July 5 was a historical day for the congregation of the Punjabi Masihi Church. After many years of meeting for services in a portable of Delta Pentecostal Church, they have now started the process of building their own church.
On Saturday, they held the groundbreaking ceremony for their church, which was attended by many excited and enthusiastic worshippers and guests that included Wally Oppal, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism, Surrey Councillor Marvin Hunt, and Rev. Ron Davis, Secretary and Treasurer of BC-Yukon District, Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC).
The Punjabi Masihi Church (PMC) is affiliated with the PAOC under the British Columbia and Yukon District. The PMC is a cross-culture Christian ministry where the services are held in both English and Punjabi.
The mission of the church is to provide facilities where the youth can hang out with their friends in a safe environment where they can play sports, learn about God and socialize with like-minded individuals. There are various programs for seniors, adults, youth and children. The church hopes to reach out to the Indo-Canadian community which has been plagued by gang violence and spousal violence.
Oppal was actually to attend a masjid opening in Calgary, but he cancelled that program just to come out to this occasion instead.
He said: “I congratulate the efforts of this congregation. This church is very good for the community and the Indo-Canadian community, with all the social issues of gang violence and spousal violence, the Punjabi Masihi Church’s emphasis on youth, women and seniors can only bring good.”
He said he looked forward to attending the opening ceremony of the church also.
Surrey Councillor Marvin Hunt was greeted with enthusiastic cheers when he congratulated the congregation. Pastor Jagpal Singh pointed out how Hunt was “our voice in the city hall of Surrey.” His efforts were much appreciated by the congregation.
Pastor Jagpal also gave a brief view of how this congregation works. He stressed that Christians do not set out to convert anyone or change anyone’s culture; they just share their religion and the choice to convert is each individual’s own.
Anyone interested in donating financially or otherwise, or volunteering their time towards building the Punjabi Masihi Church, should contact Rehan Garstin at 604-590-2032. Donations are tax deductible. For more information, log on to www.PunjabiChurch.com.
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