OUR HISTORY

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McColl Sisters: Velma and her sister Jean launched evangelistic ministry in the mid 1930s. They travelled and ministered extensively in the Canadian prairies and the maritimes. In the mid 1940s during ministry in the Rossland/Trail, BC area they met Bernice Gerard who was teaching school. She became the third member of the team.

McColl Gerard Trio: The trio of ladies travelled internationally ministering in Canada, the United States, Central and South America, Egypt, England, the Channel Islands and the West Indies. They are credited with "bringing Pentecost" to several untouched parts of the world. In 1956 Jean McColl married and settled in Mobile, Alabama with her husband Clyde Roberts. Bernice and Velma subsequent settled in Vancouver, attending Broadway church while continuing thier evangelistic meetings. In 1959 Velma married Dick Chapman an elder and board member at Broadway Church.

Fraserview Assembly: In 1964 Bernice and Velma along with supporters from Broadway Church founded the Fraserview Assembly on Vancouver's south side (now named Harvest City Church). They served as co-pastors until 1985. During that time Bernice was busy. She earned her MA from UBC (1967). During her time at the university she founded the PAOC chaplaincy at UBC and SFU and served as chaplain from 1962-1980 (UBC) and 1965-1977(SFU). Besides the media ministries that were birthed during that period the church was known for its large Sunday School and Bus Ministry which Velma lead. During her time as Pastor at Fraserview Assembly, Bernice twice successfully ran as Alderman for the City of Vancouver (1977-1978 and 1979-1980). During her time at City Hall Bernice served in a variety of positions including Deputy Mayor. Bernice was also a founding director of the Pro-Life Society of BC and for three years was a national director of the Alliance for Life of Canada. She served many other organizations as well including: BC Christian News, Pacific Academy and Crossroads Television. She was named Citizen of the Year in February 1977 by the Brotherhood Inter-Faith Committee.

Sunday Line Radio and Television: In 1968 Bernice began her radio ministry at Radio CJOR AM 600 in Vancouver. CJOR was open line talk radio and eventually Bernice was doing two Sunday programs: Encounter 9:30 am - 10:30 am and Sunday Line (a commercial free unapologetic Christian open line program): 11:00 pm - 1:30 am. A significant extension of the radio ministry was the private line. This provided a place for listeners who had prayer needs or felt the need to talk to someone. The morning program was a community affairs program done for the station with the evening time provided as consideration. In 1988 CJOR went off the air and Bernice continued her radio ministry with thrice daily radio on Radio KARI AM 55 out of Bellingham Washington. This continued until 2000 when the demands of the ministry became too much due to Bernice's progressing Parkinson's disease.

Sunday Line Television: During her term as Alderman at Vancouver City Hall, Bernice became aware of the wide ignorance of what actually happens in a Christian church. During this time a number of international Christian television ministries were birthed. While she rejoiced in what they were doing, she felt that "we here on the west coast also have something to say and to contribute". In 1979 Sunday Line Television was launched. Initially it was a half hour Sunday afternoon program on KVOS TV 12 out of Bellingham, Washington. It soon became a one hour program and soon gained a significant following. Following the pattern of the open line radio programs, there were private prayer counsellors available via telephone for those responding to the broadcast. As time went on the ministry extended into the interior of BC with weekly broadcasts on CFJC Kamloops, CHBC Kelown, CKPG Prince George and CFTK Terrace. In 1991 Sunday Line transitioned from regional television to national television when it moved to VISION TV. The television ministry continued until 2000 when the demands of the ministry became too much due to Bernice's progressing Parkinson's disease.

Sunday Line Society: Since 2000 Sunday Line has continued it's efforts to raise funds to help children who are in need around the world. The goal of the society has always included the Gospel component in it's vision. Children do not just need food clothes and safety, but also need an oppportunity to clearly hear about the wonderful Saviour, Jesus.

Bernice passed in the presence of her beloved Saviour on November 1, 2008. Velma predeceased her on May 22, 2007.
Bernice and Velma's legacy continues to touch and inspire the lives of many as Sunday Line and World Ministries brings hope and care to children and families around the world and impacts their lives with the Gospel of Christ.
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