Emmanuel Church is part of a larger fraternity of churches known as the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. In this cooperation of churches we participate together on multiple levels. We believe that some activities can be much better when done together. Therefore, our 1200 churches and 300,000 people from Halifax to Victoria to Kuglugtuk labour together in missional activity both in Canada and around the world. We have built Bible colleges and seminaries in order to instruct leaders. We support churches that are too small to support themselves as well as church planting initiatives. Last year Emmanuel Church gave $60,000 to our BC/Yukon District of the PAOC in order to help Summit Pacific Bible College, university ministries, aboriginal leadership development, as well as to support our next generation ministries department for things like Spark (Pre-teen conference) and History Makers (youth convention). These are just a few examples of how our district support is making a difference. In addition to money, as a representative of you, I sit as chairman of the French Canada Guiding Group and have been elected to the BC/Yukon District Leadership Team. Through both these positions the aim is to strengthen the church in Canada.

Tomorrow Pastor Clayton and Sandra, Pastor Jeff and myself will be going to Toronto for the bi-annual General Conference of the PAOC. Every two years we gather to discuss issues that are pertinent to us all. These items include theological debate, ecclesiastical structure, services of worship, instruction and prayer. This is also an opportunity to elect national leaders should that be necessary. This year, after a decade of service as our General Superintendent, Dr. Bill Morrow has stepped down. A new national superintendent will be chosen this coming week and your pastors will participate in that election process. Pray for our gathering as you remember us this week. Ask God to grant us spiritual renewal, discernment on decision making, vision for the future and ongoing unity. Canada desperately needs a healthy church for the making of disciples.