BPCA celebrates Advent at Asian Christian Church in Edmonton
The Christmas season is filled with family activities and community events that are light and lively, but Asian Christian Church in Edmonton, Canada conducted a poignant service 16th December where they invited British Pakistani Christian Association Chairman Wilson Chowdhry to share about the work of BPCA and describe some of the incidents Pakistani Christians are enduring in their homeland and in third countries such as Thailand where they are seeking asylum.
BPCA Chairman Wilson Chowdhry speaking on the plight of Pakistani Christians
In contradistinction to a typical advent service with glittering lights and warm sentiments, Mr Chowdhry’s rendering of documented facts and realities under-girded the pastoral message which was preached from Daniel 9:24 which prophesied the coming of Jesus and the book of Revelation which prophecies the final judgement of Satan.
Pastor Joel David said:
“Some may wonder why hearing the testimonies of the suffering in every graphic detail serves any purpose, but it demonstrates that we need to hold fast to the testimony of Jesus who has provided salvation for us.
“This world is not one in which we should be seeking comfort, but we must realise that we are in a war. The attitude that we must arm ourselves with an attitude of victory and not comfort [where we are able to endure suffering when it comes our way].”
“Being invited to the plan of God – the fulfilment has fallen to us. The coming of Jesus is more that something to be remembered.
“Christmas is not just about the manger scene, it happened in the context of injustice. Christians need to be alert and sober-minded, God intervenes in this world to set injustices of this world right. Get engaged with the big thing that God has called you to.”
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R-L: Mrs Aisha David, Ms Keri-Lynn Gibbs, Mr Wilson Chowdhry, Rev Joel David
Keri-Lynn Gibbs said:
“When it comes to persecution we are often bewildered about why it is happening but Jesus told us that we were not to consider it strange or be confused by it.
“Reading from Revelation, He called us to set our gaze to the future time when Satan, the accuser of believers, will be thrown down and judged. It is important to remember that Satan’s evil efforts are terminal to him and not for the church!”
Wilson Chowdhry said:
“It was a welcome surprise to be able to share about what is happening in Pakistan and Thailand with a congregation who is so actively seeking to help and encourage others in the community.
“I was deeply encouraged by the words of the message shared by Pastor Joel and it a was a great capstone to this time of advocacy in Canada before returning home for Christmas.”
British Pakistani Christian Association, continues to provide advocacy and humanitarian aid to Christians in Pakistan and the Pak-Christian diaspora. We cannot do it without your help please donate by clicking (here).
