Leading people to intimate places with God where his voice can be heard.
Momentum
April - June 2006
Momentum
Steve Klassen
They
call it March Madness in the USA. It is a basketball tournament I have
watched since I was a boy. Every year is amazing. 64 of the best
college ball teams are invited and separated into 4 sections of 16
teams, seeded from #1 down to #16 in each section. You lose once and
you go home. Every year there are upsets.
When the tournament started two weeks ago several critics publicly said George Mason University (11th seed in their section) should not have been invited to the tourney. They gained some respect as they won their opening game. Then a win over last year’s champion North Carolina launched them into the final 16 and another win put them into the final 8 teams. George Mason continued their magic as they upset a #1 seed Connecticut - the team favored to win the tournament! With that win they undoubtedly earned the respect of their critics, captured the attention of the nation and secured for themselves a place in the coveted Final Four. Though they went on to lose to the team that won the national championship, George Mason will be remembered as a team that played with amazing courage against great odds and surprised some of the best teams in the country as they played with momentum.
Praying for Momentum
As a sports nut and a leader of the MARK Centre, I often find myself praying for momentum. From sharing the vision and gathering a growing group of people around the idea, to identifying a property and seeing it paid off, to heading into a building phase and seeing donors and volunteers work together to put up a beautiful chalet. Now to operating the ministry, hosting people for training and retreats on site, seeing the vision implemented and the awareness expand - God is building something here! Like a new business getting off the ground, we are aware of the need for momentum. Ultimately we know the success of the MARK Centre depends upon God, yet he still gives us the excitement and challenges of walking out the adventure in the day-to-day grind.
Momentum and Growth
Hundreds of perennials are coming out of the ground right now at the MARK Centre. In case you don’t know, these are plants that hang around for the long haul, coming back every spring after lying dormant for the winter. Some of them are already flowering; most of them will show off their colors in the spring and summer and fall. Even though we did the work of planting these perennials a year ago, their arrival now is an encouraging reminder that sowing brings results in the right time. Hard work will pay off. Momentum will increase as we keep doing the little things and move forward with confidence.
Are you looking for momentum in your life? Ask George Mason if they’ve got a little extra to send your way. And while you’re at it, get them to send some to the Vancouver Canucks.
Our Strategic Focus
Our vision of leading people to intimate places with God is taking shape largely through short retreats for individuals, couples, families, and small groups. Some come for a very short retreat of an hour or two in our fourth floor chapel called the Rooftop.
Our main partnership is with MBMS International, whose leaders have found a home here for praying and planning and whose young adults (TREK program) experience discipleship training and whose current missionaries receive rest and debriefing.
A February Romantic Getaway for Married Couples called Let’s Get Lost seemed to be a great success. 8 couples participated and found the 24 retreat a refreshing experience.
People are inspiring me every month as they come to the MARK Centre for one on one spiritual direction sessions. As they give close attention to how God is working in their lives they are developing the art of listening to God’s voice and activity in their lives and learning how to respond to him.
Join Us
| Every Wed. 7-7: 45am | Men’s Group in the Psalms |
| April 15 | Work Day @ MARK Centre |
| May 13-14 | Mother/Daughter Sleepover |
| July 21-23 | Silent Retreat |
| November 3-5 | Silent Retreat |
What’s Up?
Here are some group events that will be taking place at the MARK Centre in the coming months.
| April 1-7 | MBMSI Team Leaders Summit |
| May 12-13 | MARK Centre Annual Board Meetings |
| April 28-29 | Women’s Getaway |
| May 1-7 | Adventure for Potential Missionaries |
| June 3-17 | Debriefing TREK teams |
| July 3-14 | ACTION summer mission training |
Family News
by Evy Klassen
Our family has been going through monumental changes these past
months. In February the Thielmann family had to make the difficult
decision to move my dad into a care home. He required more and more
help with his simple needs and it became too much for mom to handle
alone. 
Dad seems to be adjusting well to his new environment and mom is
gradually getting used to being alone in their home after 51 years
together.
On the other end of the spectrum, March brought new life and hope with the birth of our third son and sixth child – Malakai. After a long and unprogressive labor at the end of February, Malakai Jerome Herbert made his Grandpa Herb happy by arriving 35 minutes into his 77th birthday on March 1st.
Thank you for your prayers and support! We are very aware that any momentum the MARK Centre is enjoying is directly related to the great support and help of so many people like you. As a family we are continuing to experience God’s provision and blessing through the monthly support of friends and family.
Building Phase Debt almost eliminated!
We are $40,500 away from seeing the building phase debt eliminated entirely. Do you want to have the joy of giving to get us one step closer?
For those of you who are giving to this ministry monthly, the option of automatic electronic debit is now available.
In Canada, cheques can be made payable to MARK Centre, and sent to:
31605 Old Yale Road, Abbotsford, BC V2T 2B4
In the United States, cheques can be made payable to MBMS International, and mailed to:
4867 E. Townsend Avenue
Fresno, CA 93727-5006
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MARK Centre Board Members
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MARK Centre Advisory Council Members
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Home phone: (604) 852-3562
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