Masters of Self-Deception
I believe that any path that leads to true peace must be based on the truth. One cannot fully reconcile with someone else without acknowledging and repenting of the ways one has wronged the other. Part of being made right with God involves acknowledging the truth of our own sinful ways.
What Barabbas Got Right!
As we enter Holy Week, let’s remember Barabbas, who might enrich our sense of Easter. Usually we recall how this man, who killed in a failed rebellion against Rome, was released by Pontius Pilate and how Jesus took his place on the cross. Yet when Scripture becomes silent, Barabbas fades from our attention.
Church Bids Farewell to Missionaries
PELLY, Sask.—Hyounjin (Simon) Yoon and Jinhee (Joy) Yang arrived in Pelly, Sask., in 2018 as Pelly Fellowship Chapel’sFirst Nations missionaries. They helped any time an extra hand was needed, wherever and whenever needed. Their presence will be sadly missed.
Why Project Builders Matters
Many people sitting in the pews at EMC churches (or watching online) may not be aware of the existence of an organization called EMC Project Builders. So, if you haven’t heard of it, you’re not alone—but you may be missing out!
Running with the Bears in Churchill
MANITOBA - The 10th anniversary Polar Bear Marathon took place in Churchill, Man., on November 20, 2021.
Erica Fehr Appointed as DCA
The Personnel Committee of the EMC General Board is very pleased to announce that Erica Fehr has been appointed to the role of Director of Communications and Administration.
EMC Posts Preliminary Financial Results
There has been much uncertainty in our world in the past two years, fueled by the pandemic and the various opinions on how society ought to deal with it. Considering this uncertainty, the General Board requested a reduction in the EMC budget for the 2021 fiscal year.
Lent and Becoming Like Jesus
Will I ever be like Jesus in this life? Will I ever really have Christ’s insight and wisdom? Could I ever be that free of the love of money or the need for human approval? Could I ever gladly die for someone who hated me and wanted to kill me? Could I be that surrendered to the Father’s will? That’s a big question, isn’t it?
God as Refugee and Refuge
God, in Christ, knows the experience of the refugee. “An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay here until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’ So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘Out of Egypt I called my son’” (Matthew 2:13–15).
Transition Proposal, Three Per Cent Budget Increase Approved
Conference Council members met by Zoom on November 20, 2021, starting at 10 a.m. CT, to give opportunities for boards to report and make recommendations on the work of the Conference.
Ordination, Dedication, Baptisms
STEINBACH, Man.—What a busy fall it was at Stony Brook Fellowship in 2021!
A Dream Come True
Our existence is made of interactions with others. When we arrived in Bobo-Dioulasso in 2006, our constant prayer was that God would send us to those who want to hear from him, those who are thirsty and hungry for him, or that God would send them to us.
If I Died Today
I recently had my 50th birthday. Before I got out of bed that morning, I thought of something. I imagined to myself that before I ever existed, God had a conversation with my non-existent self and said…
Waves in the Desert
First wave of refugees: 1980s
from the Soviet Invasion
The Soviet invasion caused the first wave of Afghan refugees as millions flooded into Pakistan, Iran and India.
At the same time, Afghans began to resist the Soviets and Kabul government, which birthed the Afghan mujahideen (holy warriors). The U.S. saw an opportunity to oppose the Soviets by supporting the Afghan warriors. Islamic enthusiasts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and elsewhere, joined with the mujahideen in “short-term mission” service—an ideal chance for young radicals to practice jihad. Osama bin Laden was one such warrior, and he started the al-Qaeda Islamic party
KLC and Bow Island Mark Official Openings as EMC Churches
Winnipeg, Manitoba
On October 17, 2021, Kingdom Life Church (KLC) members met together at St. Vital EMC in Winnipeg, Man., with whom they have established a formal partnership. This service marked the official opening of KLC as part of the EMC, under the leadership of I and P, workers supported by the EMC Church Planting Task Force.
Sleeper Drive Held to Assist Young Parents
WINNIPEG, Man.—Do you like PJs? Well, babies do too!
Throughout November and December of 2021, a Sleeper Drive was held at Crestview Fellowship Church to support Youth for Christ (YFC) and Cheyenne Lewycky, the Young Parents Outreach Program Coordinator.
God is Working in the North!
In the last few years life and ministry has been very different for all of us. Things in Northern Manitoba are slowly getting back to normal, and God is working! Here are some areas I have seen him move recently.
Growing in Wisdom
“The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” (Psalm 19:7b NASB). For months, these words have swirled around in my heart. Comforting assurance that even I can progress from simplicity to wisdom!
Refractions
January is a time of reflection for me. The winter is long and cold here on the prairies, and life can get monotonous while waiting for spring to arrive. But even in the tedium, I can appreciate moments when beauty shines through. Like glimmering diamonds in the trees, the hoarfrost—too beautiful for my camera to capture fully—becomes a frozen picture in my mind.