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By Dwayne Buhler
IT’S HARD to believe 25 years have passed since I
walked into a converted curling rink, to attend Vancouver’s first
Missions Fest.
I went to hear Don Richardson, author of Peace Child – and was
challenged about my need to obey God without conditions. I signed up for a
short-term mission trip to show the Jesus film in Brazil’s Amazon region.
 | | Dwayne Buhler is the new head of Missions Fest Vancouver. |
I met like-minded people with a heart to express the
love of Jesus. The decisions I made on that Saturday afternoon played a
significant role in my personal calling.
Missions Fest (MF) Vancouver was born in 1983, when
representatives of six churches met together to plan and pray. The first
conference was held in January, 1984 at Burnaby Christian Fellowship, and
counted on the presence of 65 mission agencies. The weekend included
inspirational speakers, rallies, seminars, films and ethnic food.
Organizers never imagined this event would grow into
the world’s largest annual mission conference, or inspire a worldwide
movement. The roster of speakers and presenters who have participated over
the years reads like a ‘who’s who’ of missionary leaders,
motivational speakers and educators.
The conference is now planned by volunteers from 150
member churches, and attracts an aggregate attendance of more than 30,000.
Many friendships have been formed over the years, and the weekend has
become a fixed event on church calendars.
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 | | The Flag Parade of Nations is a poplular part of Missions Fest. Pictured is last year's edition. |
The theme of the upcoming conference – For Such a
Time as This: Destined to Make a Difference – combines the sense of
personal calling with a call for the church to face the challenge of a
broken. There will be exhibits from more than 240 agencies, and 25th
anniversary celebrations January 25 – 27, at the Vancouver Exhibition
and Convention Centre.
MF faces several challenges as it celebrates its first
quarter century. It must pass the torch of world mission to the next
generation of leaders, in the missionary movement emerging among students.
The Board of Directors has affirmed a key partnership with the
Vancouver-Whistler Games Network, bringing together Christians who are
planning for events before, during and after the 2010 Olympic Games.
There is also a need for the Western church to hear
from leaders of the developing world, and form responsible partnerships
that do not result in dependency.
This year’s event will celebrate God’s
faithfulness, and also look to God for direction and empowerment –
for ongoing service in Metro Vancouver.
January 2008
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