We are excited to announce the upcoming Dedication/Grand Opening of our office space at 7:00 PM, January 24th at Church of Our Lord, 626 Blanshard St, Victoria, BC. Our keynote speaker for the evening will be Rob Parker from the National House of Prayer. In addition to an exciting evening worship, we will also be sharing some ministry highlights from 2007 as well as our vision for 2008. We will conclude with a time of fellowship in the Community Ministry Centre.
Please come and join us for this very historic event. You can reserve online by clicking here.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Filling The Earth
I've mentioned before that we live within a few blocks of the ocean. We've been through a series of significant storms over the past few weeks which has provided some spectacular waves. While it's always fun to watch the waves, I particularly like to watch the waves come in as the tide is rising. There are always large pieces of driftwood that are impossible to move at low tide because of their mass. However, as the tide rises and the waves roll in, those large logs begin to float and are moved to wherever the waves toss them next. What seemed impossible a few hours earlier is now entirely feasibile just because the tide has risen.
I continue to ponder the wonder of these familiar words from Habakkuk 2:14. "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. " While I am confident that God has been at work in the past, I am approaching 2008 with a fresh expectation that God's heart for our province and nation in 2008 is to accelerate the process of filling the earth with the knowledge of his glory, love, wisdom and presence. Perhaps I feel this way because I see His Spirit at work in the lives of the leaders of our land, or perhaps it is because I see and sense a rising tide of the presence and working of God across our nation.
Perhaps this will be the year that He will have Dominion from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.
I continue to ponder the wonder of these familiar words from Habakkuk 2:14. "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. " While I am confident that God has been at work in the past, I am approaching 2008 with a fresh expectation that God's heart for our province and nation in 2008 is to accelerate the process of filling the earth with the knowledge of his glory, love, wisdom and presence. Perhaps I feel this way because I see His Spirit at work in the lives of the leaders of our land, or perhaps it is because I see and sense a rising tide of the presence and working of God across our nation.
Perhaps this will be the year that He will have Dominion from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.
Raising the Standard
Canadians for Moral Clarity and the Canadian Prayer Network are inviting local churches across Canada on January 6 & 7 to a National Prayer Initiative:
“Raising the Standard”
The purpose of the National Initiative, “Raising the Standard” is to pray for the raising up of righteous leadership in our government according to Daniel 2:21,22.
Background to “Raising the Standard” Prayer Initiative:
In November 2004 at an Impact Cities-Influence Nations Conference in Montreal, Dr. Cindy Jacobs called national leaders to pray for our government according to Isaiah 22:22 and Daniel 2:21,22. The following day of the conference, after praying that God would expose the “hidden works of darkness”, a leader was removed from the Prime Minister’s cabinet and the following year the scandal in Quebec was brought to light.
In January 2006 before the last national election, 60 different locations from Halifax to Vancouver Island were united to pray for “righteous government”. Believers gathered in local churches and inter-church prayer rallies across the nation from sea to sea. During this intensified 24-hour prayer initiative the polls suddenly changed in Quebec. Weeks after, the elections brought in a minority government. Today on Parliament Hill we believe there are more righteous leaders in government positions because God answered our prayer.
Will you join “Raising the Standard” National Prayer Initiative Sunday, January 6 by including special prayer in your services for the raising up of righteous leaders in our land?
Please understand this is not a prayer initiative to support partisan politics, but to see God raise up a righteous government. Your participation in this prayer initiative is greatly needed to help shape the future of Canada!
If you are able to participate please respond by email to cpn@cpncanada.ca
“Raising the Standard”
The purpose of the National Initiative, “Raising the Standard” is to pray for the raising up of righteous leadership in our government according to Daniel 2:21,22.
Background to “Raising the Standard” Prayer Initiative:
In November 2004 at an Impact Cities-Influence Nations Conference in Montreal, Dr. Cindy Jacobs called national leaders to pray for our government according to Isaiah 22:22 and Daniel 2:21,22. The following day of the conference, after praying that God would expose the “hidden works of darkness”, a leader was removed from the Prime Minister’s cabinet and the following year the scandal in Quebec was brought to light.
In January 2006 before the last national election, 60 different locations from Halifax to Vancouver Island were united to pray for “righteous government”. Believers gathered in local churches and inter-church prayer rallies across the nation from sea to sea. During this intensified 24-hour prayer initiative the polls suddenly changed in Quebec. Weeks after, the elections brought in a minority government. Today on Parliament Hill we believe there are more righteous leaders in government positions because God answered our prayer.
Will you join “Raising the Standard” National Prayer Initiative Sunday, January 6 by including special prayer in your services for the raising up of righteous leaders in our land?
Please understand this is not a prayer initiative to support partisan politics, but to see God raise up a righteous government. Your participation in this prayer initiative is greatly needed to help shape the future of Canada!
If you are able to participate please respond by email to cpn@cpncanada.ca
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Praying Together
As many of you know, our vision includes the goal of building an army of intercessors who will pray for an MLA on a daily basis. Through the use of our online prayer calendar or a downloaded hard copy of our monthly prayer calendar, we continue to work towards the goal of 10,000 Christians praying for a different MLA every day of the year.
One MLA shared with me that he knows the days that people pray for him because of the way his day goes. That’s just the beginning of the tangible results of touching heaven for those who govern over us. Imagine what will happen when we achieve our goal of 10,000 people!
For those of you in the Victoria area, we will be hosting a bi-weekly prayer meeting at our office starting in January. (We’ll have more information on dates and times early in the new year on our website and in our monthly newsletter.)
For those of you that can’t get to a meeting in Victoria, we are also launching a Conference Call Prayer Meeting that will take place over the telephone. The call is free and your participation is welcomed and encouraged. We are excited about the possibilities that this presents to our many partners outside of Victoria and look forward to the praying together with you in the new year.
One MLA shared with me that he knows the days that people pray for him because of the way his day goes. That’s just the beginning of the tangible results of touching heaven for those who govern over us. Imagine what will happen when we achieve our goal of 10,000 people!
For those of you in the Victoria area, we will be hosting a bi-weekly prayer meeting at our office starting in January. (We’ll have more information on dates and times early in the new year on our website and in our monthly newsletter.)
For those of you that can’t get to a meeting in Victoria, we are also launching a Conference Call Prayer Meeting that will take place over the telephone. The call is free and your participation is welcomed and encouraged. We are excited about the possibilities that this presents to our many partners outside of Victoria and look forward to the praying together with you in the new year.
2007 - A Year of Surprises
What a difference a year makes! A year ago we were in Kamloops thinking about Victoria. Today we are in Victoria remembering Kamloops. The last 12 months have been marked with change, divine surprises and miracles. Here’s what I mean…. (The links take you to specific posts about the event. Click anyone that you'd like.)
When I arrived at the Legislature on Feb 13 for the Speech from the Throne, I had no idea that the Lord had established a divine appointment to open the Session in prayer.
When the vision of a Prayer Breakfast for MLA’s came to mind, it was more of ‘I wonder if…” . When 9 MLA’s and 35 pastors joined us for the morning, we knew God was up to something.
When we were asked to pray regarding the threat of an impending flood in the Fraser Valley, we only knew that God was able. We saw the projected flood water stay within its banks as we prayed it would.
When I needed office space, the Lord led us to the perfect spot in all of Victoria. It is a five minute walk from the Legislature, and is located in the oldest church in Victoria. There isn’t a better spot in the entire city.
When we were invited to lead a prayer chapel service for MLA’s who are facing health challenges, we had no idea what to expect, but God did. 30 people met together to pray for their peers and colleagues. It was a moving and inspiring morning.
When the idea of providing ‘Amazing Grace’ DVD’s as a Christmas Gift to every MLA in BC was presented, we took the step of faith and within a few weeks had more than enough to completely cover the cost of purchase and distribution.
When it was time to buy a house, the Lord directed us to a home with plenty of room, a yard and near good schools for our children. That's 7 MIRACLES this year.
In this season of Celebration, we are reminded that ‘every good and perfect gift’ comes from our Father in heaven. I am deeply grateful for the surprises of this past year. I am even more grateful for the perfect gift of His Son. Apart from Him we can do nothing. Glory to God in the highest.
Have a wonderful Christmas.
When I arrived at the Legislature on Feb 13 for the Speech from the Throne, I had no idea that the Lord had established a divine appointment to open the Session in prayer.
When the vision of a Prayer Breakfast for MLA’s came to mind, it was more of ‘I wonder if…” . When 9 MLA’s and 35 pastors joined us for the morning, we knew God was up to something.
When we were asked to pray regarding the threat of an impending flood in the Fraser Valley, we only knew that God was able. We saw the projected flood water stay within its banks as we prayed it would.
When I needed office space, the Lord led us to the perfect spot in all of Victoria. It is a five minute walk from the Legislature, and is located in the oldest church in Victoria. There isn’t a better spot in the entire city.
When we were invited to lead a prayer chapel service for MLA’s who are facing health challenges, we had no idea what to expect, but God did. 30 people met together to pray for their peers and colleagues. It was a moving and inspiring morning.
When the idea of providing ‘Amazing Grace’ DVD’s as a Christmas Gift to every MLA in BC was presented, we took the step of faith and within a few weeks had more than enough to completely cover the cost of purchase and distribution.
When it was time to buy a house, the Lord directed us to a home with plenty of room, a yard and near good schools for our children. That's 7 MIRACLES this year.
In this season of Celebration, we are reminded that ‘every good and perfect gift’ comes from our Father in heaven. I am deeply grateful for the surprises of this past year. I am even more grateful for the perfect gift of His Son. Apart from Him we can do nothing. Glory to God in the highest.
Have a wonderful Christmas.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Finding the Key
Almost a year before we moved here, we were given a promise that the Lord already had the key for a house for us in Victoria. The challenge for us was to find the key. We looked everywhere. What we found was either overpriced, too small, wrong neighborhood or needing more work than what we could handle.
And then... we found an open house that looked interesting. It wasn't what we would have normally considered, but the layout, space, yard, location and neighborhood were perfect for us. So, we put in an offer that was accepted, have arranged our financing and are looking forward to living in our own place again. It has 4 bedrooms a family room/den, a private teaching area for Barb. (I may never hear another piano lesson again...) It has room for a garage, a fenced yard, sunny patio, 2 4 piece baths, STORAGE, attic access with those cool drop down stairs. (Zack says he wants to have 'his space' up there.) It will certainly add to the 'hide and seek' options...
Here are some pictures for you.
From the street
The view from front door looking out toward the yard
The Kitchen
(the yellow paint is going and will be replaced with something warmer)
The Living Room and Dining Room. The DR is where the fireplace is. The patio doors open up onto several large decks.
We are so excited about what the Lord has done for us and look forward to taking possession and making it our our home in the new year. The house is near the church where I was formerly on staff. We have many friends there and look forward to being able to be more involved now that there is some permanence about our where we will be living. An added bonus is that Tyler will have the option of attending a brand new school (with sports teams...) that is about 3 blocks from our house. Zack and Britt will finish the year where they are. Because of the way High School is structured, Brittany will be the only person in our family to start High School 3 times!
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
We Made It!
I'm thrilled to report that based on donations in hand and a few 'the cheque is in the mail' promises, we have been able to purchase the Amazing Grace DVD's. I ordered them yesterday and should have them by Friday. We will distribute them next week.
The owner of the Christian Book store here just grinned at me when I walked in the door yesterday to place the order. He's been a real help to us and I'm very appreciative.
On another note, I was in Kamloops for the weekend and just want to acknowledge Pastor Darrell Helquist and Full Gospel Tabernacle. In addition to allowing me to preach, the church was very generous towards the ministry. I was blessed to be there.
This week, I'm at Victoria Chinese Pentecostal Church. I'm really looking forward to it.
The owner of the Christian Book store here just grinned at me when I walked in the door yesterday to place the order. He's been a real help to us and I'm very appreciative.
On another note, I was in Kamloops for the weekend and just want to acknowledge Pastor Darrell Helquist and Full Gospel Tabernacle. In addition to allowing me to preach, the church was very generous towards the ministry. I was blessed to be there.
This week, I'm at Victoria Chinese Pentecostal Church. I'm really looking forward to it.
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