CENTER FOR MULTI-CULTURAL MINISTRIES
3169 Royal Court, Abbotsford, BC V2T 4J6
(604) 557-0246
Email: info@mclauren.org

"… women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them,
"why do you seek the living One among the dead? "He is not here, but He has risen.
Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee" Luke 24: 5, 6

NEWSLETTER APRIL 2003

Dear Partners in ministry,

Greetings and welcome to the spring edition of our newsletter. I would like to take this pleasure to wish you all a blessed Easter. It is always a joy to come back and let you all know what the Lord is doing in our lives. We have been busy connecting with local churches, multi-cultural groups and local ministries to make a positive difference for Jesus Christ.

Multi-Cultural Celebration: A recent release of 2001 Census data indicated that Abbotsford was the third hightest city in Canada, after Vancouver and Toronto, in multi-cultural population. Having predicted that this would occur, the center is strategically located in Abbotsford. The center continues to offer a wide assortment of services to the many communities it serves. It serves all of the Christian churches of Greater Vancouver and offers year round information, referral services and cross-cultural counseling. We also conduct seminars on evangelism, discipleship, missions, prayer and leadership for clergy and lay people.

The government of British Columbia celebrates multi-cultural week in second week of February each year, and organizes several community events in various communities. I was able to take part in some of them, and have had the privilege of writing a series of articles about Good Friday, Easter and Multi-cultural issues for community newspapers. It is a great opportunity to let our neighbors know the importance of Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection.

Cross-Cultural Missions Experience: Many church young people go to South America or Mexico to have a cross-cultural missions experience. After careful research, prayer, review and networking, we've creatively put together a cross-cultural ministry experience here in Greater Vancouver area. Please see a brochure and pass this info to your local church.

Multi-Cultural Ministry: We have been connecting with several churches, Bible colleges and mission agencies and offering a wide variety of seminars and workshops on multi-cultural issues. We were able to do a series lectureships on "Understanding Your Neighbors" at the First Baptist Church in Downtown, Vancouver. A field trip is also planned for April 12, 2003 where we will be visiting a Sikh temple, Hindu temple and a Muslim mosque. If this interests you, you are invited to join us. Please send info to our office. We have been networking and creating awareness to mobilize laity and clergy for local and global evangelism

Projects for this year:

  1. A Multi-Cultural Christian Resource: In operation since 1994, this program has resourced and equipped more than 600+ influential lay leaders and church pastors. We offer year round information, referral services and cross-cultural counselling, while also conducting seminars on evangelism, discipleship, missions, prayer and leadership for clergy and lay people.
  2. Multi-Cultural Counseling: In Greater Vancouver area there has been a great need for counseling on multi-cultural issues. In order to meet this need, we are starting two counseling centers in Surrey and Abbotsford. We believe we have the training, education and experience to run this center.
  3. Jesus Festival India 2004: Rev. David McLauren led the Jesus Festival in November 2000, which served to present the gospel and to equip and train pastors in India. In November 2002, Dr. James and Elfreeda Nikkel led the Pastors and Lay Leaders Conference at Hyderabad, India. The Lord willing, in 2004 we will train, equip, and resource lay leaders and pastors, while presenting the gospel message of Jesus Christ to non-Christians.

Family Update: Samy and Misha turned 4 on February 6, 2003. We all had our share of the flu and colds this year. Sharmila continues to network and disciple many women. It is a ministry needed to support and encourage many new believers. David's father is waiting for his visa in India. This summer we have plans to travel and raise support for our ministries. We have much appreciated your friendship and partnership. Thank you again for choosing to invest in our vision. Please do your part as the Lord leads and we'll do our part to make a difference for the Kingdom work.

Hope, Joy & Peace,

David & Sharmila McLauren

PS: If you wish not to receive our mailings, kindly drop me a note at david@mclauren.org