Anyone who knows me well, knows that I'm perfectly content to do ministry as a team. So one of the first things we discussed after making the leap to re-plant into New Westminster was that we needed to start with "building" a strong leadership team. I put "build" in parenthesis because I didn't really do much from that point except pray and ask others to pray with us.
Doug Friesen chatted it up and got the word out about this new and exciting adventure. Wes & Gladys Wray took me under their wings and coached and cheered on the process. Barry Buzza and Rebecca Friesen have also been a continuos source of encouragement and wisdom.
I also got to know John Nathan quite well during that time as he and his wife Dona had walked the same path to replant a Foursquare church in Burlington, ON. Their input and insights have been very helpful.
Over the past 3 1/2 months of preparation it was somewhat overwhelming as people and circumstances came together. Many times it appeared - not out of control - but certainly beyond the control of anyone or our expectations. I never knew what a conversation, phone call or email would bring. Thankfully it usually entailed gifts being added to the church.
In Ephesians 4:7,8,11-13, it says;
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men."...it was he (Jesus) who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the Body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
And He (Jesus) has not scrimped on his gifts when it has come to the leadership team of Life Design Foursquare Church. Grace upon grace has been poured out in answer to prayer:
Kerry Pretty has faithfully served the congregation of Westminster Foursquare church and will continue to serve with Life Design as Teaching Pastor. Those of you who know Kerry know the amazing teaching gift he has. Kerry will bring his skill and knowledge to the leadership team to help develop a strong preaching/teaching ministry as well as discipleship training and studies.
Rafik Daudjee (and Safia) moved here with his family from Tanzania four years ago. He is an evangelist and church planter with extensive experience in reaching the Muslims. As Outreach Pastor he will teach and guide the church into ways of reaching the community and the world through evangelism, church planting and missions.
Dawn Waterman bings 34 years of ministry experience in all areas of church life but in particular through prayer and care. She recently graduated from PLBC with her degree and has a vision to see meaningful connections made in and outside of the church through the ministry of prayer.
Ken & Silvana McNulty have been a part of the Westminster Foursquare Church for 20 years. Their faithful service and strong connections with the city of New Westminster will continue through their leadership as Elders/Pastoral care.
Sarah Daudjee is a true worshipper and will be serving as the Worship Arts Coordinator. This past weekend, during our Easter Service, we were able to witness the passing of the baton between Sarah and the church's former worship leader Audrey Husak (Audrey met her future husband while attending Grace Church and so will stay behind to start her new ministry adventure :) It was a sacred moment as the leadership was able to bless Audrey for her years of service, and then have Audrey pray for and bless Sarah as she takes up her new ministry role.
Kim Hargreaves and Manvir Johal will be teaming together as Youth Interns for the summer. Kim and Manvir have served together in other ministry activities and have a shared vision to reach the youth in New Westminster through sports activities, the arts and annual camps and events. Gonna be a fun summer!
Kunal Marwaha just graduated from Providence Bible College (Manitoba) with his degree in Businesss Administration. As Admininstrative Coordinator he will oversee the financial and operational ministry of the church. Ask me if I'm excited about THIS :)!!! God is good!
Razia Daudjee is a student with the Emily Carr School of Arts and will be leading our Design Team in developing our church design and print media. Looking forward to see the future of our church Life Design.
Last, but definely not least, Sandra Venn will serve as Deaconess and will oversee our Sunday Service offering and usher teams. Sandra has faithfully served the New Westminster church for many years and will continue to do so "as long as the Lord wills and continues to give her strength" (her words). I continually marvel at her response when I ask her what she thinks about all that's happening with the church. Every single time she gets this girlish smile on her face and says "I think it's wonderful". So thankful for her adventurous heart.
We're currently in the process of confirming leaders for our Children's church and will continue to keep our arms open wide for those the Lord leads to the ministry of Life Design Foursquare Church.
Continually Awed by Him,
Rhonda Berkhiem
Lead Pastor
Life Design Foursquare Church.
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