The 34th City Prayer Breakfast in Abbotsford on April 10 drew record attendance.
The event – with the theme “Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly” – was attended by 280 guests. It was hosted at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Centre by the Abbotsford Christian Leaders Network and presented by MEI Schools.
Guests included Mayor Ross Siemens and representatives from the Abbotsford Police Department, Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service (AFRS), BC Ambulance, the board of education, private schools and city council.
Musical performances featured Brian Doerksen and Calvin Dyck.
Pastors from four local Abbotsford churches offered prayers for the mayor and council, first responders, the board of education and independent schools, and organizations supporting vulnerable groups such as the unhoused population.
Vijay Manuel, head of MEI Schools, introduced guest speaker and former mayor Henry Braun, who shared stories from his life journey titled A Journey of Walking and Leading by Faith.
Siemens responded to the keynote address, thanking Braun for his leadership during the challenging 2021 floods.
Andy Kwak, chaplain for AFRS and Mission Fire Rescue Service and prayer breakfast committee member, reflected on the event’s growth over the years. He emphasized the inspirational impact of nearly 300 individuals gathering to pray for city leaders.
Kwak highlighted a moment from Braun’s address, where he shared his personal journey of faith and resilience, including a touching interaction with his daughter that sparked a deeper commitment to faith, guiding him through trials like the Flood of the Century and his leadership role as mayor of Abbotsford.
The 35th Abbotsford City Prayer Breakfast is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
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