CANADA—Approximately 80 members from across Western Canada connected for the Western Canadian Regional Spokesman Club Gala on May 22. The main event location was in Edmonton, and 23 others streamed from Harrison, Hot Springs, British Columbia.

The theme was “Looking to New Jerusalem,” and decorations revolved around the Armstrong International Cultural Foundation’s activities excavating at the Ophel.

Weather conditions forced the garden party indoors where members listened to live music from local member and violinist Jerry Ozipko while they ate and chatted with each other.

“It was a very positive, unifying experience for God’s people,” member David Blondeau said. “Seeing how God tied in the speeches to the theme of the club was the most inspiring part of the Gala. They really built around that theme of looking to New Jerusalem.”

During the dinner break, members heard two speeches, accompanied by slideshows, on “The How and the Where of the Jerusalem Dig” by Herbert W. Armstrong College graduates and former Jerusalem excavation crew members Matthew and Ryan Friesen.

Edmonton member Hamish Stuart-Walker said the most inspiring part of the event was “seeing how God threaded everything together; seeing the family coming together and seeing New Jerusalem.”

“The video and the slideshows on the Jerusalem dig really emphasized that we must have our focus on Jerusalem,” Surrey deacon Lawrence Lau said, “because that is where our future home will be with our Husband, Jesus Christ, and God the Father.”

Club Director Timothy Oostendarp delivered the closing lecture.

“Having our heart in the Work is what continues to allow God to bless this Church,” Mr. Oostendarp said. “Those finds should really strengthen our faith in the biblical record but, more importantly, strengthen our faith in the vision of New Jerusalem—and especially in the God who is behind everything we are talking about.”

Three Spokesman Club members graduated this year: Saskatoon members Paul Kessler and Bill Fehr, and Regina member David Blondeau, Jr.