Bridlewood Presbyterian, Toronto, has been involved with MissionFest Toronto, in one way or another, since its inception in 1995. The latest event, held in March, was the biggest yet, attracting 22,000 participants and relying on 230 volunteers. MFT has grown to over 200 exhibitors, 40 seminars, concerts and special programs. As a former director of MFT, I have attended each year and am encouraged by the increasing number of missions (like Yonge Street Mission and The Scott Mission, two inner-city ministries supported by various Presbyterian congregations), which present their ministries in varied formats. Other Presbyterian churches that supported the event include Smyrna Korean, Etobicoke, St. Andrew's Islington, Toronto, Toronto Korean Yum Kwang, Markham, Young Nak Korean, North York, and Light Korean, Toronto.
MFT draws international speakers to its stage, bringing attention to mission and inspiring people to get involved. Programs for singles, artists, women, pastors, business leaders, children and youth ensured there were tailored streams for just about everyone, and a refugee simulation highway enabled visitors to get a glimpse inside the life of a refugee. Over the years speakers have included Tony Campolo, Anne Graham Lotz, Loren Cunningham, John Maxwell, and in 2007, Ravi Zacharias, Henry Blackaby, Glendon Thompson, Aileen Coleman, Hilary Price and Pat Francis led numerous workshops over the three days. In addition to speakers, musicians have contributed significantly. This year's event included the Toronto Mass Choir and the Watoto Children's Choir.
My interest in MFT dates back to 1993/94 when I met with a group of individuals who had been encouraged by the establishment of similar events in Vancouver and Edmonton. The purpose of MFT was determined to provide a “showcase for missions” to the church across the Greater Toronto Area and the first event was held at The Peoples Church in 1995 when the keynote speaker was Dr. Thomas Wang from Hong Kong. In 1997, a major step was taken in faith when MFT moved to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, and subsequently to The Toronto Congress Centre in 2005.
As a congregation with a real heart for missions, Bridlewood has been supportive in numerous ways over the years. Many missions supported by the congregation participate in the event each year and MFT gives us the opportunity to visit with them at the booths. Some of our young people have been encouraged to move into missions and have experienced short-term visits overseas and seeds have been sown for longer-term commitments.
We encourage our national church to seek out MissionFest events in their communities and come to a deeper understanding of mission work throughout the world.
Plans are already underway for MissionFest Toronto 2008 on March 6 – 8. For more information, visit www.missionfest.org.
