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Grand Forks, B.C.
Proclamation 2000 comes to Grand Forks


Proclamation 2000 marked a significant moment in the history of Grand Forks (B.C.) Gospel Chapel. Grand Forks, a community of 4,500 people, hosted the first Proclamation 2000 event in the province simultaneously with Nanaimo.

Proclamation 2000 committee with Bill Absolom, B.C. director of Canadian Bible Society: (back, l-r) Judy Foster, Betty Corson, Joyce O’Doherty; (middle) Kristy Benson, Lucy Demosky, Laurie Trithardt, Bill Absolom; (front) Randy Ball, Cheryl Ball, Eden Davidson and Leona Legary.

Begun in Quebec in 1995, Proclamation 2000 is a Canadian Bible Society program to read the Bible out loud, cover to cover, in order to raise the profile of the Scriptures.

Sixteen churches from the Grand Forks district participated April 5-14. The Grand Forks City Council also recognized the event. For 14 hours per day, 185 readers ranging in ages from six to 91 read the Bible in nine languages.

Some felt that it was ideal that the Gospel Chapel was the host church because it sits high on a ridge overlooking the community.

“From this point, the Word of God was proclaimed over the whole city,” said Laura Fehr, one of the readers. “That will have an effect on the entire valley.”

Some readers wept as they read through the Scriptures, sensing the power of God being revealed.

Proclamation 2000 has had a big impact on the religious community here. It is a lesson that a common bond is possible through the Bible. The power of simply verbally expressing God’s Word has shocked many.

Jaigne Beck, a participant from the US, said, “The presence of God was strongly felt, not only in that room in the Gospel Chapel, but all around the area of Grand Forks. I believe most of what took place during the 10 days was probably not seen or felt by any of us, but by God alone. Just passing the sign on the highway reminded me of what was happening there and I’d feel a strong presence of God.”

Proclamation 2000 culminated in a fellowship meal and a festival of praise attended by about 300 people. The evening included a community choir, a children’s choir and the renowned Doukhobor choir from the USCC church. A highlight of the evening was the reading of John 3:16 in 15 different languages ranging from French to Swahili.

 – Laurie Trithardt

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Last modified May 26, 2000.

© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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