Calgary, AB, Dec. 2, 2008 – The Billy Graham Evangelical Association of Canada (BGEAC) has hired David Macfarlane as its new Director of National Initiatives to organize and lead evangelism conferences and other activities for adults.
Macfarlane is coming to the BGEAC from the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC), where he has served as Director, National Initiatives for the past five years. The former business executive and pastor begins his new role at the BGEAC on Jan. 1, 2009.
“We are a dynamic and forward-looking organization that is committed to fulfilling the mission of our founder, Billy Graham, by bringing people to faith and equipping others to do that, too,” said Deputy BGEAC Director Steve Wile. “David Macfarlane has been fulfilling a similar mission, and we are very excited to welcome him to our team. His leadership will enable the BGEAC to significantly strengthen our outreach ministries among adult Canadians, and nicely complement our growing youth ministries.”
“I’m delighted to be joining an organization with such a rich and effective history of spreading the Good News of Jesus,” Macfarlane said.
“My heart is in helping church leaders share Christ and influence their communities, especially considering the opportunity that Canada’s rapidly growing multiculturalism brings. My passion will fit in perfectly with the BGEAC’s mandate. At the same time, I’m very grateful for my time with the EFC and for its support in launching and growing a
variety of evangelism initiatives.”
Macfarlane was born in Uruguay and grew up in Argentina. He gave his life to Jesus Christ at 23, then moved to Canada while employed by American Express. Eventually, he left the business world and served as the pastor of churches in Ontario and British Columbia.
Macfarlane has been associated with the EFC since the late 1980s,serving on national committees and on its general council. While at the EFC, he created “Cross the Street” and “Ignite the Fire,” annual conferences to equip and inspire Christian leaders to reach out to the broad spectrum of Canadians for Christ, including ethnic groups.
Both national conferences – plus other evangelism-oriented symposiums and workshops he organizes and leads – are moving with Macfarlane to the BGEAC. Look for more details about them on the BGEAC web site (www.billygraham.ca
“While we are saddened to lose David, we are happy for the BGEAC because we know he will continue to very effectively and enthusiastically promote and equip people for evangelism and discipleship, while deepening and enriching the lives of Canadians in the furtherance of the Gospel,” said EFC President Bruce Clemenger.
Macfarlane and his wife Diana live in Waterloo, ON, where they will continue to be based. They have three grown daughters.
About the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada:
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada (BGEAC) is well-known for the powerful evangelism and outreach ministry of its founder, Billy Graham. The BGEAC partners with churches and Christian communities to proclaim in word and deed the Good News of Jesus Christ.
We share the saving message of Jesus using language and methods that are relevant to spiritually searching people of all ages and cultures. Each of the BGEAC’s growing number of ministry programs – for adults, teens and/or children – is prayerfully led by men and women with a passion to share their Savior’s teachings. To learn more, please go to www.billygraham.ca
[Source: BGEA of Canada]
