Friday, July 29, 2011
Free Art Friday 29/7/11
Here is a painting I did at the cottage last week. It is of a sole, little cedar tree that sprang up a few years ago down by the water on my aunt's beach.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Disciples and RRSP's - any thoughts??
I have to admit that I am totally conflicted and so today I post an honest question. I began thinking about it a while ago but have never come to a satisfactory resolution in my heart and mind. To be honest, at many times it has been easier to just push it to the back of my mind rather than wrestle with the question. Recently, however, two books that I have read have brought the question back.
I finished "Radical" by David Platt a number of weeks ago, having received a free copy from a conference I attended (apparently it is a pretty popular book - I am a bit out of the loop...I kind of like it that way!). At a round table discussion the author was asked about "chapter 6," his chapter about money, and looking back would he have written it differently. I have to admit that I was expecting something...well...radical. I was surprised when I read it because it did not seem all that Radical to me. I appreciated much of what he had to say. (This, in fact, was my take on the book as a whole, I appreciated much of what he shared and found myself wondering why we might consider this so radical.)
More recently I have been reading the autobiography of George Mueller, who likewise has much to say about finances.
So the question...the one that I have been wresting with. What role should savings, retirement planning, RRSP's and the like play in the life of a disciple of Christ? This is a honest question and one with which I wrestle. I look at it from both sides and see reasonable arguments both for and against and find that I am conflicted.
In "Radical," after a chapter that talks in depth about Western culture, the church, the physical and spiritual needs around the world, and finances Platt asks,
I finished "Radical" by David Platt a number of weeks ago, having received a free copy from a conference I attended (apparently it is a pretty popular book - I am a bit out of the loop...I kind of like it that way!). At a round table discussion the author was asked about "chapter 6," his chapter about money, and looking back would he have written it differently. I have to admit that I was expecting something...well...radical. I was surprised when I read it because it did not seem all that Radical to me. I appreciated much of what he had to say. (This, in fact, was my take on the book as a whole, I appreciated much of what he shared and found myself wondering why we might consider this so radical.)
More recently I have been reading the autobiography of George Mueller, who likewise has much to say about finances.
So the question...the one that I have been wresting with. What role should savings, retirement planning, RRSP's and the like play in the life of a disciple of Christ? This is a honest question and one with which I wrestle. I look at it from both sides and see reasonable arguments both for and against and find that I am conflicted.
In "Radical," after a chapter that talks in depth about Western culture, the church, the physical and spiritual needs around the world, and finances Platt asks,
How does all of this affect the way we approach investments, retirement accounts, or life insurance? How much is wise to save for potential future need when brothers and sisters around me (as well as people who haven't heard the gospel) are threatened by dire present need?
And so there is the question that I have been wrestling with. How does it affect it? How should we see them? Then as I was reading Mueller. He shared some thoughts (and if I may say so, thoughts that are even more "radical" than those of Platt) and again had me asking these questions? Mueller encourages the reader to store up treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, adding:
Often the careful amassing of earthly possessions ends in losing them to a moment of fire, robbery, or a change in the world markets. Furthermore, in a little while, we must all leave this earth, or the Lord Jesus will return. What use will earthly possessions be then?
How ironic that there is no real insurance for our insurance. Where Mueller really has me thinking however, is when he comes at it from a slightly different angle, one of faith and trust. In recounting a story of one who donated to his ministry Mueller states:
...he now sees that to devote this money to the work of God glorifies the name of Jesus more than to keep it in the savings bank for a time of sickness or old age. If such a time comes, the same Lord who has cared for him in health and strength will also care for him then.
What do our savings or retirement accounts say about our trust in God to make good on His promises? Are we making a comment about how we trust God's word about not needing to worry about what we might eat, drink and wear, but to seek first the kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to us? (Matthew 6:31-33) What do we make of Jesus words not to "worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Are we neglecting all that is around us today as we worry about tomorrow?
Although so far I have shared thoughts that seem to lean towards seeing retirement savings as unnecessary, I have not come to that conclusion. I still wrestle. Although there are a number of bible verses and thoughts that could be used to support an alternative conclusion, the one that I find myself thinking about is the story of Joseph in Egypt.
Having interpreted Pharaoh's dream to mean seven years of plenty, followed by seven years of famine, Joseph directs them to reserve a fifth of the produce of the land during the good years to be stored as reserve for the years of famine. The question then, is whether it is prudent and acceptable to God to use such an approach in our own personal finances. Knowing that life expectancies have increased and that many of us may live past our years of employment, is it wise to reserve some now to be used in our years of expected shortage? But then I ask questions such as, are these two scenarios really parallel? Was not the key point in the Joseph story to bring God glory in the end, and if yes, what would bring God greater glory in my life. Would RRSP's show God's provision and thus lead to praise, or would serving needs here and now, and trusting God for "our daily bread" each day in the future be more honouring? Again, I turn to the Mueller quote above that shows one mans conclusion. I still don't have a clear answer.
So there it is, my conflict. I truly don't have the answer, but the question keeps coming back to haunt me. I think especially as I look at my kids, think about their future, post secondary schooling, debt etc. the question becomes more pressing. It is one thing to consider messing with my own future, it is another matter all together to consider my kids.
Thoughts?...
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Update Tuesday - 26/7/11
This past week we were able to deliver a meal to the Ronald McDonald Room within McMaster Children's Hospital for those parents who are staying with their sick children. We made a great contact with the community service coordinator and again were able to learn about some more of the needs and ways to serve. We are looking forward to the opportunities to serve and for the ways that God may use this relationship that He began to form when we were among those being served when Liam was a patient almost three years ago.
Shortly after our visit to the hospital, we were headed north for a few days at the cottage. It was a great time away that provided time for rest and relaxation. I was able to get out in the canoe, do some reading (I had brought the auto-biography of George Mueller along with me), work on some songwriting with Kim, and do some painting; some of my favourite things. I was also able to visit with my grandparents and to pray for my grandmother who has had a number of falls lately, leaving her with a broken wrist and a number of gashes on her leg. On Sunday we were able to have a devotional time and bible study as we gathered under the trees behind the cottage. My cousin, his wife and their three children were visiting at my aunt and uncle's cottage next door and when it came time to meet, my youngest daughter (who did not want to miss a minute of time with her cousins) went over and asked if they would like to join us. I think that they may have been a bit nervous about what to expect and how they might fit in seeing as they don't regularly attend church. I think they soon realized that there was no need to be nervous! We had some song sheets and sang some hymns. We sang some kid friendly songs with actions, which all the kids picked up really quickly. We also had a number of New Testaments and so used our COIN bible study tool to go through a passage in Mark together. All in all it was a great time. Sometime later in the day a neighbour, and close friend of my parents, came by. She mentioned that she was sorry to have missed our service. She had been to the hospital with her husband who had received a contusion near a scar from a recent surgery. Other than a bruise he was fine, but having heard of the scare I did not even to stop to wonder about how it was that she had heard about our service. She later told my parents that a neighbour of hers (across the street and down the way from our cottage) had told her how much he enjoyed hearing "Jesus loves Me" and how long it had been since he had heard it last. I was amazed to think that he could have heard it that far down the road! Later the next day, as we passed the Brule sign once again, I could not help but think of the small "Brule" fellowship that had gathered the previous day.
This is the last update for July and I cannot figure out where the time has gone! August promises to be a busy month as I am speaking at a Christian family camp during the first week and later traveling to Alabama where we have been invited to share at a Global Impact Celebration. I also have a few gigs scheduled with my band so if you are in the Toronto area and want details let me know and I can pass on the info. Don't forget to check last week's Free Art Friday as well to see a video that we put together, it was a lot of fun!
We so appreciate all the support and prayer that we receive from supporters such as yourself. Thanks for reading, thinking about us, and most importantly for praying!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Free Art Friday - 22/7/11
Never did our Folk Rock band, with three songwriters, who play almost exclusively original music ever expect to release a video of a cover song, much less Alanna Myles' eighties hit "Black Velvet." What started with some prodding from coworkers to join a CBC television contest, led to flippant and facetious demo of the song by one of our members (who shall remain nameless). It seems like as soon as Steve picked up on the demo and added banjo into the mix we were in front of a camera on a hot summer night in Parkdale. Who's laughing now?
So here it is, Before the Flood's first video:
So here it is, Before the Flood's first video:
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Time for some Reading
I learned a valuable lesson recently, book your vacation time early! What we thought might be a slightly less busy summer as we spend time transitioning into our new city has become the exact opposite. Who could have guessed the number of opportunities to serve, to share, to host and to speak that would come up so soon in our new work. We just took a look at our schedules and realized that we didn't really have a vacation time scheduled. We found two days this week leading into this weekend and so quickly inked in a four day getaway to the cottage. The timing has worked out perfectly as just yesterday and order of books (that was made possible by a generous gift certificate to Amazon.com) arrived on the front porch. I am looking forward to spending some time reading over the next few days.
I have already started the first book which is the autobiography of George Mueller. This is one of those stories that I have heard about so often and yet not had the opportunity to read first hand. I am looking forward to learning of his experiences with the Lord, his faith and his dependence upon the Lord.
The second book is similar in subject, as it is the biography of a missionary. I picked up the biography of William Carey, "the father of modern missions," written by his great grandson S Pearce Carey. This particular biography came recommended by a number of different sources so I look forward to diving in.
Lastly, I picked up "God is Not One - The Eight Rival Religions that Run the World." This is a book written by Stephen Prothero, a professor of religion at Boston University and a New York Times bestselling author. I first heard about this author, and this book, on a CBC radio program called "Tapestry," which explores spiritual topics each week. Sometimes the stuff on the show is pretty out there, but every once in a while I will be in the car and catch the program and hear something that is intriguing, which is the case with this book. In a day and age of religious pluralism, it was surprising to hear someone on the radio arguing that all the world religions are NOT the same but, in fact, believe very different things at the core. As far as I understood the interview, the author goes on to argue that to pretend they are the same is actually ethically irresponsible, and that a lack of understanding of the differences can cause more violence and trouble rather than less. I am most interested in this book because it is written by someone who, as far as I know, is not Christian. At the least he is not a part of the evangelical world. It will be interesting to read argument from a different perspective. I am not expecting, of course, to hear that one religion is better than the rest, or rather that one is "truth" while the others are not. I am not expecting to be directly encouraged in my faith. It might prove, however, to be useful in addressing that one particular misconception, that all religions are essentially the same. To have a well reasoned explanation from someone who is not within the Christian world, but who is a neutral voice, might be helpful. At the very least I hope it is interesting.
Off to pack!
Don't forget to check back on Friday for "Free Art Friday" as there will be a really interesting piece that I am excited to share.
I have already started the first book which is the autobiography of George Mueller. This is one of those stories that I have heard about so often and yet not had the opportunity to read first hand. I am looking forward to learning of his experiences with the Lord, his faith and his dependence upon the Lord.
The second book is similar in subject, as it is the biography of a missionary. I picked up the biography of William Carey, "the father of modern missions," written by his great grandson S Pearce Carey. This particular biography came recommended by a number of different sources so I look forward to diving in.
Lastly, I picked up "God is Not One - The Eight Rival Religions that Run the World." This is a book written by Stephen Prothero, a professor of religion at Boston University and a New York Times bestselling author. I first heard about this author, and this book, on a CBC radio program called "Tapestry," which explores spiritual topics each week. Sometimes the stuff on the show is pretty out there, but every once in a while I will be in the car and catch the program and hear something that is intriguing, which is the case with this book. In a day and age of religious pluralism, it was surprising to hear someone on the radio arguing that all the world religions are NOT the same but, in fact, believe very different things at the core. As far as I understood the interview, the author goes on to argue that to pretend they are the same is actually ethically irresponsible, and that a lack of understanding of the differences can cause more violence and trouble rather than less. I am most interested in this book because it is written by someone who, as far as I know, is not Christian. At the least he is not a part of the evangelical world. It will be interesting to read argument from a different perspective. I am not expecting, of course, to hear that one religion is better than the rest, or rather that one is "truth" while the others are not. I am not expecting to be directly encouraged in my faith. It might prove, however, to be useful in addressing that one particular misconception, that all religions are essentially the same. To have a well reasoned explanation from someone who is not within the Christian world, but who is a neutral voice, might be helpful. At the very least I hope it is interesting.
Off to pack!
Don't forget to check back on Friday for "Free Art Friday" as there will be a really interesting piece that I am excited to share.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Update Tuesday - 19/7/11
If I were to summarize this past week in one word it would be "food." That is probably why it was such a great week. My oldest son was on a mission trip in Alberta. My oldest daughter got to spend three days on set of the television show "Murdoch Mysteries" looking after her eight-month cousin Milo as my brother and sister-in-law each had roles in the same episode. My two youngest kids spent the week in a Triple Threat (singing, acting and dancing) camp run through the Hamilton Conservatory of the Arts (and if I may take a proud father moment - they did an amazing job at the end of week performance!). This meant that Kim and I had most of our days child free and so used the time to explore the city and our neighbourhood a bit further...mostly through food! Pizza at the new NaRoma Pizza bar, Lunch at Earth to Table, subs at Murphy's subs and ice cream from the Scenic Paradise store atop the escarpment overlooking the city, were just a few of the highlights.
Lest you get the impression that I just ate all week (but really would that have been all that bad...Jesus spent a lot of time eating, go look for yourself! Maybe that is why I like Him so much...that and the salvation part as well) I should mention some of the other things going on.
On Friday, we welcomed Shelly and Kelly, our friends from North Carolina. We first meet them when they came to Milton with a mission trip from their church Biltmore Baptist, which is the home church of Jim and Joy Danielson, with whom we worked in Milton. Shelly and Kelly came on their own this time, investing some of their vacation time to come and visit and help out a bit. The girls spent a few days with the Danielsons in Milton before coming to spend the last four days with us here in the Hammer. They are actually on their way to the airport as we speak. It was a lot of fun to share about what we have been up to, and to show them around Hamilton (as well as to get them up to the cottage for a day in the middle of their time here). For us it was a great excuse to geek out and do some of the touristy things that you wouldn't ordinarily do around you own city. The mini train ride around the harbour was actually a great opportunity to help us get to know some of the sights and places around town that we were not sure how to get to! We, of course continued the food theme through their visit as we allowed them to experience sausages from Beach Rd. Meats (apparently the Pope loves these sausages. Judging by the sepia tones of the news article on the wall it was the last Pope. I may not agree that what the pope says is infallible and on par with scripture, but his taste in sausage is bang on!) and poutine from Chuck's Burger Bar (an order of original Quebecois poutine with fresh Quebecois cheese curds and, for our southern guests, pulled pork poutine!) Our last night together we spent having ice cream at the Scenic Paradise store that Kim and I had discovered earlier in the week. We each had a Hewitt's Dairy ice cream cone that we ate at the lookout atop the escarpment overlooking the city. This has become one of my favourite places to go and pray over the city, our neigbourhood standing in the foreground of a view of the entire lower city. There is also a set of stairs up the escarpment where there are always tonnes of people climbing the stairs as a part of their workout. The kids convinced Shelly and Kelly to go down with them while Kim and I wisely stayed at the top. We ate our ice cream at the top of the stairs as and endless stream of people, huffing and puffing, limped by reaching for their water bottles. Kim leaned over and said, "I kind of feel bad standing here with a cone," but I noticed she didn't put the cone down. I guess she didn't fee that bad. Soon enough the boys made their way to the top, having run all the way to the bottom and back - 289 stairs each way. Following, not so closely behind, were all the girls arriving at the top with a sort of laboured smile that only thinly veiled the pain in their legs and lungs. We finished the evening in our living room with an informal and impromptu time of worship and prayer for the family, our work, and the city. We did it sitting down.
Yesterday morning we also had the privilege of welcoming a mission team of about 33 people from Stewarstville Baptist in North Carolina. They are here for a week serving in Milton but came down to spend the morning with us in Hamilton. Part of the group stayed at the house and helped Kim prepare meals that we will be able to take to the Ronald McDonald Room at MacKids. As I mentioned last week, we learned that since the Ronald McDonald House serving the children's hospital has been closed for renovations and expansions, the room within the hospital has not been getting meals. During our stay at the hospital with Liam we were so blessed by the room and the services it provides we really see this as an outreach opportunity that God put in our path and allowed us to experience. With the help of the mission team, we were able to make a number of meals that we will take over in the coming weeks.
The rest of the team broke up and headed out into the community to do some prayer walking. With such a large team we were able to cover most of the streets in our target area. We met some neighbours, had some good conversations and, most importantly, invest time and energy in prayer in these early and formative times for our new work.
My favourite time with the team was lunch (that food theme again!). Stewartsville has been a part of our prayer initiative and have bee praying for a street called Chatham St. It was not until earlier last week, when my wife and I went to Murphy's Subs, that I realized that this shop was on the corner of Dundurn and Chatham. With this in mind, I asked if the group would be willing to be flexible with their plans and to make a group order from the shop that was on their adopted street, and they graciously agreed. Murphy's Subs has been in the community for over 40 years, run by Murphy (his last name by which everyone calls him) and his wife. Everyone knows Murphy and he knows everyone. In fact, Mark, who renovated our house, told my wife that while he was growing up Murphy was like a second father to him. I wanted to give them a heads up about the order but the store was closed so Mark gave me Murph's home number and I called him there and placed the order! About a month ago, Murphy's store was held up in broad daylight, his wife was assaulted and he was beaten unconscious and put into intensive care. It has been amazing to see the community rally around him and show support. It was a great opportunity to be able to join in that support. A group from the mission team came with me as we went to pick up the order and they were able to meet Murphy and his family, to greet them, thank them and encourage them. It was a great opportunity for us to begin a relationship with this person who is at the heart of the community.
If you would like to read about the story you can do so at the links below:
The Robbery
Murph Back at Work
After speaking with Murphy, he let me know that he still gets really bad headaches and I also read that he was going to have to undergo some more tests. Please pray for Murphy.
I would be remiss if did not end off this update with a story of praise from Sunday morning. On Sunday morning my good friends Liz and Grant dedicated their daughter Charlotte Grace. Having been a part of the same small group for a number of years, and having walked with them through some very hard times, we just knew that we had to be there on that day of the celebration. God has done an amazing work in their lives and in the life of their precious daughter. It was a very special time. But there is even more that God can be praised for. This was our first time back to Milton since our official roles ended back in June. Only a few weeks later and I was able to see people stepping up into new roles and even see some new faces! We were treated to an amazing service with a powerful drama led by the visiting mission team and if all that were not enough, the church was heading our from the service to meet at a members home to celebrate a baptism. God is doing an amazing work in and through our family in Milton!
Well that's it for now. We thank you for your continued prayers and support. If there are things that we can be praying for for you, please don't hesitate to leave a comment here of drop me a line at
jason@jasonmcgibbonproject.com
Lest you get the impression that I just ate all week (but really would that have been all that bad...Jesus spent a lot of time eating, go look for yourself! Maybe that is why I like Him so much...that and the salvation part as well) I should mention some of the other things going on.
On Friday, we welcomed Shelly and Kelly, our friends from North Carolina. We first meet them when they came to Milton with a mission trip from their church Biltmore Baptist, which is the home church of Jim and Joy Danielson, with whom we worked in Milton. Shelly and Kelly came on their own this time, investing some of their vacation time to come and visit and help out a bit. The girls spent a few days with the Danielsons in Milton before coming to spend the last four days with us here in the Hammer. They are actually on their way to the airport as we speak. It was a lot of fun to share about what we have been up to, and to show them around Hamilton (as well as to get them up to the cottage for a day in the middle of their time here). For us it was a great excuse to geek out and do some of the touristy things that you wouldn't ordinarily do around you own city. The mini train ride around the harbour was actually a great opportunity to help us get to know some of the sights and places around town that we were not sure how to get to! We, of course continued the food theme through their visit as we allowed them to experience sausages from Beach Rd. Meats (apparently the Pope loves these sausages. Judging by the sepia tones of the news article on the wall it was the last Pope. I may not agree that what the pope says is infallible and on par with scripture, but his taste in sausage is bang on!) and poutine from Chuck's Burger Bar (an order of original Quebecois poutine with fresh Quebecois cheese curds and, for our southern guests, pulled pork poutine!) Our last night together we spent having ice cream at the Scenic Paradise store that Kim and I had discovered earlier in the week. We each had a Hewitt's Dairy ice cream cone that we ate at the lookout atop the escarpment overlooking the city. This has become one of my favourite places to go and pray over the city, our neigbourhood standing in the foreground of a view of the entire lower city. There is also a set of stairs up the escarpment where there are always tonnes of people climbing the stairs as a part of their workout. The kids convinced Shelly and Kelly to go down with them while Kim and I wisely stayed at the top. We ate our ice cream at the top of the stairs as and endless stream of people, huffing and puffing, limped by reaching for their water bottles. Kim leaned over and said, "I kind of feel bad standing here with a cone," but I noticed she didn't put the cone down. I guess she didn't fee that bad. Soon enough the boys made their way to the top, having run all the way to the bottom and back - 289 stairs each way. Following, not so closely behind, were all the girls arriving at the top with a sort of laboured smile that only thinly veiled the pain in their legs and lungs. We finished the evening in our living room with an informal and impromptu time of worship and prayer for the family, our work, and the city. We did it sitting down.
Yesterday morning we also had the privilege of welcoming a mission team of about 33 people from Stewarstville Baptist in North Carolina. They are here for a week serving in Milton but came down to spend the morning with us in Hamilton. Part of the group stayed at the house and helped Kim prepare meals that we will be able to take to the Ronald McDonald Room at MacKids. As I mentioned last week, we learned that since the Ronald McDonald House serving the children's hospital has been closed for renovations and expansions, the room within the hospital has not been getting meals. During our stay at the hospital with Liam we were so blessed by the room and the services it provides we really see this as an outreach opportunity that God put in our path and allowed us to experience. With the help of the mission team, we were able to make a number of meals that we will take over in the coming weeks.
The rest of the team broke up and headed out into the community to do some prayer walking. With such a large team we were able to cover most of the streets in our target area. We met some neighbours, had some good conversations and, most importantly, invest time and energy in prayer in these early and formative times for our new work.
My favourite time with the team was lunch (that food theme again!). Stewartsville has been a part of our prayer initiative and have bee praying for a street called Chatham St. It was not until earlier last week, when my wife and I went to Murphy's Subs, that I realized that this shop was on the corner of Dundurn and Chatham. With this in mind, I asked if the group would be willing to be flexible with their plans and to make a group order from the shop that was on their adopted street, and they graciously agreed. Murphy's Subs has been in the community for over 40 years, run by Murphy (his last name by which everyone calls him) and his wife. Everyone knows Murphy and he knows everyone. In fact, Mark, who renovated our house, told my wife that while he was growing up Murphy was like a second father to him. I wanted to give them a heads up about the order but the store was closed so Mark gave me Murph's home number and I called him there and placed the order! About a month ago, Murphy's store was held up in broad daylight, his wife was assaulted and he was beaten unconscious and put into intensive care. It has been amazing to see the community rally around him and show support. It was a great opportunity to be able to join in that support. A group from the mission team came with me as we went to pick up the order and they were able to meet Murphy and his family, to greet them, thank them and encourage them. It was a great opportunity for us to begin a relationship with this person who is at the heart of the community.
If you would like to read about the story you can do so at the links below:
The Robbery
Murph Back at Work
After speaking with Murphy, he let me know that he still gets really bad headaches and I also read that he was going to have to undergo some more tests. Please pray for Murphy.
I would be remiss if did not end off this update with a story of praise from Sunday morning. On Sunday morning my good friends Liz and Grant dedicated their daughter Charlotte Grace. Having been a part of the same small group for a number of years, and having walked with them through some very hard times, we just knew that we had to be there on that day of the celebration. God has done an amazing work in their lives and in the life of their precious daughter. It was a very special time. But there is even more that God can be praised for. This was our first time back to Milton since our official roles ended back in June. Only a few weeks later and I was able to see people stepping up into new roles and even see some new faces! We were treated to an amazing service with a powerful drama led by the visiting mission team and if all that were not enough, the church was heading our from the service to meet at a members home to celebrate a baptism. God is doing an amazing work in and through our family in Milton!
Well that's it for now. We thank you for your continued prayers and support. If there are things that we can be praying for for you, please don't hesitate to leave a comment here of drop me a line at
jason@jasonmcgibbonproject.com
Friday, July 15, 2011
Free Art Friday
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Update Tuesday 12/7/11
This past Sunday was the first Sunday that I can remember where I was at home (as opposed to on vacation or traveling) without a church to be at. I must admit it felt weird. I had a late show the night before and so I slept in a bit, past the time I would usually get up to make it for an 8:30am trailer unload. I did not mind missing that part so much. But soon after waking up I realized that there was a certain purposelessness to the day that was setting in. We decided that we would do a small service here at home for ourselves later in the afternoon and spend the morning touring the area and getting to know a bit more of the city. I have had the thought that the easiest way to find and connect with unchurched people is to be out in the community during the hours that most churches have their services. Chances are, if they are out and about on a Sunday morning they are not church goers. So we headed out to explore a bit, fully intending to see lots of people who were not in church. It was no surprise, therefore, when we saw lots of people. What did surprise me was the heaviness that I felt seeing so many out in the community with no thought of Jesus on their minds or in their hearts. It affected me more deeply then I would have expected.
Last Tuesday, we had the privilege of showing some great people from Hertford Baptist Church around the city. We started with a brief driving tour heading out to the east end and making our way back through the city towards our neighbourhood in the west. We were able to see some of the diversity and some of the more obvious physical needs in the city as we talked about the future opportunities for our new faith community. We also managed to make a stop at the original Tim Horton's over on Ottawa Street.
My favourite part however, was being able to take the group over to Stanley Street and show them the street that they have been praying for these past few months. It was exciting for me to see how interested they were to see it and to get over and prayer walk the street. Some of the group helped Kim with some baking to take over the the Ronald McDonald room that is in MacKids (the children's hospital that my son, Liam was treated at). It is a great room that provides a bit of an oasis for those parents staying with sick children. I know we used it a lot when we were there and so appreciate any opportunity to give back. While delivering the baked good we found out that while the Ronald McDonald House is under renovations the room is in need of meals for parents. This was a great piece of information for us and a need that we hope to be able to address as a part of our outreach. All in all it was an encouraging day as we were reminded that there are people praying along side of us with a genuine interest, who would make the trip all the way from North Carolina to spend time baking and praying for a single street.
On another note, in speaking about Hamilton, especially in light of having come from Milton where growth and ethnic diversity are so much the story, I have gotten used to saying that Hamilton does have ethnic diversity but that the greatest diversity is socio-economic diversity. Although this is true, I have been reminded this past week not to underestimate the ethnic diversity. This is a link to a story in our local newspaper about a school that is just a few neighbourhoods over from my own.
The Spec
This morning I was reading the story of Zacheus from Luke 19. This is another great example of Jesus spending time with and impacting the life of someone whom most of the "religious" people thought was unworthy, complaining that Jesus would go to the home of such a sinner as this tax collector. I was once again struck by the phrase "the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10). Please continue to join us in prayer that we might be living out this verse and that God might use us for this purpose. Pray that we would be among the lost and that God would lead us to those whom He has chosen for us to begin discipleship. Please also continue to pray for our family as we face the inevitable spiritual push back that comes with this endeavor.
Last Tuesday, we had the privilege of showing some great people from Hertford Baptist Church around the city. We started with a brief driving tour heading out to the east end and making our way back through the city towards our neighbourhood in the west. We were able to see some of the diversity and some of the more obvious physical needs in the city as we talked about the future opportunities for our new faith community. We also managed to make a stop at the original Tim Horton's over on Ottawa Street.
My favourite part however, was being able to take the group over to Stanley Street and show them the street that they have been praying for these past few months. It was exciting for me to see how interested they were to see it and to get over and prayer walk the street. Some of the group helped Kim with some baking to take over the the Ronald McDonald room that is in MacKids (the children's hospital that my son, Liam was treated at). It is a great room that provides a bit of an oasis for those parents staying with sick children. I know we used it a lot when we were there and so appreciate any opportunity to give back. While delivering the baked good we found out that while the Ronald McDonald House is under renovations the room is in need of meals for parents. This was a great piece of information for us and a need that we hope to be able to address as a part of our outreach. All in all it was an encouraging day as we were reminded that there are people praying along side of us with a genuine interest, who would make the trip all the way from North Carolina to spend time baking and praying for a single street.
On another note, in speaking about Hamilton, especially in light of having come from Milton where growth and ethnic diversity are so much the story, I have gotten used to saying that Hamilton does have ethnic diversity but that the greatest diversity is socio-economic diversity. Although this is true, I have been reminded this past week not to underestimate the ethnic diversity. This is a link to a story in our local newspaper about a school that is just a few neighbourhoods over from my own.
The Spec
This morning I was reading the story of Zacheus from Luke 19. This is another great example of Jesus spending time with and impacting the life of someone whom most of the "religious" people thought was unworthy, complaining that Jesus would go to the home of such a sinner as this tax collector. I was once again struck by the phrase "the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10). Please continue to join us in prayer that we might be living out this verse and that God might use us for this purpose. Pray that we would be among the lost and that God would lead us to those whom He has chosen for us to begin discipleship. Please also continue to pray for our family as we face the inevitable spiritual push back that comes with this endeavor.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Free Art Friday - 8/7/11
I realize that I missed posting last Friday, but it was Canada Day and we celebrated by heading to the cottage for a couple of days. The time away, however, did give me an opportunity to do some painting. Here is what I came up with. It combines some of my favourite things: my cottage, my canoe and painting.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Update Tuesday - 05/07/11
After a really busy weekend two weekends ago, things slowed down just a bit by the time this past weekend arrived. On Thursday we said goodbye to our oldest son Daniel as he headed out for his first mission trip. He went with his Grandparents to Calgary where they will visit with a close family friend and then head into Calgary for our denomination's annual convention. After the convention winds up they will be heading north to Worsley, Alberta where they will be doing some repair work on a church as well as a number of other projects.
As Daniel headed off to Alberta the rest of us headed north for the Canada Day (July 1st) long weekend. It was a great chance to rest a bit and to recharge the batteries. Seeing as Sunday was our first Sunday that we were not going to be at Milton it was a bit easier to be away. We did, however, hold church around the campfire on Sunday evening. We had a great time singing and we were joined by guitar, mandolin, drums and various percussion instruments that my uncle brought out for the kids. The interesting thing about my cottage is that there is a lot of family around as my parents, two sets of aunts and uncles and my grandparents all have cottages beside each other. Most of my family, however, is unchurched. It was interesting to be playing and singing hymns with them and even having my grandfather request "The Old Rugged Cross." My dad actually found it in a book that he had (yes I know, I should know it...but what can I say) and so we were able to play it for him. I don't know if his hearing aids were turned up enough to hear it all, but it was the thought that counts! We followed up the music with a simple Bible study in which we began the book of Mark. All in all, it was a bit chaotic but a whole lot of fun. Thinking about sitting around a fire, singing hymns and reading scripture with a group who are, with the exception of my parents, disengaged from church, gives me pause to think about the possibilities of an ongoing summer bible study there. I would appreciate prayer as we think through what this could look like and how we might be a help to establish something. Could it be out first summer mission?
We are back to the Hammer now where we are preparing for a visit from our first Mission Team. a group from a prayer partner church in Hertford NC, are actually here for the week serving primarily in Milton with the folks from our sending church, the Sanctuary. Tomorrow, however, they are going to be spending the day with us. They have been praying for a specific street here in our neighbouhood and so this will be an opportunity to see and prayer walk on the street, as well as do some prayer walking in the rest of the neighbourhood as well. I am excited to have them visit the city, to show them a bit of what Hamilton is like, help them to see the need for their prayer support and to have them pray through the streets in these early days of our ministry as we begin to lay a foundation for what is to come.
We would also like to thank you and encourage you in your continued prayer for our ministry. We are excited about all the opportunities that we have had to meet people in our neighbourhood and we look forward to seeing what God has planned. Please keep praying.
As Daniel headed off to Alberta the rest of us headed north for the Canada Day (July 1st) long weekend. It was a great chance to rest a bit and to recharge the batteries. Seeing as Sunday was our first Sunday that we were not going to be at Milton it was a bit easier to be away. We did, however, hold church around the campfire on Sunday evening. We had a great time singing and we were joined by guitar, mandolin, drums and various percussion instruments that my uncle brought out for the kids. The interesting thing about my cottage is that there is a lot of family around as my parents, two sets of aunts and uncles and my grandparents all have cottages beside each other. Most of my family, however, is unchurched. It was interesting to be playing and singing hymns with them and even having my grandfather request "The Old Rugged Cross." My dad actually found it in a book that he had (yes I know, I should know it...but what can I say) and so we were able to play it for him. I don't know if his hearing aids were turned up enough to hear it all, but it was the thought that counts! We followed up the music with a simple Bible study in which we began the book of Mark. All in all, it was a bit chaotic but a whole lot of fun. Thinking about sitting around a fire, singing hymns and reading scripture with a group who are, with the exception of my parents, disengaged from church, gives me pause to think about the possibilities of an ongoing summer bible study there. I would appreciate prayer as we think through what this could look like and how we might be a help to establish something. Could it be out first summer mission?
We are back to the Hammer now where we are preparing for a visit from our first Mission Team. a group from a prayer partner church in Hertford NC, are actually here for the week serving primarily in Milton with the folks from our sending church, the Sanctuary. Tomorrow, however, they are going to be spending the day with us. They have been praying for a specific street here in our neighbouhood and so this will be an opportunity to see and prayer walk on the street, as well as do some prayer walking in the rest of the neighbourhood as well. I am excited to have them visit the city, to show them a bit of what Hamilton is like, help them to see the need for their prayer support and to have them pray through the streets in these early days of our ministry as we begin to lay a foundation for what is to come.
We would also like to thank you and encourage you in your continued prayer for our ministry. We are excited about all the opportunities that we have had to meet people in our neighbourhood and we look forward to seeing what God has planned. Please keep praying.
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