Leading people to intimate places with God where his voice can be heard.
Why Are You So Afraid
December
2006-February 2007
Why Are You So Afraid?
Steve Klassen
Trevor and I have been friends for about 6 years. His current story is inspiring me and I asked him if I could pass it on because I think it might encourage you too.
This summer Trevor decided to move to BC to reconnect with God and make a new start. He identified harmful habits with honesty and invited a few good friends to stand by him as he set his sights on a new life direction. When I asked him what his dream job in Abbotsford might be for this time he didn’t hesitate. He wanted to work at the House of James, a Christian bookstore in town. Quickly the door opened and Trevor has been learning and growing in his new job.
But thoughts related to his past have tormented him more than anyone knows. One week in late October, with the uncertainty of his own housing situation weighing heavily on him, his fears threatened to paralyze him. Irrational fears of someone from his past coming to get him consumed Trevor. He wanted to hide in the back of the store, but his boss had him at the front till. He thought about running, but every day he ended up at the till interacting with customers. God was guiding all this, and that would become very clear at the end of this tough week.
On that Friday a man and his wife were purchasing a CD from Trevor. The man stared at Trevor and then with a smile spoke out his full name. Trevor looked up and recognized Malcolm from the streets of Victoria more than a decade ago. Neither of these guys expected to see each other again, certainly not in a Christian bookstore in Abbotsford! God did bring someone from Trevor’s past, not to harm him but to bless him. Within two days Trevor moved into Malcolm and his wife’s home, blown away by God’s provision at a critical time.
In a recent heart to heart with a friend Trevor was asked the same question Jesus asked his disciples at one point, “Why are you so afraid?” Trevor’s answer was this, “I never had a father to watch out for me. God is active. We are slowly learning this at the MARK Centre. God the Father is watching out for his children. He stepped into Trevor’s life through Malcolm. When he was expecting an enemy to bring revenge, God came with care and grace.
TREK teams sent out
TREK teams sent out It was our privilege to host another TREK training phase this fall. Once again God was faithful to come near to these young adults as they banded together in an atmosphere of discipleship and mission. One individual TREKer joined MBMSI missionaries in Guadalajara, Mexico, and 3 teams of TREKers were sent out to serve and learn in Thailand, Peru and India.
John Gifford (India TREK Team)
Coming Ahead
| Jan-Feb | TREK training phase |
| Jan 7 | City Wide Prayer Gathering |
| Jan 8 | Staff strategy session |
| Jan 27 | Local Church listening prayer event |
| Feb 1-3 | Mission agency board meetings |
| Feb 4 | City Wide Prayer Gathering |
| Feb 16-17 | Local Church Retreat |
| Wednesdays | Men in Psalms (7:00-7:45am) |
NOTE: Watch www.markcentre.org. for LIVE JAZZ events coming to MARK Centre in 2007.
Moving Forward in 2007
Steve and Evy Klassen
The MARK Centre is in a season of change and growth. Our family is enjoying life in Mt. Lehman; a move which has provided a healthy distance between work and home. At the same time, people are joining us at the MARK Centre. Recently God has sent some amazing new staff and volunteers. Now a team of seven meets weekly to listen to God, report and plan. Gifted leaders have joined the MARK Centre board and God has given us skilled mentors to help us develop a strategic plan for maximizing our chalet usage.
Bracing for Growth
After recent meetings with advisors and MARK Centre board members, we are looking confidently into 2007. Here’s what we’re excited about:
- In 2007 we plan to establish Friends of the MARK Centre to bring together all those who believe in this vision. Look for more on this topic in 2007.
- We are in the beginning stages of a new marketing effort in which we have produced specific retreats that our clients & potential clients are being invited to enjoy.
- We want to see our chalet usage increase from 38% in 2006 to 65% or more in 2007.
- We are committed to explore how the MARK Centre can strengthen its global relationships. More than ever, we want to send and receive people internationally.
- As we brace ourselves for this growth, we have created a part time administrative position. Catherine has joined our team and is already helping us to function with excellence.
- We have set ourselves up to receive payments or donations via MasterCard or Visa, Interac or Automatic Withdrawal.
Doing this Together
As we look ahead to welcoming groups and individuals to experience intimate places with God we are very aware of our need for your involvement with us. We need your covering over us in prayer, your encouraging visits, your skills, your time, your financial gifts, your involvement in retreats on site and your wisdom.
Our plan for viability depends on the friends of the MARK Centre continuing to run this race with us. We expect income from the chalet to cover basic operating costs. Even so, this income will only amount to about 30-35% of our annual budget. Therefore, gifts from donors who believe in this work will continue to be needed. Consider joining our monthly group of supporters so that in 2007 we will be able to pay the staff and operational costs of the ministry.
Capital Debt Almost Eliminated
This year our capital debt has slowly dwindled down to $38,000 ($23,000 - building phase, $15,000 - hot tub and tree house). We recognize the amazing support of all the different friends of this ministry that allow us to report we have only about 4% to go on this million dollar project! Can you help us finish this off? We invite you to pray about a year end gift that just might be the last $500 or $1,000 that eliminates our debt.
Thank you, thank you and thank you for your support in the past and for continuing on with us into the future. God is up to something here and we are excited that we get to be a part of it.
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
| MARK Centre Board Members
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MARK Centre Advisory Council Members
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Steve Klassen, MARK Centre Executive Director 
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