We warmly welcome the new pastors in the BCY Region:
Daniel McDougall – Interim Team Leader at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Victoria:
My new role as Emmanuel Baptist’s Associate Pastor/Team Leader (Interim) is a kind of revisiting of my role as Interim Lead Pastor there from May 2012 to August 2013.
Although I was born the fifth of seven children in a quite nondescript family in northern Ontario, as I grew up, I slowly came to realize that I was surrounded by events and people who were quite noteworthy:
• My father was Principal at Sudbury High School and had Jeopardy’s Alex Trebek as a student.
• My mother later co-taught a 6th grade elementary school class in Oakville (ON) alongside a fellow named Steve Smith, who later gained some fame/notoriety as Possum Lodge’s ‘Red Green’ (and Steve’s own wife Morag was my 8th grade teacher in another school).
• My maternal grandmother was a longtime friend of Canada’s Group of Seven’s A.Y. Jackson and they often painted landscapes together (several of which my siblings own to this day).
I was privileged to serve as Teaching Assistant (at Regent College, Vancouver) to both J.I. Packer and Michael Green. I served in a post-graduate editorial capacity on some of Eugene Peterson’s articles and devotional works. From 1999 to 2003, I served as Director of Ministries at Schloss Mittersill, a gorgeous castle in the Austrian Alps.
I’m delightfully married to Sandi, my bride of now-over-40-years. Although I myself came to faith through the influence of my third-year chemistry professor at the University of Guelph, Sandi can’t remember a time in her life when she didn’t fully believe in the rescuing Jesus. Our differing (but complementary) experiences have been hugely helpful in our mutual ministry among the University of Victoria’s International Graduate Students.
I’m grateful that Sandi and I work daily among international graduate students. At now age 66, I’m keenly aware that our ‘rank’ has risen over the years, and we’re often seen as the ‘wise elders’ (whereas if I served as a Youth Pastor, my ‘bloom’ would fade and I’d probably be regarded as somewhat ‘creepy’).
I love to do woodwork, plan and cook meals (in a wide variety of genres), lecture/preach about real-life biblical themes, simply connect with folks, canoe, go off the grid (even without my wristwatch), and simply revel in the company of my beloved wife and two daughters—who have their own stories to tell about God’s grace and their involvement in the arts and the business world.
Jenny Penner – Youth Pastor at First Baptist Church Vernon:
I remember in grade two I got 2 Bibles. I read them both. In grade four, I wrote my first sermon. At age 16, I decided I wanted to be a Youth Pastor. I went to Briercrest from 1989-1994 and graduated with BA in Biblical Studies. Over the years, I have worked in various capacities in and throughout Europe, California and BC with faith-based ministries.
In 1998 I moved to Vernon with my husband Marvin. Together we have 2 girls Ruby, who is 19 years old, and Zola, who is 21 years old. Together with Marvin we have been involved with Skatelife Canada with skateboarders for over 25 years. Over the past 24 years, I was a bike mechanic. I become certified as a snowboard, paddle board, and Nordic ski instructor. I have utilized each of these sports to serve the schools throughout North Okanagan.
I have recently landed at First Baptist Church with an opportunity to lead their youth. I am passionate about the voices of youth being heard, and providing opportunities for each of us to explore the wonder, freedom, and joy that Jesus gives. I am excited, curious, and yielding to God with this new role as a Pastor.
You can find me either biking, roller-skating, skateboarding, paddle boarding, skiing, or at our local coffee shop—Ratio. Life is good, and God is great!
Grace Wulff – Pastoral Care Pastor at First Baptist Church Vernon:
I have transitioned from the Hospital Chaplaincy ministry, where I served for 11 years, to Pastoral Care (part-time) at FBC Vernon. My role and ministry include teaching, pastoral care, art, and prayer at FBC Vernon and throughout our city.
Christopher Chu – Associate Pastor at Grace Community Church:
Hi CBWC Family,
My name is Christopher, and I’m honored to share with you a bit about myself and the ministry God has called me into. I grew up in Vancouver, BC to first generation immigrants from Hong Kong. I had the privilege of growing up with seven foster siblings and an older brother. I currently live in Burnaby with my wife of seven years, Sunnie.
After coming to know the Lord at 16, I went to TWU, Regent, and Carey for my training. I spent a brief time in the maritime industry at BC Ferries, but the call to ministry was too strong. I love anything to do with the sea, sailing, fishing, and boating. You might also see me driving around Vancouver or at campsites in my Caribbean Green Westfalia.
My passion to serve in ministry is especially strong in theological education, preaching, and spiritual direction. I’m particularly influenced by my mentor Jim Houston and the love of the ascetic movement in the early church. I’m keen to know the people I serve personally by never being ‘too busy’ and encouraging them in their walk with God. My previous ministry experiences have been with children, youth, and families, although I love preaching God’s Word and teaching!
I currently serve at Grace Community Baptist Church in Killarney, and I love serving there. The people are so friendly and inviting. There is so much diversity in the church, and I’m excited to see how God will be working in and through the church.
Feel Free to Connect!
Mason Jennings – Interim Youth and Young Adults Pastor at Gateway Baptist Church:
Mason Jennings is Gateway Baptist Church’s Interim Youth Pastor. Mason was born and raised in Victoria, BC with his father, mother, and younger sister. Mason has been part of Gateway for over 13 years and has been serving in Gateway’s youth ministry for 7 years.
Mason has worked as a summer intern for Gateway for three summers and has completed school practicums and many projects at Gateway. Mason has a passion for youth and preteen ministries and is excited to see the gospel preached and taught to students at Gateway. Mason has seriously considered vocational ministry as a calling, so when the opportunity came to test the waters of youth ministry in an interim role, he was excited to see how God would use that time and opportunity. As of now, Mason plans on completing his degree in Child and Youth Care at the University of Victoria and then aims to continue to masters-level Biblical or theology studies.
Simon Burin – Pastor at New Life Community Baptist Church:
Simon began his working career as an electrical engineer but after a short time, felt called into ministry. He met his wife, Irene, while attending Capernwray in England, and together they have two daughters—Alycia, who is 10, and Amelie, who is 8. Simon has his master’s degree and has worked as a Youth Pastor, Associate Pastor,
and was lead Pastor at Bethany City Church in Sunderland, UK, from 2018-2022.
In September of 2022, a friend sent him a job posting for a Lead Pastor position on Vancouver Island, and although the deadline had passed, Simon and Irene both felt a strong call to apply. They spent a week on the Island in mid-November meeting the congregation and teaching, and Simon was affirmed as Lead Pastor by the members of New Life Baptist Church in Duncan on November 30.
After months of sorting through all the logistics of immigration, housing, and shipping four humans, two dogs, and a household halfway across the world, the family landed on the Island on March 9 and Simon officially started as Lead Pastor on March 28.
He and his family are loving island life, where apparently the sky is bluer, and the sun is brighter. They have been busy exploring their new home and getting to know their new church family at New Life.
Farewell:
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Gary Hockridge, for his ministry as Associate Pastor at Ward Memorial Baptist Church. May God’s richest blessing rest on him as he enters the next chapter in his ministry.
Pastor Ingrid White’s Retirement Celebration – 40 years serving the community and church! View photos.
Praise Report from Vancouver Chin Baptist Church:
The Chin people demonstrate a deep devotion to our faith, establishing worship spaces wherever we settle. With a fervent desire to secure a permanent church building in Vancouver, the Chin people embarked on a faith journey.
In 2002, a few Chin families began migrating to Vancouver, BC, Canada. Initially, we conducted weekly worship services in the
family home, taking turns to provide a gathering place. Subsequently, we rented a small church at Knight Street and King Edward to accommodate our growing congregation. As membership continued to increase, we later moved to Grace International Baptist Church, which we rented for our worship services.
Recognizing the high cost of real estate in Vancouver, the Chin community remained resolute and steadfast in our belief that God would guide and provide us with a suitable church building someday. We established a building committee, tasked with raising funds for the building project and searching for a suitable property. Simultaneously, church members consistently made financial contributions, faithfully sowing seeds toward realizing our dream. The Women’s Ministry earnestly sought divine intervention during their weekly Saturday prayer gatherings, supplicating to acquire a church building.
In 2011, the congregation made faith-based commitments, pledging financial contributions for the building project until 2020. Additionally, the church diligently saved surplus funds each year, further augmenting our building fund.
Engaging the services of real estate professionals, we explored various properties. Though we encountered challenges such as limited space, inadequate parking, and exorbitant prices, our faith remained unyielding. We always have hope. Ultimately, our unwavering trust in God bore fruit when, on December 8, 2021, we acquired a church building located at 76 Jamieson Court, New Westminster, for $5.2 million.
The Chin community uses the acquired building for various purposes—including women and youth ministry worship services, Sunday school classes, meetings, and prayer gatherings. With plans to enhance and upgrade the facility, our aim is to fully transition all our activities and services to this new found spiritual home. The Chin community at Vancouver Chin Baptist Church sincerely acknowledges the manifold blessings bestowed upon us by the grace and goodness of God.
This regional newsletter is published quarterly within the CBWC’s monthly newsletter, Making Connections. Have a story idea? Email our senior writer, Jenna Hanger: jhanger@cbwc.ca