On a recent afternoon I made my way to Vancouver, to an address on East Hastings Street, in the heart of the downtown east side. Dozens of times in the past I had driven this infamous street, with its’ share of homeless and destitute people, but I had never stopped – other than for a red light. Now, I was set to interview John and Jen Riley who, not too long ago, had … [Read more...] about They walk the streets and back alleys of the downtown eastside
Community
Creating community; belonging, connecting and supporting one another, celebrating the joys, and facing and overcoming the challenges in our common life together.
A taste of heaven: celebrating cultural diversity and spiritual unity
The 20th annual Circle of Nations Day at FFBC (Faith Fellowship Baptist Church) brought friends from at least 50 nations together to celebrate. The flags of 60 nations, representing the usual congregants, paraded around the sanctuary. Songs in French, Korean and Tagalog were featured and congregants then sang Amazing Grace in their own languages. Scripture in Arabic, Farsi, … [Read more...] about A taste of heaven: celebrating cultural diversity and spiritual unity
Louis Riel and Nicholas Flood Davin: Complicated pioneers
Nicholas Davin and Louis Riel were two of our most famous, or I should say infamous, and complicated, Canadian pioneers. Their two lives were deeply entangled in a life-and-death battle for the soul of Canada. Born in 1844, Riel, who had trained to be the first Metis priest, was very Christ-centered, praying in his diary: “Lord Jesus, I love you. I love everything associated … [Read more...] about Louis Riel and Nicholas Flood Davin: Complicated pioneers
How far can we agree with Critical Race Theory?
When anyone advocates against injustice, oppression or evil then followers of Jesus find plenty in Scripture to support this direction. Followers of Critical Race Theory are focused on eliminating oppression as evil. God identifies with the suffering and oppressed and calls us to right the wrongs. He calls us to advocate for the powerless and vulnerable. He calls out states and … [Read more...] about How far can we agree with Critical Race Theory?
Practicing faith as an Indigenous person: Books by Parry Stelter
On May 28, 2021, the remains of 215 children were found in unmarked graves on the site of a residential school ground. For residential school survivors and their families, this discovery triggered many painful memories. For non-Indigenous Canadians, and especially those who identify as Christians, our hearts are broken. We want to help in any way we can, but we are often … [Read more...] about Practicing faith as an Indigenous person: Books by Parry Stelter