Silver anniversary salute

On October 15, 2005, South Abbotsford (B.C.) Church (SAC), the Indo–Canadian Christian Fellowship (ICCF), and friends celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Indo–Canadian work, as well as Indo Evangelism Communications (which was birthed in February 2001).

The vision begins

In 1979, SAC had a vision for ministry to the Indo–Canadian community. They realized the Lord had brought a mission field to their doorstep. Tens of thousands of immigrants moved from India to Canada in the 1980s and early 1990s, and Statistics Canada estimates that approximately 25,000–30,000 Indians continue to arrive annually, making it the second most populous cultural group immigrating to Canada each year.

SAC contacted Prairie Bible Institute in Alberta to inquire about hiring a student to start a ministry at the church. Pastor David Manuel, a student there, longed to return to India to continue his ministry. But the Lord had his hand upon the Manuel family and they accepted the call to Abbotsford in summer 1980. Both David and his wife, Stella, became key players in the ICCF ministry.

David and Stella Manuel

Ministry highlights

In December, pastor Manuel invited a famous musician from India to give a concert for the Indo–Canadian community. South Abbotsford Church was packed! It was a great springboard for reaching the Indo–Canadian community with God’s love.

The first Bible study started in summer 1982 for workers at a local farm.

In 1983, an elderly gentleman named Rattan became the first convert to Christianity. He was so grateful that pastor Manuel came to tell him about Jesus.

The annual Bible conference, with special events for young people and children, started in August 1980 and continues today. Attendees come from various parts of Alberta and B.C., as well as Toronto and Seattle. Lasting friendships have been made at these events, and only heaven will reveal the eternal results.

Worldwide impact

An Indo–Canadian radio ministry, called Kalam-E-Zindagi (Word of Life) also began August 1980. RIM JHIM, an all-Indian station, has been airing the program since 1990; it is heard across Canada. A radio station in Fiji also regularly airs the program and Canadian listeners take tapes along with them on visits to India.

In 1998, pastor Manuel began training a group of young Indo–Canadian men for leadership. Out of this group emerged Harinder Sahota, a first-generation Christian, who became pastor of ICCF in 2001 when pastor Manuel was commissioned by SAC to take on the task of evangelism and communications full-time.

Twenty-five years ago, the people of South Abbotsford invested in a life-changing ministry. By reaching out to an immigrant population close to them, the church has had worldwide impact for the sake of God’s kingdom.

Olga Willms is chair of the Indo Evangelism and Communications Ministry at South Abbotsford (B.C.) Church.