MFM 2027 Theme!

The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5

When we look at the state of our world these days, it is easy to get discouraged. We hear of wars and oppression, of persecution and violence, of hearts growing colder and even threats of machines that could end civilization and we think, “How long, O Lord?” We hear of churches closing and the decline in the percentage of those who believe in the God of the Bible, especially among the younger generation, and we might wonder, “When the Son of Man comes, will there be faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8)

Let’s be honest: The darkness is real. Jesus never promised an easy path because, like it or not, we are caught in a very real battle. We must always be careful to recognize that our real enemy is not those who oppose us or even any political figure or party but a very real spiritual being whose very purpose is to oppose Jesus, the Lord of Love and the King of Glory. Yet, though this “prince of darkness grim” (as Luther called him) is very real and powerful, and though this age of darkness may seem definitive, God’s Word promises that, “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not understood [taken hold of, overtaken] it.” (John 1:5, see Mounce katalambano) As we “fix our eyes on Jesus” we see beyond the darkness to the One who has conquered and is with us through all our trials to bring us to a greater victory than we can imagine. His Kingdom is forever! (Martin Luther, A Mighty Fortress)

Thus the theme at Missionfest Manitoba this year, The Light Shines in the Darkness, reminds us that in spite of the brokenness we see around us, a day of resurrection is coming. And not only that, but even now His Light shines in our world, brilliantly breaking through and overcoming evil and bringing healing to this broken world. Our speakers will bring testimonies of Christ’s victory in places we seldom hear about. Bob Blincoe, US President of Frontiers, will speak about the Light breaking through in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Bishop Daniel Yohanan of GFA World will tell us of challenges and good news from India and Africa. Ron Pearce (Empower Ministries) will tell us about breakthroughs happening in the many places he has been to. And Todd Ahrend of The Traveling Team will challenge us to consider finding our part in what God is doing here and around the world. Of course, we will have informative breakout sessions and representatives from 130 ministries present for you to interact with.

There is one major change to Missionfest Manitoba this year: I am excited to announce that Missionfest Manitoba has joined forces with The Asmbly, a citywide worship time for Youth in grades 9-12, to hold a Youth Event on Friday, January 29, 2027 in the sanctuary of Church of the Rock in Winnipeg. There will be a speaker (yet to be announced), lots of worship (more than we could do in the old format), ministry reps, and a Missions Exploration Challenge with a draw for some cool prizes. Of course, youth of all ages will be welcome to join in our Missionfest Manitoba weekend, February 5-7, 2027 at Church of the Rock. So mark your calendars now and make sure your Youth Pastors know about this special event on January 29! Seeing God at work among the young people in our city is one of my favourite bits of evidence of the Light shining in the darkness! It may be a cloud the size of a man’s hand, but the wind is blowing!

* Do note that, for security reasons, only registered youth and their youth pastors may attend events run by The Asmbly. Their first event of the season will be October 2. You can find more information on their Instagram page (The Asmbly) and here is their registration form.

Grace and Peace to you,
Tim Noble, Executive Director
Missionfest Manitoba Inc