Prince George Peacemakers

The Prince George Peacemakers began with a simple conviction: that prayer and unity among marketplace leaders could change a city. Formed with the encouragement of Rolf Van Driesum and Brian Aitken, the group launched with kick-off events featuring Jim Cantelon, the well-known Canadian TV host. Monthly Testimonial Luncheons soon followed, drawing 250 to 300 people and creating a rhythm of gathering, testimony, and prayer.

When COVID disrupted everything, the Peacemakers did not dissolve. Instead, they used the pause to define their core values with the help of coach Chris Turner from England. They enrolled in the Ekklesia Excelerator Course developed by Ed Silvoso, which helped them define the parameters of their mission. In September 2022, Transform Our World Canada was approached to facilitate an Excelerator class in Prince George, and 14 people completed the course. By the end of 2021, Gary Clarke was confirmed as Executive Director, giving the movement consistent leadership.

The Peacemakers began to gain civic credibility. In the fall of 2021, they hosted a symposium on homelessness with 15 to 20 participants across five sessions. Derk Maat, CEO of SciCorp and TOWC board member, spoke at a membership drive about the National Prayer Breakfast in Ottawa and a private meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau. The group supported Trudy Klassen in her run for City Council, and she was elected.

In February 2023, the Peacemakers received a $25,000 community grant from the Prince George Community Foundation, the maximum grant available. A corporate sponsor also committed $2,500 per month in matching funds starting in April 2023. In October 2023, a delegation attended the TOW Global Assembly in San Jose, California, where they met Poncho Murguia, a transformation leader from Juarez, Mexico.

That connection proved pivotal. In April 2024, the Peacemakers hosted the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast with 320 guests and Poncho Murguia as the keynote speaker. A prayer team had been interceding for five weeks leading up to the event. After seeing a video clip of Poncho's work, Mayor Simon Yu invited him for a private two-hour lunch. The Mayor has now attended the Peacemakers' Christmas Party for three consecutive years.

In November 2024, the Peacemakers met with Mayor Yu to discuss Christian Heritage Month. In December 2024, the Mayor issued a proclamation of Christian Heritage Month, and the Christian flag was raised at City Hall. Thirty to forty people attended the flag-raising ceremony, with Pastor Dan Hoffman hoisting the flag. A "Bless Your Neighbor" weekend followed on December 13 and 14, promoted through a newspaper advertisement. Prince George became one of only two cities in British Columbia, alongside Whistler, to make this proclamation, joining more than 30 cities across Canada.

The Peacemakers have also launched Peacemakers Press, a community news and events platform built in partnership with Ben Robinson of the Canadian Christian Directory. The website serves as a hub for local news, events, and stories of transformation in the Prince George region. Today the organization has 30 paid members who have signed a Statement of Faith, and the board meets regularly to plan and pray for the city.