Grief over the Children Sorrow

Mission Central is grieving with the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation over the discovery of 215 children buried, yet unreported, at the site of the Kamloops Indian Residential School.

As the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada note, “The news, announced last Thursday by the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation, is a devastating reminder of the history of violence and oppression in Canada against the Indigenous peoples of this land. We understand that what was revealed in Kamloops is not unique, and that many more children needlessly died because of their time in Canada’s residential school system.”

We particularly want to acknowledge that the history of mission has been tainted by colonialist ambition and Western and White supremacy. As advocates for mission and discipleship Mission Central repents of the harmful actions of those who called themselves “Christ’s missionaries” yet acted in a way that was contrary to the life and teaching of Jesus.

We want to express our sorrow at this discovery and commit to reconciliation with the Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and prayer for our healing.


If you would like a few practical steps that you can take towards reconciliation, consider the following:

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About the author

Profile photo for John Hall

In 1997 John Hall, his wife Wei, and brother in-law started Eco Outdoor Sports in Metro Vancouver. In 2003 the business was sold, and his family entered a seven-year ‘desert experience’. During that time the Lord impressed on John and his family the importance of hearing and obeying Jesus every day, something that he tries to integrate into everything he does. In 2010 God changed the family’s direction and led him to finish his degree at Regent College in preparation for life as a full-time missionary overseas. That ministry opportunity didn’t develop as planned, as a whole new perspective and participation-in Christ’s mission was born at Missions Fest Vancouver. It’s now a daily occurrence for John’s business background and theological training to get a workout.

John served as the Executive Director at Mission Central (formerly Missions Fest Vancouver) from 2014 to April 2023.

John and Wei live in Richmond, BC. They have two wonderful adult girls. John completed his MA at Regent College in 2010.

Church
Church
The Tapestry Church (Richmond, BC)

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