BC & YUKON PENTECOSTAL ASSEMBLIES OF CANADA
District Superintendent Assistant Superintendent Secretary-Treasurer Children & Preteens Youth, Young Adults & Family BC Campus Ministries Aboriginal & Cultural Ministries BCYD Global Missions ERDO Around the District Upcoming Events
DECEMBER 2016
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SIGNS OF VITALITY
Accurate, well documented, vital signs become a very important part of emergency medical services. It is important to note that while a person’s vital signs may be stable, their body could still be effected by disease. Therefore, a healthy auto-immune system and stable vital signs are complimentary in preserving and prolonging life, and maintaining health and vitality. Allow me to compare these physiological measurements with some spiritual, theological and missional values.
Heart rate (pulse) exemplifies discipleship: Your pulse is a measurement of the At the risk of over emphasizing rate and rhythm that your heart certain terminology, which results in beats. This is the number of times squandering value, allow me to your heart beats each minute (bpm). address some core issues of A normal adult range is about 60-80 spiritual, theological and missional Beats per Minute (bpm). An athlete’s vitality among our churches. My heart rate range is from 35-50 bpm. interaction with local churches over Fitness actually reduces a person’s the past few years has led me to beats per minute. Local churches believe that most Christians that are healthy actually offer less (especially pastoral leaders) would events and programs but become agree that healthy churches are more effective in discipleship and identified by certain core mentoring followers of Christ. We characteristics. We are able and it’s Respiratory function (breathing) have allowed a myth to circulate in beneficial to measure certain ‘vital exemplifies missions: local churches; that busy churches signs’ of a local congregation to On average, a person (at rest) takes are effective churches. Not true. determine its health and vitality. about 16 breaths per minute. This Hyperactivity and an elevated heart means we breathe about 960 rate is helpful for burning fat, but it is Like the human body, a breaths an hour, 23,040 breaths a not a sustainable lifestyle. Vital congregation has certain vital signs day, 8,409,600 a year. This process churches have decreased the which reveal levels of health, allows our lungs to deliver oxygen to number of programs offered and strength and vitality. Vital signs are the bloodstream and remove carbon increased the depth of their an important component of triage, dioxide from our bodies. Carbon discipleship. following a crisis and prior to dioxide plays an important part in providing ongoing patient care. the ecological process, such as Blood pressure (circulatory) These signs can be dissimilar for photosynthesis and respiration. exemplifies generosity: people of various age categories. In Green plants convert carbon dioxide The blood pressure reading consists other words, one’s heart rate and and water into food compounds of two numbers. The top number is metabolism usually decreases as we such as glucose. This process is called the systolic number and it age and our blood pressure usually called photosynthesis. In a similar measures the pressure inside your increases as we get older. Vital way, healthy congregations must arteries when your heart beats. The signs may fluctuate when a body is photosynthesize the resources of bottom number, or diastolic number, placed under stress, however they God (oxygen and carbon dioxide) to is the pressure between heartbeats. usually provide age appropriate key sustain and increase the work of In other words, the blood pressure indicators of health, strength, and local, regional and global missions. measures restriction in the energy; and they assist care If a local church body stops giving to bloodstream as it moves through specialists when determining which missions (or begins taking shallow your body. Generosity and tithing treatment protocols must be breaths) the great commission measures the pressure within a local followed if the body is in critical suffers and the vital signs of the church body as it moves God’s condition. local body begin to reveal a resources around His kingdom. systemic problem. Restriction in blood flow may cause Vital signs also provide essential a heart attack or stroke. In the same information which is required to way, careless stewardship or unwise make life-saving decisions. spending will deprive the body from 2
becoming healthy and vital.
impartial mediation, prayer, fasting and intentional Biblical peacemaking.
to God. Empowered daily worship is not about what happens around you, Pain response (nerves) it is about what happens within you. exemplifies conflict resolution: Pentecostal worship regulates the Body temperature (metabolism) Paramedics will often use varying body’s spiritual metabolism and exemplifies empowered worship: sustains a stable temperature. levels of stimuli to trigger A "normal" body temperature for neurological responses in order to Healthy local church bodies must human beings registers 98.6 determine brain activity. Often worship together in love and unity, degrees Fahrenheit. Like someone’s increasing the spiritual temperature, interpersonal conflict, tension or crisis are the triggers which cause a weight, body temperature fluctuates in order to fight off infections and/or slightly throughout the day. local church body to respond. counteract the ill effects of isolation Sustained periods of time during Healthy local churches resolve and hypothermia. which a person runs a fever, or has conflict in an honest, authentic and a higher than normal temperature Allow me to echo the prayer found in biblical way and do not allow can indicate illness or infection, 3 John 1:2-4, “Dear friend, I pray interpersonal conflict to prevail or while subnormal body temperatures that you may enjoy good health and dominate the body, so the nervous can also be a sign of hypothermia or that all may go well with you, even systems become a battle field hypothyroidism. Christianity today as your soul is getting along well. It instead of a mission field. When a gave me great joy when some local church body remains in conflict has commercialized and for a protracted season, the mission institutionalized “worship”. Worship believers came and testified about has become an activity (rather than your faithfulness to the truth, telling of Christ is lost and the incendiary a lifestyle), which is often attached how you continue to walk in it. I scheme of our enemy becomes have no greater joy than to hear that entrenched. Conflict is best resolved to music and lyrics, rather than a through healthy dialogue, facilitated state of pure adoration and devotion my children are walking in the truth.”
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URGENCY, IMPORTANCE, RELEVANCE What’s Next?
We see evidence of God’s great concern for the existing generation to consider the needs of the next. This raises questions related to legacy. Psalm 71:8 says, “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.” Joel 1:3 encourages, “Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation.” The importance of legacy becomes very personal and important when we consider the needs of our children, grandchildren and the 1.2 million millennials that live in British Columbia. Brian Dodd once said, “A legacy is not a resume or list of accomplishments. A legacy is an imprint you leave on the future. As a result, we all have a legacy. And we will leave our legacy either by default or design.”
God of your father.” Leaving a Godly legacy means constantly telling the stories of God’s goodness and faithfulness in your life. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says, “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise!” You must encourage them: The next generation is longing for inspiration. Too often older people tell the next generation everything they are doing wrong. David says in 1 Chronicles 28:10, “For the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it.” You must equip them: You must share with the next generation your plans, expertise, experience, and energy. This is what David does in 1 Chronicles 28:11-12.
You must resource them: Throughout verses 1 Chron. 28:13-19, David provides an itemized list of the money and possessions he has left Solomon to At the end of his life, King David was complete the temple’s concerned about his legacy. In construction. He also gives him 1 Chronicles 28 – 29, King David people and their support (verse speaks of his concern for the future 28:21). of his son and family by saying, “as for you, my son Solomon”, and then You must empower them: goes on considering how to leave a People are naturally insecure. It is Godly legacy. vital they know you support them. David tells Solomon in 1 You must disciple – instruct – Chronicles 28: 20, “Be strong and of and teach them: good courage, and do it; do not fear 1 Chronicles 28:9 David says, “As nor be dismayed for the Lord God – for you, my son Solomon, know the 4
my God – will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.” You must position them for success: With the start of Chronicles 1: 29, we see David shifting his communication to the Jewish people. Verse 1 tells us, “King David said to all the assembly.” In addition to giving the next generation plans and resources, you must also give them your platform. You must publicly affirm them: Leaving a Godly legacy to the next generation means loaning them your influence. Point to them and tell others God’s hand is on their life. King David referred to his son as “My son Solomon, whom alone God has chosen.” You must remind them there is work left for them to do: Transparency and authenticity are attractive qualities to the next generation; be honest with them. Struggle is necessary for developing strength. Do not downplay the challenges of their coming adult days. King David continues, “(Solomon) is young and inexperienced, and the work is great.” You must point them to Jesus: David was about to remind his son all of this wealth and activity were not merely for his personal enjoyment; as this is not sustainable. There must be a higher purpose, a higher calling in mind. He said in 1 Chronicles 29:1, “the temple is not for man, but for
the Lord God.”
next generation to leave home and plant their own stake in the world. In You must reassure them: 1 Chronicles 29: 5, King David asks It is a humbling and daunting task to the people, “Who then is willing to be thrust into significant positions of consecrate himself this day to the responsibility. But King David Lord?” reminded Solomon he had been set up for success. The temple’s You must rejoice with them: completion was doable. In 1 Upon releasing them, celebrate their Chronicles 29:2- 3, King David lists success. After an offering of biblical everything which had already been proportions, 1Chron.29:9 says, prepared. The project was well “Then the people rejoiced, for they underway. had offered willingly, because with a loyal heart they had offered willingly You must release them: to the Lord; and King David also This is the day parents have worked rejoiced greatly.” years for but dread to see coming. The time comes for the
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This passage provides a beautiful picture of a father talking to his son just before death; a king to his son, the would-be king, the patriarch of a family handing the baton to the next in line. A good and Godly legacy will never be possible without intentionality. Asking ourselves questions about who we are reaching and how we are serving the next generation is important. The future depends on it.
DARWIN’S DID YOU KNOW
instructions, two optional constitutions (one for elected board and one for Pastors Council), drafted resolutions to be presented at your next business The year is almost over – again! As you move into meeting, drafted BC Society transition forms, and another new year, I wanted to send you a few items drafted CRA transition forms prepared and ready for that may take some of the load off your mind. your use. Some churches may want to adopt the constitution as written, while others may want to Did You Know? contextualize it to better suit their situation. For the churches that have minimal or no changes, the Gifts for church staff (employees, contractors, transition will be able to take place at no further agents): It’s that time of year again, to consider giving Christ- charge to the church. For the churches that would like to make several or complex changes, the district mas gifts to your church staff. Please note that all lawyers would be available to assist at a reduced cash and cash-like gifts (gift cards, redeemable price of approximately $400 instead of the average gifts, etc.) from $0.01 or greater are always taxable price of $2500. Please keep in mind that through payroll at the fair market value (not sale prices). This applies to either board approved gifts or constitutionally your church will not be able to make congregational love offering gifts. On the other hand, changes without District approval, where to do so would breach your laws and potentially leave room also please note that all non-cash gifts (which are for contesting of your documents. Our District no-option, previously ‘purchased’ gifts, such as Constitution Committee, in consultation with the tickets to an event, turkeys, etc,) whether district lawyers, will be more than ready to assist you receipted or not, are not taxable if they are valued in any way necessary over the next two years to under $500 per year per employee. Non-Cash gifts make contextualizing easy for your church. valued at $500 or more are always taxable through payroll. On a side note, both an additional $500 every If you need further assistance regarding these items 5 years of non-cash gifts and all trivial gifts (coffee, or others, please free to contact myself anytime at tea, t-shirts, mugs…) are also not taxable. These dpichette@bc.paoc.org or 604-533- 2232 (office). rules are for church employees, contractors, or May God bless you as you move forward in the great agents. days ahead. BC Societies: If your church or ministry is a BC Society (about half of our churches are), you would have received a ‘Key’ passcode from BC Societies. It is imperative that you keep this in a safe place, until you transition your constitution to the new format. I regretfully apologize that our district lawyers have been heavily backed up, due to the many BC Society transitions, where our ‘Transition in a Box’ links (www.bc.paoc.org) or mail-outs have not been issued to you as of yet. I will be in contact with you as soon as they are completed. This ‘Transition in a Box’ will make this transition easy and cost effective for you. This packet will include step-by-step 6
I am thrilled to bring you encouraging reports from Spark 2016. God is at work in the hearts and lives of preteens all over British Columbia. He wants each of these young people for His own and has used the Spark conference to ignite a flame within them. Against all odds God brought together 600 preteens and leaders together for a weekend of worship, dance, inspiring talks, games and a concert. In the days that led to the conference, weather forecasters warned us that one of the biggest storms and strongest winds to hit the west coast in years was on its way. Fortunately, we serve the God that is so much more powerful than any storm and He had His plan and purpose to fulfill that weekend in young people like the ones from Sooke who had overcome many obstacles to attend the conference. Sooke is a small community about 40 kms outside of Victoria. It has two grocery stores, an A&W, 2 gas stations and 3 marijuana shops; mainly a blue collar area, and life is hard for many. This is the community and Sooke Christian Life Assembly is the church that Michelle Allan and her husband are called by God to serve. Michelle loves working with preteens and when Pastor Lowell first suggested she head up the preteens ministry, she jumped at it. So different from her past experience of Colwood Pentecostal, these kids are very needy, hardened by life’s circumstances of poverty, drug addicted parents and even prostitution, which brings with it many behavioural challenges. These are kids with deep needs,
hunger being one of them. Michelle shared a time when one boy was in the bathroom eating paper because he was so hungry.
God was definitely in charge; the ferry they caught ended up being the last crossing that due to the high winds. During the SPARK conference the Sooke youth felt the Michelle has always been a fan of presence of God, with one of them the SPARK conference, has taken saying “I felt warm” and another “It many preteens in past years while felt like it was something good” and serving at Colwood and dreamed of “I heard God tell me to start talking taking her group this year. When to my friends about him”. Amelio, telling the kids about it, they seemed one of the Sooke group shared how so excited to go, until she shared the he had asked Christ in his heart. cost with them. “Please don’t ask my While at the conference God spoke mom about it, she is too stressed to Michelle through the B1 challenge about money already.” “I don’t want showing her that this is the group of to go. I don’t want to tell my parents kids He is going to mold and use, the cost”, were some of the raw as they are. These kids are right comments heard. Michelle started where God wants them. questioning whether she had set the bar too high and actually asked God This past conference we saw God to take the desire away if they work in many miraculous ways, from weren’t to attend. Michelle broke the power staying on amidst the down as she received the incredible storm to pizza arriving on time news that an anonymous donor had despite orders being lost, donors given money so that they could such as you responding to the call of attend. “Why do we ever doubt God to ferries crossing when they God”, she thought. Speaking to could have been cancelled. ‘Alex’, a young man in her group We are so grateful to God for caring who suffers from anxiety, Michelle so much about preteens and making asked “What if I told you if God Himself known to them. In Michelle’s wants you to go, He will provide?” simple but profound words, Alex asked her to please not mention money to his mom. Michelle “God has His agenda; spoke with Alex’s mom and told her He makes it work.” that a church, who didn’t know her son had given money so that he could attend. She wept but knew it would have to be up to his ex-husband, as it was his weekend to have Alex. His dad, a drug dealer in the area agreed and Alex was able to attend his very first SPARK conference. It was pouring rain as Michelle left Sooke with her 14 preteens but nothing could dampen their spirits as they knew 7
REDEEMING SEXUALITY:
How to practically redeem sexuality in a millennial culture “Millennials are 3 clicks away from finding whatever they want about sex, relationships, and sexuality. Over 95% of millennials have a smart phone and can explore sexuality through Google rather than the Bible.” With that said, the Church has a great opportunity to respond. What a great opportunity we have to share God’s design about sex, redeeming sexuality and relationships with the next generation. In a world that is over saturated with EVERYTHING sex, culture will engage the Church if the Church is willing and able to address sexuality. Out of the reGroup seminars this fall about, “Reaching and Engaging Millennials in the Church and the Community,” an overwhelming group of pastors and leaders have requested resources on HOW to build a strategy around sexuality. Based on that, here are some practical ways to redeem sexuality in a millennial culture:*
We live in a technological and informational age. It is no surprise that studies reveal many children as young as 8 and 9 have seen porn for the first time. With this said, the Church needs to share God’s design of sexuality or Google will. This includes: Sharing God’s design of relationships as shown in Genesis 2 Teaching that singleness is a gift for a season (to know God, self, and their purpose on earth) The purpose of marriage That humanity is created for relationship with God + love, not JUST for sex + lust This is nothing new… but after Genesis 3, humanity is experiencing the brokenness of relationships and sexuality outside of God’s design. Due to this, Jesus’ desire is to redeem sexuality. In this stage of adolescence, it is important to teach young people practical ways to respond to their peaking** desires: Practical ways to deal with porn (see blog post on the Levels of Porn) Understand and respond to temptation in a HS-filled life Differentiate between lust and love and loneliness Apologetics around culture norms around sex
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Lastly, it is important to teach young people how to think about being a disciple of Jesus and sexuality. For far too long the Church has tried to isolate and/or protect young people from conversations around sex, relationships, and love. For this, the Church needs to have a grace and truth response with regards to: Same sex attraction and LGTBQ Gender identity Sexual boundaries in a millennial culture Social sciences around sex, relationships, and love (see blog post Having an Unrestricted Conversation). For churches to engage with millennials, responding to sexuality is strategic. This includes Sunday morning services, church-wide seminars and equipping Generation X parents to disciple their children around sexuality, and prayer. Feel free to add to the conversation on my blog… what else would you suggest the Church to do to respond to sexuality? *For more resources, feel free to leave a request in the comments at www.andygabruch.ca. **Average age for desire is to PEAK at 14. It is like going 100KM/hr in a 30KM/hr zone. In our culture, young people are encouraged to DO + BE whatever they want in this stage. The Church has the responsibility to share ways on WHY + HOW to remain sexually pure in our culture.
What a great Year! Our primary campus staff directors gathered for 24 hours in October for strategic planning through 2020. We discussed and made decisions in a number of areas like short terms missions, evangelistic outreach, and training campus missionaries. It was encouraging to look at the outcomes of our 2016 goals and establish more for 2017 and beyond. We discovered that there are over 500 students in our ministries with 68% participating in discipleship groups, which are overseen by 71 student leaders. Seekers comprise about 10% of those in attendance in some of our groups. It is good to know where we are at and the areas we need to grow in. Our goal is to more than triple the number being discipled in the next 4 years. This means training and mobilizing many more student leaders so we can handle any new growth that God would bring. Thank you for praying.
Emerge “Identity� January 13-15, 2017 Hope, BC If you are a young adult or student, consider going to EMERGE. Be inspired and refreshed in a beautiful setting with student led worship, great speakers, & great fun! Price includes lodging and meals. For more info email info@bccampusministries.com or visit www.bccampusministries.com
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Let’s talk about JESUS
Let me present this poem by Dr. James Allan, 1926 about Jesus.
One Solitary Life
Christmas is just around the corner. Again we will celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour. But who is this Jesus?
He was born in an obscure village The child of a peasant woman He grew up in another obscure village Where he worked in a carpenter shop Until he was thirty
According to Mailonline news, (the software developed in the US that scours the internet for opinions expressed about famous people and uses a special algorithm to predict how important they will remain 200 years after their death) “Jesus is the most important person in history, and ranks Napoleon second and Mohammed third”.
He never wrote a book He never held an office He never went to college He never visited a big city He never traveled more than two hundred miles From the place where he was born He did none of the things Usually associated with greatness He had no credentials but himself He was only thirty-three
We believe as Christians and followers of Jesus, his claim that He is the Son of God. He performed miracles and his teachings are full of wisdom and radical thinking that changed lives not only in times of Christ, but also today. He came to this world to save the world and He is the only one that promises eternal life in heaven.
His friends ran away One of them denied him He was turned over to his enemies And went through the mockery of a trial He was nailed to a cross between two thieves While dying, his executioners gambled for his clothing The only property he had on earth
Jesus is the greatest physician recorded in history; he healed lepers, gave sight to the blame, enabled the crippled to walk and raised the dead to life. He has control over nature, turning water into wine, miraculously catching huge amounts of fish, feeding multitudes with the meager resources of two fish and five loaves of bread, walking on water, calming the storm and cursing the fig tree. Jesus miraculously transformed lives, as he does today with his Word. He has risen from the dead and is now with the Father. He is preparing a place for His followers in heaven. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. God is love and He conquers all. Yet, Jesus lived a solitary life; a vow of poverty, of solitude and the highest calling to be a suffering servant. For me, its not a call of greatness but a call of servanthood and humility. It’s great to follow Jesus. I’ve never regretted following, serving and trusting in Jesus.
When he was dead He was laid in a borrowed grave Through the pity of a friend. Nineteen centuries have come and gone And today Jesus is the central figure of the human race And the leader of mankind’s progress All the armies that have ever marched All the navies that have ever sailed All the parliaments that have ever sat All the kings that ever reigned put together Have not affected the life of mankind on earth As powerfully as that one solitary life.
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BCYD Global Workers in Transition: Coming to BC and available for ministry: Over the past months, we have had wonderful visits Sheldon & Anna Armitage (Slovakia) from our BCYD GWs coming and going. We love to Dec. 15/16 – July 7/17 host them here at the office with a ‘specialty coffee’ to Kodo & Racheal Ngabane (Angola)l their catch up with their lives and ministries around the February – April 2017 world and to pray for them as they return to their places Sergio & Nancy Bersaglio (Zambia) of ministry. We have some amazing Global Workers Dec/16 – Jan/17 here in BC and here is a sample. Kimberley Hodgkiss (Honduras) Matt & Amber Price (Daxon & Zala) to Thailand Dec/16 – Jan/17 Zach & Megan Wylie (Ella & Azaiah) to Thailand Leila S. (Eurasia) Kelvin & Laura Chan (Ember-Ling) to Thailand Dec/16 – June/17 Peter Dove – newly appointed Regional Director Resources and Information: for SE Asia (Thailand & Myanmar) Jonathan & Vera W. – expanding role as Education & Leadership Development Specialist in SE Asia
Videos & Resources are always available from PAOC International Missions at www.paoc.org.
BCYD Missions Webcast—Building a Missions Strategy Save the Date: in your Church: www.vimeo.com/159719935 BCYD District Conference: World Missions Banquet March 6th, 5:00 pm at Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly Watch for information to register online or email: margaret.foreman@paoc.org
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Urgent message on behalf of ERDO Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
micronutrients), fortified cooking oil and fish for a period of 6 months. $50,000 is needed for this assistance, which will be matched 4:1 by the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
I’m currently on sabbatical, but have taken this time to share some critical news about children in crisis. In doing that, I’m appealing to your leadership, your church and our entire Fellowship to take time from this busy lead-up to Christmas to help refugees in two conflict-affected areas of the world: Southern Sudan and Iraq.
In Mosul, Iraq, we are working in a war zone through our partner to help people survive the winter with food and winterization kits. As you’ve seen in the news, fighting has slowed so people are moving to more secure areas. Through our partner, we’ve identified 115 families we are able to assist despite the conflict around them. $50,000 is Children in both of these areas don’t needed in total for this project. A food kit for one family is $45, and a have any sense of shalom as they winterization kit is $385 per family. flee physical attacks and the terror The attached pages provide further of exploding bombs and the sound background to the situation in Mosul. of gunfire around them. The risk of death is very real to parents in these Detailed information about what your countries – and like Joseph and Mary, they are fleeing for their lives gift to this crisis appeal will do is also included in this document. To help and the lives of their precious you communicate these great children. needs, ERDO has also developed a PowerPoint presentation which is ERDO has already been assisting downloadable at this link: refugees from Southern Sudan as they’ve crossed into Uganda, but as www.erdo.ca/church-resources. conflict has escalated, the needs of Please feel free to share it during your services and on social media. the some 500 new daily arrivals is putting women and children at Brothers and sisters, as you know, increased risk of malnourishment biblical shalom is a perfect peace— and death. completeness, wholeness, health, welfare, safety and hope. It is a gift from God—a gift we wish all families could experience this Christmas and This is a time of extreme need for vulnerable people, so this project will every other day of the year. Please join ERDO in helping bring comfort provide 750 children under 5 years and care to refugees and give of age, 250 pregnant women, 250 generously. nursing mothers, and 250 people with special needs with CSB+ (Corn Soya Blend cereal fortified with 12
Praying for peace—shalom—for you and your church community. Donate: ERDO 2450 Milltower Court, Mississauga ON L5N 5Z6 www.erdo.ca 905-542-7400 or 1-800-779-7262 Canadian Charitable Registration #: 87591 2701 RR0001
Backgrounder: Mosul, Iraq The battle to drive ISIS out of Mosul, Iraq, began operation on October 17, 2016. At least 150,000 people have fled Mosul since April. But an estimated one million are still trapped in Iraq’s second-largest city that has become a battleground. The people have lived under strict ISIS rule for the past two years. The UNCHR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) reports that 1.2-1.4 million people are currently impacted in this region, and up to 1 million are expected to be displaced by the conflict. Of the 1 million displaced people, 700 000 will need assistance. Operations in the Mosul region have already displaced 150,000 people. Protection and safety of citizens is of the utmost concern. The conflict has already been characterized by widespread violation of human rights and humanitarian law. Risks of gender-based violence and child protection violations are also a concern, especially due to family separation during displacement.
For the first several weeks, the battle for Mosul progressed at a fast pace as combined Iraqi forces moved quickly through sparsely populated villages and rural areas along the Mosul plain. Now that fighting has reached the city, the pace has slowed significantly with Iraqi forces controlling roughly 25% of it. In addition, the front line is often shifting back and forth as the nature of urban combat is much more fluid and allows ISIS greater opportunities for counter attack. At this stage the environment is one of increasing urban density, which provides greater challenges to Iraqi forces, as they continue their push to the main stronghold in the centre of Mosul. The speed of the advance is anticipated to slow down and the fighting will intensify. Prior to the start of the campaign, few people were able to leave the area because of ISIS control. During the initial phase of the attack the front line moved fast enough that many residents in the rural areas chose to stay in place or quickly return to their homes. Now that the fighting has slowed, we are starting to see increased flows of internally displaced people (IDPs) leaving Mosul.
1. Winterization Kit $385 (for a family of five). Includes: 5 blankets, 1 heater, 1 small stove, 1 carpet, 5 sleeping mats and 60L kerosene. 2. Food Kit $45 (for a family of five) Includes: 1kg beans, 2 kg rice, 1kg sugar, salt, oil, chickpeas, tomato paste. Also includes hygiene kits, baby formula and diapers as needed. Total cost per family = $430 Goal = $50,000 will provide 115 families with a live-saving winterization and food kit while providing hope for families seeking peace in the face of conflict this Christmas season
2013, violence spread rapidly across the nation displacing 413,000 civilians in that first month alone. A new wave of violence erupted in July 2016 in the capital city of Juba just one day after the country celebrated its 5-year anniversary of independence. Over 300 people were killed in the first couple days of fighting alone, and the country spiraled back into a state of crisis as people fled their homes, the value of currency plummeted and food prices soared to a record high.
One in five people in South Sudan have been displaced, and thousands are flooding into neighbouring countries every day. Many refugees are crossing into Uganda, where Thank you for your generosity. over 82,000 people have sought refuge since July 1, 2016. Uganda is Please note that if funds raised for these causes exceed the initial project goals, the now facing a crisis of their own as they seek to care for the incoming projects either may be increased in scale to reach more people, or the funds will be South Sudanese refugees, 87% of used to help a similar project. We will whom are women and children. update our website with any new Currently Uganda is averaging about developments. 500 new refugees coming across their borders daily.
Backgrounder: South Sudan
South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, is at the grip of a large humanitarian crisis just five years With the onset of colder weather, after gaining independence in July ERDO’s initial focus will be on 2011. Ongoing political conflict winterization to help seal houses between the ruling party (Sudan from the elements. We will also provide a food kit to each family with People’s Liberation Movement) and basic staples, especially focusing on the opposing party in the country those items that are more expensive has caused widespread displacement, raging violence and to purchase and widely used to increasing rates of food insecurity. prepare meals: After an accused coup attempt by the vice-president in December 13
ERDO, in partnership with the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Uganda, will be implementing a project in the West Nile sub-region of Northern Uganda, currently hosting over 310,569 South Sudanese refugees who have entered into the country. West Nile, the project name, will target South Sudanese Refugees in Rhino refugee resettlement camp. Through ERDO’s partner, PAG Uganda, we will work with the local government, Office of the Prime Minister, UNHCR existing resettlement camp
structures and other established agents within the area.
Goal = $50,000 will provide 750 women and 750 children with life-saving nutritional supplements With our partner we will reach 1,500 while providing hope for families pregnant and lactating mothers, and seeking peace in the face of conflict children under the age of 5, with this Christmas season nutritional food on a monthly basis for six months to meet their Thank you for your generosity. individual nutritional needs.
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Please note that if funds raised for these causes exceed the initial project goals, the projects either may be increased in scale to reach more people, or the funds will be used to help a similar project. We will update our website with any new developments.
District Transitions:
Keith Gaetz has concluded his ministry as Lead Pastor at Prince Rupert Pentecostal Tabernacle.
Mike Bidell has concluded his ministry as Lead Pastor at God’s Garden in Victoria and has been appointed as Associate Pastor at Christian Life Assembly in Langley.
Harold Gutteirez has been appointed as Lead Pastor at Iglesia Evangelica Emmanuel Pentecostal Church in Burnaby.
Linda Hodgson has been appointed as Children’s Ministry Director at Okanagan Landing Community Church in Vernon.
Tiffany Canning has been appointed as Children and Young Families Pastor at Glad Tidings Pentecostal Church in Victoria.
Ken Lamden has been appointed as Lead Pastor of Island Gospel Centre in Bowser.
Scott Chadwick has concluded his ministry as Associate Pastor at Generations Church in Nanaimo and has been appointed as Lead Pastor at Crossroads Community Church in Cache Creek.
Riley McCrea has been appointed as Preteen and Youth Pastor at Duncan Pentecostal Church.
Mark Moody has concluded his ministry as Lead Pastor at Christian Life Fellowship in Campbell River. Mark will be retiring from fill time pastoral ministry by the end of this year.
Nicole Preston has been appointed as Assistant Pastor at Surrey Pentecostal Assembly.
Suk Sae-Chang has been appointed as Youth Pastor at Church on the Hill in Logan Lake.
Dan Richardson has concluded his ministry as Lead Pastor at The CrossCurrent in Mission.
Samuela Tamanivalu transitioned from Assistant Pastor to Lead Pastor at Zion Chapel in Fort St. James.
Darren Abrahams has been appointed as Director of Discipleship and Ministry Services as well as Campus Pastor at the Westhills campus of Glad Tidings Pentecostal Church in Victoria.
Dan and Star Cousins have concluded their ministry as Lead Pastor and Assistant Pastor at Genesis Christian Centre in Nanaimo.
Jake Day has been appointed as Preteen and Youth Pastor at Duncan Pentecostal Church.
Huber Estrada has concluded his ministry as Lead Pastor at Iglesia Cristiana La Rocha Church in Burnaby.
Ken Finstad has concluded his ministry as Lead Pastor at Five Corners Pentecostal Church in Salmon Arm. Ken will be retiring from full time pastoral ministry in the spring.
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Birth Announcements:
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Gavin and Rebekah Brisco are excited to announce the birth of their son, Simeon.
Obituaries:
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Rev. Harry N. Holmquist, born February 26, 1950, passed into the presence of his Lord on November 28, 2016. Harry received his Recognition of Ministry credential in May 1974, was reclassified to Licensed Minister credential in June 1979 and was Ordained March 28, 1980. Together, with his wife Diane, they served as pastors in Alert Bay, Castlegar, Watson Lake and Logan Lake. Harry also served as interim pastor in Castlegar and Dawson City (YU) and was a missionary in Zambia for several months, travelled to over 30 countries serving in various ways such as evangelistic crusades, radio talk shows and teaching in bible colleges. Harry is survived by his wife Diane, their 3 children, Lowell, Benjamin, Christina and their spouses, 11 grandchildren, his mother Elsa, sister Louise and her family, brother Roy and his family. He is predeceased by his father Erik. A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 17th, 2016 at 1:00 pm at Church on the Hill (237 Jasper Dr, Logan Lake, BC) with Rev. Tim Schindel officiating. Thank you for remembering Diane and the Holmquist family during this time.
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District Office reopens January 4, 2017 .
Emerge Retreat bccampusministries.com January 13-15, 2017, Camp Hope .
reGroup Church Leadership Seminar Register online at bc.paoc.org January 20-21, 2017, Christian Life Assembly, Langley, BC .
Festival of Hope March 3-5, 2017, Rogers Arena, Vancouver .
District Conference | Pursue bcydconference.ca March 6-8, 2017, Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly .
TimeOut | Connected nextgenbc.ca/events March 9-11, 2017, Squamish, BC .
Elevate Conference | The Mighty Ones elevateconference.ca March 31-April 1, 2017, Langley, BC .
Historymaker Conference historymaker.ca May 19-21, 2017, Chilliwack, BC .
Momentum | Church Multipliers Gathering May 26-27, 2017, Squamish, BC .
Cluster Leadership Network Retreat June 12-14, 2017, Summit Pacific College .
Pastors Camp greenbaycamp.bc.ca August 21-25, 2017, West Kelowna, BC 17
Summer Camp Volunteer Opportunity:
(ages 12-18) (ages 8-12) Misty Isles Bible Camp on Haida Gwaii - accessible via ferry - is looking for volunteer teams! Volunteer positions available include chapel teams (worship team, speaker), cooks, activity leaders (water sports, crafts, archery, riflery, canoeing, crabbing - teen, swimming, paintball - teen, etc.), and camp counselors. The camp is held on the Tlell Fair Grounds and is set-up with a mobile kitchen, cooler and large canvass tents. Advance travel arrangements may be eligible to receive grants to help with travel costs; criminal record checks are required for all volunteers. For more information about how you can help, please contact: Pastor Wes Harder | 250-557-4577 Al Loewen, Teen Camp Director | 250-557-9335 Paul Waring, Kids Camp Director | 250-557-4488
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Develop Your Team | Build Relationship Church Health Principles | Kingdom Culture Lower Mainland | January 20-21, 2017 RSVP online at bc.paoc.org
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