Big Changes in BC! Welcome Jason and Christine Goertzen

Serving with Leading Influence at the BC Legislature is always exciting but with an election scheduled for May 2017 things are really ramping up.  For BC’s politicians the door knocking, pre-election announcements and social media messaging is already in full throttle.  Whether or not there will be a change in BC’s government is yet to be determined. 

Where change is certain is in my life and ministry.   After 22 years of pastoral ministry, including the last 13 in Victoria, I have felt the Lord inviting me to take a “take a leap of faith”.  To step off the banks of the known and the familiar and to fully embrace the opportunity to serve those who serve us. 

Starting January 1^st 2017 I will be joining Leading Influence on a full time basis and leaving pastoral ministry.  Speaking candidly, this has been a tremendous wrestle for me over the past 6 months.  I thought I was going to remain a local church pastor my entire life.  “I just turned 50!” I reasoned with God. “Are you really calling me to this?” “How will I support my family?”  The Lord reminded me of the ministry call I responded to when was I was 18 years old.  How with my hands lifted high I dedicated my life to serving him.  He promised me, “If you give your life to MY calling for you, I’ll always take care of you and your family.”  All these years later I can testify God has kept that promise! 

   

And From Saskatchewan...

We count ourselves to be very blessed with our leadership in Saskatchewan. There are a significant number of believers that serve in crucial leadership roles at the legislature. Prayer is a regular occurrence here. 

Of course, the challenge of elected office can erode a person’s inner life. Nobody is immune to problems. The time demands of office can pull leaders away from self-care activities like exercise and prayer. There are difficult choices to make that are not obvious or easy. Many leaders feel an emotional weight when pressed for decisions that have long term consequences for society. It also takes strength of character to reject bribe offers and eliminate favouritism.  

Imagine if you were in the role of member at a provincial legislature. Although it carries a degree of prestige and status, it also comes with contempt and vitriol from some of the public. Imagine how hard it would be for you to remain magnanimous, stoic, and compassionate while personal attacks are constantantly levelled at you.  

The more that I interact with our MLAs here in Saskatchewan, the more I see a desire with many to prioritize spiritual life and relationship with God. That puts them in a good position to tackle the emotional and ethical challenges. Those that pray for our MLA’s contribute a great deal to the integrity of our leaders.

The Fall session of the legislature will run from Oct 19th to Nov 30th, 2016. This session is promising to be quite interesting with the prospect of significant transformational change to our province. This work is set against the backdrop of lower revenues due to low commodity prices. This is not an easy road to travel, so our leaders would definitely ask for your prayers as they contemplate the benefits and consequences of certain initiatives. 

Dr. Scott Francis

Super Dad To the Rescue!

I have an active imagination.  Some say it's overactive.  I say they have no imagination at all!  :-)

Every so often I like to think that God likes to 'show off' for His kids.  He doesn't 'show off' just because He can, He does it to inspire even greater confidence in WHO He is and WHAT He is able to do.  For me, this has been an inspiring confidence building kind of week.  Here's what happened.

I was a guest speaker at a church north of Toronto this past Sunday.  After I spoke, someone I've known for a long time pulled me aside and shared something that God had put on her heart.  

Here's an edited version of the email follow up I sent to her on Tuesday afternoon...  

Just to encourage you…..

I didn’t really know what to do with the word you shared yesterday, because it really made no sense to me at the time, but you are going to love this…

I went to the Legislature this morning for the Throne Speech and connected with my MPP friend for a few minutes before the speech started.  After it was over, we went for lunch with 7-8 members of from his caucus. As we were sitting across from each other, I noticed the orange ‘puff’ in his pocket.  It’s odd that he would wear orange because his ‘team colours’ aren't orange,  but there it was.  I didn’t connect the dots at that point…

Over lunch something about the Plowing Competition came up and that they would all be going to that next week.  The whole thing seems kind of odd to me, so I asked about it and my friend says …. you should come…. let’s talk more about it later….

When we back to his office, he offered to take me with him and said I could share his room and ride along with him and a couple of other guys.  This is a huge opportunity for me.

Later, I needed to step out and make a few calls and he said, let me show you something… and he took me to a spare office in his part of the building and said, this is mine, I don’t use it…. you can… My office is your office... 

At around 5 we were heading out to the Jays game and he asked if I’d like to stop in at the lounge for a few minutes.  I assumed this was a place for everyone to go, but it was their private caucus lounge.  We spent about an hour there hanging out with about 8-9 other members.  As we were sitting there, I kept noticing his orange pocket puff.

It was only then that I connected ‘watch for orange’ with his puff and realized that I had been following him all day.  God has put this man in my life to help establish the ministry here.  

As I pondered it on the way home from the game tonight, it struck me the orange puff might just be God’s way of saying that He is here with me, working things out before I even get there.  The orange puff speaks of His plan and attention to the details.

Thanks for being obedient yesterday.  Just wanted you to know what happened today.

Expectation ....

‘I’m full of expectation, but I have NO IDEA what I’m expecting…’ 

It’s a funny thing to say, and yet it’s what I keep hearing myself saying over and over. 

For those who aren’t aware, I’m walking through a season of change and transition.  Last fall our board released me to take on the challenge of launching Leading Influence in Ontario. It has been an exciting and stretching season.  I am experiencing again what it means to wait, rest and trust while God is doing more than I think He is behind the scenes. 

After taking some time to prepare at home over the summer, discovering that God had arranged a wonderful suite in Toronto and had provided some seed money to get us started, Barb kissed me goodbye at the airport early last Wednesday morning.  I won’t be back for 3 weeks.  On day 1 of my 2nd week, I can say that I continue to be surprised at what God does and how He does it!

This has been an exciting and stretching season.  I am experiencing again what it means to wait, rest and trust while God is doing more than I think He is behind the scenes.  Trusting is an intentional discipline.  The temptation to involve myself in what is God's business is enormous.

I’ve been pondering these words out of Is. 43:18 for the past several months….

“Forget the former things;

do not dwell on the past.

19See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the wilderness

and streams in the wasteland.

It seems to me that our start in BC almost 10 years ago was ONE WAY that God chose to establish what He had called me to do.  I have the distinct impression that He has a different plan this time.  While I’m much more wired to having firm goals and plans, I also know that this is a faith journey and that God reserves the right to surprise me and exceed my expectations.  I understand that my primary responsibility at this time is to expect that at any given moment God may exceed anything that I have dared to ask, think or imagine and to be in the place where I can follow His plan. 

While I am waiting for Him to do HIS part, I must be doing mine. 

Details about Day 1 to follow!  You won’t want to miss the story….

A Tale of 3 Lands

I'm in the midst of a faith journey.  I've committed myself to an enormous step of faith and there is no turning back, there is just the journey, complete with all of it's obstacles, challenges, opportunities and victories.  

Yesterday, I was reflecting on the various 'lands' that I am visiting along the way.  My trip began in the Land of Wow.  The Land of Wow is filled with possibilities, opportunities and excitement.  My heart beats a little faster when I am in the Land of Wow.  My vision is crystal clear and I can see outcomes in the opportunities.  I love the Land of Wow!  If I could live here forever, I would!  Dreams and vision cost nothing at this point.  There are no bad ideas, train wrecks or plans gone awry.  There is just a series of happy thoughts that are filled with excitement.  If you are a baseball fan, the Land of Wow is best described as a sliding triple with the occasional walk off home run thrown in just to keep things interesting.  It is breath taking in every way!!

Not far from the Land of Wow is the Land of How.  The Land of How is a difficult place.  If the sun is always shining in the Land of Wow, it's always overcast in the Land of How.  Dreams are free in the Land of Wow but the bills come due in the Land of How.  I'm convinced there is a cemetery for dreams in the Land of How because that's where most of them die.  They die because How demands that I sort out the action steps that will turn Wow into How.  It's not necessarily that the dreams were weak or that the idea wasn't a good one.  It's more that the cost of Wow is higher than what most people are willing to pay.  Turning Wow into reality isn't cheap, easy or quick.  Most dreams, God given or otherwise, come to an end right here.

Navigating through the Land of How demands courage, focus and determination.  The Land of How requires faith... gutsy, Red Sea crossing, Lion and Bear Wrestling, Giant Killing, Fiery Furnace, a Cloud the size of a man's hand kind of faith.  This is 'God, I remind you of Your promises' faith. The kind that asks and acts boldly.  It's the kind of faith that will get you out of the boat to walk on the waves.

The last time I went on a journey like this, I was almost overcome in the Land of How.  There were days, many in fact, when HOW almost snuffed out the WOW that I carried in my heart.  The size of the mountains, the giants in the land and obstacles that were set in front of me were overwhelming.  I'm doing this differently this time.  I return often to the Land of Wow and let the scope and 'bigness' of the vision fill my heart.  I ponder the goodness of God and His faithfulness to me thus far.  I reflect on the promises that He has made and fulfilled.  I come back to remind myself that 'thus far, the Lord has helped me...'

Each time I do, the Land of How becomes a little less intimidating and overwhelming.  I am learning (again and still) that there are things I must do but there are things that only God can do.  When I try to do what only God can do, the results are never what they could be.  God doesn't need my 'help' to make it happen.  He just needs me to be true to what He's asked me to do.  Sometimes it seems that the most important part of this journey is allowing God to do His part while I stay focused on mine.  

I'm making a fascinating discovery.  Ever so slowly but at the same time in a very real and profound way, I am seeing a new land taking shape around me.  It's the Land of WHOW.   WHOW is the place where Wow meets How and vision becomes reality.  It's a messy, complicated place with more questions than answers, with loose ends and gaping holes, but it's the place where God works and creates.  It's the place where He stretches me, surprises me, challenges me and changes me. It's the place where if I'm willing to stick with Him and stick with the dream, He fulfils His promises and makes something out of nothing.  

Unfortunately, (or maybe not so unfortunately) there are no direct flights from WOW to WHOW.  You have to pass through HOW multiple times in order to get to WHOW.  It's enough to make some people give up on the journey and take up residence in either WOW or HOW, but the truth is, nothing happens in WOW or HOW.  All of the action is in WHOW! The weather can swing from bright and sunny to overcast and blustery in the blink of an eye, but if you can hold on just a little bit longer, WHOW becomes an amazing place of fruitfulness.

Happy travelling!

Across the Country - Ontario, the Land of Opportunity

As many of you already know, after 9 years of pioneering and establishing Leading Influence in BC, I have taken on the task of building and growing the ministry in Ontario.  This is without a doubt, 'a whole new world...' It's a world that fascinates and intrigues me and it's a world full of new challenges and opportunities.  When you consider that 1 of every 3 Canadians lives in Ontario and that there are more people living in Toronto proper than live Saskatchewan and Manitoba or Atlantic Canada, the importance of reaching and impacting the leaders of this amazing province takes on a much greater urgency.  

Over the past number of months, we have processed through how we will build Ontario in a sustainable way and have settled on the following approach.  Starting in September, I will spend 3 weeks/month in Toronto networking with MPPs, developing resources and laying a strong foundation for the future.  I will come home to Victoria on break weeks (Stat holiday weeks) and catch up on life and work here.  Mostly, I intend to just be a stay at home husband for that time.  It's not ideal, but it's the most ideal at this time.  We will work within this structure from September through June and evaluate our progress and opportunities at that time.

This is entirely a step of faith.  We don't have the budget ($35,000) in place to see this happen today, but I am confident of 3 things.  God is BIG.  God is GOOD.  ANYTHING Can Happen!  The same God who has made something out of nothing in BC, AB and SK is surely able to do the same in Ontario.  All He requires from us is faith and obedience.  He is fully able to do the rest!

Onward we go as we follow the King!

Across The Country - A New Chapter in Saskatchewan

Meet Dr. Scott Francis!  Husband, Father, Executive Coach, Podcaster, Chaplain and Volunteer Fireman!  We could go on, but there just isn't enough space!  We are thrilled to have Scott serving with us in Saskatchewan.  

In between spring grass fires and visits to the Legislature, Scott shares the following:

This has been an exciting couple months!  I joined the Leading Influence team in Saskatchewan following the conclusion of the recent provincial election.  Since then life has been a bit of whirlwind finding my feet in a new role.

It was incredibly inspiring to attend the MLA swearing-in ceremony. Most impressive was to see a group of people committing themselves to serve in the full knowledge that this will be a difficult and challenging job. Their decision to give of themselves inspired me to commit myself to support them both emotionally and spiritually.

The first few days of spring session made it very clear that SK MLA’s have a significant amount of work ahead of them. There are difficult decisions on the horizon that will test their wisdom, strength and courage. They truly need our prayers and support.

Leaders in the public service face make great sacrifices, which can result in deep challenges. It is easy to run out of emotional and spiritual gas. When a person’s internal life becomes depleted, it can lead to stress and difficulty. Leaders with the best of intentions can be blind-sided and become derailed both professionally and personally. 

My passion is to contribute to the inner spiritual life of the MLAs and to help them live in a way that builds substance. Please pray for me as I do it.  

Across The Country - Good to Go in BC

It’s been an incredible spring!  After 20+ years of pastoral ministry my heart has been captured anew with the opportunity to serve leaders inside the walls of the BC Legislature.  Each day as I walked up the front steps and though the big wooden doors my sense of anticipation grew with another chance to be salt and light.  Every day was a new adventure. 

Apart from celebrating our 10^th Annual Prayer Breakfast with almost 30 members in attendance, I am most excited about what I see happening at our regular Thursday Prayer Gathering.   We have members from both sides attending and it’s easy to see that God is up to something in the lives of our leaders. There is a genuine sense of God’s presence at work in our midst.  

One of the stealthier ways I've been able to have an impact is through being asked to write the morning prayer for several members.  It’s been fun to hear them prayed and to know that God is hearing because leaders are asking!  

The most important part of my work is connecting with members in a meaningful way.  Pray with me that God will open the right doors at the right time into the right lives. This is always our most important and pressing need.

It has also been very encouraging to have friends, family and ministry partners visit the legislature to gain a better understanding of how we serve. Please let me know if you are interested in seeing what we do and I’ll work with you to make it happen!

Jason Goertzen

Across the Country - Alberta Update

I'm excited about the opportunity to serve at the Alberta Legislature.  It has been both rewarding and challenging.  Rewarding in that I have had the opportunity to meet with MLAs from each caucus.  These interactions happen sometimes through my own initiative and sometimes through theirs.  I am pleased with either option as it gives me the opportunity to connect, hear and share with those God has called to lead our province.  This gives me confidence that the ministry is valuable and needed. 

With the current economic challenges and Fort Mac forest fire situation, our province is walking through a difficult time.  Our leaders need the support and ministry that we are able to provide.

Our leaders also need your ongoing prayer support.  Please visit prayab.com to track with our daily MLA prayer strategy.  Elaine Baillie and her team are doing a great job leading this crucial ministry.

My hope and prayer going forward is to be able to continue to meet with those in leadership in our province and to let them know that the church is praying for them.

Murray Coughlan

The Ironman of Golf Version 6.0

The IronMan of Golf!

Version 6.0 

The IronMan of Golf  is our summer fundraiser and helps us meet our annual budget.  Our goal for this summer is to raise $7000 and its important that we reach it!  Our fall/summer ministry travel plans depend on these resources and we need your help to make it happen.

The IronMan of golf works as follows:

1.  Make a pledge.  You can pledge/hole or simply make an event pledge.  

           

           $10/hole is a $1000 pledge.  

           $5/hole is a $500 pledge.  

           $2.50/hole is $250 pledge

           $1.00 hole is $100 pledge

           

           Or you can pledge another amount of your choosing. 

           Click here to make a pledge.

2. Follow Through.  

         You can pay your pledge immediately by credit card, online banking or by cheque. 

         If you prefer to wait until after the event, that's fine with us.  We will contact you after              the event.

3.  Watch Tim's progress on our Leading Influence Facebook Page on June 21.  

God Makes It Grow

Our daughter has recently discovered Ancestry.ca and we are having fun watching her discover and explore our family roots.  My family has farming roots on both sides dating back to the turn of the 20th century.

Remarkably, my great-grandfathers chose to homestead across the road from each other.  In both cases, they cleared and 'broke' the land that eventually continues to produce crops that have sustained and provided for families for generations.

My maternal grandfather spent most of his life on as a farmer. In the years after he retired from farming, he would often become nostalgic about his years on the farm.  I recall him telling me how 'the land smells different in the spring' and that the 'scent of spring' always brought him hope for a good harvest.

On my last trip to Toronto, I watched the city shift from winter (it was snowing when I arrived) to spring (the temp hit 20C) later in the week) and while the 'scent of spring' is certainly different there than what my grandfather referenced, the 'scent of spring' was still in the air.

I've been having a significant shift in my thinking over the past months.  For most of my ministry career, I would view the teachings of Jesus through a grid that said 'Jesus lived in an agrarian culture, but this is what this means today...' More and more, I am coming to conclude that the best way to understand how God works is through an agrarian grid.

(Imagine that... it really is the way Jesus says it is!!)

As I look at our work across the country, here's what I see....

We have faithfully tilled the land that God has given us in BC and today we see tremendous fruit coming out of the relationships we have nurtured on both sides of the House.  We are humbled and thankful for God's mercy and goodness to us.

Our path has been different in AB.  The ground has been harder and the work has been tiring but we are starting to see the earth turn from brown to green with the advent of another spring.  This gives us hope that soon we will see blossoms that will turn to fruit.

Saskatchewan continues to flourish.  We were blessed with a network of relationships when we arrived and by God's grace have been able to build upon them.  With an election comes an entirely new set of opportunities and possibilities. We are excited about what God has in store for us in Saskatchewan.

Ontario is in a different and unique place. In many ways, the ground has never been tilled.  This is both a challenge (as we cast vision, create awareness and lay a foundation) and an opportunity to learn from our mistakes and to build on our successes.  While it's true that the culture is different, it's equally true that leaders still need someone to support, encourage and minister to them. What I find most exciting about Ontario is that there is a clear sense of the need for this in the church and a generally warm reception among those who lead.  While it won't be easy, we have a bright future in Ontario.