MBMSI celebrations kick off in Abbotsford

More than 700 people gathered in Central Heights Church, Abbotsford, on June 19 for the first of seven MBMSI celebration missions nights coming to various North American locations this summer and fall.

MBMSI director Randy Friesen speaks at Abbotsford celebration.

Hosted by mobilization and media director Carlin Weinhauer, the Abbotsford celebration featured rousing music by the Willingdon MB Church choir and orchestra as well as the congregation, a message from general director Randy Friesen, and a video presentation of the work MBMSI is doing in Southeast Asia in the wake of last December’s tsunami.

Friesen told of recent baptisms held in south Thailand, where Habakkuk 2:14 (“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea”) was quoted. Some people are content to just look at the ocean, Friesen said, others go snorkeling near the surface, while a few dare to put on scuba gear and go deep into the water to see things they’ve never seen before.

“The greatest things are revealed to those who dare to plunge deeply into God’s glory,” Friesen said.

Through the work God is doing through Operation Rebuilding Lives and other Christian agencies, people in southern Thailand are turning to Christ and others are giving serious thought to a relationship with Jesus. Friesen told of a national public debate around the question, “Is it possible for a Thai person to become a Christian?” Because “to be Thai is to be Buddhist,” this debate has sparked tremendous interest throughout Thailand.

Amanda Griffioen shares her experiences in Thailand. In background, Harv Wiens and Judy Griffioen.

After the video presentation on the work of Operation Rebuilding Lives, Amanda and Judy Griffioen, and Harv Wiens, all of whom have been to south Thailand, shared movingly of the physical, emotional and spiritual needs there, as well as the response of the Thai people.

Upcoming celebration events will be held in Winnipeg, St. Catharines and Waterloo, Ont. and in four locations in the U.S.

—from report in Global Bridge