FCF Canada Annual General Meeting and Conference 2018
FCFC 2018 Board & Staff Standing: Ed Plett, Sylvain Couture, Bill Brown, Robert Doran, Douglas Wedel, Jocelyn Aubut, Johanne MacKiddie, David Clark, Roy Nielsen, Colleen Grant, Mike Sweeney, Henry Janzen. Seated: Wayne Clark, Richard and Melissa Quesnel, Emily Chartier-Couture, Jessynia Théagène.
FCF-Canada – Annual General Meeting & Conference, April 2018 drew fifty members from across the country to a central point in the province of Ontario.
The theme this year: “Purpose – Passion – People” based on Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people.”
The conference kicked off with a tour of Dameya Holsteins, a certified organic dairy farm. The farm also houses therapy animals, and we were fascinated to hear how co-owner Danyca Schneider (pictured above), a certified zootherapist, uses these animals to help people with emotional and mental health problems.
One of the highlights was a Southern Gospel Concert with Steve and Janis Miller and “Praises to HIM” quartet from Paris, MO. Steve always delivers a powerful message with his music.
Past-president Mike Sweeney led morning devotions, challenging us to stay the course in difficult circumstances, that love is long-suffering. Mike also brought the Sunday morning message.
The conference was conducted in both official languages: French and English, and we were fortunate to have simultaneous translation for those who were not bilingual.
One of our longest standing Board members, George Gardiner, along with his wife, Eleanor, were honoured as George retired from the Board this year. This dear couple makes thousands of mini hockey sticks a year which they ship all across Canada to be given out to children, along with the gospel message at FCF outreach events. Only heaven will reveal the impact of these gifts! Included in the photo, board member Johanne MacKiddie presenting flowers, and Henry Janzen, fieldman from BC.
Current president Jocelyn Aubut (left) presenting past-pres Mike Sweeney with a plaque in appreciation for his years of service as FCFC president.
Our morning devotions, workshops, and messages encouraged and challenged us to stay connected to God. Testimonies from various members spoke of how God opens doors, provides workers, and equips us for his service.
Our banquet speaker was Jean-Pierre Stettler (left), pastor of Assemblée Source de Vie, a local French speaking church.
Pastor Stettler stressed the importance for Christians to be passionate for God. Our passion affects greatly our capacity to remain for a long time in ministry, to overcome challenges of all kinds, to grow in our love for God. He said gratefulness is one important key to remain passionate for God. When we feel discouraged, we need to take time to remember the gifts of God in our life. As we do, the joy of the Lord will strengthen us.
And everyone would agree that one of the great things about the conference is the fellowship – meeting with brothers and sisters from other provinces who have a common purpose and passion: to share the gospel with those who are lost, and hearing their stories of how they accomplish this.
A big thank you to Edith Clark, who provided the content and photos for this eNewsletter!