My odyssey into mania culminated on my 48th birthday when friends intervened and took me to the emergency room. I was admitted to the psychiatric ward and diagnosed with mania and bipolar 1 disorder (formerly manic depression). For a few days, I pushed against the diagnosis and hospitalization in a manic-driven sense of grandeur until I started listening to fellow patients and … [Read more...] about Faith & mental health: Finding a sanctuary in the Church
Community
Creating community; belonging, connecting and supporting one another, celebrating the joys, and facing and overcoming the challenges in our common life together.
Jason Goertzen Leading Influence Ministries
Jason Goertzen serves as a chaplain in the BC Legislature for Leading Influence Ministries. Two-term MLA Simon Gibson recently interviewed Goertzen to find out more about his role in Victoria. Simon Gobson was recently elected to Abbotsford Council but continues to take an interest in Goertzen’s ministry. How long have you been serving with Leading Influence Ministries? I … [Read more...] about Jason Goertzen Leading Influence Ministries
The vital importance of a Biblical worldview
A Biblical worldview has a radical effect on a person’s life and inspires faith for everyday life. “A Gospel that does not deal with the issues of the day is not a gospel at all” – Martin Luther “The Christian belief system (worldview) which the Christian knows to be grounded in divine revelation is relevant to all of life.” – Carl. F. H. Henry “The [secular] humanist … [Read more...] about The vital importance of a Biblical worldview
Turning points of grace
When Ashleigh reflects on her life’s journey so far, she sees God’s grace in the many turning points that have brought her to where she is today. It fills her with hope. “I am so blessed,” she says. “I’m just surprised over and over again by how God works.” Ashleigh describes herself as a gamer and a metalhead. She is also a daughter, a sister, and a friend. She is … [Read more...] about Turning points of grace
Offer better palliative care, not death, urge grieving parents
(Picture: L-R: Mike Schouten, his late son Marcus, and his wife Jennifer just after Marcus’ high school graduation in 2021. Mike Schouten donned his late son’s jacket when he urged the AMAD committee to protect minors from assisted suicide. The final presentation to the special joint parliamentary/ senate committee on medical assistance in dying (AMAD) (Nov 2022) – made by … [Read more...] about Offer better palliative care, not death, urge grieving parents