B C / Y u ko n D i s t r i c t The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada 20411 Douglas Crescent, Langley, BC V3A 4B6 p : 6 0 4 - 5 3 3 - 2 2 3 2 | e : o f f i c e @ bc . p a o c . o r g | w w w . b c . p a o c . o r g
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ISSUE 4 | VOLUME 49 | DECEMBER 2012
this issue
Building Your Spiritual Legacy by Carl Sawler, Legacy Builders
Legacy Builders 1 “Write this down for the next generation so people, not yet born, will praise God.” Psalm 102:18 (The Message) “Write it so the story can be told…” Psalm 102:21 (The Message) “Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation…” Joel 1:3 (NIV) “...one generation makes known your faithfulness to the next.” Isaiah 38:19 (The Living Bible) Clearly, the Bible instructs us to pass on our faith to our children, grandchildren, friends and others. So what is your spiritual legacy? What are you leaving behind to ensure your faith will be passed down to the generations to follow? It starts with how we live, showing our passionate heart for Jesus. It then carries over to conversations, memories, notes and letters that our loved ones will always cherish.
So live your legacy, but also leave one in physical form so that your succeeding generations will know and understand their spiritual heritage. In June, we had the privilege of, once again, speaking at Legacy Builders Camp at Chubb Lake. It was a pleasure to meet Pastor and Mrs. Keith Evans at a Legacy Builders luncheon at Calvary Temple in Kamloops, and to also share with Legacy Builders from Merritt and Logan Lake. We also shared at a luncheon in Armstrong with Legacy Builders from a number of churches in the Okanagan. Although I have concluded my ministry at Glad Tidings in Creston, I will continue my role as Director of the Legacy Builders (50+) Ministries for the BC/Yukon District. I am available to share with your Legacy Builders group. Please feel free to contact me by phone 250-428-3476 or by email cbsawler@hotmail.com.
BCYD Global Workers 2 University Christian Ministries 3 Women 2 Women 3 District Clergy Care Coach 4 Marketplace/Chaplaincy Ministry 5 Summit Pacific College 5 District Superintendent 5 Aboriginal and Cultural Ministries 6 Children, Preteen and Family 6 Next Generation Ministries 6 Assistant Superintendent 7 Happenings Around the District 8
Legacy Builders Chubb Lake Camp
District Calendar 8
How do you want to be remembered? Today we live in an age of voicemail, e-mail, and other digital communications, and the old ways of communicating seem to be dying out.
BC Yukon PAOC District @bcydist
I want to encourage you to intentionally consider physical ways that your family (either now, or to come), will be able to read or hear of your faith story. Consider writing a letter declaring your faith in Jesus. How about “faith booking”, write articles about your life and faith, write a poem, put your thoughts on CD/DVD. Technology will always be changing, but capturing your faith will be one of the richest things you can leave your loved ones.
www.paoc.org Pastor & Mrs. Keith Evans Legacy Builders Luncheon Calvary Temple, Kamloops
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BC/Yukon District and our Global Workers WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER!
Kirsten Arding (Europe)
Sheldon & Anna Armitage (Europe)
Greg & Andrea Laing (Thailand)
Pascal & Caroline Bergeron (Haiti)
Dan & Mardell MacTavish (Romania / Spain)
Sergio & Nancy Bersaglio (Zambia)
Bill & Linda Mercer (Mozambique)
Phil & Judy Bowler (Senegal)
Len & Marilyn Mittelstaedt (Tanzania)
Steve & Kathy Bowler (Malawi)
Marty & Marjit Mittelstaedt (Tanzania)
Dave & Connie Buzikievich (East Africa)
Rainer & Elizabeth Mittelstaedt (Sri Lanka)
Kathy and Steve Bowler Global Workers in Malawi
Dawn Ellwyn (Tanzania)
Christo & Sarah Emmanuel (Indo-Asia)
Nelson & Lisa Monteiro (Brazil)
Tom & Laura Fodor (Brazi)l
Peter & Arlene Paluch (Europe)
Marg Foreman (Africa)
Matt & Amber Price (Poland)
Gerald & Pat Golbeck (Africa)
Joel & Avin Reimer (Cambodia)
Joel & Brandi Reimer (India)
Racheal Komant (Rwanda)
George & Eileen Werner (Europe)
Pascal and Caroline Bergeron
In a land crippled by centuries of social inequality and recent natural disasters, a resilient people remains. The Bergeron family is joining the people of Haiti in its struggle for justice and to improve its difficult circumstances. They will work alongside ordinary citizens, local churches and non-profit agencies to find creative ways to fulfill Haiti's vision of a better life.
Kathy is the director of Children of Blessing Trust (COBT). COBT is a Christian nongovernmental organization working with people of all ages who have physical, learning or communication disorders. Our purpose is to show them the love of Jesus and to help them understand that God loves them and wants what is best for them. We offer our clients and their families a hope for the future through rehabilitation services, preschool education, special education classes, nutritional support, Bible classes, parent workshops and much more.
As young marrieds, the Bergerons worked in Haiti for one year, where they acquired the language and learned about the culture. They are now returning with their three children. They will collaborate with ERDO on a number of community development projects. They will also assist local churches in developing strong leaders and effective children’s ministries.
Steve is the director of Fountain of Life (FOL). The main goal of FOL is to make sure that effective and appropriate support services are available for victims of sexual violence in Malawi. There is only one rape crisis centre in the country and is called, “One Stop Centre” for trauma victims at the main Blantyre Hospital. The Counsellors working there are associated with the FOL. There is a huge amount of work to be done to fill in the many gaps across the country so that victims of sexual violence can be helped.
Contact details:
The Bergerons hope to be in Haiti by Fall 2013. They will remain in their current positions at the District and Correctional Services while raising their support. They will gladly meet with you to present their vision. Visit them online at www.BergeronHaiti.com.
Tandu, FOL Counsellor in Blantyre, who leads the team at the One Stop Centre
Kathy Bowler p: 265-999964408 │e: cobt@globemw.net www.thrivemalawi.ca │ www.paoc.org
Steve Bowler p: 265-999964409, e: director@mwfountainoflife.org www.mwfountainoflife.org │ www.paoc.org
Merry Christmas to our BCYD Global Workers “Tis the season to consider budgets...falalalalalala” 2013 Mission Budget Best Practices:
Bapu Desai & Frank Juelich (Prem Sewa Shikshan Sanghsia)
Pastors/Boards/Missions Committees invite Global Workers to submit 2013 budgets. Global workers initiates contact with supporting churches sharing the vision for 2013.
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John Engels www.ucmonline.ca
Emerge 2013 Emerge will be in Hope, BC for university and college students from across BC on January 18-20, 2013. We are excited to have Mike Bidell as our keynote speaker, with special topic breakout sessions, and student-led worship teams, late night fun and firesides. Experience God and His Word. Experience great fellowship and fun! Early bird cost for three to a room is $110, which includes lodging and four meals (Saturday and Sunday). Info and registration are available on our website www.ucmonline.ca
Campus Stories
More and more seekers are joining our campus meetings…. "I had about four or five in-depth conversations with women who wanted to know who God is, and what Christianity is all about. Two of these women are now members of my small group, which is a great opportunity for them to learn more about who Jesus is and His invitation to them, and a great opportunity for the Christian students in my small group to practice developing friendships with non-Christians and sharing their faith through the ministry of small groups." Kailei Hines, Campus Missionary at SFU.
Thank you to the churches that participated in Campus Ministries Sunday! You may still download the video and flyer on the BCYD District website for a missions focus anytime in your calendar. http://bc.paoc.org/university-ministry-sunday/
“Two BCIT students from closed countries accepted Christ.” Janice Howard, campus volunteer at BCIT.
Andrea Critchley @w2wonline Women2Women – 2012 Year of WONDER Presenting: THE WONDER WOMEN OF BC & YUKON What a joy and blessing it was to connect with over 1,000 women this year, as the regions gathered together at one of our six W2W Wonder Women Conferences. Our goal this year was to empower and refresh our women with the power of the Holy Spirit! We continue to receive emails and phone calls with testimonies of healings, salvations and impartations of the Holy Spirit in the lives of His women this year. We are so grateful for the dynamic speakers, worship leaders, organizers, decorators, and teams of women who worked so hard at each conference to facilitate the presence of God! Visit our Facebook and website for more photos and testimonies. Our women’s ministry region representatives: Sandi-Jo Ayers (Victoria); Cynthia Knutson (Kootenays); Noreen Phillips (Cariboo); Sue Gibbs (Yukon); Leanne DenBraber (Interior); Sandra Packer (Okanagan); and Sara Warriner, hostess for our Fort St. John Conference, all did an outstanding job of gathering the women from their regions. Thank you all for your incredible support, organization and spiritual leadership for your regions! A special thank you to our new W2W administrator Sherri Moore, for her excellent work with our Fall conferences! You can contact her at: w2wadmin@bc.paoc.org
Here are some highlights from our six W2W conferences in 2012 :
Raised yearly support for over 55 women missionaries in Asia. Invested in the lives of over 150 women from recovery homes or in need. Brought awareness and financial support to stop human trafficking and other social issues impacting women and children. Leadership training and practical discipleship for our women leaders. Highlighted and invested in our Christian Business Women. Interviewed Tattered Tiaras, GFA, Connie Jakab, and other great people and organizations making a difference for girls and women! Many first time salvations as well as recommitments to Christ. Physical healings and emotional freedom through the Holy Spirit. United vision for the future of women’s ministries, encouragement, friendships, joy and laughter and a recharge in the Holy Spirit!
We are also grateful for the vision and open invitation from Next Generation Ministries (NGM) for W2W’s yearly participation in the breakout sessions during History Maker! We want to show our support and help raise up the next generation of young women and are blessed to be able to partner with NGM to invest in our girls! Thank you Amy Baker for your leadership with the young women in our District! We had over 800 women at our panel again this year. Thank you for planting seeds in hearts, investing in their lives and encouraging them to be godly women. This has been a year of WONDER as I have met the women and leadership in our regions. I am encouraged, inspired and proud of these women. God is using them to lead, love, invest and disciple many others to know Him! I am so proud of the women of our Region! They really are the WONDER WOMEN of the BC YUKON District! Serving with you, Andrea Critchley
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Emotional Health: Forgiveness by Jim Caruso, District Clergy Care Coach
On the serious side:
What Forgiveness Is: I believe that un-forgiveness is one of the greatest contributors to emotional unhealthiness in the lives of people today. It can cause depression, psychosomatic illness, accelerate the reproduction of cancer cells and cause spiritual apathy. As believers, we are recipients of forgiveness and have a biblical process in which we can forgive others. I’d like to share a personal story about one of my experiences with forgiveness. Lee Iacocca brought the Chrysler Corporation out of near financial disaster with the invention of the “K” car, at the same time plunging my small family into near bankruptcy and severe mental distress. The “K” stands for kurse or kash. It looked to be a good family car; it was a station wagon with nice lines, lots of windows and plenty of room for the whole family, including my kids’ friends. The yellow colour should have tweaked my discerning skills, but I was hooked by how good the car looked. I just had to have it. If you heard the salesman who was selling this soon-to-be financially draining cursed vehicle, you would have thought he was giving us an “insider trading tip” and we were the only people privy to it. I wondered, if it was such a good deal and a dependable car, why wasn’t he keeping this treasure for himself?
Forgiveness is agreeing to live the consequences of another person’s sin. Forgiveness is costly; we will live with those consequences whether we want to or not; the choice is whether you will do so with bitterness of un-forgiveness or the freedom of forgiveness. If we do not forgive, Satan can take advantage of us, making us bitter, angry, fearful, and place us in bondage. WHEN WE FORGIVE: WE DISARM THE ENEMY. Forgiveness is the “GET OUT OF JAIL FREE CARD” in the game of life. When you do not forgive, you place yourself in a prison with the lock on the inside. Forgiveness is the key to open the lock. No one else can open your prison; it is entirely your responsibility to set yourself free. The mandate for forgiveness comes from Jesus: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others of their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew.6:1415 NIV)
What Forgiveness Is Not:
My wife and I were traveling home to Saltspring Island from Vancouver. When we boarded the local ferry to travel the 21/2 hour sail home, we were instructed to park our vehicle on the ramp located at the front of the ship. The ramp is the worst place to be parked as you are facing downhill at about 30 degrees and the side rails on the ramp do not allow for any human being to exit any normal sized vehicle with doors, unless you weigh 23 lbs with all your clothes on. So we borrowed a large shoe horn and extricated each other from the car, opening the door a few inches.
1. Forgiveness is Not Excusing Even secular psychology has insight to this truth: “You cannot forgive someone until you have fully felt the pain he or she has caused you.” www.guidetopsychology.com
As the ship reached our destination, we returned to our car and being a gentleman, I opened the front passenger door for my wife. As I opened her door, the door suddenly came off the hinge. The pins that held the door had somehow fallen out and the door was no longer part of the original vehicle. The shock alone of having the separated door in my hands and the cars starting to unload the ferry around me, took away any emergency decisionmaking that I may have had before. As passengers disembarked at the front of the ship, they drove by us and stared at me while I held a car door that was separated from my vehicle. I calmly asked my wife to enter the car through a much larger opening than what she had exited from. Once she was safely seated in the vehicle with her seat belt fastened, I handed her the door. Other than looking at a right angle to the front of the car and the strained expression on her face, it was hard to tell that she was holding her own door closed as we disembarked the ferry.
3. Forgiveness is Not Amnesia Forgiveness does not obliterate the painful memories of the past, but it does help to remove their soul-wrenching sting. We do not forgive and forget. What does happen, is the offence in the beginning is like a surround sound box office movie that plays repeatedly in the offended person’s mind until forgiveness is offered. After the offended offers forgiveness to the offender, the movie becomes a black and white photo in the attic of their mind, which can be retrieved at any time without the pain associated with the offence.
In the ferry parking lot, after we found a safe place to pull over out the way of the emerging traffic, I stopped and rushed out of the vehicle to the other side of the car. Looking through the window, I could see the expression on my wife’s face that indicated to me the purchase of this new family car maybe wasn’t such a good idea. I pulled the door loose from her white clenched hands, reassembled it in the darkness of the parking lot, in one of the worst monsoon rains of the year on our small island. This was only the first of many adventures with our K-car. Life is full of opportunities, some of which we purchase. Right after teaching the Lord’s Prayer to His disciples, Jesus adds these very important words, "In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part. In this case it was an opportunity for me to forgive.” (Matthew 6:13-14) The part in the Lord’s Prayer came to my mind as well, “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”. I have forgiven the salesman.
2. Forgiveness is Not a Quick Fix Forgiveness is not a feeling. It is an action that will align the forgiver in applying God’s forgiveness to the pain of the offence.
4. Forgiveness is Not an Instant Healing The healing process continues long after the forgiveness process has begun. I can forgive you for breaking my leg, but my leg still has to heal. 5. Forgiveness is Not Trust The offence has disqualified the offender for the position of trust in the offended person’s life. This trust is not instantly re-established with the words and action of forgiveness. 6. Forgiveness is Not Humanly Possible I personally do not believe that it is humanly possible to forgive. The idea of forgiveness originates with God. The power of forgiveness emanates from God. We are never more like Christ than when we extend forgiveness to others, in the same manner that Christ has extended forgiveness to us. I believe that we choose to forgive and then we draw from God’s vast reservoir of grace and apply that to the offender. 7. Forgiveness May Not Result in Justice When we forgive, we might have expectations that the person to whom we have offered forgiveness will thank us and then offer forgiveness to us for their attitude towards us in the offence. In a perfect world, we would expect that, in the real world this is rare. The reason to forgive is for your freedom, not for justice in the offence. In summary, to forgive from the heart, one must acknowledge the hurt and the pain. “It is in recognizing the pain and working through it that forgiveness becomes a priceless gift offered to the one who has hurt us.” (Jan Frank). If forgiveness does not visit the emotional core of your past, then it will be incomplete. Even when we are right, but know that we have hurt someone and do not forgive or ask for forgiveness, we give Satan an advantage or foothold in our lives and he can use that to destroy us and the body of Christ.
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Marketplace/Chaplaincy Ministry Highlights
Summit Pacific College by Chelsea Woods, Public Relations Officer
by Don Richmond On Monday, September 24, 2012, a dozen chaplains and leaders gathered at our BC/Yukon District Office for an encouraging day of prayer, inspiration, and information. We called it a “Marketplace Chaplain's Roundtable”. Our speakers were: Rev. Ted Boodle; radio voice Steve “Stuntman” Francis; and hockey referee development and newspaperman Larry Krause. We listened, talked and challenged each other to continue to be salt and light in a world that desperately needs it. From prison chaplaincy to sports chaplaincy, we are in a battle for the lives of everyday people. We simply cannot be effective without the power of the Spirit in whatever ministry we find ourselves in. I want to thank our Superintendent, Rev. Ken Russell, for encouraging us all to continue on, and for his transparent presentation to the chaplains around the table. Thanks also to Rev. Dave Solmes for sitting at the table with us, and to the District office staff for their assistance in making this Marketplace Chaplain's Roundtable run smoothly.
www.summitpacific.ca
We have also added a new course to our programs of study, a Major in “Not for Profit” Organizational Leadership. This program is designed for those who want to serve in areas of institutional leadership. The focus is on leadership preparation for work in non-profit or non-governmental organizations, church related or foreign mission agencies. This four year B.A. program intends to provide a holistic preparation for a leadership career in administration that is shaped by Biblical, Theological and practical course work. For more information about this program or any of our other programs of study please contact our Admissions department at admissions@summitpacific.ca or by phone, 1-800-976-8388.
with “adaptive behavioral techniques”, but they will never help the church win these battles. Without regular demonstrations of God’s supernatural power, during every gathering of two or more believers (ecclesia), our churches will suffer the ill effects of spiritual combat.
Demonstration of Supernatural Power in the Local Church by Ken Russell, District Superintendent There remains an essential need for us to recognize that every church, which Jesus builds, shall require an ongoing demonstration of supernatural power. When referring to the construction of a holy temple for His chosen people, God said to Zerubbabel, "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty.” Zechariah 4:6 (NIV) Jesus reminds Peter that building His church, within the souls of men and women, will cause a mighty clash between heaven and hell that requires the supernatural Kingdom of God to be released. ‘Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’” Matthew 16:17-19 (NIV) The Apostle Paul reminds us that fancy words and eloquent preaching will not transform people’s lives or build the church. What is needed to build God’s church is a demonstration of supernatural power. “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.” 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (NIV) There are several good reasons why the 21st century church must have a ministry filled with the supernatural power of God, but here are three focal points: 1.
The “Church” is in Conflict I’m not referring to those typical fights and quarrels that occur within any gathering of people. Whether you choose to acknowledge it or not, a spiritual clash exists between “the church and an apostate, postChristian culture”. An unseen battle rages between “believers and the demonic realm” and an internal war confronts every Christian who struggles with “their own carnal nature and the desire to be Christlike”. Self-help strategies, and group therapy may provide some people
We are enjoying another great semester at Summit Pacific College. This Fall, we welcomed new and returning students to our campus. With those studying off campus, our FTE (Full-Time Enrolment) is 227.
2.
The “Task” is too Difficult To effectively evangelize the unreached people of our world, make disciples, heal the sick, comfort the brokenhearted, liberate the addicted, care for the oppressed, help the poor, love the unlovely…it would be absurd to attempt a spiritual task of this magnitude without deploying the supernatural power of God’s Holy Spirit. Anyone who tries to accomplish these divine assignments by using the “arm of their own flesh” will surely set themselves up for failure, ridicule and disappointment.
3.
“Dunamis” is Effective and Proven The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to you today, and it’s equally effective in overcoming the challenges of your ministry. Dunamis brings to life the dead, makes the impossible possible, and transforms the brokenness of your world into the beauty of God’s holiness. The English word “dynamite”, which is derived from the same Greek word Dunamis, reminds us that power may be used for destructive purposes as well. We must be careful how we engage the power of God. Biblically sound and spiritually anointed preaching accompanied by God’s supernatural power, signs and wonders; is a vital key to world transformation and church revitalization. We must come to a healthy understanding of what it means to minister in submission to, and harmony with, the power and supernatural gifts of God’s Holy Spirit. As we do, we will begin to see New Testament results in our 21st century lives.
As we approach the Christmas season, please accept our warmest greetings and ongoing prayers. Brenda and I have found such joy in serving you as district pastors over the past 5½ years. We thank God for each of you, and look forward to many more years of fruitful ministry “Together”… because we’re “Better” that way! Merry Christmas everyone, Pastor Ken
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Aboriginal and Cultural Ministries Edgar Lapeciros
The graduates from the three levels marched down the centre aisle in their blue, black and red gowns, and sat in the first two rows of the sanctuary. The teachers followed them down the aisle and took their seats on the stage.
Our presider, Rev. James Raman, introduced our All Nations College Foundation president, Rev. Edgar Lapeciros, who welcomed everyone. An opening prayer was On Saturday, November 24, 2012 we held our All Nations College Foundation followed by a time of praise and worship led by Lesi Korobasaga and the Global Graduation Ceremony at Surrey Pentecostal Assembly. Our evening began with a Fijian Assembly. An offering was collected, after which we enjoyed more musical numbers and reflections from some of the students. delicious dinner with dishes provided by the students and teachers of the school.
All Nations College Foundation 2012 Graduation Ceremony
This was a great time of fellowship before the graduation ceremony began. With the recent addition of our new campus in New Westminster, we had for the first time this year, graduates from all three campuses (existing two campuses are in Abbotsford and Surrey).
Children, Preteen and Family Specialist Caroline Durocher-Bergeron
Spark 2012 Spark, our yearly provincial preteen conference, took place at Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly November 9-10. This year we had 550 people in attendance, with hundreds of students who committed their lives to Christ, and many others challenged to boldly live out their faith in God. Spark remains one of the largest Christian events reaching preteens in our nation, providing support and encouragement to more than 120 leaders in our province. From the worship (lead by Revolution Band), to the messages (guest speaker, Gregg Johnson), to several engaging hubs (featuring Mike Brownlee, Kim Moran and Connie Jakab), every component of the event reinforced our theme: “GLOW”. Students were invited to be transformed by the glorious presence of God so they can shine His colors in the world. Many students expressed how they felt a renewed sense of the presence of God in their lives, as well as a passion to spend time in the Word on a daily basis. It was a great weekend that will long be remembered.
Next Generation Ministries, Ben Johnson @nextgenbc
Smells Like Preteen Spirit! by Terry Burns, Youth Pastor of Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly When was the last time you spent a weekend with sugared-up, overtired, energetic preteens? I am sure that mental image alone makes you want to take a nap…but that is how I and several other youth leaders spent during Spark. Spark, our PAOC BC & Yukon District’s annual preteen conference) became the center point for over 500 preteens, hosted by Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly (APA). APA was represented by 16 enthusiastic preteens, many of whom experienced their first-ever youth conference. But aside from the sugar, bouncy castles, the lights and laser show, there was an important message shared for this all important age group.
Rev. Lapeciros then introduced our guest speaker for the evening, District Superintendent Rev. Ken Russell, who spoke on the theme, “Persevere to Victory – Launch Out into the Deep”. Following Rev. Russell was our Assistant Superintendent Rev. Dave Solmes, who delivered the charge to the graduates and distributed the certificates. Rev. Bruce Brown from Vancouver Native Pentecostal Church, concluded the ceremony in prayer. We then had a time of fellowship and picture taking. We would like to thank all of the students and teachers for their hard work during the year, and to everyone who came to support our graduating students.
Elevate 2013 Elevate is our provincial Children, Preteen and Family Ministry Leadership Conference that will take place at Christian Life Assembly, Langley on April 5-6, 2013. With powerful worship times, inspiring messages and more than 20 workshops with topics covering the most important issues facing ministry today, Elevate is designed to inspire, empower and equip all leaders serving in children’s and preteen ministries. We are pleased to have David Wakerly, Children’s Pastor of Hillsong Church, Australia as our guest speaker. David brings a passion to see children and their families experience the power of God through creative worship and the power of God’s Word. We are also delighted to have Mike and Marilyn Seth of Kids In His Presence Ministries. They both previously served as Children’s Pastors of Bethel Church, Redding where God placed in their hearts the desire to help leaders raise a prophetic generation of children who serve our God with courage and anointing. Elevate is a must for all leaders and volunteers who desire to lead a new generation of passionate Pentecostals in their church. For more info and to register visit www.elevateconference.ca.
The weekend’s message was based on what Jesus said at the age of 12: “I must be about my Father’s business”. Even at such a tender age, Jesus knew He was of age to do the work of the Father, grow in the Father, and share the Good News of the Father. This became the challenge for every preteen in the building. The guest speaker challenged every preteen to take these words of Jesus and apply them to their own lives. How is a preteen to do this? “By turning your bedrooms into Bible Colleges!” the speaker proclaimed. What a tremendous idea to take the sacred space of a teenager, and dedicate it to God! Do we as adults have our own space that we are turning into Bible Colleges? I was encouraged as a youth pastor to hear such a Biblical and grounded message being shared to our preteens. I hope by bringing this age group (11-13 years of age) to your attention, that you remember them in prayer. So often they are lost in all the attention our Senior High ministry receives. The majority of our preteen group comes from the community, many of whom are growing up in broken homes. We are simply trying to share God’s love with them, and help them understand that the God of the Universe wants to share a relationship with them. Isn’t that such an incredible thought? And these preteens are craving relationships, which is why I love our preteen leaders, as they are ready and willing to go where few dare to venture. And since most of our leaders are also sugared up, overtired, and energetic…it seems like a match made in Heaven!
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Assistant Superintendent, Dave Solmes @DaveSolmes
Jesus, the Strategic Leader
www.leadforward.ca
Lately, it seems that everywhere I go, people are talking strategically. Examples of this include: newspaper articles discussing government fundraisers; teachers asking students to strategize about life after high school; NHL players and owners; cease fire peace talks in Israel; the recent American presidential election; and reading about Blackberry preparing to launch their new Blackberry 10 phone. There are so many places where strategic plans are necessary. What about the church? It is not often that Jesus is thought of as a strategic leader. However, as we look more closely, we see that over 2,012 years ago, Jesus communicated a strategy and has never reconsidered the potential of its effectiveness. He was very intentional about what He asked of His disciples: This is the strategy: He said “Go into all the world.” (Matthew 28) This is the expected result: He said “Make disciples”. In Luke 10:1-9, he shares a few more “How To’s” to engage in His Great Commission. 1.
We share similar values and concerns. Compassion and mercy has gripped her heart. Beyond recommending she watch the movie “What about Bob”, I was able to affirm the value of her calling.
“Go From Place to Place and Find the People of Peace” We are not asked to make people of peace, we are asked to find these “people of peace”. Jesus said go and find people who want to talk and partner, people who want to engage relationally. This is a promise. In every city, town and village across the land, there are people of peace. They live, work, shop, and eat with us. Jesus was not sending them out as debaters. He was sending them out to discover what Jeff Christopherson, in his book Kingdom Matrix, describes as, “Kingdom Seekers”. Find people who may not yet be Christ followers but are living with Kingdom values and have Kingdom interests. These “seekers” live with integrity, generosity, moral integrity, and are legacy builders. They seek the values and priorities of the Kingdom of God and may not even know! I think about Doctors Without Borders and the volunteers at the local food bank. Quite possibly they are people of peace. On a recent flight, I sat beside a nurse who serves at a hospital psychiatric ward at one of our northern BC communities. She kept interrupting me as I was trying to write this article (believe it or not). I finally set aside this article and listened to her talk about how her heart has opened to people who are in need. With tears she spoke about the lives of the very vulnerable people in our society. She spoke of her recent advocacy work that resulted in the hiring of two part-time psychiatrists at the hospital where she is employed. We talked about our shared concern for BC’s safe injection sites and the northern State that has legalized the use of marijuana and how this may affect BC. She smiled as she mentioned her husband and son, who is attending his first year of university. She was interested to hear about my family and what I do. It was very obvious to me she is a person of peace.
2.
Jesus said, “Heal Them” Come alongside with love and good deeds. Relieve their pain. I asked the same lady on the plane how she felt local churches in her community could help her, and she had a lot of good ideas.
3.
Jesus said, “Tell them the Kingdom of God is near” I spoke a word of blessing over this lady. I exhorted and encouraged her, explaining that it is people like her who make our communities a better place. I thanked her for choosing a difficult and often very thankless job. The whole conversation was very natural. As the plane landed, I realized that I had just met a person of peace. The apostle Paul in Acts 29 stood on Mars Hill, Athens and engaged the people of his day in a conversation. Athens was a powerful city-state. A centre for the arts, learning and philosophy. It was a place where ideas were discussed. Paul understood the language and literature of his day. His commitment to tent-making allowed him the privilege of knowing people who worked in the marketplace, within commerce and business, and allowed him to know the many people who regularly worshipped at the Temple. Paul was a student of the Roman culture, which enabled him to speak intelligently and with relevance on Mars Hill. He worked and lived among the people. How interesting would it be if all Christ followers sought to create their own type of Mars Hill conversation with the people who they live among. These conversations may be best to have with people of peace.
Jesus organized his leaders around a strategy that was very incarnational. Live among the people. Jesus knew that as He taught His disciples to be human beings, they would then naturally and effectively become humans doing the right thing. The church needs to rediscover Jesus’ strategy and expected outcomes of being devoted followers of Christ.
BCYD PAOC
webin Leading forward
rs
health and wisdom
in the BCYD “Elephant Room”
Young Adult Conversation January 31, 2013 @ 11am
(PDT)
hosts: Ben Johnson & Dave Solmes click here to register for this free webinar
Page 8
Happenings Around the District Transitions
Michelle Allen: Appointed as Children's Ministry Director of Colwood Pentecostal Church, Victoria.
Joseph Bott: Concluded as Campus Pastor of South Cowichan Christian
Fellowship, Shawnigan Lake and was appointed as Youth & Adult Life Pastor of Bethel Pentecostal Tabernacle, Penticton. Rod Fish: Concluded as Assistant Pastor of Prince George Pentecostal Tabernacle. Gary Forsythe: Concluded as Associate Pastor of Glad Tidings Pentecostal Church, Creston and was called as Lead Pastor of Bethel Chapel, 100 Mile House. Kevin Jamieson: Concluded as Lead Pastor of Steveston Christian Church, Richmond. Danny Law: Concluded as Lay Pastor of Gospel Light Chapel, New Denver. Herbert McCormack: Concluded as Pastor of Administration of Full Gospel Tabernacle, Vernon. Dave Murphy: Concluded as Lead Pastor of Hart Pentecostal Church, Prince George and was called as Lead Pastor of Cache Creek Pentecostal Church. Nicole Preston: Concluded as Development Specialist for BC Campus Ministries. Donald Schneider: Concluded as Seniors’ Pastor of Bethel Pentecostal Tabernacle, Penticton. Leslie Schrader: Elected as President of the Canadian Police Chaplains Association (previously served as Vice-President). David Silver: Called as Lead Pastor of Coquitlam Christian Centre. Rob Williamson: Concluded as Lead Pastor of Bethel Assembly, Queen Charlotte City. Wilf Wilson: Called as Lead Pastor of Gospel Light Chapel, New Denver.
District Calendar JANUARY 2013 18-20 UCM: Emerge, Camp Hope 26 NGM: Youth Leadership Clinic, Comox 25-27 Missions Fest, Vancouver 31 BCYD Webinar: subject “Young Adult Conversation” FEBRUARY 2013 2 NGM: Youth Leadership Clinic, Lower Mainland 9 NGM: Youth Leadership Clinic, Victoria 11-13 Ministers Seminar (Cariboo/Prince George, North West, Far North/Yukon) 18-20 Ministers Seminar (Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island) 23 NGM: Youth Leadership Clinic, Dawson Creek 25-27 Ministers Seminar (Kootenay, Thompson-Shuswap, Okanagan) MARCH 2013 15-17 NGM & Summit Pacific College: More.13, Abbotsford (Conference for Youth, Youth Pastors and Leaders)
APRIL 2013 5-6 Elevate (Children, Preteen & Family Ministry Leadership Conference), Langley 26 Summit Pacific College: Graduation Ceremony 27-29 NGM: TimeOut, Victoria 29-May 1 BC/Yukon District Conference, Victoria MAY 2013 4 NGM: Youth Leadership Clinic, West Kelowna 17-19 NGM: HistoryMaker (Youth & Young Adults Conference), Chilliwack JUNE 2013 7-8 BCYD: Church Multipliers Retreat, Abbotsford OCTOBER 2013 18-19 PAOC Global Summit, Langley 25-27 Adore Conference, Victoria 2013 Fellowship News Submission Deadline Dates: Feb 15 | May 15 | Aug 15 | Nov 15
Churches in Pastoral Transition Alert Bay-Glad Tidings Church (Aboriginal) Creston, Glad Tidings Pentecostal Church Kitamaat Village, Haisla Pentecostal Church Port Alice, Ocean View Christian Assembly Prince George, Hart Pentecostal Church Steveston Christian Church, Richmond Surrey, Revival Church (Korean)
PHOTOCOPIER | CHAIRS FOR DONATION Surrey Pentecostal Assembly would like to bless another church with a photocopier and chairs. It is free to whomever can pick it up.
Special meetings with Ken Russell, District Superintendent of the BCYD
A celebration dinner banquet will be held on Sunday, January 6, 2013
visit our website for other ministry opportunities (www.bc.paoc.org)
Ben & Natasha McPherson (Whitehorse, Yukon) are happy to announce the birth of their son Elliot William, born November 9, 2012.
Memorials
Shelly Rehder (wife of Gerry Rehder) passed peacefully into the presence of
her Lord on September 30, 2012. Shelly held her credentials with the PAOC since 2004 and served with Asia Span International. (Gerry Rehder is the Student Ministries Director of Summit Pacific College). Her memorial service was held on October 9, 2012 at First Avenue Christian Assembly, Chilliwack Lawrence Keller passed into the presence of the Lord on October 26, 2012 at the age of 77. Lawrence graduated from the BC Bible Institute in 1957 and was first credentialed with the PAOC in 1967. He and his wife Karin, pastored in Steinbach, Manitoba; Hixon, BC; Fort Langley, BC; and was the Seniors’ Pastor of WestWinds Community Church, Surrey. In 2007, Lawrence was Summit Pacific College alumnus of the year. Lawrence is the beloved husband of Karin; father to his sons Jonathan (wife, Esther), David (wife, Cindy); father to his daughter Deeann; and grandfather to their three grandchildren. His memorial service was held on November 1, 2012 at WestWinds Community Church, Surrey.
80 Anniversary “Days of Pentecost” January 6-8, 2013
Regional Pastorates: Anahim Lake Chapel & Bella Coola Pentecostal Assembly (Aboriginal) Port Clements, Cedarview Community Church & Queen Charlotte, Bethel Assembly
Births
Salmon Arm, BC
th
copier is in excellent working condition
48 stacking chairs
If interested, please contact Surrey Pentecostal Assembly p: 604-574-2403 e: office@surreychurch.org
For more info contact Five Corners Pentecostal Church p: 250-832-3121 office@fivecornerschurch.ca
www.fivecornerschurch.ca