Fellowship

Page 1

this issue

Leading a Globally Minded Church on Mission 1

An Overview of our Spiritual Learning Communities (Clusters) 2

Next Generation Ministries 2

Assistant Superintendent 3

BCYD Global Workers 3

Aboriginal Ministries 3

Women 2 Women 4

Children, Preteen and Family 4

District Superintendent 5

Bella Coola Blessings - Coming & Going 6

University Christian Ministries 7

But God... 7

Happenings Around the District 8

District Calendar 8

@bcydist

ISSUE 4 | VOLUME 48 | DECEMBER 2011

news

BC/Yukon Distr ict The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada 20411 Douglas Crescent, Langley, BC V3A 4B6 p: 604-533-2232 │ e: off ice@bc.paoc.org │ www.bc.paoc.org

BC Yukon PAOC District

Leading a Globally Minded Church on Mission by Derrick Hamre, Lead Pastor of Emmanuel Church, Kelowna and a member of the District Missions Committee

Ecclesiastically, we have to ask ourselves, what are we trying to accomplish? Cut through the platitudes and clichés. Do a gut check. What is the mission and how are we accomplishing it? There are a number of key aspects that will help our churches achieve high levels of effectiveness in outreach and missions.

First, I think we need to be focused and deliberate. If we are guided by scriptural conviction, we may make the “Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and world” our priorities. Being a missional church begins with being centred on biblical convictions and evaluating our progress on a regular basis. What kind of questions do we ask ourselves?

Start with a geographic question; it’s a great place to begin. We should ask ourselves: “What’s our church doing in our community?; What are we doing to partner with other ministries and/or outreaches in our city?; What is the unique mission that we are called to and how are we funding and fuelling it?”. We don’t need to recreate the wheel. Look at ways the church could be the wind in someone else’s sails. Can we give funds, volunteer hours and/or our building and expertise to help others meet our community’s needs?

In the same way, evaluate your mission as it relates to this province, nation and world. If you desire missional balance, you will ensure there are resources from your local church that are being poured into our District, special Canadian priorities (like aboriginal or francophone ministries), and global causes. Knowing that you are touching all parts of our world with prayer, encouragement, financial support and volunteers , it will help you sleep at night (better than melatonin for me).

Second, seek help to increase your missional effectiveness. Bill Hybels, Senior Pastor of Willow Creek Community Church says, “Facts are your friends”. Don’t be afraid to take a sincere look at what you are doing. Paul tells us that, “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10), to give account for the

way we invested our lives. It seems to me that it’s better to do this on a regular basis in the here and now, than be surprised when we arrive in Glory. The evaluation should consist of what you’re doing in light of your mandate, as well as how well you are doing it. See the holes in the missional plan; observe the weak links or where there may be little effort. Then, set out to get help to shore those areas up or stretch into new territory. The District, your pastoral cluster or the creativity within your own team are great places to get more information about opportunities.

Third, don’t ever stop believing that you can really change the world. As our people, our particular church in our geographic area is focused, working hard, evaluating and improving our mission – lives will be changed forever. Believe that God is able to do amazing things. Trust Him for more. Don’t ever give up on praying for increased favour, new opportunities and greater resources to touch your world. Prayers turn into action. Action grows vision. Vision fuels dreams and together with God we reach to do more. Because “rivers of living water” flow from your church, you will bless the world, change social structures and bring spiritual change. Don’t ever forget why God called you to ministry and planted the ministry you are in. He has plans and a purpose. Tap into that! The degrees between global and local are smaller than ever. You can make a difference in both the local area and around the world.

Finally, always remember that our real measure of worth is not what we’ve retained, but what we have been able to release. Our churches are not reservoirs for personal comfort or blessing, but rivers of God’s blessing released into our world in order to bring Christ’s Gospel in word and deed. You may have a small church, but make a huge impact by your determined efforts to give and care. It’s not how big an enterprise we build that matters, but how many leaders we’ve equipped and released for His purposes. This is what discipleship and mentoring is all about. I pastored at a small prairie church and the building still looks the same today as it did three decades ago; but in reality, that small church has released key leaders into “Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the world”. That church is a world changer.

EQUIPPED to

do His will Hebrews 13: 20-21

Conference on the Ministry BC/Yukon District The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada March 12-14, 2012

Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly

details coming soon www.bc.paoc.org

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An Overview of Our Spiritual Learning Communities (Clusters) by Dave Solmes Spiritual Learning Communities (Clusters) have become the primary system for leadership care and development in the BC/Yukon District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. Leaders are assembled in various affinity-based and geographical clusters along with ministry-based networks for the following purposes: Care Component

Catching up and Connecting:

• Pastors and ministry leaders meet regularly to stay in contact with each other, to encourage one another, to stay connected to the overall District ministry, and to share their personal stories among trusted friends.

Soul Care:

• Each time a cluster group gathers, pastors and ministry leaders are given an opportunity to “tend to one another’s spirit” through: � One to One Prayer � Prophetic Encouragement � Interdependence and Networking

Leadership and Ministry Development Component

Spiritual Learning:

• Each cluster session is highlighted with an opportunity for leaders to improve their leadership skills, hone their ministry proficiency and sharpen their Theological acumen.

• Information sharing is encouraged as presenters from within each cluster group are given opportunities to contribute new material relating to their area of ministry.

Coaching and Mentoring Component

“Next Step” Accountability:

• Coaching holds ministry leaders accountable in their life goals, spiritual disciplines and ministry targets.

• Effective coaching is the mirror through which ministry leaders are able to see themselves realistically.

• Coaching becomes the voice of encouragement that spurs ministry leaders on, fanning into flame their gifts and passion.

Next Generation Ministries, Ben Johnson

@nextgenbc

SPARK Review:

Our District preteen event SPARK was recently held in Abbotsford, November 4-5. For the past eight years SPARK has been one of the leading preteen events in British Columbia. SPARK partners with local churches in reaching kids and inspiring preteen ministry to be a

priority in our District. This year, over 420 preteens and leaders came together around the theme STAND, calling our students to stand out in the crowd for Jesus. Gregg Johnson, founder of J12 Ministries (www.j12.com), was our guest speaker. After serving youth on a national scale for many years, Gregg realized that the cutting edge of ministry was not "teen" but "tween" and thus J12 was born. Gregg’s call to our District preteens was to STAND like Jesus and be about the Father’s business…to have an “I must” spirit. Standing out and choosing to be just a little bit ”different”! Many kids accepted Jesus and made rededications at SPARK. Many others encountered the Holy Sprit and were empowered and called to live passionately for God. Overall, it was a fun, inspiring, strategic and transformational weekend.

Adore Conference Review: by: Jeremy Postal

This weekend (November 11-12), I had the privilege of hanging out with an amazing community of faith in the beautiful city of Victoria, BC. Anytime and anywhere I travel, I always brag about how beautiful and amazing the city of Vancouver is, and it is. However, spending a few days in the inner harbour of Victoria has caused me

to change my mind about what city in Canada is the most beautiful. Wow, Victoria is amazing! Historic, urban, and marine, the city really does feel like an island in the Pacific. Maybe one day God will see fit to call me to overseas missions in Victoria.

Adore Conference, hosted by Andy Moore and Adore Victoria came about during a conversation between Ben Johnson and Andy earlier this year. Since then, Andy and his team have worked super hard to pull together what was a very successful first go at hosting a conference. What most impresses me about Andy’s team is not their high creativity or that they have all their i’s dotted and t’s crossed (they are and they do), but the culture of service and servant-hood so evident among the Adore team. Adore team, prepare your hands for high-fives! Well done.

The Conference presented refreshing, challenging, and inspiring times of worship and preaching as well as informal times of connection and relationship with others. Luke Stones and Adore Music introduced their new album titled, “Bread and Water” which was given to all conference attendees. Stoked to give it a good listen! The speaker line-up included Bill Markham (who is always amazing), Dave Funk (who totally revolutionized my understanding of the Good Samaritan story), Justin Reimer (and his one point sermon), and yours truly. As well, Canadian songstress, Amanda Falk led an incredible time of inspired worship Saturday night.

God is at work among this young generation of followers, even the hipster bow-tie wearing ones (I don’t know how many bow-ties I saw in Victoria??). Passionate about experiencing the love of God, creatively figuring out how to build into their community and serve the world around them, and going as the sent people of God into a world of hurt, brokenness, and confusion – the Adore community gets it. There is something about this community of young adults, young professionals, and young families that seems like a spark or a catalyst of something much bigger to come. I can’t wait to watch it unfold and maybe, somehow, be involved. Victoria, you are about to be rocked; God is on the move among you. Can’t wait for next year!

Cluster Leaders Network │ October 2011 Stillwood Retreat Centre

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Next Generation Ministries Cluster

Dave Solmes, Assistant Superintendent

@DaveSolmes

Live Your Life Well

Jeremiah 29: 4-7 NLT: “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives. He has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: “Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away. And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”

A Timely Word: To each who reads this, the Lord would speak in many ways. Do not dwindle away! Oh God, raise up your church! How unfortunate that more and more Canadians have less and less Christian memory and as a result have no idea what the church is all about and more importantly what a Christian is. Hence, church attendance is at an all time low. What an opportunity to awaken British Columbia and the Yukon Territory to the much needed church in our communities! Let us each commit to allowing people to get to know us as we set out to personally know the people in our neighbourhoods. Jeremiah’s challenge is not to just live in our communities but to stay in our communities. In other words, let’s be the church that God would have on His mind in the location that He has called each of us.

Living and Serving Together: I am thankful for the vision that continues to be shaped for care and coaching through our District clusters. An annual retreat in October gathered 60 cluster and care leaders for three days. I am very excited to sense the growing interest among our

leadership team to see our clusters strengthen relationships and support credential holders as each one forges ahead in his/her strategic ministry. There is an interest to see every credential holder participate in two clusters. Our Section Pastors call together credential holders living in close proximity geographically a few times each year. The other cluster is an Affinity Cluster or the Senior Pastors Strategic Planning Network that gathers at least twice a year in affinity groups primarily based on ministry responsibility or church size.

Many credential holders attend; but many more could attend! I trust that as the new year begins, priority would be given in time and resources so that credential holders can participate in their two clusters. A list of our clusters groups are found on www.leadforward.ca.

Planning Ahead: Our District church planting guiding group continues to plan for an All District Church Planters Retreat on June 1-2, 2012 at Summit Pacific College in Abbotsford. An invitation will be given to all of our host culture, language specific, and First Nations church planters. Please mark your calendar and register upon receiving the invitation.

Lead Forward

Posted on Lead Forward: An article by Dr. Reginald Bibby of Lethbridge, Alberta; Updates for our District Portal of Leadership resources include a video interview with Joy Kutney as she describes her and Ken’s journey. This interview would segue well into conversation about church congregation needs and strategy.

Merry Christmas: My wife Julie, and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and are looking ahead with great expectation as we journey together into 2012.

@Lead_Forward

www.leadforward.ca

Senior Pastor Affinity Cluster

Aboriginal Ministries, Edgar Lapeciros

Native Pastors/Leaders Summit Here is a brief summary of this year’s Native Pastors/Leaders Summit held at Prince George Pentecostal Tabernacle on September 29-October 1, 2011.

On Thursday evening, the Summit started with worship, followed by testimonies from our pastors and a collection of the offering. Rev. Ken Russell was our first evening speaker. Friday was the first full day of the Summit, starting with morning worship. The first workshop of the day “Church Planting” was presented by Rev. Dan Starlund and Rev. Edgar Lapeciros. After lunch, we participated in two workshops: “Leadership Development”, presented by Rev. Robert McLean; and “Love Corp and the Youth Leadership Development Program”, presented by Dorothy Lewis. After dinner, we held our evening worship service. Rev. Robert McLean was our speaker for the evening.

Saturday was the final day of the Summit, which began with morning worship. The first workshop of the day was “Church Accounting”, presented by Anneke Mol. During lunch, the Regional Coordinators met with Rev. Ron Davis to discuss the Aboriginal Ministry budget and the 2012 Native Pastors/Leaders Summit which is to be held in the Lower Mainland. The second workshop, “Emerging Leaders”, was presented by Danny Martin. And, the final workshop of the Summit, similar to last year, was a panel discussion on Reconciliation. After dinner we shared communion, lead by Rev. Robert McLean. Our next Native Pastors/Leaders Summit will be held at Christian Life Assembly in Langley from September 27-29, 2012.

From all of us in Aboriginal Ministries, we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Blessed 2012!

Merry Christmas to our BCYD Global Workers

“Tis the season to consider budgets...falalalalalala”

2012 Mission Budget Best Practices:

• Pastors/Boards/Missions Committees invites Global Workers to submit 2012 budgets.

• Global workers initiates contact with supporting churches sharing vision for 2012.

audio recordings available online:

http://www.paoc.org/missions/global-summit-2011/event-media

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Women 2 Women, Andrea Critchley

@w2wonline

Merry Christmas! What a fantastic year it has been for Women’s Ministries. Our “Life’s A Trip” District Conferences in Fort. St. John and Surrey were filled with women experiencing the presence of God, connecting with new friends and refreshing their spirits! It was exciting to see salvations, healings and God’s presence at work! See our website for testimonies, pictures and new information on how you can be part of the power team of women affecting BC and the Yukon District! Women making a difference!

A special thanks to Evangel Church in Fort St. John, and Westwinds Community Church in Surrey, for hosting our 2011 District Conferences. The staff and leadership teams at these churches are amazing and we are so grateful for their generosity, support and organization! Many thanks to the churches who sponsored the recovery homes girls, as each one was so thankful to have the opportunity to receive from God. Thank you for tangibly investing into their lives today for a better and brighter tomorrow.

2012 holds many exciting opportunities for you with W2W! We are moving to regional conferences to directly connect with YOU and your ladies! Starting May next year, we will be hosting six conferences across BC and Yukon to connect with the women of our District in heart, vision and purpose. You, your daughters, sisters, mothers, and friends will be inspired by Miss Canada, Tara Teng, among other amazing speakers who will encourage you to use your giftings in powerful ways for God! These are events you won’t want to miss; so start preparing now. Remember to BRING THE NEXT GENERATION with you; we lead when we initiate a God experience for their lives.

“Wonder Women” 2012 W2W Conferences

Listed below are tentative dates and locations for 2012. Registration and confirmed conference dates will be posted at the beginning of the year on our website www.w2wonline.ca.

May 25-26 North and South Vancouver Island Colwood Pentecostal Church, Victoria

June 1–2 Kootenays Glad Tidings Pentecostal Church, Creston

September 21-22 Far North Evangel Chapel, Fort St. John

September 28–29 Yukon Bethany Tabernacle, Whitehorse, YK

October 26–27 Lower Mainland Christian Life Assembly, Langley

November 2–3 Okanagan Emmanuel Church, West Kelowna

Many thanks to my District leadership team of reps, who invest their time and energy into the ladies of our regions. These amazing ladies will be connecting with the leadership in each region to encourage, connect and support your women in ministries. If you do not know who the rep is for your region, please take the time to connect with them and let them know how we can encourage you. A list of our region reps can be found on our website www.w2wonline.ca.

My prayer for all the women of our District is that they would walk in the power of the Holy Spirit and in the revelation of who God has created them to be. This is the way to lead the next generation into the promised land and leave a legacy that will last. May the light of Jesus shine brightly through your life and lead others to know the saving power of our Redeemer! Let’s celebrate our Saviour! Merry Christmas from your W2W Director Andrea Critchley

and W2W Administrator, Irene Waldack!

Wonder Woman

Conference!

Children, Preteen and Family Specialist

Caroline Durocher-Bergeron

SPARK 2011, our preteen provincial

conference was an incredible weekend for the students and leaders who attended. The event was filled with students who were passionate about worshipping Jesus and making a difference in this world, while having lots of fun! “That was the best day of my life,” one student told his mother at the conclusion of the Friday night service, and it got even better the next day. Gregg Johnson, from J12 Ministries, was our speaker this year and he challenged students to stand up for their faith and be proud of who you are in Christ. City Youth Music (from Glad Tidings Church, Victoria) led the students and leaders in worship. It was an incredible atmosphere at SPARK and the presence of the Lord filled the room. Students were challenged to also stand for those who can’t stand for themselves, specifically the children of Haiti. Students raised a record $1,475 and were commissioned to start raising money for the children of Haiti. We’ve already heard back from numerous students who started saving right away and were so excited to tell their friends about what they are doing.

Our Hubs at SPARK emphasized our theme perfectly. Deep was an interactive prayer hub and helped students see how they can stand in every aspect of their lives. Serve was another hands-on hub where students made stuffed turtles and

wrote letters to the children of Haiti. They also built a “shanti” house out of garbage; this was very moving to the students as it brought home the fact that some Haitian children really do live in the tent cities, and some in garbage dumps. The last hub separated the girls and boys and they talked about specific things each gender deals with and how they can take a stand in different areas of their lives.

SPARK was an amazing weekend and the Lord moved in many hearts and lives. Students and leaders went away challenged and closer to the Lord. We know that the Lord is raising up these students to make a difference in their families, schools and the world. We’re excited to see what God is going to do through these students as we begin to plan SPARK 2012 with great anticipation.

Building His Kingdom alongside you,

Caroline Durocher-Bergeron

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Whoever Takes The Son, Gets It All Ken Russell, District Superintendent

Just moments before I sat down to write this article I heard someone say, “Can you believe it…only five more weeks before Christmas”. Wow, where did all the time go? When did the summer end? With each passing day, I’m reminded of the urgency to make Christ known; to all

my friends and neighbours. I’m looking forward to this Christmas season, because it provides us with so many opportunities to introduce our friends and neighbors to Jesus.

I trust your attention will not be consumed by shrewd ‘marketeers’, who want to convince you that giving and receiving an ‘iphone’, ‘ipad’ or an ‘ipod’ is better than giving and receiving the “Great I AM”. Let me explain my point by using this well known illustration:

There was a father and son who were very close and enjoyed adding valuable pieces of art to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of their family estate. The widowed, elderly father looked upon his collection with satisfaction as his only child became an experienced art collector. The son's trained eye and sharp business mind caused his father to beam with pride as they dealt with art collectors all around the world.

As winter approached, war engulfed the nation, and the young man left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram. His beloved son was missing in action. The art collector anxiously awaited more news, fearing he would never see his son again. Within days, his fears were confirmed. The young man had died while rushing a fellow soldier to a medic. Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the upcoming Christmas holidays with anguish and sadness. The joy of the season, a season that he and his son had so looked forward to, would visit his house no longer.

On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the depressed old man. As he walked to the door, the masterpieces of art hanging on the walls only reminded him that his son was not coming home.

As he opened the door, a soldier greeted him with a large package in his hand. He introduced himself to the man by saying, "I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you." As the two began to talk, the solider told of how the man's son had told everyone of his love of fine art. "I'm an artist," said the soldier, "and I want to give you this." As the old man unwrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of the father’s deceased son. Though the world would never consider this painting the work of a genius, the portrait featured the young man's face in striking detail. Overcome with emotion, the elderly man thanked the soldier, and promised to hang the picture above his fireplace.

A few hours later, after the soldier had departed, the old man set about his task. True to his word, the painting went above the fireplace, pushing aside thousands of priceless paintings. And then the man sat in his chair and spent Christmas gazing at the gift he had been given. During the days and weeks that followed, the man realized that even though his son was no longer with him, the boy's life would live on through those he had touched. He soon learned that his son had rescued dozens of wounded soldiers before a bullet stilled his caring heart.

As the stories of his son's gallantry continued to reach him, fatherly pride and satisfaction began to ease the grief. The painting of his son soon became his most prized possession, far eclipsing any interest in the pieces for which museums around the world clamored. He told his

neighbors it was the greatest gift he had ever received. The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was in anticipation! Unmindful of the story of the man's only son, but in his honour; those paintings would be sold at an auction. According to the will of the old man, all of the art works would be auctioned on Christmas day, the day he had received his greatest gift. The day soon arrived and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world's most spectacular paintings. Dreams would be fulfilled this day; greatness would be achieved as many would claim, "I have the greatest collection".

The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum's list. It was the painting of the man's son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room was silent. "Who will open the bidding with $100?" he asked. Minutes passed. No one spoke. From the back of the room came, "Who cares about that painting? It's just a picture of the old man’s son. Let's forget about it and go on to the good stuff."

More voices echoed in agreement. "No, we have to sell this one first," replied the auctioneer. "Now, who will take the son?" Finally, a friend of the old man spoke, “Will you take ten dollars for the painting? That's all I have. I knew the boy, he was a good lad who gave his life rescuing others, so I'd like to have it.” The auctioneer called, "I have ten dollars. "Will anyone go higher?"

After more silence, the auctioneer said, "Going once, going twice. Gone." The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room and someone exclaimed, "Now we can get on with it and we can bid on all the old man’s treasures!"

The auctioneer looked at the audience and announced the auction was over. Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked, "What do you mean it's over? We didn't come here for a picture of some old guy's son. What about all of these paintings? There are millions of dollars at stake here! We demand that you explain what's going on here!." The auctioneer replied, "It's very simple. According to the father’s last will and testament, whoever takes the son, gets it all."

Friends, the illustration may seem frail, but the message is powerful. The gift of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, God’s only son, brings with it everything we need for life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3-4).

Brenda and I give each of you our warm Christmas Greetings. Thank you for allowing us to have the privilege of leading this great District. Our hearts are passionately focused on the future, as we continue to see God’s power change our lives and transform our Nation. You are cherished partners in God’s plan for the BC/Yukon District and our Fellowship. Merry Christmas everyone!

Merry Christmas from 3 Wise Russell’s in the East

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Bella Coola Blessings - Coming and Going! by the Missions Committee of Crossroad Community Church, Merritt

Crossroad Community Church decided two years ago to be more intentional with our missions giving and formed a “Missions Committee”. We wished to increase our previous commitment which was contributing to one overseas missionary and occasional local or national gifts. This we have done and are currently contributing to four overseas missionaries and a yearly giving nationally, provincially and locally. Our yearly budget increased from $5,000 to $12, 000.

We also discovered we wanted to become more involved than just sending funds. In our deliberations about what to support and how to involve the local church more directly, we determined that going overseas was just not feasible financially for most people.

Finding a project within a day’s drive from our town began by asking our District Office for several suggestions. They supplied names of three churches that could use a helping hand. We prayed, discussed, contacted them and decided to pursue Bella Coola as our goal.

The process began with Pastor Jim Potter phoning Pastor Jack Minor of Bella Coola Pentecostal Assembly, and offering a proposal with what we had in mind and asking them if it suited them and their church. Fine tuning the plan involved many calls and emails and eventually a visit by a team from our church to spend a weekend “scouting out the land”.

In other words, some of our leaders met with some of their church leaders and discussed what we were willing to do (physical work, spiritual support, supportive efforts and encouragement). This was aligned with their needs and what they preferred for us to do. NO one wanted to complete a week of tasks that had no benefit to the body of believers there, and we had no desire to “step on toes”.

As much of the town of Bella Coola is First Nations population, we were particularly keen to be culturally sensitive and to learn well from them. It was one of our goals to increase our awareness of the issues faced by indigenous people, because our own town also has many First Nations in the area and we have not been significantly successful in reaching out to them.

A date was agreed upon, a full week in August, a plan for the tasks was determined and the planning was divided into several sub-groups: transportation, building supplies and tools, meals, accommodation, children and youth activities, and our contribution to the week of evening meetings.

Eight vehicles travelled ten hours each way, with 28 volunteers in all.

The pastor of Bella Coola is a single man and fully involved in ministry with his people, and so there were many repairs and maintenance items in his home that we felt we could assist with. As well, the church building needed some repairs. The men and boys did most of this work. A storage shed was re-roofed, unstable outside stairways were repaired, new flooring laid in the pastor’s home, trim painted and installed, many rooms and cupboards painted, and new windows installed.

Once the men wrapped up most of the building, the serious cleaning began, washing windows, curtains, and organizing of kitchen supplies.

We did not want to be a burden to the church, so we brought our own food and supplies to have lunch and dinner together. This was accomplished by towing two small freezers on a trailer. We made large meals and with the extra food, we created ready-made meals in

small containers for the pastor’s freezer, to bless him in the months to come. Even one of our senior baking saints (Marlene Kroeker) sent us off with over 120 dozen cookies. Our Bella Coola hosts were amazed (as were we) with her dedication and generosity. After a full week of meals, potlucks, snacks and fellowship, we were still able to leave many dozens of cookies behind with the church.

Our pastor had some experience with this type of ministry and had asked us to plan to work half days and relax, visit, play or rest during the remaining half days. In Bella Coola this often meant fishing! The addition of evening potlucks and nightly church gatherings can make a full week exhausting otherwise.

Friendship and connection are not instant, but many good things came from our meals together and visiting times. We listened to stories of extreme hardship and the goodness of God in sustaining individuals and families in tough times. Many seemed very glad for someone just to listen

as they shared. We were inspired to be far more open with each other upon our return home. Bearing one another’s burdens requires knowing what those burdens are. Healing is found in seeking the Lord together.

One of our team members is a native medicine woman who had spent many years in a residential school as a child. She made several friends and was able to share her experiences and testimony with several other ladies in similar circumstances. This made a significant difference as some were considering leaving the church and found a new reason to remain in the fellowship.

We had planned to put on a ladies afternoon tea but needed to practice flexibility when we were asked instead to serve a full evening meal. We decorated, had many door prizes and shared bits and pieces of our lives with the other 70 women and girls who attended. This was done on Tuesday in order to let them know we were there for the week and to give people time to invite friends out for the evening services.

Our Children’s Pastor and his team offered evening ministry for children each weeknight during the services with playtime, stories, lessons, crafts and fun. At first there was a cautious separation, but soon the walls came down and friendships began to blossom and children were told about the love of Jesus.

The church services were amazing each night as God brought us together in worship, prayer and the sharing of our lives in Him. Two local believers desired to be baptized and this happened on the final Sunday afternoon in the warm pouring rain in a local river.

The newly formed friendships were great, but the sense of family connection amongst our team was and continues to be priceless.

We continue to keep in touch and hope to host any of our Bella Coola friends who can make it to our town in the future, to build on this great foundation of mutual respect for each other and shared love of our King Jesus.

We went to give and God poured out more than we could hold in return.

Page 7

John Engels

We are excited about the record number of students attending our campus activities! The hunger for God among students is so encouraging. Thank you for praying! EMERGE, a retreat for university and college students will be held at Camp Hope on January 13-15, 2012. We are excited to welcome as our speaker, Joyce Rees, Director of Jacob’s Well, a relationally focused ministry based in Vancouver’s downtown eastside. We will also have special topic breakout sessions, and student-led worship teams who will keep it real. Experience God and His Word. Experience great fellowship and fun! To register, or for more information, visit our website, www.ucmonline.ca or by phone, 604-533-2232. Early-bird cost for 3 to a room is $110.00 (includes lodging and meals for both Saturday and Sunday).

Employment opportunities exist for campus ministry workers on several campuses.

Thank you to all the churches that participated in Campus Ministries Sunday! You may still download the video and flyer on the BC/Yukon District website for a Campus Ministry Missions focus anytime in your calendar.

http://bc.paoc.org/university-ministry-sunday/

But God…by Robert Williamson,

Lead Pastor of Bethel Assembly, Queen Charlotte

At the beginning of every new year, I try to make a new resolution to attempt something different, and I was pumped for this year because I challenged myself to try new adventures, conquer new challenges, and do things that I have never done before. Interestingly enough, this was also

God’s plan for my life. The only problem was, my idea of adventure was learning how to ride a motorcycle and get my boat license, but God’s plan was of a different nature.

During the month of February this year, I journeyed outside to start digging for some new garden boxes and to prepare an area to build a greenhouse. This was a normal day for me, but to God it was the start of a nine-month journey. As I was digging I found a random large patch of clay, so I started to chip away at it. But as I tried to chip the clay by kicking the shovel, the shovel flexed with my full force behind it, extremely twisting my ankle. All of a sudden I was struck with such intense pain that my body froze to protect itself. With a past of sustaining injuries, I realized that something nasty had happened.

My wife Lynn took me to the hospital. This would be the start of a conundrum that perplexed the doctors, tested two specialists, and required a road trip for an MRI. In the end, all of the doctors agreed there was some serious damage and I had to go for surgery. The surgeon informed me that he would have to cut from my ankle to my knee because the tendon was no longer where it was supposed to be, but up somewhere in my calf.

Shortly after the injury occurred I was limping around, but as time went on and the pain continued to consume my life, I lost a lot of mobility, and my wife became more than a wife but my primary caregiver. That’s when I started to become depressed and irritable. I prayed for help, I read scriptures that were full of many promises, but most of all, I was heartbroken because I was no longer able to reach out to the people who I had been befriending. By the end, I felt that I had failed because I was not out and about sharing the love of Christ with people.

Getting close to the surgery date, my wife started to share with me that people were asking how I was doing. And that brought me some needed encouragement, knowing that those whom I had been able to reach out to were concerned. Even a local Reiki specialist offered to help relieve my pain. That was awkward. LOL!

Finally October arrived, the month of my surgery. When the day came, I felt that God had done what He had set out to accomplish. I didn’t know the full spectrum of it, but I knew that God was going to bless me. In fact, when Lynn and I left Queen Charlotte and sailed to Prince Rupert, I knew God was about to unveil the purpose of this great adventure.

When the day came for surgery, something miraculous transpired. We were told by the specialists that the tendon was completely snapped and that it was

probably residing somewhere in my calf muscle. When I talked to the surgeon immediately prior to the surgery, he told me that he would have to take parts of other tendons to reattach the broken one. He then apologized in advance because he only saw a big job ahead of him and a very large scar. He also informed me there was a good possibility that he couldn’t fix the tendon at all.

But God… I love that introduction. When all looks dark and impossible and lost, But God…

And that is exactly what happened. When the surgery began, the surgeon thought he knew what he had to do. In one hand a scalpel, in the other the MRI showing where he had to start his search. As he began his incision, what was to be a void, turned out to be a surprise; something that defied medical science. There lay a tendon. Though it was in need of major repair, the tendon was not missing. How can that be? A tendon that could not be felt by a world renowned specialist’s hand, a tendon that an MRI revealed to be void and nonexistent. Two words: But God…

I love what is written in Psalm 37:23-24, quoting from the New Living Translation: 23The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. 24Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.

What a great and merciful and loving God we serve. What the enemy declared as a victory, at the right time God revealed His true sovereignty and declared His absolute conquest through His son on the cross. What the world saw as an impairment for life, God used for altering lives.

Today, I am not wearing a cast, the bandages are off, and the staples are no more. I walk with a limp, but one day soon that too will be gone. All that will remain of this testimony is a scar declaring that I met with God. Now I could end this here, but I won’t.

Today was my first outing on my own. I went to visit some people whom I have not been able to see for some time. As I entered the business, they were so excited to see me. In fact they ignored their customers just to talk with me. But what was even more humbling and almost caused me to break down, was that the customers in the store, people who I have had very little success talking to, came up to talk to me. All of a sudden I saw the, But God…

I discovered today, that even though I felt I was down for the count; God was moving within the community. People were watching, people were concerned, and now people are stepping out beyond their comfort zone to talk to me. Therein lies the greatest miracle of this whole journey. In February, I was praying that God would open new doors for me to reach out to people, and God honoured that. I didn’t fully see that until today. I am truly amazed by God. Sometimes things happen to us, sometimes there is suffering, sometimes there is loneliness, But God… Nothing happens by chance, there is always a reason and a purpose with God. So whatever is going on in your lives, whatever struggle you are going through, don’t lose hope. Always remember, But God!!

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JANUARY 2012 13-15 University Christian Ministries Emerge Retreat, Camp Hope 14 NGM: Youth Leadership Clinic, Vancouver 27-29 Missions Fest Vancouver, Canada Place 31 NGM: Children & Family Ministry Clinic, Richmond

FEBRUARY 2012 4 NGM: Youth Leadership Clinic, Victoria 11 NGM: Children & Family Ministry Clinic, Victoria 23 NGM: Webinar “Equipping Parents to Raise Emotionally Healthy Children”

MARCH 2012 10-12 NGM: Timeout, Whistler 12-14 BC/Yukon District Conference on the Ministry, Abbotsford 18 Kootenay Regional Marriage Retreat, Fairmont Hot Springs 23 Passion Vancouver 24 NGM: Youth Leadership Clinic, Castlegar 26-28 Kootenay Regional Pastoral Development Retreat, Fairmont Hot Springs

APRIL 2012 27 Summit Pacific College Graduation Ceremony, Abbotsford 28 NGM: Youth Leadership Clinic, Okanagan

MAY 2012 7-10 PAOC: General Conference, Ottawa 18-20 NGM: HistoryMaker, Abbotsford 25-26 Women 2 Women Conference, Victoria

JUNE 2012 1-2 Women 2 Women Conference, Kootenays

SEPTEMBER 2012 21-22 Women 2 Women Conference, Fort St. John 27-29 Native Pastors/Leaders Summit, Langley 28-29 Women 2 Women Conference, Whitehorse, Yukon

OCTOBER 2012 1-3 Cluster Leadership Training, Stillwood Retreat Centre 22-24 Licensed Ministers Network #1, Stillwood Retreat Centre 26-27 Women 2 Women Conference, Lower Mainland

NOVEMBER 2012 2-3 Women 2 Women Conference, Kelowna 26-27 District Leadership Team meeting, Langley

District Calendar

2012 Fellowship News Submission Deadline Date

February 16 │ May 18 │ August 17 │ November 16

Happenings Around the District TransitionsTransitionsTransitionsTransitions

Mike Bidell: Concluded ministry as Associate Pastor of Comox Pentecostal Church, to prepare a new church plant in Victoria.

Terry Burns: Appointed as Youth Pastor of Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly.

Jim Caruso: Concluded ministry as Counsellor at Colwood Pentecostal Church, Victoria. Jim will continue his role as Crisis Intervention/Conflict Resolution Coach for the BC/Yukon District.

Ray Clarke: Concluded ministry as Lead Pastor of Zion Chapel Pentecostal Church, Fort St. James.

Andy deHoog: Concluded ministry as Lead Pastor of Gibson Christian Life Assembly.

Jeff Dyment: Appointed as Lay Member of the District Leadership Team.

Charmaine Findley: Appointed as Pastor of Children and Family Ministry of the replanting of Port Coquitlam Christian Assembly. Charmaine has also joined the NGM team as an apprentice serving primarily in the areas of preteen, children and family ministry.

John Forry: Concluded ministry as Youth Pastor of Gateway Christian Life Centre, Trail.

David Janke: Called as Lead Pastor of Princeton Pentecostal Tabernacle.

Jared Keber: Appointed as Associate/Youth Pastor of Prince George Pentecostal Tabernacle.

Roman Kozak: Concluded ministry as Lead Pastor of Seaview Pentecostal Assembly, White Rock.

Sandra Lindhout: Appointed as Interim Children’s Pastor of First Avenue Christian Assembly, Chilliwack.

Dan McCormick: Concluded ministry as Lead Pastor of Cedarview Community Church, Port Clements.

Andy Moore: Appointed as Pentecostal Chaplain at UVic (part-time). Andy will continue his role as Associate Pastor of Glad Tidings Pentecostal Church, Victoria.

Ryan Morgan: Appointed as Youth Pastor of Nanaimo Evangelistic Tabernacle.

Melody Rekker: Appointed as Children's Coordinator of Evangel Pentecostal Church, Powell River.

Chris Thomas: Concluded ministry as Campus Lead Pastor of Christian Life Assembly, Maple Ridge.

Churches in Pastoral TransitionChurches in Pastoral TransitionChurches in Pastoral TransitionChurches in Pastoral Transition Alert Bay-Glad Tidings Church (Aboriginal)

Anahim Lake Chapel Coquitlam Christian Centre

Dawson City Christian Fellowship Gibsons, Christian Life Assembly

(continued…) New Denver-Gospel Light Chapel Port Alberni, Elim Tabernacle

Port Alice, Ocean View Christian Assembly Port Clements, Cedarview Community Church

Surrey, Revival Church (Korean) Vancouver Chinese Pentecostal Church

White Rock, Seaview Pentecostal Assembly

visit our website for other ministry opportunities (www.bc.paoc.org)

BirthsBirthsBirthsBirths

Mickeal and Elizabeth Hoffman welcomed their daughter, Hariah Faith born on September 6, 2011.

Jeremy and Candice Postal are happy to announce the arrival of their daughter, Annajane Lilly born September 11, 2011.

MemorialsMemorialsMemorialsMemorials

Rev. Ken Birch went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, November 9. Ken is the beloved husband of Shirley and father of Kevin & Jennifer and grandfather to their children. He received the Licensed Minister credential in 1971 and was Ordained in May 1973. He began his ministry as the Home Missions director for the International Office. He was the President of Horizon (Central Pentecostal Bible College), as well as the founder of Pan Africa Christian University. He pastored at Christian Life Assembly in Langley and Portico (MGT) in Mississauga. He then returned to the International office as the Executive Director for Home Missions. In 1998, he transferred his credential to IMD and ministered as the East Africa Regional Director in Nairobi, Kenya before returning home in 2009 to work as the International Missions Representative until his passing. A memorial service was held at Glad Tidings Pentecostal Church, Victoria on Wednesday, November 16, 2011.

Rev. Angus Nicholson (born March 28, 1940) went home to be with his Lord on Friday, October 21. Angus held his credentials with the PAOC for many years, pastoring in Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and BC and was Ordained with the BC/Yukon District in 1997. He is survived by his loving wife or 47 years, Rose; daughters, Bonnie (Al) and Tricia (Bryan) and son, David and seven grandchildren. A memorial service was held at Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly on Wednesday October 26, 2011.

Remy Valero (Edgar Lapeciros’ mother-in-law) went home to her Creator on Thursday, October 27 at the age of 89. A memorial service was held at Valley View Funeral Home on November 17. Please pray for Edgar & Faith Lapeciros and their family as they grieve the loss of Faith's mother. Edgar is the Executive Director for Cultural and Aboriginal Ministries in our District.

Ronald Wilson went home to be with his Lord on Thursday October 10. Ronald received his credentials with the BC/Yukon District in 2004 pastoring in Haisla, Kitimaat, and Burns Lake. A memorial service was held on Thursday October 13, 2011 at Kispiox Community Centre.

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audio recordings available online:

http://www.paoc.org/missions/global-summit-

2011/event-media