DEAR HISTORYMAKER PARTICIPANT,
Almost every part of our world has been affected by a global crisis, which relates to a rapid spread of the novel coronavirus. Public health authorities, along with government leaders from all over the world have issued strict containment advisories that aim to prevent the spread of this harmful virus.
We are currently in a very critical phase of the containment strategy for this Covid-19 outbreak. The next three to eight weeks will determine whether the extensive efforts of our national, international and local leaders were indeed successful. The personal health and safety of millions of people along with the health of our global economy hangs in the balance of everyone’s actions.
This week the Leadership Team of HistoryMaker 2020 held an important meeting (via zoom) to discuss the cancellation of our annual youth conference this coming May 22-24 (in both locations of Chilliwack and Nanaimo).
Please understand, this was not an easy conversation. Our deliberations included the government’s strict restrictions around mass gatherings and social distancing, coupled with several pre-existing cancellation notices we received from our conference hotels, primary and secondary break-out venues, airlines (for ministry guests), catering companies, and other conference services.
The Lead Team’s unanimous recommendation to cancel this year’s HistoryMaker conferences was later evaluated by our District Leadership Team and a difficult decision was made to cancel this year’s conference and concentrate our efforts on making HistoryMaker 2021 an epic event.
HERE ARE SOME ANSWERS TO IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
WILL I RECEIVE A REFUND FOR MY PRE-PAID REGISTRATION(S)?
Yes, our HistoryMaker administrative team is working together with EventBrite to process full refunds for all pre-paid HM registrations and we ask that you remain patient as it may take a few weeks to process. The refund shall be applied to the credit card that was used to purchase the HistoryMaker tickets, or a cheque refund will be processed.
WILL HISTORYMAKER BE RESCHEDULED TO A LATER DATE THIS YEAR?
No, the cancellation of HistoryMaker 2020 was a very complicated decision, which involved a multitude of administrative and financial implications. For these reasons, it was impossible to reschedule HistoryMaker 2020 to a later date this year. We encourage you to register early for HistoryMaker 2021 (which is planned for May 21st to 23rd, 2021).
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CANCELLATION OF EACH PARTICIPANT’S HOTEL RESERVATIONS, FERRY RESERVATIONS, FLIGHTS, AND/OR OTHER TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS?
Unfortunately, each participant and/or youth group leader shall be responsible for the cancellation of their own travel arrangements and hotel reservations. The good news is: most hotels, airlines, BC ferries and other ground travel companies are offering full refunds and/or travel credits for cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
WILL HISTORYMAKER 2021 FEATURE THE SAME SPEAKERS AND WORSHIP BANDS AS THIS YEAR?
The HistoryMaker Leadership Team will make every effort to retain many, if not all, the conference design elements and ministry guests to support our theme, BRIGHTER. Unfortunately, due to the complexity of people’s schedules, various aspects of HistoryMaker 2021 may be different. The theme for HistoryMaker 2021 (BRIGHTER) shall remain the same.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE ANNUAL HISTORYMAKER MISSIONS PROGRAMS DUE TO THIS CANCELLATION?
As you know, each year HistoryMaker raises thousands of dollars for much-needed funding, which is used for our Rural and Remote Youth Workers, for BC and Yukon Youth Missions, and provides various financial subsidies for Next Gen Ministries within our network. Keeping in mind that this COVID-19 crisis will have a significant impact on our economy, we encourage each participant to give sacrificially toward the missions work sponsored by HistoryMaker each year. To make a contribution to our shared mission please click here.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this serious situation has caused.
Please join us in prayer and fasting for every individual and family member who has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Be encouraged.
Jesus is still in control of our destiny, and His supply of comfort, protection and provision is always enough to meet our needs. On Saturday, my wife Brenda and I were able to walk around our neighbourhood in the glorious sunshine. I glanced up [to the East] and noticed the majesty of Mount Baker, resting against the magnificent blue sky, and the Lord dropped this Psalm into my heart…
Psalm 121:1-8
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Please join us in standing strong together, and shining BRIGHTER during this dark and uncertain time in History. Let’s make history together.
Because we’re better together,
Pastor Ken Russell
District Superintendent
BC and Yukon District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada