Higher Ground

Every once in a while I visit our Grace Campus and get to see first hand our church in action. Our food distribution, clothing give away and Father's Table are alive and well. Thank-you to the dozens of voluteers who make it all happen.

Isaiah prophesied and we've seen it proven over and over: Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind. Then when you call, the Lord will answer. "Yes, I am here," he will quickly reply. Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring (Isaiah 58:7-11 NLT).

Red Letter Day

July 25, 2009

This morning Susan and I were invited to breakfast in downtown Vancouver with Jack and Anna Hayford, the beloved President of the International Foursqaure Church. They were embarking that day on an Alaskan cruise. We are such a blessed Church to have had Jack and Anna as mentors over the past forty plus years: from the time I was 16 years old and Jack, as National Youth Director, spoke at our camp; through the years he has journeyed to Canada to teach pastors; in many Pastor's Conferences we have attended at Church on the Way; through his many books and tapes, and as our President over the past years, I have been thoroughly schooled, mentored and inspired by the Hayfords.

Thank you Lord for Jack and Anna - bless them as they shift gears to retirement from being the pope of Foursqaredom. I know their ministry will continue to flourish and bear fruit!

Life Purpose for Kids

On Tuesday July 21st I taught about twelve children how to find their Life Purpose. We began our day with a visit to a cemetery to think about our finish to life on earth, "What will people say about us when we die?"

Then I read a story I wrote, "Joseph's Excellent Bad Day" for kids to help them understand their Life Purpose has been set by our Creator.

Finally I gave each child the meaning of their names and we made a poster to remind us of our prophetic beginning.

What a happy and fun day!

Jeremy and Chelsea's Wedding

I love officiating at weddings, but this one at the Hart House on Deer Lake on Saturday, July 11th was very special.

On Feb 1, 1987 we dedicated our new Northside Church facility in Port Coquitlam. On the next Sunday I dedicated a month old little girl - beautiful Chelsea Oorebeek. She was our first baby in the church.

One of the advantages of getting older is that I get to officiate at the weddings of young adults that I held and kissed as babies. I was a very proud pastor to marry Chelsea and Jeremy Koehn on July 11th.

But I was humbled by what Diane Oorebeek (mom of the bride) said in her speech. She referred to what I'd taught the church 25 years ago, "to pray for our unborn babies" and when they are still infants to begin praying for their future (still unknown spouses).

Peter and Diane followed my counsel, so before Chelsea and Jordan (their son) were even born, they began praying for their children. Then after they were born, Peter and Diane began praying for their spouses.

At the wedding we all witnessed God's perfect answer to their prayers! Thank you, Lord!

Koinonia Foursqaure Church

It was like being on the mission field for me to visit Pastor Obed and Adriana Mendoza in their very alive spanish speaking church. The music was electrifying - this Church under Pastor Obed's (his name means "worship") leadership has released a very professional CD of Latin worship music that is reaching many nations.

Beausejour Community Church

June 28, 2009

Some of my most happy and memorable days are when I get to visit our churches across Canada. On June 28th Susan and I were in the small community of Beausejour, a couple of hours outside of Winnipeg and got to visit our Foursquare church there, pastored by Chris and Liza Jordan.

It was the very exciting dedication of their new sanctuary. Wow! What an awesome place - it was radiant with the love and blessing of God. Congratulations to the vibrant church there!

After our visit with the Jordan's, Susan and I recorded a couple of programs on "It's a New Day" for release in November. I spoke about two of my books, Good Mourning and Dying Well.