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More Than Gold is the network that is connecting and organizing the Christian
community to offer the radical hospitality of Christ, in response to the coming
Olympics. The 2010 Games will be an outdoor extravaganza. It is not just about
sport. Of the 300,000-plus visitors that will come, most will likely only
attend one or two events. They come for the larger experience. There are
different ways to respond. MTG is seeking to mobilize Christians to bring the
heart of the gospel into the public arena, using this unique season as a
catalyst to create spaces that offer lavish hospitality, where Jesus is both
guest and host.
Soul Cravings
Jesus commissions all believers to go into the world as witnesses. Over the 17
days of the games, the world is coming to us. MTG has worked hard to provide
Outreach Training opportunities throughout Metro Vancouver. In addition to
these, and in partnership with Power to Change, MTG is providing a special
resource in the thought-provoking 58-page book Soul Cravings: Prequel, by Erwin McManus.
It examines peoples’ needs for intimacy, meaning and a sense of destiny, and points seekers to the
God who alone satisfies these cravings. In order to use this tool in deeper
conversations, MTG is offering ‘Soul Cravings – The Experience.’ These 90-minute sessions are held in two venues:
Power to Change
20385 – 64th Avenue, Langley
December 1; January 12, 19 and 26
More Than Gold
2nd Floor, 107 East 3rd Ave, Vancouver
November 30 and December 7.
Each evening begins with refreshments at 6:45 pm, then runs 7 – 9 pm. Price is $5, and Soul Cravings: Prequel is included.
Contact: icravechange.com/experience.
Santa Claus Parade
Vancouverites will be coming out by the thousands for this annual extravaganza
December 6, 1 pm.
Following on from the success of its participation in July’s Canada Day parade, MTG has been asked to participate in a prominent way in the
Santa Claus Parade.
Once again, musicians, singers and dancers will participate. At the end of the
parade there will be singing – including carols – led by Russ Rosen and his band.
You are welcome to join the MTG team at any point on the route – starting at Thurlow/Georgia going east. As the parade turns and continues south
on Howe, Russ and the band will stay in front of the Art Gallery and keep the
celebration going.
Homestay
Home for the Games is an initiative aimed at fostering generosity and
hospitality during the 2010 Olympics.
It is aimed at creating a unique legacy: providing a memorable Olympic
experience for visitors and hosts, while raising money to help fight
homelessness.
More Than Gold is partnering with Home for the Games to recruit hosts who will
open their homes to visitors.
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The Home for the Games website matches visitors to Vancouver hosts for
home-stays or suite rentals.
Participants keep 50 percent of their rental revenue, or can donate it to MTG.
The other half benefits charities that fight homelessness in Vancouver; the
homeowner receives a tax receipt for this amount.
The two primary charities these revenues will support are Covenant House and
Street to Home.
The goal is to raise $1.2 million in contributions to local charities that
assist Vancouver’s homeless population.
“It’s a great way to extend hospitality with new friends from around the world. It’s also a creative way to help our city’s most vulnerable people,” said Bob Kraemer, director of operations for MTG.
To become one of the first to register a spare bedroom or suite, contact
homeforthegames.com – and be sure to mention your affiliation with More Than Gold.
Outreach Training
Following the recent More Than Gold Outreach Training sessions in five locations
throughout Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, two more sessions are planned
for January.
With David Macfarlane again as the main speaker, they are being hosted at:
University Chapel (UBC) January 22, 7–9 pm
Cariboo Hill Christian Fellowship, Burnaby January 23, 9–11am.
More Than Gold is seeking to be a visible presence to the world. Our inspiration
is Matthew 5: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and
give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” In partnership with such ministries as the Canadian Bible Society and Power to
Change, MTG is ready to provide Christians with extremely inexpensive and
Olympic-related literature: New Testaments, Gospels, Games guides, et cetera.
We also have high quality clothing, which carries the MTG message. Details and
availability of these items can be found online: www.morethangold.ca/store.
December 2009
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