Mission/Ministry Spotlight

CFI – Christian Friends of Israel | CSB Canada | Lighthouse Harbour Ministries | Bible School at Capernwray Harbour | Hearts and Hands for Refugees Canada |

CFI – Christian Friends of Israel

As we spring into March with a world praying for peace and goodwill, we once again are caught off guard as war with Iran has broken out; the USA and Israel taking out the Iranian leadership. Iranians here in Canada celebrate in the streets, waving Iranian and Israeli flags. Iran has supported the extreme terrorist organizations of Hezbollah and Hamas, which in the past 15 years had taken over the governments of Lebanon, Syria and Gaza, suppressing the people, and killing those who stood against them. Previous to 1979, the Shah had entertained foreign dignitaries including PM Pierre Elliot Trudeau, and Queen Elizabeth 11.  During the Iranian Revolution of 1979, the Shah monarchy was overthrown, and the Islamic Republic under Supreme Leader Khameini became government. Now at Purim, we remember Queen Esther, an orphan raised by her uncle Mordecai in ancient Persia who marries the King, is protected by angels, and delivers Israel. Isaiah 58:6 “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?” www.cfi-canada.org

CSB Canada

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5–6 is one of the first passages we learn in CSB, and this is how I first memorized it. It isn’t word-perfect, but it taught me something important: what matters most is understanding the truth of the verse and hiding that truth in my heart. Bible translations come and go, but the truth of God’s Word remains true forever. Christian Service Brigade is on a journey. We know God has good plans for us. He has called us with a Holy Calling, for His purpose and grace. We’ve seen the doors that your prayers have opened to us, and we have faced the fears of doubt and money — and pushed through them. Now, the Lord is reminding us to trust in Him and allow Him to direct our paths, making them straight. We have come full circle: from rebuilding the ministry to returning to our primary purpose — building the men within the local church who, in turn, are winning and training boys for Christ. Learn more at www.CSBcan.ca

Lighthouse Harbour Ministries

Seafaring can be a very challenging occupation, especially for a Christian.  A Lighthouse chaplain recently met an Indian crew member, Dante, aboard his ship in Vancouver and had quite an extended discussion with him about some of the challenges that he faces as a result of his work at sea. Dante is a Christian who has been working at sea for many years and is not married.  Although he indicated his desire to have a wife, he has not been able to find someone who would be suitable, he said.  Other seafarers have mentioned to the chaplain that they have had problems finding a suitable mate because of their long employment contracts and resulting limitation this causes in developing relationships.  Whatever the case is for Dante, although he desires to have a wife, this has not been possible to date. The seafarer also communicated his struggle related to his mother’s care in India.  When he is at sea, he experiences anxiety over his aging mother’s well-being and his inability to attend to her needs.  Other members of his family do not seem to be able to offer the assistance that he feels his mom requires and,  thus, Dante feels burdened by her inadequate care. When the chaplain met Dante, he mentioned some challenges to his spiritual life that were wearing on him.  Maintaining a vibrant spiritual life aboard vessels is another extremely difficult challenge for Christian mariners aboard cargo ships.  Not only are these Brothers normally alone in their faith, but they often also face various forms of persecution from unbelievers.  These challengers frequently seem to exert a drain on a healthy walk with the Lord.  While it may seem to an outsider that the obvious solution to the above-mentioned challenges is for a seafarer to stop his or her sea-related career, employment-related alternatives in their home countries, if they exist, do not offer a comparable income that is, often, needed by the seafarer to provide an “above the poverty-line” income level for their families.  So, for many sailors they feel imprisoned by their work life; restricted in their ability to have a normal home-life that many who live and work full-time on land often take for granted.  Dante mentioned that this was an issue that was also weighing on him. During Dante and the chaplain’s meeting, together they looked at God’s Word, shared stories and prayed.  At the close of the their time, the seafarer’s countenance seemed to have improved.  It appeared that the Lord’s promise in Matthew 18:20 had become real for the two brothers.Are you looking to use some of your time to engage in things of eternal value?  Contact Lighthouse regarding volunteer opportunities:  www.sealight.org or e:info@sealight.org.

Bible School at Capernwray Harbour

Nestled among the Gulf Islands of British Columbia’s West Coast, Capernwray Harbour Bible Centre on Thetis Island offers students a unique learning experience. From September through to April, Capernwray Harbour runs a One Year Bible School programme where sound, practical Bible teaching focusing on both the Old and New Testament scriptures in which God reveals the indwelling, resurrected Christ as the Christian Life is given.  Students gain an experiential knowledge of Christ and how His presence practically applies to daily living. Through classroom studies, tutorial, dialogue based small group studies, and summary journals, the student body of approximately 100 men and women of various backgrounds, nationalities & denominations have opportunity to share from the written Word what God is teaching them & how He is working in their lives.  Many outreach opportunities located in surrounding communities and cities are available for students to participate as well. The student body joins the full-time Staff Team whose desire is to prepare each student for “full time Christian service, regardless of occupation”. To see if Bible School at Capernwray Harbour is a good fit join the Taste & See programme for a one-week, hands-on, live-in experience. Visit capernwray.ca for more information and to apply

Hearts and Hands for Refugees Canada 

We support persecuted Christians in Thailand who have fled violence and persecution in their home countries. Many arrived with only a small suitcase, facing years without work permits, uncertainty and hunger and ongoing fear of deportation. We work with families to help with shelter and food and medical costs and ongoing encouragement while they await resettlement in a new country. Your sponsorship helps provide for their daily needs and a pathway to lasting freedom in Canada. https://hah4refugees.org