The View From the Gallery

I was reminded of an important truth yesterday afternoon during Question Period. The questions addressed the usual themes of Education, Health Care, Children, Transportation and the sale of BC Rail. Both the questions and answers were accompanied by the usual thumping of desks and heckling. Both sides recognize that it's not called 'Answer Period' and so the questions and general avoidance of anwers is simply understood as part of the normal routine.


What made yesterday unique was the man who came in and sat down beside me. During one series of questions and answers about the very sad situation of a developmentally challenged young man, he became quite emotional and began to weep. It wasn't hard to see that he was somehow very closely connected to the situation and that the concern and frustration involved was taking it's toll on him. I was (and still am...) moved for this man and the situation. He left before I could speak with him or pray with him, but I spent the rest of the afternoon thinking about him and praying for him and the people involved.


I don't think it's possible to craft the perfect policy that will ensure that no one falls through the cracks or finds themselves outside the guidelines that provide access to benefits. We are dealing with people and the variables are endless. At the same time, we (our society) must care for the weak, challenged and struggling among us.


COMPASSION rather than SMUGNESS over policy successes or political ideology needs to become what matters most. My prayer for members on both sides of the house is that their commitment to public service would extend to a commitment to humility. It seems to me that the price for admitting a policy or strategic mistake needs to be something less than a cry for a ministerial resignation.

"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 NIV

This situation underlines the incredible challenge involved in leading our province. Those who serve as elected leaders need wisdom, courage,strength, and humility as they make the key decisions that affect millions of people on a daily basis. They need our prayer support as they do their best to serve their constituents.

A Prayer For Government Leaders

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.

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.

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, 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!

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.

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.

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...

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!

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

Your Invitation

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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 Sounds of Sunday

As I was walking home from church on Sunday afternoon, I couldn't help but enjoy the sounds that I was hearing. The sunshine was the icing on the cake and just added to the entire experience.

I preached at Church of Our Lord yesterday. This is the church where my office is located so it was kind of like preaching at home, even though we've never been there on a Sunday before. Their early service is contemporary and has a coffee house feel to it. The band (The World's Most Dangerous Worship Band) was fantastic and I really enjoyed worshiping with them. Their second service is very liturgical and formal, complete with pipe organ and choir. I've never been a part of a service like that, but I found it rich and satisfying. The sound of an actual pipe organ, combined with the beauty of the stained glass and the majestic singing was very inspiring and pointed me towards heaven. I preached in an elevated pulpit which was also something new for me. It was certainly different than my usual roaming and chatting style, but it was amazing to preach from a pulpit that was 130 years old. I actually sat in 'The Douglas Pew' that was donated and used by Sir James Douglas until his death. James Douglas was the first Governor of the colony of Vancouver Island.

As I walked home, I heard the Carillon begin to play. I didn't recognize the melody, but it was beautiful. As the song finished, a bagpiper began to play the refrain of Amazing Grace. As I rounded the corner of the Legislature, the bagpipes faded from hearing and I overheard a couple discussing whether or not you had to pay for parking. The gentleman was telling the woman that 'It's the Lord's Day and they don't make you pay on the Lord's day.' I'm not sure when I last heard someone say 'The Lord's Day', but I gave thanks that you don't have to pay to park on His day.

After lunch we watched the Grey Cup. The room was full of sound. Mostly cheers and groans as we cheered the Roughriders on to victory. (I realize I should be a Lions fan, but forsaking the Riders would just be wrong. For the record, I am a long suffering fan and I do want emphasize suffering, even though they won it all this year!)

I preached last night at the Victoria Miracle Centre. I had a great time and was reminded that you can't limit God to a particular model of ministry. He was there, live and in person! And it was very good.

The sounds of Sunday were rich and rewarding. I'm glad I heard them and was able to enjoy it.

DVD Project Update

Hi Everyone - We are making great progress on our DVD project. We need $2000 to make it happen and we currently have $900 in hand with approximately $500 pledged for early next week. This is amazing to me, but also speaks volumes about your belief in what we are doing. If you are wondering what's going on, see the comments from my last post.

We need to see the balance for the project come in ASAP so that we can place our order and distribute the DVD's without the additional cost of mailing them. If you'd like to be a participate, a DVD costs approximately $25. You can give by going to http://www.leadinginfluence.com/Donate.html

Thanks again.

Chapel Report

"To him who is able to do immeasurably more than all you are able to ask or think or imagine..."

I would not have dared to imagine that God would have done something as big and amazing as what He did this morning. At 9:00 AM 30 MLA's and support staff gathered to pray for their peers who are sick and facing enormous medical challenges. One important committee recessed so that the members could participate in this very important time.

I chose to focus on the theme of God's grace for the morning. While we often think of God's grace as being available to help us in our time of need, His grace is also given to empower us to fulfill what He has put in our hearts to do.

I wasn't sure what to expect when we provided an opportunity for people to pray publicly for their peers. It was silent for a moment and then they began to pray. It was exciting to listen to them. One huge lesson is that in spite of political differences, these people really care about each other.

While it's often said, we literally felt the prayers of hundreds of people across the country. Men's, women's, student and special prayer groups lifted us before our Father in Heaven and the result was tangible. I'm told that the conference call was exciting as people prayed collectively and used technology in a very exciting way.

This has been an exhilarting experience and only the beginning of what God has in store for our province and our nation. Thanks for praying and standing with us.

There was a genuine sense of God's presence with us today and we felt the prayers of people across the country. I'll write something more later, but I wanted to get this out to you ASAP.

Labor Day in November!

There's a great prairie tradition. It's called the Labor Day Classic and if you've ever lived in Saskatchewan, you'll know what I'm talking about. The LDC happens on the Sunday of the Labor Day weekend when the Winnipeg Blue Bombers visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The game is always sold out and is the biggest game of the year in SK. Until this year... because in 2007, Labor Day comes in November in Toronto!

I love the idea that Winnipeg and Saskatchewan are in the Grey Cup. I doubt that it's ever happened before but it will feature one of the best rivalries in the league. It might not be so good for the CFL in terms of a TV audience, but I'm guessing that hundreds of farmers sold a steer or a truckload of something today and started driving east for the big game. It's entirely possible that Saskatchewan's 5th largest city will be at the SkyDome this weekend.

I realize that there are probably more important things to write about today but... THE RIDERS ARE GOING TO THE GREY CUP!! This means nothing to most people in BC or other places, especially since the Lions aren't going, but let me put this in context for you.

Through an act of kindness about 30 years ago a cousin took me to my first CFL football game. It was at Taylor Field in Regina. I saw the Saskatchewan Roughriders play the Calgary Stampeders. Something happened to me that day. I became (for better or worse) a Rider fan. This has been a long and tearfilled journey. Like most fans, I hoped, believed and was then disappointed. My father in law said that Rider football and farming have a lot in common, they both leave you wanting something more. I'd have to agree.

Yesterday, we did something that I always thought would be fun. We went to the CFL Western Final and as it would happen, Saskatchewan was playing BC. Zack and Tyler (our sons) came along with us. They are Lions fans (being born in BC and all...) I went to the game hoping but fearful. Once I got inside I decided to throw caution to the wind and go for it, regardless of what happened. My decision was quickly rewarded after an early touchdown by Saskatchewan and a sputtering BC offence that couldn't get it going. I was nearly delerious at half time with the Riders still in the lead. Barb and I were smiling and high fiving. The boys were... patient but still holding on to the dream of a Lions win.

As the clock started to wind down in the 4th quarter it was pretty clear that there would be no miracle in BC Place for the Lions. While about 40,000 fans left early, we celebrated a SK win! What's most remarkable is that Tyler somehow became an SK fan (bandwagon only I'm sure...)

Zack says he'll be cheering for Winnipeg. I'm not sure why anyone would cheer for Winnipeg...