2008 General Conference program highlights

Members of the 2008 General Conference planning team know they have big program “shoes” to fill in follow up to the 2006 conference held in Miami, Florida. Fortunately, the great Toronto metroplex, one of the most ethnically diverse regions in North America, provides its own excitement and is an ideal setting in which to pursue the theme of Jesus worshipped in the nations.

The opening worship service on Friday evening, June 27, will have a Latin flavor as Francisco Martinez brings greetings from the BIC churches in Cuba, followed by a sermon from Mirta Colloca, co-pastor along with her husband, Roberto, at Vida Abundante BIC Church in Miami. A dynamic and gifted preacher, in addition to her ministry at the church in Miami, Mirta travels throughout Latin America and the U.S. conducting evangelistic crusades and hosts a weekly radio program.   

On Saturday afternoon, the focus will shift to our church’s work in the Muslim world as Jay Smith, a longtime BIC missionary currently working in apologetics among the Muslims of London, England, will be joined by Iman Shabir Ally for a dialogue on the topic, “'The Quran and the Bible: On the Question of Peace.” Then that evening, the Toronto Mass Choir will perform a concert of gospel music from around the world. The members of the choir see themselves as “missionaries in song” as they partner with mission organizations and evangelistic outreaches around the world. You can listen to selections from the choir’s extensive repertoire at their website.

Sunday evening, our hearts and attention will be turned toward the African continent when Bishop Danisa Ndlovu of Zimbabwe delivers the sermon. Bishop Ndlovu has served the  Zimbabwe BIC Church in many ways since 1978, including as evangelist, youth worker, lecturer at Ekuphileni Bible Institute, along with various administrative positions. He is currently president-elect of Mennonite World Conference.

Charles Price, senior pastor of The Peoples Church, a 3,500 member Toronto congregation known for its commitment to world missions, will deliver the final sermon of the 2008 General Conference. Dr. Price has preached in over 50 countries on five continents and is the author of seven books, some of which have been translated into German, Dutch, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Hindi, Farsi and Korean.

Conference offerings have been designated for the Brethren in Christ churches in Zimbabwe and Cuba and also for the International Brethren in Christ Association.

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