|
Outreach has expert help
As More Than Gold helps churches and individuals get ready for the 2010 Olympic
Games – now only months away – the organization has been facilitating Metro Vancouver / Fraser Valley ‘Outreach Training’ events.
The main speaker at all events is David Macfarlane of the Billy Graham
Evangelistic Association of Canada (formerly with the Evangelical Fellowship of
Canada). He has had extensive experience in preparing Christians for large
events.
BCCN asked Macfarlane to comment on the training sessions.
BC Christian News: What is the heart of your message at these events?
David Macfarlane: The backbone of the message for More than Gold is this: Help us discover how to
take our love for God and our neighbour to the next level, so that our lives
will make a lasting difference in those we meet.
The teaching will not be so much about methods, as about freeing ourselves to
live with contagious and authentic faith. From the Book of Acts, I will present
seven steps to strengthen our confidence and enrich our witness.
BCCN: How do you see this message as timely over the period of the Olympics?
DM: In two ways. First, many people from all over the world will come to Vancouver – both as participants and spectators – and with [this] comes a great opportunity for us to interact with them, and
build bridges to them over which Jesus can cross.
Second, the Olympics will bring much change – although temporary – to the lives of all who live in the city. Transitional moments have always been
a fruitful time for presenting the claims of Christ, in the power and love of
the Holy Spirit.
When I was involved in similar training and evangelism for the Commonwealth
Games in Victoria in the 1990s, we collected many amazing stories of people who
encountered Christ through the witness of ordinary Christians – who had been equipped, and were ready for God to use them.
BCCN: What are the cultural values that help or hinder witnessing to Christian faith
in these times?
DM: Canada is becoming increasingly secular, and church attendance is plummeting.
Consequently, many people have not even a basic understanding of the God of the
Bible or Jesus, as they would have had 20 years ago.
In addition, our culture is being heavily influenced by postmodernity, so that
many believe that there are no absolutes.
We need to learn new ways to present the claims of Christ, if we are to relate
the message of the love of God to people in our neighbourhoods today.
On the positive side, Canadians are more spiritually aware than at any other
time in our history – and open to God, if [faith is] presented well.
On a recent TV show, I was asked about this, and I answered: “People today will believe in truth, when they can see a faith that cannot be
explained any other way.”
BCCN: Some may feel nervous about sharing their faith, but would like to be able to do
so. What encouragement would you give them?
DM: In the More Than Gold training, we will look specifically at this very important
issue of overcoming our apprehensions, and give numerous ways to gain personal confidence.
Continue article >>
|
Spirit must play a key role in our witness. But so must the knowledge that, even
if we do not get an opportunity to lead anyone to Christ on the spot, [our]
attempts count.
I can give many stories of people that I shared my faith with, who did not
respond – but later came to tell me how they had come to Christ, in part because of my ‘failed’ attempt.
Training schedule
This month’s MTG Outreach Training events take place at:
• Abbotsford Nov 13 – 7 pm
Northview Community Church
32040 Downes Road
• Langley Nov 14 – 9 am
Christian Life Assembly
21277 56 Avenue
In response to requests, MTG is announcing two additional training sessions,
timed just before the games:
• Vancouver Jan 22 – 7 pm
University Chapel, UBC
• Burnaby Jan 23 – 9 am
Cariboo Road Community Church
7200 Cariboo Road
Resources
At the time of the games, Christians can be very visible – and equipped. MTG resources include clothing, helpful literature and pins.
They represent remarkable value and include special Games-related New
Testaments, The Gospel of Mark, MTG’s Pocket Guide, and Erwin McManus’ Soul Cravings.
Groups can purchase Resource Kits that offer additional discounts to already
reasonable prices. MTG Director of Operations Bob Kraemer comments:
“We want people to be equipped to engage in meaningful conversations around the
Games, and witness to our faith in Christ – which is more precious than gold.”
Kraemer also expressed his appreciation for the Canadian Bible Society’s contribution to these resources.
Contact: morethangold.ca/store
November 2009
|
