNETSON

ARTIST STATEMENT

 
Praise for the book
 
 

“As the child of colonial settlers and European refugees, I was born into the tension of shame and gratitude for our history. I can relate to the nervous curiosity Jodi Spargur identifies with the Zaccheus story. But I've also been welcomed out of the tree into the world of reconciliation. My Indigenous mentors tell me I need training to become a helpful partner, and that burden can't be all on them. This book will be a critical facet of that training.”

Bradley Jersak, Principle, St. Stephen’s University 

 
 

 
 

“The whole unfolding of Zacchaeus’ transformation from self-protecting hoarder to generous restorer is such a profound way to couch the challenge/invitation of land back.   And it feels promising and affirming a compelling approach versus guilt-laden and crippling one, which does the opposite, as you point out. Thank you!”

Rena, a Metis grandmother and scholar

 
 

 
 
Gather your communities to take next steps on this good path together, this is collective work.
— Steve Heinrichs
 
 

“Wonderful storytelling that stokes the imagination. Great analogies to help us understand present-day realities. Gather your communities to take next steps on this good path together, this is collective work. Read together and act together. I pray blessing on this holy project. It is good. Jesus, call us like you called Zac, or give us ears to hear that call! Zac, pray for us.”

Steve Heinrichs, editor of Unsettling the Word

 
 

 
 
 
On Tour
 
 

Join Jodi Spargur around Canada to learn more about Mend.

 
 

Watch for more details about events in Kelowna, Southern Ontario and beyond!

Launching the book in Vancouver, September 13, 2025.

 

The New Leaf Press team is planning to host local gatherings that will take a deep dive into the fascinating work of Mend. Interested in participating or hosting? Sign up to stay in the know! Keep an eye on the list on the left for upcoming events.