What began as "I wonder if we could..." has quickly become reailty as we have recently released our first CD project. We recognized that many people mean well and intend to pray for those who govern over us but it's not always as easy as it seems. With the help of some friends we've been given access to a prayer outline based on interview responses from elected representatives who shared exactly what their prayer concerns were. The result is an interactive prayer CD that you can use as both a resource and as a source of inspiration.
We wanted to keep it simple so it's only about 25 minutes long which is fantastic if you want to use it in your car on the way to work or as an MP3 file to pray with as you walk, run or work out.
We are making the CD available for a suggested donation of $15 which includes shipping and handling. For more information or to order yours today, click here.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
God in the Marketplace
I attended a conference in Los Angeles a few weeks ago. While I was there, I went on a bit of a GPS aided tour of some of the early sites of North American Pentecostalism. Our first stop was at Angelus Temple. Angelus Temple was built by Aimee Semple McPherson in the 1920's. It is spectacular. She obviously didn't have any trouble with prosperity, faith and building a beautiful place. The building itself is situated at the edge of a city park and her home (BEAUTIFUL) overlooks the lake there. If you've never seen the church, it has 3 levels and seats over 4000 people. The seats in the upper balcony are still the original wooden ones.
After we left, we crossed 'Bonnie Bray' street. (I knew something had happened there, but couldn't remember why until later.) William Seymour had a room in a boarding house at 214 Bonnie Bray. He also preached from that location until they moved to Azusa St. Azusa itself is nothing more than alley.
It appears that the site of the old mission is now part of the UCLA Japanese extension campus. (Education) There is a sign marking 'the spot' and it was kind of disappointing until I began to look around. It's fascinating to me that LA's tallest skyscrapers (industry and commerce) are across the block. City Hall, (Government) the police station and the Law Courts are down the block. (Justice) The LA Times (media) is between the courts and skyscrapers. Just past the Times you'll find the theatre and arts district.
As I stood there, I couldn't help but reflect on how the outpouring of the Spirit happened in the heart of the marketplace and I began to realize that it was all part of God's plan to parallel what happened in Jerusalem at Pentecost. They left the upper room and went to the streets and proclaimed the gospel in a spirit inspired language that was understood by the people.
This captures my imagination as I ponder it because suddenly 'spirit inspired language' takes on a whole new dimension that allows us the opportunity to declare the mysteries of God to the key pillars of our society and culture in language they understand. We need to research, study and observe but at the same time, we need to understand that without the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in the midst of it, we will fall terribly short of what we are aiming for.
What's remarkable to me is that as I read the history of the church during that period, their impact on their culture was profound. Thousands were added to the church because they heard a message that touched their lives. The result was a spiritual and social transformation that literally affected an entire empire.
Is it unreasonable to believe that God could use us to accomplish that same sort of change in the lives of key leaders and influencers in our world? From a natural perspective, the response could only be 'it's impossible' for list of reasons that are long and impressive. At the same time, those who went into the streets had experienced something powerful that gave them unprecedented confidence and courage as they engaged the people they encountered.
God hasn't turned His back on the marketplace. In fact, I'm convinced that God has begun something so profound and incredible in the marketplace of our day that it will be completely and utterly transformed on every level. He's just looking for people who are ready to go for it in ways that may seem a bit unusual but in the end accomplish His eternal plan.
After we left, we crossed 'Bonnie Bray' street. (I knew something had happened there, but couldn't remember why until later.) William Seymour had a room in a boarding house at 214 Bonnie Bray. He also preached from that location until they moved to Azusa St. Azusa itself is nothing more than alley.
It appears that the site of the old mission is now part of the UCLA Japanese extension campus. (Education) There is a sign marking 'the spot' and it was kind of disappointing until I began to look around. It's fascinating to me that LA's tallest skyscrapers (industry and commerce) are across the block. City Hall, (Government) the police station and the Law Courts are down the block. (Justice) The LA Times (media) is between the courts and skyscrapers. Just past the Times you'll find the theatre and arts district.
As I stood there, I couldn't help but reflect on how the outpouring of the Spirit happened in the heart of the marketplace and I began to realize that it was all part of God's plan to parallel what happened in Jerusalem at Pentecost. They left the upper room and went to the streets and proclaimed the gospel in a spirit inspired language that was understood by the people.
This captures my imagination as I ponder it because suddenly 'spirit inspired language' takes on a whole new dimension that allows us the opportunity to declare the mysteries of God to the key pillars of our society and culture in language they understand. We need to research, study and observe but at the same time, we need to understand that without the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in the midst of it, we will fall terribly short of what we are aiming for.
What's remarkable to me is that as I read the history of the church during that period, their impact on their culture was profound. Thousands were added to the church because they heard a message that touched their lives. The result was a spiritual and social transformation that literally affected an entire empire.
Is it unreasonable to believe that God could use us to accomplish that same sort of change in the lives of key leaders and influencers in our world? From a natural perspective, the response could only be 'it's impossible' for list of reasons that are long and impressive. At the same time, those who went into the streets had experienced something powerful that gave them unprecedented confidence and courage as they engaged the people they encountered.
God hasn't turned His back on the marketplace. In fact, I'm convinced that God has begun something so profound and incredible in the marketplace of our day that it will be completely and utterly transformed on every level. He's just looking for people who are ready to go for it in ways that may seem a bit unusual but in the end accomplish His eternal plan.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Dedication Celebration
After weeks of planning and preparing, we celebrated the dedication and one year anniversary of Leading Influence Ministries on January 24th. We had a great response from our partners and friends here in Victoria and a few guests from out of town. It was an exciting and very moving evening. Here are some pictures and commentary from the evening.
Barb Schindel and Kevin Smith leading worship. It was incredible to sing some of the old hymns in such a beautiful venue. Barb shines as a worship leader at any time but was even better than usual on this night. Kevin led "Amazing Grace" during the offeratory and it was fantastic.
Arne Bryan is a legend. He founded Prayer Canada over 35 years ago and is a pioneer in the area of inspiring the church to pray for government. He has prayed with provincial premiers from across the country as well as countless mayors. Our ministry growth and success thus far has come largely because of the vision and ministry of Prayer Canada. We are grateful to Arne for his support, partnership and constant encouragement.
Barb Schindel and Kevin Smith leading worship. It was incredible to sing some of the old hymns in such a beautiful venue. Barb shines as a worship leader at any time but was even better than usual on this night. Kevin led "Amazing Grace" during the offeratory and it was fantastic.
Arne Bryan, Prayer Canada (left) Dave Hauser (LIM Board Secretary) (right)
Arne Bryan is a legend. He founded Prayer Canada over 35 years ago and is a pioneer in the area of inspiring the church to pray for government. He has prayed with provincial premiers from across the country as well as countless mayors. Our ministry growth and success thus far has come largely because of the vision and ministry of Prayer Canada. We are grateful to Arne for his support, partnership and constant encouragement.
Rob Parker is the Director of the National House of Prayer. The NHOP facilitates a 24/7 prayer meeting for the government of Canada. While Parlaiment is in session they ensure that there are people praying in the public galleries that the Lord's will is done on behalf of our nation in the decisions that are made. He travels nationally and internationally supporting and encouraging those who are called to stand in the gap on behalf of the leaders of our nations. It was an honor to have Rob with us for this event as his schedule is extremely hectic. He brought a powerful word of encouragement for us and graciously shared his time with us over the two days that he was with us.
Here are some close up family shots that were taken during the prayer of dedication. Barb is in the centre and has been brave, courageous and bold through this ministry transition. She's also been a constant source of encouragement and blessing. Brittany is our daughter. As Arne prayed over us that night, he singled her out as representing the generations that will follow. She has made some huge adjustments during the past year and has done remarkably well. We are very proud of her.
This shot was taken during Arne's prayer over us. Arne reminds me of Caleb in the Old Testament. He is focused on what God has called him to do is determined to fulfill it. It was an honor to have him pray over us as we dedicated ourselves and the ministry to the Lord's purposes.
This is a gift that was given to us by Rob Parker on behalf of the NHOP. It's a print of a painting done by Steve Stanczyk titled "For God and Country". Donna Pechie (on the left) coordinates the Prayer component of the ministry and also serves on our ministry board. The event would not have happened without Donna's leadership and involvement.
Here's a picture of our desert tables and Jordan Pechie who was the official cake cutter for the evening. We had a great party with perfectly cut pieces of cheese cake. Thanks for your excellent ! work Jordan!
Some candid shots with friends and partners.
This was an exciting and rewarding day that marked an important step in our journey. While we've made some great progress, I remain humbled at the size of the task that is before us. Unless the Lord goes with us, it will be impossible to fulfill what He has put in my heart. But with God, all things are possible and so we carry on, believing that He is able and will continue to open doors and go before us every step of the way. Thanks for believing, praying and standing with us!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Dedication Celebration
Last night we celebrated the dedication/1 year anniversary of the ministry. I'm hoping to have some pictures available over the next day or so, but it was a spectacular night. We had a great response from our friends and partners on a local level and had guests join us from as far away as Ottawa, Seattle and the BC Interior.
We made an exciting anouncement regarding a new resource that we've just released to enhance the prayer ministry. Watch for more details by early next week.
Events like this remind me of the bigness of what God has called us to do, the importance of people who make the vision a reality and the love of people closest to us who serve, work and give so that serving and reaching the leaders of our province and nation can happen.
Today, we are off to MissionFest in Vancouver for a few days. I've never been there, but am looking forward to it. I'm sharing booth space with our friends at Prayer Canada so if you're around, stop by and say hello.
We made an exciting anouncement regarding a new resource that we've just released to enhance the prayer ministry. Watch for more details by early next week.
Events like this remind me of the bigness of what God has called us to do, the importance of people who make the vision a reality and the love of people closest to us who serve, work and give so that serving and reaching the leaders of our province and nation can happen.
Today, we are off to MissionFest in Vancouver for a few days. I've never been there, but am looking forward to it. I'm sharing booth space with our friends at Prayer Canada so if you're around, stop by and say hello.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
My trip to LA...
I'm in LA at a conference for a few days. I visited some of the historical sites of North American Pentecostal History yesterday. I went to Angelus Temple and toured the building that Aimee Semple McPhereson built in the early 20's. It is spectacular. She obviously didn't have any trouble with prosperity, faith and building a beautiful place. The building itself is situated at the edge of a city park and her home (BEAUTIFUL) overlooks the lake there. If you've never seen the church, it has 3 levels and seats over 4000 people. The seats in the upper balcony are still the original wooden ones.
After we left, we crossed 'Bonnie Bray' street. (I knew something had happpened there, but couldn't remember why until later.) William Seymour had a room in a boarding house at 214 Bonnie Bray. He also preached from that location until they moved to Azusa St.
Azusa itself is nothing more than alley. It appears that the site of the old mission is now part of the UCLA Japanese extension campus. (Education) There is a sign marking 'the spot' and it was kind of disappointing until I began to look around. It's fascinating to me that LA's tallest skyscrapers (industry and commerce) are across the block. City Hall, (Government) the police station (where they took OJ after his arrest) and the Law Courts are all down the block. (Justice) The LA Times (media) is between the courts and skyscrapers. Just past the Times you'll find the theatre and arts district. As I stood there, I couldn't help but reflect on how the outpouring of the Spirit happened in the heart of the marketplace and I began to realize that it was all part of God's plan to parallel what happened in Jerusalem at Pentecost. They left the upper room and went to the streets and proclaimed the gospel in a spirit inspired language that was understood by the people.
This captures my imagination as I ponder it because suddenly 'spirit inspired language' takes on a whole new dimension that allows us the opportunity to declare the mysteries of God to the key pillars of our society and culture in language they understand. We need to research, study and observe but at the same time, we need to understand that without the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in the midst of it, we will fall terribly short of what we are aiming for.
After we left, we crossed 'Bonnie Bray' street. (I knew something had happpened there, but couldn't remember why until later.) William Seymour had a room in a boarding house at 214 Bonnie Bray. He also preached from that location until they moved to Azusa St.
Azusa itself is nothing more than alley. It appears that the site of the old mission is now part of the UCLA Japanese extension campus. (Education) There is a sign marking 'the spot' and it was kind of disappointing until I began to look around. It's fascinating to me that LA's tallest skyscrapers (industry and commerce) are across the block. City Hall, (Government) the police station (where they took OJ after his arrest) and the Law Courts are all down the block. (Justice) The LA Times (media) is between the courts and skyscrapers. Just past the Times you'll find the theatre and arts district. As I stood there, I couldn't help but reflect on how the outpouring of the Spirit happened in the heart of the marketplace and I began to realize that it was all part of God's plan to parallel what happened in Jerusalem at Pentecost. They left the upper room and went to the streets and proclaimed the gospel in a spirit inspired language that was understood by the people.
This captures my imagination as I ponder it because suddenly 'spirit inspired language' takes on a whole new dimension that allows us the opportunity to declare the mysteries of God to the key pillars of our society and culture in language they understand. We need to research, study and observe but at the same time, we need to understand that without the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in the midst of it, we will fall terribly short of what we are aiming for.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Cyclists, Pedestrians and Traffic in Victoria
I've been thinking about this for the past week or so and the longer I wait the more material I get for this post. Victoria is certainly the most pedestrian/cyclist friendly city I've ever lived in. There are bike lanes that are well marked and they are well used. Because tourism is such a large industry, pedestrian crosswalks are plentiful and you don't always have to walk to a corner to use one. Most have overhead lights to ensure people can cross safely and some have traffic islands with flashing lights at a 4 foot level to ensure pedestrians aren't at risk as they cross the street.
While all of this is very good, it's also created a false sense of invincibility for pedestrians and cyclists alike. Here's what I mean. About 6 weeks ago I was driving the kids to school on a rainy and foggy morning. As I'm going down the street a pedestrian wearing a long grey jacket steps out from between two cars in the pouring rain and fog and proceeds to step out in front of me. To complete his ensemble, he's also using an ipod as evidenced by the telltale white earbuds he was wearing. I wavered between swerving and accelerating to miss him vs. putting the car into a 4 wheel skid and sliding into him. There was no time to lay on the horn, not that it would have mattered as the music he was listening to would have drowned out any warning that my horn might have given him.
On Friday afternoon, I watched another pedestrian literally run out into the crosswalk and successfully stop traffic so that she could take a picture looking up Douglas Street. Hello??? Does anyone stop to think that crosswalks are for crossing and not for photoshoots? On Saturday afternoon, I watched a guy cross in the crosswalk while traffic had a green light and proceed to gesture profanely at the driver in front of me who blew his horn and didn't stop because he actually had the right of way.
On Saturday night (at the same location) another young lady chose to create her crosswalk 30 feet from the marked one. This isn't hard people. If you want to jay walk, (not that I am endorsing this...) do it within the flow of traffic so that you aren't creating a problem for drivers. Don't just step out and assume that traffic will part like the Red Sea just because you are there.
This behaviour could only be trumped by the cyclist on Friday morning who chose to swerve out of her lane (without signalling) because her lane was blocked. This may be rocket science to cyclists but the general rule of thumb is that making way for larger and heavier objects (of which I qualify on several counts....) is generally a wise move in light of the basic laws of physics. The heavier object always does greater damage to the lighter one, but if you don't believe me, keep doing what you are doing and I'm sure you will find learn this lesson the hard way.
Finally, when I learned to drive, a yellow light meant 'slow down and prepare to stop'. There are times when you can't stop safely so it's permissible to proceed through the intersection with caution. Apparently in Victoria, a yellow light means proceed immediately with a left turn regardless of oncoming traffic. Intersections are probably not the place to play "I was here first."
In the grand scheme, 'Welcome to the Jungle' would hardly be the best song to describe traffic in Victoria, but 'Here Come the Clowns' might be.
Anyway, I feel better.... Drive safe, look both way and cross at the corners when the light is green...
While all of this is very good, it's also created a false sense of invincibility for pedestrians and cyclists alike. Here's what I mean. About 6 weeks ago I was driving the kids to school on a rainy and foggy morning. As I'm going down the street a pedestrian wearing a long grey jacket steps out from between two cars in the pouring rain and fog and proceeds to step out in front of me. To complete his ensemble, he's also using an ipod as evidenced by the telltale white earbuds he was wearing. I wavered between swerving and accelerating to miss him vs. putting the car into a 4 wheel skid and sliding into him. There was no time to lay on the horn, not that it would have mattered as the music he was listening to would have drowned out any warning that my horn might have given him.
On Friday afternoon, I watched another pedestrian literally run out into the crosswalk and successfully stop traffic so that she could take a picture looking up Douglas Street. Hello??? Does anyone stop to think that crosswalks are for crossing and not for photoshoots? On Saturday afternoon, I watched a guy cross in the crosswalk while traffic had a green light and proceed to gesture profanely at the driver in front of me who blew his horn and didn't stop because he actually had the right of way.
On Saturday night (at the same location) another young lady chose to create her crosswalk 30 feet from the marked one. This isn't hard people. If you want to jay walk, (not that I am endorsing this...) do it within the flow of traffic so that you aren't creating a problem for drivers. Don't just step out and assume that traffic will part like the Red Sea just because you are there.
This behaviour could only be trumped by the cyclist on Friday morning who chose to swerve out of her lane (without signalling) because her lane was blocked. This may be rocket science to cyclists but the general rule of thumb is that making way for larger and heavier objects (of which I qualify on several counts....) is generally a wise move in light of the basic laws of physics. The heavier object always does greater damage to the lighter one, but if you don't believe me, keep doing what you are doing and I'm sure you will find learn this lesson the hard way.
Finally, when I learned to drive, a yellow light meant 'slow down and prepare to stop'. There are times when you can't stop safely so it's permissible to proceed through the intersection with caution. Apparently in Victoria, a yellow light means proceed immediately with a left turn regardless of oncoming traffic. Intersections are probably not the place to play "I was here first."
In the grand scheme, 'Welcome to the Jungle' would hardly be the best song to describe traffic in Victoria, but 'Here Come the Clowns' might be.
Anyway, I feel better.... Drive safe, look both way and cross at the corners when the light is green...
Thursday, January 10, 2008
We Win!
One of the holiday traditions at our house is watching the World Junior Hockey Championships. When Canada is on the ice, not much else happens except for the cheering, groaning and ‘hi-five’s’ when Canada scores. During the gold medal game, the celebration includes dancing by our youngest son. (This is probably THE highlight of the game for us.)
There are times that we’ve watched re-broadcasts of the game because we enjoyed the outcome so much. What’s really interesting is that we approach a game we know our team has won with much more confidence than when we don’t know the outcome.
When I read the last few chapters of Revelation I am reminded over and over again that when it’s all said and done, WE WIN!
We win over sickness, we win over death, we win over sin, darkness and evil. We win in spite of the schemes and plans of our enemy.
Revelation reminds me that we win because of our relationship with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Our victory rests on the power of the cross and resurrection.
Revelation also reminds me that we overcome because of His blood AND by the WORD of our testimony. Our testimony of the grace, goodness, blessing, promises and power of God at work in our lives is critical to the fulfillment of His destiny for our lives.
With that in mind, I am approaching 2008 with fresh faith and confidence that the Lord will fulfill His plans for my life, family, our ministry partners and the ministry itself.
I believe that 2008 will be a year of unprecedented opportunity, blessing and growth for the ministry and our partners. My prayer for you this year is that heaven will open over your life, and that you will experience a level of blessing in your body, relationships and finances that will surpass what you are able to contain.
Have an awesome year!
Sunday, January 06, 2008
You might be from Canada if...
If your local Dairy Queen is closed from September through May,you may live in Canada .
If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't work there, you may live in Canada .
If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you may live in Canada
If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you may live in Canada
If "Vacation" means going anywhere south of Muncie for the weekend, you may live in Canada .
If you measure distance in hours, you may live in Canada
If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you may live in Canada
If you have switched from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day and back again, you may live in Canada
If you can drive 90 kms/hr through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you may live in Canada
If you install security lights on your house and garage, but leave both unlocked, you may live in Canada
If you carry jumpers in your car and your wife knows how to use them, you may live in Canada
If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit, you may live in Canada
If the speed limit on the highway is 80km -- you're going 90 and everybody is passing you, you may live in Canada
If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow, you may live in Canada
If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction, you may live in Canada
If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car, you may live in Canada .
If you find 2 degrees "a little chilly", you may live in Canada
If you actually understand these jokes, and forward them to all your Canadian friends & others, you definitely live in Canada
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