Calgary,
April 3, 1972.
Dear Friends,
Since I last wrote to you I have travelled West to Vancouver, and am now in Calgary on my return journey to Winnipeg. One, cannot but be impressed with the vastness of this continent, with its different “time-zones” and variety of climate. I left Winnipeg for Vancouver on the evening of Monday, 13th March, after the weekly prayer meeting. Mr. Gillies and Mr. Kitchen saw me away at the Canadian National Railway Station, and I travelled west passing through the miles of prairie to Edmonton, then through the ‘Rockies and along the Fraser Valley, to arrive in Vancouver on Wednesday afternoon. There I was met at the station by Dr.
MacDonald, our minister in Vancouver, and a number of the men in his congregation. The Communion season was due to begin, so that evening we had the prayer meeting, and over the following days the usual services. It was a pleasure to be among the people of the Vancouver congregation. Their Christian fellowship was refreshing, and their kindness very great. They appear as one family, interested in and helping one another. I believe this is the fruit of the Spirit. God alone can bring about such a situation, and He alone can maintain it. I pray that it will continue among our people there, and that the Lord will add unto the church daily such as should be saved. Not only did I enjoy the hospitality of Dr. and Mrs. MacDonald, and of many other families, but I also had opportunity of visiting places of interest in and around Vancouver. Very pleasant as my time in Vancouver was, the time eventually came when I must leave. It was an experience to be long-remembered when we assembled at the railway station as the time for departure drew near. As the Canadian Pacific train drew out of the station I could thank God for the work of His grace, and for the evidences of it among those whom I was leaving behind. The train wound its way toward the east, until about mid-day the following day we drew near the more spectacular part of this journey. We can be impressed with the work of creation, but how few seem to be impressed with the work of redemption. Man by the talents given him from God, has achieved many amazing things, but God alone could accomplish the work of redemption. May God give us His grace, that, as we see more of the works of Creation, we may see more of His glory in Jesus Christ. At Calgary I was met by the Misses Beaton, whose hospitality I am enjoying at present. Yesterday I held services in a hall nearby, at which there were good numbers present, and I pray the Lord will confirm His Word with signs following. This is another large city where there is the opportunity to preach the Gospel of Christ. We need more preachers to declare the whole counsel of God. “Pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest.”
I expect to remain here for another week, after which I return, the Lord willing, to Winnipeg. I would again ask you to make it a regular and fervent matter of prayer that the Lord come in the power of His Spirit to visit us in mercy and grace.
With kindest regards,
Yours sincerely,
Malcolm MacInnes.