FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Power to Change Staff Member Survives Bomb Blast

Langley, British Columbia
November 9, 2008

Gary Stevenson, a staff member with the Campus for Christ ministry of Power to Change, has survived a bombing at his home in Langley, B.C. The attack occurred at approximately 11:30 AM Saturday morning as the Stevenson family was loading a van to move out of their townhouse. Mr. Stevenson picked up a package delivered anonymously to his door, thinking it was a gift, but it exploded when he attempted to open it.

Mr. Stevenson was taken immediately to hospital where he was treated for lacerations and burns. Surgeons removed shrapnel from his abdomen. No
other members of the Stevenson family were injured. He is expected to make a full recovery.

The townhouse complex was sealed off by police who swept the area to ensure there were no other explosive devices. Investigators gathered evidence until late Saturday evening at which time residents were allowed to return to their homes. Police investigators say that they have no suspects or information about motive and caution against premature speculations.

Mr. Stevenson serves with Campus for Christ on the campus of Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia where he works with students. Mike Woodard, National Director of Campus for Christ, expressed shock at the attack. “Gary is a just a great guy,” Woodard said, “one our most innovative staff who really enjoys engaging with university students on life’s most significant issues.” The director of Campus for Christ at Simon Fraser, Derek Hill, added that “Gary really loves people. He spends time getting to know students, and is always ready to help someone with a problem.”

Stevenson is married with two children. In addition to his work at Simon Fraser, Mr. Stevenson has also served internationally. A brief assignment once took him to North Africa. He has worked most extensively in Nicaragua, where he served for two years.

Power to Change President, Leonard Buhler, expressed relief that Mr. Stevenson had survived the attack. “Our hearts are saddened by this terrible event,” Buhler said, “but our staff and others in the community have rallied strongly to support Gary and his family.” Buhler is asking people to pray for the family during the weeks of recovery ahead.

Power to Change is a Canadian Christian ministry with more than 500 staff serving across Canada and around the world. The ministry seeks to assist people in a spiritual journey where they discover the relevance of Jesus Christ to issues of life today.

For more information Contact Dr. Guy S. Saffold (guy.saffold@powertochange.org, 604-514-2000) at Power to Change, 20385 64th Avenue, Langley, B.C. For more information on Power to Change, visit www.powertochange.org.

We were excited to do the follow-up for the Athletes in Action Grey Cup Breakfast during the CFL’s Championship Weekend.

On Saturday November 18th, more than 800 people attended the 28th annual Athletes in Action Grey Cup Breakfast. Fans were introduced to players and coaches from the two competing Grey Cup teams, the BC Lions and Montreal Allouettes.

The theme for the morning was “Victory”; dreaming of it, achieving it and wondering how long it lasts. Co-Hosts Barrin Simpson of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and Kerry Joseph of the Saskatchewan Roughriders joined Dave Johns, AIA Chaplain for the Bombers in running the program. Players Anthony Cavillo of the Allouettes and Mark Washington of the Lions spoke honestly about their desires for athletic victory, but they were also honest about how long the feelings or satisfaction last. They
then talked about the lasting Victory in their lives – through the forgiveness of, and walk with Jesus Christ.

CFL coaches, Mike “Pinball” Clemons, Wally Buono, and Dave Ritchie were also interviewed. They spoke of the elements of victory from a coaching perspective and shared how they balance their preparations with their own personal faith in God.

Milt Stegall of the Blue Bombers was presented the annual AIA Gord Barwell award for exemplary Christian character on and off the field. ‘Fresh IE’, a two time Grammy nominated hip hop singer, also performed a high-energy act along with two young performers.

Barrin Simpson, the Blue Bomber “Minister of Defence” closed the morning with a clear presentation of the gospel and an invitation to the audience to give their lives to Jesus Christ. About 30 people responded to that invitation and another 30 re-dedicated their lives to Jesus.

The video of the Grey Cup Breakfast is available here.

Visit AthletesinAction.com.

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