It’s all Greek to you?
CALGARY, Alta.—How many languages can you speak or understand? How many of the following can you read?
(Photo submitted)
Chinese: 耶稣基督为我而埋葬复活
Filipino: Si Hesukristo namatay, inilibing at nabuhay para sa akin!
Spanish: ¡Jesucristo murió, sepultado y resucitó por mí!
Vietnamese: Chúa Giêsu Kitô đã chết, được chôn cất và sống lại cho tôi!
Swahili: Yesu kristo alikufa, akazikwa na kufufuka kwa ajili yangu!
Low German: Jesus Christus, jestorwen, begröwt un oppjestonen, fa mie!
‘It’s all Greek to me!’ is a commonly heard phrase. Above are some of the languages spoken or understood by various ACF adherents. By signing their name on the applicable language tag on the Easter message greeting bulletin board in the weeks before Easter, each individual identified with the most important message in the history of the world.
To commemorate and celebrate Christ’s sacrifice for all peoples, and as part of a Good Friday vigil, worship singing, prayer times, Scripture readings, and a multicultural foods potluck dinner united the largest gathering of believers in the ACF church building since the pandemic began. It was an appropriate way to remember the meal Jesus ate in fellowship and communion with his disciples before his arrest, crucifixion, death and resurrection.
Following his resurrection, Christ gave the Great Commission, to reach every people and nation. Partaking of a potluck meal of traditional foods made by our brothers and sisters from many nations of the world was an encouragement to continue efforts to reach all peoples with the greatest message ever: Jesus Christ, died, buried and risen for all!
For all! The community in and around ACF is comprised of immigrants from around the world. Prayer for our response to our world is paramount.
As a local outreach opportunity, those who would like to sing more hymns may join in a hymn sing evening at a local seniors’ facility once a month. Immediate Christian responses are also needed to international situations in both Afghanistan and Ukraine. While the opportunity to sponsor a Christian Afghan family is under discussion by the church body, God has spoken clearly through one of ACF’s members about how to alleviate some of the suffering in Ukraine. A Ukrainian meal was served to Calgarians for donation from April 29–May 1. The funds will be directed through Youth for Christ. Check UkraineEats.org for more information or to donate.
The first Sunday in each month begins with a special prayer time for the church. Currently, one of the items for prayer is the search for a pastor. Pastor Larry Nutbrown has announced his impending retirement. A prayer vigil with this need in mind took place on April 20. The elected search committee continues to diligently use prayer and many other means to fulfill their mandate. We seek a pastor who desires to serve a multicultural church in a multicultural city and community with the message that Christ is risen…for all.