The beat goes on this Friday at John Oliver: Chapel “is loud, it’s big and it’s all about Jesus.”
“It’s been two years since a couple kids had big faith in a little church in East Van. But this is only the beginning. Chapel is two years young.” So there will celebrating this Friday (January 31) in the John Oliver Secondary School auditorium when Chapel-goers gather for their monthly meeting.
What is Chapel? In their own words: “Something is happening. The youth of this city are coming together, and Jesus is the main attraction . . . So come hang out with an incredible community of people, and have an absolute blast celebrating what God has done for us with hundreds of other youth. Chapel gets crazy, and given what Jesus has done for us, we think that’s entirely appropriate.”
Chapel is aimed at young people, but I’ve been assured that everyone is welcome – I experienced that myself last fall. And this time there will be an after-party with food. So, happy birthday Chapel! May there be many more.
Reaching Your East Asian Neighbours
David Sorteberg and Carolyn Kemp will lead ‘Reaching Your East Asian Neighbour.’
On Saturday (February 1) Diaspora Ministries of OMF International will offer a practical one-day cross-cultural Reaching Your East Asian Neighbours training seminar to equip and encourage you as you befriend East Asians around you.
Here is their mandate: “There are over 200 Million migrants around the world today; 85 million of these come from East Asia. OMF Diaspora Ministries seeks to reach out to these East Asian people who are scattered around the globe . . . Canada’s per-capita immigration rate is the world’s highest. Visible minorities account for 14 percent of the total population, rising to 42 percent in Vancouver and 47 percent in Toronto. More than two million East Asians live in Canada, and more than half are ethnically Chinese . . . Our vision is to see a worldwide movement of East Asians discipled to build up the body of Christ among their own people – and beyond!”
If you can’t make the event, here are some ways OMF’s Diaspora Ministries suggest to welcome East Asians (and other neighbours):
• Start a Bible study for international students.
• Attend international holiday events (e.g., Chinese New Year) and meet people.
• Host events to celebrate Christmas, Thanksgiving, Canada Day, etc.
• Partner with organizations such as International Student Ministry Canada or Inter-Varsity.
• Adopt a newcomer to Canada.
• Offer English classes for internationals through your church.
• Offer students help with rides for groceries and other errands.
• Host an ‘Around Town’ event: take internationals on a tour.
Like to be an elected official?
Preston Manning and guests will share their experiences in elected office.
The starting point?: “You need to follow Cicero’s dictum: Intrate Parati – Enter Prepared. Come hear Preston Manning and guests share a lifetime of experience about the realities of being a candidate and an elected official.”
Join them this Friday evening (January 31) at the Justice Institute in New Westminster for So You Think You’d Like to be an Elected Official?
Manning is here for a couple of events. The other, Lessons Learned from William Wilberforce’s Campaign to Abolish Slavery (Saturday morning in Abbotsford) is referred to in the accompanying article. Both will be worthwhile.
Some might say Preston Manning is too partisan to be a reliable guide on matters political. After all, his Manning Centre is devoted to ‘building Canada’s conservative movement.’ Fair enough, but I’ve seen him in action several times, and I consider him a real Christian gentleman, one of Canada’s most impressive leaders. Give him a try.
Jan 2014
The January Series – January 20, 2014 - January 28, 2014 at 9:30 am - 10:30 amMetro Vancouver Alliance Founding Kick-off Event – January 27, 2014 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Experience Regent in the Winter – January 28, 2014 at 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Clifford Prang: What are We Laughing at? A Personal and Biblical Exploration of Suffering, Mockery and Sexuality in Comedy – January 30, 2014 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Overflow 2014: A Conference for Children's Ministry Leaders and Parents – January 31, 2014 - February 1, 2014 at All Day
Chapel – January 31, 2014 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
My Hope Canada Training Event – January 31, 2014 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
So You Think You'd Like to be an Elected Official? – January 31, 2014 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Trumpet and Organ Spectacular – January 31, 2014 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Feb 2014
Breakfast: Lessons Learned From William Wilberforce's Campaign to Abolish Slavery – February 1, 2014 at 8:00 am - 10:00 amReaching Your East Asian Neighbours – Training Day – February 1, 2014 at 9:00 am - 4:00 pm