It is with much sadness,  mixed oddly together with such great joy, that we announce that Bill Bethel passed away Saturday, October  5th into the presence of his Saviour, face to face. 

Bill was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, mentor, entrepreneur, business owner...and most of all,  a faithful passionate Christ-follower.  His personal story of coming to faith in Jesus in his 50's was always a compelling reminder of God's amazing grace and transformational power. Bill lived his faith out gloriously, generously,  and humbly.  An instigator who did not see what could not be done -  but rather envisioned what could and should be done in the name of Jesus and for His sake to bring honour to His name - in small ways and in big ways. 

"Let's get it done"  was a favourite phrase of Bill's. He definitely had a pre-disposition to action, not just talking.  He was uniquely persuasive - an imposing figure and a gentle soul  - simultaneously charming, forthright, convincing, hopeful, determined, and ever so winsome.

In 1997, Bill Bethel, Don Hill and Terry Sanderson were challenged by a Christian unity meeting in Toronto. These three leaders, along with six pastors formed a Steering Committee to consider how they might impact London with a unified presentation of the gospel and of the churches working together for the good of this city and those who live here.  The Christian Churches Network of London began to take shape. By 2002, CCNL became a registered charity generously supported financially by churches, Christian laity, professionals, and business people in London.

Leadership events, speakers, joint projects and city-wide annual prayer initiatives have drawn the Christian leadership community in London closer together.  Over the last 20 years, the network has grown to include 200+ churches from London and area as well as 100+ Christian ministries.

Bill would always remind anyone who would ask, as he peered over the top of his glasses at us, with a twinkle of joy and determination in his eyes, "We need to be motivated by Christ 's prayer for us as His church...... "I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.  I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me." John 17:20 ( NLT)

For each new generation of leaders, we are compelled to discover emerging opportunities and means to connect, share, collaborate, and encourage one another as Christian leaders in new ways and new venues so that we may tangibly demonstrate who God is.  May Jesus' prayer for his disciples, and Bill's powerful desire for CCNL  be just as true of us now and in future years to come.

Please remember his wife Loretta and their children and grandchildren in prayer.