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The story of the Church of All Nations began in 1939. Newlyweds and recent graduates of Prairie Bible Institute, Bill and Josephine Johnson arrived from Saskatchewan (age 26/24) to come and plant New Westminster EFC.
They came with no promise of any regular salary, and moved into a suite in New West for $15.00 per month. Bill supported himself and Jo by working part-time as a salesman and a truck driver, as well as church planting.
The work began to grow. By 1943 the work was established and the church structure was built at Douglas Road (Canada Way) and 10th Avenue. The Johnsons assisted in the planting of Town + Field Church and Port Coquitlam EFC, and in the birth of Trinity Western University.
Over the years, much has changed. The community of New Westminster/ Burnaby has grown and has become ethnically diverse. The church building burned down and was rebuilt. The congregation has aged, and has been in decline numerically.
Three years ago, we met with church leadership to trust the Lord for the renewal of New West EFC, and God has birthed the “Church of All Nations.” This church represents the heart and values of New West EFC, combined with a fresh vision and model for ministry.
Church Planting Pastor, Jorge (Emily) Lin, as the name suggests, is fluent in Spanish, Mandarin and English, having been born in Argentina, and being of Taiwanese heritage. Emily was born in Taiwan, and shares this heart for intercultural ministry. Recently, they contributed to the growth of their church through the birth of their son Matias!
Jorge was born into a Buddhist family, and as a young man desired to become a monk. His family immigrated to Canada, and through the witness of a persistent friend at university and the creativity of God, came to faith in Christ.
The church has been meeting in various Life Groups via ZOOM, and is coming together as One Body, combining the faithful people and heritage of New West EFC with the new people and future vision of the Church of All Nations. We look forward to joining with them as they gather for a live service on Sunday, March 20.
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LPD Conference Report
– new churches – new chapter…
It was so good to gather with one hundred and fifteen other pastors, leaders and delegates last weekend for our annual LPD Conference, held at Grace Hanin Community Church.
Though we were under both mask and vaccine mandates, we enjoyed warm fellowship and the generous and kind hospitality of the people of Grace Hanin Community Church. Thank you!
For Karen and me, the day was somewhat bittersweet. We love you in Christ, and love serving you and your church, and it is difficult to leave this ministry after twenty years. On the other hand, it was a blessing to gather with so many we have had the privilege of serving and to know that God is raising up a successor who has a heart for God and a heart to serve you and your church in the person of Evans (Donnae) Hundermark.
Karen and I were honoured by our board and delegates, and this was both humbling and much appreciated. Former EFCC President and LPD Board Chair, Ron Unruh was commissioned to paint a portrait of Karen and me. It was to touching, and even included both our sailboat, “Skookum” and our dog, “Gus.” Thank you Ron!
In addition, Josephine and our LPD Board took the small sign I had placed above my desk that reads, “Have I made a difference in the local church today?” and had this framed. I will treasure this, as it has been and remains my heart’s desire and prayer – to make a difference in the local church.
We thank you for your love and care, and for all the kindness that has been expressed to us. It is such a privilege to be both your and our Lord’s servants!
Conference delegates overwhelmingly affirmed the calling of Evans and Donnae to serve as our District Superintendent. I will continue to serve as D.S. through the end of May, and do my best to ready our district for Evans, as he officially begins his ministry with us on June 1.
Karen and I are thankful for Evans and Donnae as friends and co-workers in Christ, and we will fully support them as they serve in the years to come, and our LPD begins a new chapter. We know that you will as well.
It was special for Evans and I to minister together on Sunday, March 6, as we welcomed both Vancouver Hallelujah Community Church and TEBAH Church into the LPD/EFCC Family. Both were received into membership at our conference on Saturday, March 5
You can view our May 5, 2022 LPD Conference morning sessions online at the following link.The recording includes worship, my presentation and that of Evans. Please start the video at 12:30: https://mybox.naver.com/share/list/viewer
Our steps – God’s Mission – as we enter a new chapter of God’s Mission for our Lower Pacific District.
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Upcoming LPD Events:
Daylight Savings
– Remember to spring forward one hour – Saturday Night |
