An Abbotsford community where more than 20 Hallmark Christmas movies have been filmed is hosting a Christmas home tour: 100% of the proceeds go to International Justice Mission to free people from human trafficking. Participate in the Mt. Lehman Christmas Home Tour from December 14-15, and 21-22, 2019.
There will be six homes on the tour, including Heronsbridge, Tuscan Farm Gardens, a modern west coast estate, a country farmhouse, a European-inspired cottage, and a rustic barn.
5 out of the 6 houses represented are owned by MEI alumni and families who have students who are currently at MEI; nearly the entire neighbourhood attended MEI! Participating families include:
- Sylvia (Warkentin, 1975) & Bruce Friesen
- Janelle (Friesen, 2006) & Peter Stauffer
- Jodi (Friesen, 2000) & James Warkentin
- Cara Friesen (2010)
- Cheryl & George Tecklenborg: Grace and Ella are current grade 10 & 12 students
Other MEI families in the neighbourhood are participating more informally with lights on their houses.
Sylvia (Warkentin, 1975) & Bruce Friesen’s home has been featured in Hallmark movies
Sylvia (Warkentin, 1975) & Bruce Friesen with some of the grandkids
Janelle (Friesen, 2006) & Peter Stauffer and their boys (Reuben, Silas, and Noah)
Tuscan Farm Gardens – Jodi (Friesen, 2000) & James Warkentin and their boys; Caleb (gr 6 @ MEI), Micah, Levi, and Luke)
International Justice Mission
While Mt. Lehman, a rural Abbotsford community, seems far from the places where children are trafficked or sold into slavery, Stauffer and her family were inspired to host a “rescue party” to raise funds for International Justice Mission after attending a conference.
“We live in an incredible little community. Grandparents live next door to their kids and grandkids, and all the neighbours know each other,” she said. “It got us thinking about how can we use what we have to help.”
Articles have been published in the Vancouver Sun and The Province. TWU Alumni just did an article which is brilliant and Global TV is coming next week!
Freedom at Christmas
“Slavery isn’t just an evil in the past. It’s still here today,” says Jodi, who hopes that by raising awareness they’ll be able to bring about freedom while also sharing the story of what Christmas is really about.
“We want people to experience the true spirit of Christmas, which isn’t just that this community loves each other, but that we’re also reaching out to bring freedom and justice to others,” says Jodi. “The gospel is at the heart of Christmas. That’s the powerful hope we have. When I think of what I’ve received—the freedom I have to work, live, and love, and especially the freedom I have been given spiritually—I have a desire for others to experience that freedom also.”
To learn more about this exciting home tour, or to buy tickets, please click here. All proceeds will go to supporting International Justice Mission.
