Mission Musings

Book Review: Singles at the Crossroads

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 01:04:00 +0000

Singles at the Crossroads, A Fresh Perspective on Christian Singleness,
by Albert Y. Hsu

One day on my Facebook newsfeed, I read the words,

Rebecca thinks everyone (including all those "marrieds") should read "Singles at the Crossroads.

I fell for it!

I was frustrated by the first half of the book as it connected Scripture passages that aren't necessarily connected and used The Message to prove theology.

Hsu wants singles to feel "normal" and not special in any way. He equates singleness AND marriage, when it is obvious in the Bible that singleness is a gift of a better way.

The problems of singles and marrieds are the problems of human nature: temptation, loneliness, worldliness, selfishness.

Truth be told, Paul said he wished everyone could be single, but agreed that it would be better to marry that special someone than to fornicate. And the apostle DID say that singleness is a gift. Hsu complicated this concept, and I'm not sure why!

Just because you are single, doesn't mean you have the gift. The Bible presumes the most common state is going to be married, but is up front about a special group of singles that are eunuchs for the Kingdom.

This book carries a victim mentality, and is obviously written to placate singles who are unhappy and wishing they were married, assuming this will solve their issues of loneliness, isolation, lack of deeper companionship and personal significance.

The second half of the book picks up and, while it dwells far too much on what mainstream media is promoting, it does have some good advice for those who are struggling in their singlehood:

1. Serve God.
2. Get involved in a church!
3. Stop focussing on dating and romance.
4. Fight loneliness with friendships.
5. Slow down and learn to be alone with the Saviour.

Media Release: Harbour House Grand Opening & BBQ - TOMORROW!

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:43:00 +0000

MEDIA ADVISORY FOR Tuesday, August 19th, 2008, 11:00 am

SOULS HARBOUR RESCUE MISSION, in partnership with MELROSE PLACE NORTH and the AFFINTY CREDIT UNION, to host the OFFICIAL GRAND OPENING OF HARBOUR HOUSE!
********
Come join us in a Celebration Barbeque, for the opening and dedication of this 30 suite affordable housing initiative!
********

WHAT: This is the official opening of Harbour House: a low-income 30 suite apartment building complex. The morning’s agenda will include a variety of guest dignitaries, a ribbon cutting ceremony, and a fellowship barbeque to follow at noon.

WHO: This event is open to all media, Harbour House residents, all project relevant trades people, and the public in general.

WHEN: Tuesday, August 19th,2008 – 11:00 am
(Media can arrive at 10:00 am for a private Harbour House tour, and early interviews)

WHERE: 1610 Angus Street, Regina, Saskatchewan –
(If raining, location to be moved to Good News Chapel at 1380 Elphinstone St.

WHY: “Harbour House” is the end product of a collective vision, through the partnering of various levels of government, individuals, groups and organization, to address the need for affordable housing here in the City of Regina. We will also be announcing our Affinity Endowment Fund, a joint initiative to provide educational assistance to the residents of Harbour House.

PHOTO/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

• 10:00 am – Harbour House is open to media only(suites available for viewing as well.) Current residents can talk about what having a place of their own means to them.
• Honourable Donna Harpauer, Minister of Social Services
• Chris Lygouriatas of Melrose Place North (catering and preparation of the BBQ)
• Affinity Credit Union personal including the following: Kevin Haas, Manager of the Scarth St Branch and Barb Rasmussen, Manager of the Hill Ave and Rochdale Branches
• Rev Ken & Michelle Porter, Founding Directors of Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission can talk about the continuum of care Souls Harbour provides to Regina’s less fortunate.

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission is in its 18th year of operation, and is an amalgamation of Souls Harbour Soup Kitchen, and Regina RESCUE Mission’s Recovery Programs. We now offer a full continuum of care in our 6 facilities, providing food, clothing and shelter, life changing programs and the Gospel Message to those in need.

#######

From Rory Allen's Website

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:11:00 +0000

July 25th (Friday) – Rory Allen will be joining many other talented Canadian Performing Artists for the 2nd Annual Fix-Beug Souls Harbour Rescue Mission Fundraiser. This event was a huge success last year and sure to be sold out again. To be held at the residence of Sandy Beug and Karl Fix in Regina, SK, the goal is to top the $15,000 raised last year to benefit Souls Harbour Rescue Mission in Regina.

Most of last year’s entertainers will again donate their services for this community event. As well, there will be a few new additions - here is what the lineup is looking like so far:

Host - CTV's Corner Gas star Lorne Cardinal, Regina’s Juno award winning vocalist/guitarist Jack Semple and family, country recording star Sheila Deck, Russian born violinist and Regina Symphony concert master Eduard Minevich , Regina vocalist, songwriter and guitar player Sam Minevich, Regina vocalist and guitar sensation Dan Silljer, Saskatchewan cowboy poets Ken and Slim Mitchell, renowned Cuban pianist Liana Fernandez, Toronto singer/songwriter Cheri Maracle (who was a finalist in the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards), Vancouver singer/songwriter James Thomas, Regina vocalist Lisa Welder, Regina vocalist Mason Beug, Moose jaw vocalist Gary Gould, and Regina's legendary musicians Don Young, Bruce Conley, Arnie Davis, Gary Dunitz and Keith Bomphray, and, of course, Rory Allen! Together they form an all-star cast, performing from a wide range of musical genres.

Ticket price is $75/person. This admission fee includes entertainment, along with all your food and drink. The event runs from 6:00pm to 11:00pm.

All cheques should be made payable to “Souls Harbour Rescue Mission” (you will be issued a tax receipt by them.)

There will only be 250 tickets printed - put in your request by mailing your cheque, made payable “Souls Harbour Rescue Mission”, to: East End Dental, 2069 Park Street, Regina, Sask., S4N-6S2. Please ensure that you have included a mailing address so tickets, and later, receipts, can be sent.

Click here to see pictures from last year’s event.

Second Annual Chili Night

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:13:00 +0000

Chili dinner a fundraiser for Regina's Souls Harbour
Regina Leader-Post
Braden Husdal

REGINA -- A meal of chili and rice isn't often associated with private parties and a night of high-quality entertainment.

That thought might soon change though, thanks to the second installment of the Souls Harbour Rescue Mission fundraiser, hosted by Karl Fix and his wife Sandra Beug in their Regina home.

The fundraiser is a $75 per ticket evening with 100 per cent of the proceeds going towards the Souls Harbour Rescue Mission. According to Fix, the night has been sold out for months already thanks in part to the success of the 2007 event, which helped raise $15,000.

"We call it a chili night and we feel it's more appropriate because a lot of times people go out and there's fine dining and all that, but for the people at Souls Harbour, chili is a good meal," said Fix, the marketing force behind the event. "As much as the night is a fundraiser where people can have fun, we also want it to raise awareness for the organization."

Besides the dinner, guests at the fundraiser are being treated to an evening of musical entertainment which is scheduled to begin around 5:30 and finish up at midnight. The musical guests are from a wide variety of genres that include Regina Juno Award winner Jack Semple, acclaimed vocalist Rory Allen, country star Sheila Deck and Regina Symphony Orchestra concert master Eduard Minevich.

Fix and Beug have received a permit from the City of Regina to construct a stage in the park behind their house, allowing guests to enjoy the entertainment while in the spacious backyard or from the balconies of the residence.

Fix said that more than 250 tickets have been sold to Friday evening's fundraiser and he has already had to turn down approximately 80 requests for additional tickets. The total amount of people at the event will be around 350 because musicians' families as well as the families of those preparing the meal will get in for free.

"Next year we're looking to scale back the number of tickets and raise the price to about $150," said Fix. "As much as it's a great thing to have this many people out, we're kind of worried that it might have an effect on our house."

Besides the money raised for the Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, a truck will be parked outside for guests to drop off donations of foods or practical goods. Since Souls Harbour and the Regina Rescue Mission combined their services, a need for many household items has arisen.

"We compiled a list of items needed and Karl sent it out along with the tickets," said Michelle Porter, the executive director of the Souls Harbour Rescue Mission. "Some people are surprised to learn that we're now more than a soup kitchen and that awareness is another reason why the event is so important."

The volunteers preparing and serving the chili for Friday evening are from Beug's workplace, Eastend Dental. She and her employees are taking the day off to prepare so that the evening goes ahead without a hitch.

"This whole fundraiser was my wife's idea from the start and I'm just doing the best I can to help her out," said Fix. "She wants to help people and this fundraiser is a good way to do that."

Humility

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:44:00 +0000

We've been discussing attitude on the Joy Club. That's our missionary staff e-list. It's pretty tough to have a good attitude when you haven't humbled yourself, removing your pride, setting aside assumptions, and putting on a sweater of love. You know, that warm feeling of aloha. (Yes, still wishing I were back there!)

Imagine if I come to you, and tell you there's a small scab on your face that needs to be picked off. But as I approach, you hear me saying the words, but you can't believe it. My face is oozing with puss and cuts; I'm a bloody mess and it looks like I haven't tended to my wounds in days. But here I am telling you to clean up the little dried up scab on your cheek. You can barely even understand what I'm saying because this hideous deformation is so distracting.

You know, as horrid as it sounds, that is the example Christ was setting for us when he told us not to judge each other beyond what we are willing to first change about ourselves. He said to take the beam that is sticking out of our eye OUT before complaining about the sliver in someone elses' eye.

How do we do this? By humbling ourselves. By admitting that we are not perfect, and by checking that our motives are right when we approach one another about a flaw. It's about loving the other person closer to Jesus.

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. -Romans 12:3

Go Riders! Go Geri!

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:15:00 +0000

SUGGESTION:
Pay tribute to Geri the
founder. Picture?
Brief History
She was so Great -
along with God they were Real

PS. I felt this could have
been a Rider dinner --
not so much
emphasis
on them!

We had a note put into the offering basket at our annual Love Your Neighbour Fund Raising Banquet in May. It was a wonderful time, with full sponsorship and great attendance! I'm sad that Miss Mystery did not see how we acknowledged Geri during the event, and in case others feel we are dishonouring her wonderful heritage, I wanted to share a bit of my heart about Geri.

I didn't know Geri very well, but the one thing I knew was that she heard the voice of God, and obeyed. Starting from it's humble beginnings in 1990 with a prayer, a pot of coffee, and a few wooden milk crates for chairs, she established this ministry as the main source of help for the hungry in Regina.

I am honoured to follow in her footsteps, and to take over her leadership since she went to be with the Lord. I often think what a big responsibility it is to fill her shoes. Geri overcame so many personal obstacles in her life and yet gave all she had to Jesus.

I remember each time I would see her in her office, she offered to pray with me. She asked how I was and how the ministry of the Regina RESCUE Mission was doing. Geri truly was a servant and I am thankful our two works have combined to become the Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission. And how wonderful to have her son, Donovan, be a central part of her legacy by serving as our Chief Operating Officer and my partner in leading this Mission.

So, yes, Geri was a very real person. And we continue her legacy by feeding over 100,000 each year at the Geri Carroll Hope Centre. If you are ever interested in helping us give food and hope to the poor, please contact Aaron, our Emergency Services Manager, who served under Geri's leadership.

Be Wary of Spiritual Disciplines

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 20:27:00 +0000

Today Ken preached from the book of Matthew, focussing on spiritual disciplines of reading the Bible, fasting, and prayer, and the fact that we are promised rewards for doing this. He encouraged us to join the "Chapter a Day" club, because even reading one small chapter a day from the Bible will have huge payoffs in our lives.

One thing that caught my attention is how Ken focussed in on three main disciplines. As we walked in the park later today, he suggested that our temptation to add disciplines in our lives is similar to buying the latest gadgets and machines to exercise. Perhaps you've heard that Richard Foster's books on discipline have been surrounded by controversy?

My concern with Foster is that he promotes as disciplines, things which may or may not be good ideas, but are man's ideas, not God's. Take journalling, for instance. I personally have had a journal for years. However, it is a form of praying, and is not in and of itself one of the disciplines Jesus exhorted us to practise. Foster has some other good ideas, including simplicity and solitude. But, while these are examples Christ set for us, they are not commands Christ called us to.

Jesus said, "This is how you should pray." He said, "When you fast." He never once said, "Live in simplicity."

I know that Jesus wants us to read our Bible and pray every day, and to fast in order to loose the hold the flesh has upon us, and to give more power to our prayer life.

It is important to us at the Good News Chapel to maintain a purely Biblical perspective on our worship and fellowship. Man made ideas, while good and helpful, often lead to rifts and traditions which do not belong in His House.

Holiday Breathers

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:31:00 +0000

Having just taken a month in Hawai'i, and being regular "let's take our entire three weeks to one month vacation at once" people, Ken and I can relate to The Frank Group e-newsletter article this month. John Frank is a very good friend of mine who gave us excellent consultation last year when Regina RESCUE Mission and Souls Harbour united as Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission. He also recommends Richard Swenson, who has been a real fan favourite at the Mission. Here is his article... hopefully he won't mind being our guest blogger today!

Taking a breather in July? You should. From all of my reading through the years I have found that most successful leaders and executives know how to recharge their batteries. I have read where people who are workaholics find they are much more effective upon their return to work when they take a vacation.

Dr. Richard Swenson writes in his book, Margins, we do not allow enough "margin" between our lives of work, family, personal, relationships, volunteering, and whatever. We run from one thing to the next.

I know we are all different and relax and recharge in different ways. Here are a couple of things I learned about myself and how I used a vacation.

The first was when I worked for a ministry in development, the kids were young and I had two weeks vacation. I found my mind took awhile to slow down. If I only took a one-week vacation I was slowing down by Wednesday, only to begin planning on Thursday for the Monday back from vacation! Can you relate to that?

Then we began taking two weeks at one time. We did a variety of things from visiting the beach, relatives, and sometimes staying home and doing projects. But when Wednesday of the first week was there, I was slowing down. From Wednesday to Wednesday something amazing happened - I was RECHARGING my batteries. When the second Thursday was here I was looking at next Monday, but I was restored.

If you are committed to your ministry of development you are always planning, thinking, and looking ahead. That is why you are good. You take every component of your development department seriously. The fall is only a short time away and everything must be ready.

So get yourself ready by taking a good vacation. Here are a few suggestions to recharge as you plan your vacation.

1. Physical rest - Studies show that sleep is still one of the ways for the body to heal and strengthen itself. Your immune system needs sleep to stay strong. Sleep in one day. Remember, naps are a special gift from God! Stewardship of your body is a key responsibility.

2. Mental rest - Remember that pile of books you set aside to read "when you had time"? Pick one out and start reading. I suggest you start with a fun book and not a business or professional book. You can read them on your vacation, just not the first book. If you start with a professional book first your mind may not slow down and you will go into "application thinking". No way your mind will get rest then. Read a fun book and lighten up your mind. (I highly recommend John Adams - a great book!)

3. Spiritual rest - This is a tough one because it varies with everyone. You may want a mountain top retreat or something special. But it may also just be visiting another church with a great teaching pastor. Or attend your kid's youth service, or skip church and have a family service. (OK, my boomer side is showing) Grab a devotional and try to read it everyday on your vacation. Revisit your prayer journal. (I do not know about you, but some of my spiritual disciplines have not been consistent through the years. A vacation is a good time to revisit them.)

4. Social rest - What? OK, this may just be me. But after meeting and working with so many people, I need a break from people! So on my vacations I only want to be with my family. Maybe you are the opposite and you need to visit some people you do not get to be with during the busy year. Have a BBQ at your house. Go to a movie with friends. Or if you are like me, be with your family only during the first week. (When my social skills have partially returned, my wife lets me be with other people during the second week of vacation.)

Those are just some of my ideas and experiences. Remember, development is a consuming professional. We are NEVER done. While this is exciting and challenging and never boring, it can also wear us down, wear us out, and burn us out. Then we are no good to family, friends, or our ministry.

Taking good care of you is NOT being selfish. It is being a wise steward. A steward who understands that each of us has different life and health issues must steward their bodies and minds with wisdom. I had cancer in my spine when I was 30. I was just diagnosed with diabetes in March at age 52. I have to watch my limits on things like eating and exercise. (One I am supposed to do less and the other more. I keep getting them mixed up!) You know your body and your health. Be wise and learn more about it. Signing up for the WebMD eNewsletter on certain topics is very informative.

I pray you get some great vacations, breaks, recharging, and restoration this summer. Your ministries and donors will be there when you get back. Make an investment in yourself this summer, and then witness the great ROI from that investment during the busy fall.

Blessings,
John

John R. Frank, MA, CFRE
President
The Frank Group

Current Wish List

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:26:00 +0000

Janitorial Supplies:
dishsoap, gloves (all sizes including disposable), mops and buckets, brooms & dustpans, laundry soap, bleach, toilet brushes, plungers, large and yard garbage bags

Non-Perishable Foods:
Coffee incl. decaf, creamer, sugar, canned vegetables, any tomato based product

Office Supplies:
stamps, coloured and white 8 1/ 2x 11 paper, water cooler/heater

Women & Family Home:
commercial grade washer & dryer, skates (used-all sizes incl. kids) water cooler/heater, deodorant, diapers (all sizes), feminine hygiene products, baby swing, baby monitors, crib, toddler bed, (sheets for crib & toddler bed) high chair

Men & Family Home:
commercial grade washer (2) & commercial grade GAS dryer, crib, baby monitor, mouse pads, XGA digital projector (high lumens) for teaching both men & women on program, rakes, snow shovels

Summer Slump

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:44:00 +0000

Call for Volunteers!

-Thrift "Free" Store Manager
-Thrift "Free" Store Clerks
-Evening Campus Supervisors
-Weekend Campus Supervisors
-Weekday Lunch Cooks
-Weekend Lunch Cooks
-Weekend Supper Cooks
-Receptionists
-Janitorial Workers
-Maintenance Workers

Please consider helping us with the summer slump! We are looking for a weekly commitment to begin during the summer.

Remember, there is no summer vacation from poverty and homelessness!

Thanks for your prayerful consideration.

Two Tickets to Paradise

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 01:15:00 +0000

It was sooooooooooooooo good to be back home today at our Good News Chapel. There was a warmth and comfort about the morning that reminded me why this inner city church plant in the heart of Regina's North Central is essential. It is nourishing to the soul, challenging to live out our faith, and affectionate as family should be.

Did you know that Jesus encouraged us to treat the body... that is, our church family, as a priority over others? For instance, when you are in a situation where you may offend either your Christian brother, or the host of a gathering, you are to choose what is right before your brother's eyes... and let the chips fall where they may!

That familial feeling was an arrow in my heart this morning. Ken and I were greeted with hugs and "alohas" and encouraged to talk all about our trip. We followed up with our usual potluck, and had a great time reconnecting after our month away in paradise.

Ken incorporated much of our experience into his sermon this morning, "Two Tickets to Paradise." He wore a fancy "preachers lei" Paula made for him and showed slides of Hawai'i in the background as he spoke of the TRUE PARADISE to which we have been waiting for since Adam and Eve got themselves kicked out of Eden. Derrick even played a Hawaiian drum as we sang about our future home in Heaven.

A challenge was given at the end for any who don't know Christ to commit themselves to getting to know Him and living for Him. We are also looking forward to an inner city Vacation Bible School in August where even more people can commit to that future trip to paradise!

If you are interested in helping out with that, please contact Melanie at the Mission. We need help advertising and at the clubs. This will not be your normal VBS, I can assure you of that! Come ready for a challenge with great reward!

TWO TICKETS TO PARADISE, by Eddie Money

Got a surprise especially for you,
Something that both of us have always wanted to do.
We've waited so long, waited so long.
We've waited so long, waited so long.

I'm gonna take you on a trip so far from here,
I've got two tickets in my pocket, now baby, we're gonna disappear.
We've waited so long, waited so long.
We've waited so long, waited so long.

I've got two tickets to paradise,
Won't you pack your bags, we'll leave tonight,
I've got two tickets to paradise,
I've got two tickets to paradise.

I'm gonna take you on a trip so far from here,
I've got two tickets in my pocket, now baby, we're gonna disappear.
We've waited so long, waited so long.
We've waited so long, waited so long.

I've got two tickets to paradise,
Won't you pack your bags, we'll leave tonight,
I've got two tickets to paradise,
I've got two tickets to paradise.

Registration Held Over til Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 17:38:00 +0000

The purpose of Canadian Revival Fellowship is to assist God's people in restoring their spiritual passion.

School of Revival and Prayer
Register Now Regina, SK July 16-18

Evening sessions are free. Come hear T.V. Thomas and Bill McLeod. Lunch is provided.

-Understand more fully the Biblical basis for revival.
-Grasp necessary practical ingredients laid out in Scripture for revival to happen.
-Be convinced of the role of Biblical praying relating to revival.
-Develop a greater confidence in God's promises relating to His plan for the world.
-Sense a deeper commitment to his or her role in preparing for a spiritual awakening.
-Be better equipped as a personal "change agent" in communicating principles of Biblical revival in his or her sphere of influence.

We are giving each of our missionary staff and residents an opportunity to attend this seminar. We are grateful for the ministry of Canadian Revival Fellowship in waiving the $50 fee.

In these critical days, this School provides those truly interested in prayer and revival an opportunity to be exposed to these themes in a practical and Biblical way.

Revival in our time is a necessity when here is so much religious activity adrift.
Without the moving of God's Spirit, we will only reap what people can do.

I invite you to come to Regina and bring others for these very special days. Now is the time to re-ignite the flame in our hearts.

Come and join us as we both study and seek the face of God.

-John McGregor, Executive Director, Canadian Revival Fellowship

TOMORROW!

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 22:54:00 +0000

INVITATION

To the Pastors (and other friends) in all the churches of Regina:

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE OFFICIAL LAUNCHING OF THE MULTICULTURAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF REGINA. The Multicultural Christian Church of Regina seeks to gather believers in Jesus Christ from many nations in a worshiping and caring evangelical community, serving people from French-speaking and other cultures in our city. The Launch Service will be in French and English.

DATE: JULY 5TH, 2008
TIME: 3:00 PM-6:00 PM (FOOD AND DRINKS SERVED AFTER)
VENUE: SONLIGHT CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, 139 CANNON ST, REGINA (1/2 block north of Dewdney Ave, 1 km east of the Ring Road)

THEREFORE GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS (MATTHEW 28:19)

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRESENCE AND YOUR SUPPORT

CONTACT: Pastor Laurent Masambombo - 306 729-4394

VOUS ETES INVITE A L'INAUGURATION OFFICIELLE DE L’EGLISE MULTICULTURELLE CHRETIENNE DE REGINA

DATE: 5 JUILLET 2008
HEURE: 3:00 PM-6:00 PM (NOURRITURE ET BOISSON SERVIES APRES)
LIEU: SONLIGHT CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, 139 CANNON ST, REGINA

ALLEZ, FAITES DE TOUTES LES NATIONS DES DISCIPLES (MATTIEU 28:19)

MERCI POUR VOTRE PRESENCE ET VOTRE SOUTIEN

Morgentaler’s Order of Canada

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 03:46:00 +0000

Any subject filled with such controversy ought not to be rewarded with highest honours by the Government of Canada. For such a time as this, please make your voice known.

1. Sign the online petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/fcp80702/petition.html
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Morgentaler/?e

2. Join the Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=17988083623

3. See if any of these polls are active and register your vote:
Canoe On-Line Poll (closed)
CKNW On-Line Poll
Qr77 On-Line Poll
Globe and Mail Poll (on right side of page 1/2 way down) (closed)
CTV Poll (on right side of page) (closed)
Toronto Star Poll (on left side 1/2 way down) (closed)
CNews Poll (in left side column) (closed)
CFRA Poll (on left hand side) (closed)
Calgary Herald Poll (on right side of page 1/2 way down) (closed)
Ottawa Sun Poll (centre of the page 1/2 way down) (closed)
Winnipeg Sun Poll (centre of page 1/2 way down) (closed)
VOCM Poll (closed)
News 957 Poll, Halifax (half way down page)

4. Call, write or email the following government officials:

WHO TO CALL AND WHO TO E-MAIL - MORE UPDATED NUMBERS AND CONTACT E-MAILS:
Ms. Sheila-Marie Cook
Secretary to the Governor General
Rideau Hall
1 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A1
Direct Line: 613-993-0259 phone / 613-993-1365 fax.
Tel: 613-993-8200 (main switchboard)
1 800 465-6890
Fax : 613-993-1967
smcook@gg.ca
-
Ms. Emmanuelle Sajous
Deputy Secretary
Order of Canada Chancellery
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A1
Tel: 613-998-8731
1 800 465-6890
Fax: 613-991-1681
esajous@gg.ca
-
Advisory Council (by Order of Canada Governance Requirement)
Rt. Hon. Beverley McLachlin, P.C.
Chief Justice of Canada
301 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0J1
Tel: 613-992-6940
Email: media@scc-csc.gc.ca , reception@scc-csc.gc.ca
-
Mr. Kevin Lynch
Clerk of the Privy Council
Langevin Block
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A3
Tel: 613-957-5400
Email file:///localhost/blocked//mailto/info@pco-bcp.gc.ca
-
Ms. Judith LaRocque
Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage
25 Eddy Street
Gatineau, Québec K1A 0M5
Tel: 819-994-1132
-
The Chair of the Canada Council:
Ms. Karen Kain, C.C.
Chair, Canada Council for the Arts
350 Albert Street, 12th Floor
P.O. Box 1047
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5V8
Tel: 1-800-263-5588 or 613-566-4414
Fax: 613-566-4390
http://www.canadacouncil.ca/
Email: http://www.canadacouncil.ca/contactus/emfrm.htm?contactID=191
Also can contact: Grace Thrasher: Media and Public Relations,
1-800-263-5588, ext. 4134 or 613-566-4414, ext. 4134.
Also: Tel: 416-345-9686 (National Ballet of Canada for Karen Kain)
-
The President of the Royal Society of Canada
Dr. Yvan Guindon, C.M.
President
Royal Society of Canada
170 Waller Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1N 9B9
Tel: 613-991-6990
Fax: (613) 991-6996
E-mail (General Inquiries): info@rsc.ca
Web: http://rsc.ca/index.php?&page_id=77&lang_id=1
Also: Prof. Yvan Guindon, c.m., Directeur, Laboratoire de chimie bio-organique, IRCM, 110, avenue des Pins ouest, Montréal (Québec) H2W 1R7, Téléphone: 514-987-5785
-
Advisory Council
The Governor General may, on the recommendation of the members of the Council, appoint five persons belonging to the Order as members of the Council for a three-year term.
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Mr. Thomas Traves, Ph.D.
Chair, Board of Directors, Ass'n of Universities and Colleges of Canada
350 Albert Street, Suite 600
Ottawa, Ontario K1R 1B1
Tel: 613-563-1236
Email file:///localhost/blocked//mailto/info@aucc.ca
Also: Mr. Thomas Traves, Ph.D., President and Vice Chancellor, Dalhousie University, 6299 South Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4H6, Telephone: 902-494-2511
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Dr. Patricia Baird, O.C., O.B.C.
6174 University Blvd., Room 334
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3
Tel: 604-822-6115
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Dr. Daurene Lewis, C.M.
Principal
Nova Scotia Institute of Technology
P.O. Box 2210
Halifax, NS B3J 3C4
Tel: 902-491-6722 or 902-491-4752
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Mr. L. Jacques Ménard, O.C
Chairman
BMO Nesbitt Burns
1 First Canadian Place
Toronto, Ontario M5X 1A3
Tel: 1-877-873-7664
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Mr. J. Edward Newall, O.C.
Newall & Associates
855 2nd Street SW, Suite 3840
Calgary, Alberta T2P 4J8
Tel: 403-508-1940
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Governor General’s Office - Media
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Isabelle Serrurier
Rideau Hall Press Office
Tel: 613-998-7280
Email: iserrurier@gg.ca
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Marie-Eve Letourneau
Rideau Hall Press Office
Tel: 613-998-0287
Email: meletourneau@gg.ca
Fax: 613 998-1664
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Marie-Paule Thorn
Honours Media Relations
Tel: 613-993-2569
Fax: 613-998-1664
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Juliane Martin
Honours Policy and Secretariat Services Officer
Tel: 613-993-0865
Fax: 613-991-1681
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To contact the offices overseeing the Order of Canada:
Office of the Governor General
Ottawa ON K1A 0A1
info@gg.ca
Phone – 613-993-8200
Toll Free – 1-800-465-6890
Fax – 613-998-8760

First Day Back

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:09:00 +0000

Aloha! After a full day’s journey and no sleep for Ken for 30 hours or so, Ken and I are back from our month-long tropical vacation in Hawai'i. This all-expense trip of a lifetime was a real blessing – still a bit jetlagged, but we’ve hit the ground running.

Today I was able to visit Harbour House, which is now fully occupied by 26 men and women, including graduates, volunteers and others who were in need of affordable housing. I had a beautiful thank you card from one of our recent graduates, so pleased to be in a brand new Christian apartment block!

I caught up with our Managers, returned some calls, read my mail, and generally had a relaxed day catching up. Had some news that was surprising, and some just the regular stuff. The rest of the week will be more of the same, inlcuding some restructuring, planning for our Harbour House grand opening BBQ (stay tuned for details!)and other exciting plans.

The best part about coming home, aside from the warm welcome from my missionary staff, was that they truly held down the fort while we were away. More than that, they worked above and beyond what one would expect. You always hear "While the boss is away the staff will play," but I came back and everything was even better than when I left. They even told me that my assistant ran the place so well they hardly noticed I was gone! (I took that as a compliment... it was, right?) Knowing their committment and dedication made this trip all the more relaxing for us, and a true holiday.

Mahalo to all the staff and volunteers for your dedication to the poor and downcast in Regina. And a special thank you to Jack and the leadership team of the Good News Chapel. Meet us tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. for a Hawai'i coffee break where we'll eat a macadamia nut, drink Kona Coffee, and sip pineapple tea.

Aloha!

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. -Phil 1:3

Da Jesus Book

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 14:07:00 +0000

Ken found a Bible translation at Borders in "Hawai'ian Pidgin." It's called Da Jesus Book. Apparently a lot of locals purchase this to witness to their friends. I was chatting with some very cute children while shopping for eye glasses the other day.

"Are you Hawai'ian?" I asked.
"Yeah."
"Do you know how to surf?"
"No. It's hard. Do you know how to skate?"

And the conversation continues until I realize he is not talking about ice skating, but skate BOARDING! He's never even seen an ice rink, so he's somewhat impressed.

I left that place wondering why he and his sister had such poor english, but as it turned out, they were speaking their local dialect!

Jesus say, "God wen get so plenny love an aloha fo da peopo inside da world, dat he wen send me, his one an ony Boy, so dat everybody dat trus me no get cut off from God, but get da kine life dat stay to da max foeva. (John Tell Bout Jesus 3:16)

Church on the Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:30:00 +0000

Ken attended church on the beach, just outside the Hilton Hawai'ian Village, on Sunday. He said it was Hawaii's version of the Good News Chapel. Except for the hula and lack of air conditioning.

See that tree over there? Yeah, that's pretty much it for shade.

It started with, "Please stand facing the flag and sing with us." First, God Bless America, then Star Spangled Banner, topped with America the Beautiful. It's inbred in Americans to stand and put their hand over their heart during these songs, so onlookers, sunbathers and the like were all standing and singing for church!

Miss Lillie found God at a Hawai'i beach chapel service...

I just wanted to tell you I got saved on Waikiki Beach when the Waikiki Beach Chaplaincy set up church around me and I just wanted to catch some rays. Well it was a time in a my life when the bottom had been pulled out. I went to Hawaii to escape and I found Jesus in 1976. Now my husband and I are serving the Lord full time with this (New Beginnings Home) ministry.

The beach chaplaincy ministry is alive and well. Faithful men and women brave the sweltering heat and have services, whether anyone comes or not! I went to an early morning chapel and no one else attended! I made a donation for an "Aloha Bible" to leave in the condo. I pray it will touch someones life.

Bodies... The Exhibition

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 06:11:00 +0000

WARNING: PLEASE DO NOT READ IF YOU ARE SQUEEMISH.

SKINLESS CADAVER PHOTOS--

Ken and I had the chance to go to a limited engagement of BODIES The Exhibition while in Hawai'i. Not for the faint at heart, these plastinated human bodies and parts were fascinating and reminiscent of some kind of CSI episode.

I had a few favourites, such as a complicated and difficult dissection of a man's nerves, running from his brain. All you could see was his head, with the nerves coming out of them. I motioned Ken over and said, "This one's feeling a little nervous!"

He returned the favour:

"I have a split personality!"

"Has anyone seen my skin? I'm feeling a bit of a draft."

"Oh, there it is!"

Another favourite was the speciman where a body was cut up like a cucumber similar to what an MRI scan would observe.

All the bodies were displayed with respect and gave me an amazing education on the human body. Did you even know they have been plasticizing animals and man for years and years? In fact, the 14th Annual Plastination Conference is coming up in Germany next month. We've come a long way since earlier centuries of carving cadavers as quickly as possible in the race against rot.

In 2003 The Human Genome Project was successful in identifying the approximately 20,000-25,000 genes in human DNA and in determining the sequences of the 3 billion chemical base pairs that comprise it. In the same year, Dolly the sheep was cloned and lived 6 years after giving birth to 6 lambs.

Consider this!! What is next in this exciting world the Creator has given us to discover?! While this exhibit left Ken somewhat creeped out, he did make a two word comment in the guest book afterwards:

Intelligent Design

No matter what your view on plastination, the human genome project, cloning and the like, you cannot deny that the more we know, the more evidence we have of a Creator.

Hangin' Loose in Hawai'i

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 23:05:00 +0000

Like Manitoba's Halfway Tree, it's half past our Honolulu paradise. Thankfully, Hawai'ian time runs very slowly. When we first arrived, it was around 2:00 a.m. our time, and I found myself stepping off the plane with this Cheshire cat grin on my face, that didn't seem to come off for days. Now, two weeks later, if I were any more relaxed I'd be a jellyfish!
The main building here is where we are staying. It's got an amazing view and it's right on the beach. The full kitchen is saving us loads of moolah as I can walk to the market every day for fresh fish, fruit and veggies.

We've been tasting all kinds of ocean fish. Don't tell his mom, but Ken said, "This was my worst meal growing up: fish and rice." But lo and behold, for the first time in his life, Ken is loving fish, and he doesn't need to order "the Captain's Platter" (deep fried and battered) at Red Lobster any more! We've enjoyed 'ahi (tuna), opah belly (moonfish), onaga (red snapper), mahimahi, and marlin, our personal favourite. The interesting thing about these large fish is that they are firm and meaty, boneless, and taste like really tender, moist chicken. We also eat fresh, locally grown papaya and pineapple every day. Mmmm.

The pace is slow and we're labelling the stages of this month in the tropics, each lasting about a week. So far we have experienced recovery and refreshment.

1. Recovery is all about relaxing the body.

2. Refreshment is about doing things that bring a spark into your psyche.

3. Renewal is the phase we are entering this coming week, which is a focus on our spirit.

4. And bringing it all together before we leave will be Readiness, or Reentry.

Maybe it all sounds the same to you, but you should see or hear the Hawai'ian language! Here's the latest word we learned, "Humuhumunukunukuapua'a." It's the state fish. Just try saying it smoothly without looking!

I've been running around writing "aloha" on everyones Facebook, but unless you have been to the land of Aloha, you don't quite appreciate it. On vacation I kind of turn into a type "b" personality, perfectly content to live a slower, quieter pace.

.We were fortunate to come during the Pan-Pacific Festival, as well as King Kamehameha Day, when everything is closed for a celebration and collaboration of Hawai'ian and Japanese cultures. There was a street party one night with 5 stages; a mini mosaic, if you will. The latter is Hawai'i's first King and is credited for unification and independence of the Islands. Both events had their own parade, so it was a weekend for sitting on the curb. Incidentally, we are right on the ocean side strip of Waikiki, where all this action takes place.

We've been making our list and checking it twice:

King Kamehama Day Parade. Check.
Pan-Pacific Festival. Check.
Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay. Check.
Boogie Boarding. Check.
Watching the sunset via boogie board. Check.
Sitting in a white rocking chair on a grand old beachfront deck. Check.
Mail postcards. Check.
Swim in ocean. Check.
Swim in pool. Check.
Day at beach. Check.
Tanning at the pool. Check.
Watching Hawaii 5-0. Check.
Shop Ala Moana. Check.
Buy red eyeglasses. Check.
Shop high end stores where a wallet is $400. Check.
(The devil wears Prada, you know.)
Watch largest privately sponsored fireworks in Hawai'i from the beach. Check.
Movie on the beach. Check.
Find the smallest sand dollar ever. Check.
Accidentally rip off the tentacle of an octopus. Check.
(That was Ken. What was it doing in the swimming area?)
Eat fish. Check.
Tour U.S. Army Museum. Check.
Eat at Cheeseburger in Paradise. Check.
Have devotions on the beach. Check.
Tour Father Damien's church. Check.
Drink Kona Coffee. Check.
Browse Art on the Zoo Fence. Check.

Well, I think you get the picture! If not, here's one more:
I walked to the farther area by the diamond head very early one morning, while Ken was asleep. As I sat on a bench and read my book and drank the Kona coffee I had brought along, I saw rain in the distance, over the ocean, and suddenly a rainbow. It was God saying, "I promise."

Being in Hawai'i for a whole month is such a privilege. It's an all expenses paid trip of a lifetime and it seems like every moment is a Kodak moment. You want to know the slackest job in Hawai'i? Weatherman. Every day is the same, high of 82 with slight trade winds to keep you cool.

Aloha, and we'll see you in a couple weeks!

Tropical Paradise

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 01:33:00 +0000

This webcam is attached to our beautiful Hawaiian condo. If you keep it on long enough you'll see Ken and I going back and forth to the beach all day long! Aloha!!

To view the page, go to:
http://www.mycampage.com/cheeseburgerlandwaikikibeach

Enjoy!

Dear Staff & Board,

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Wed, 28 May 2008 13:45:00 +0000

Hello, Pardners!

Rebecca and I are coming to the final leg of our journey. This morning, in about an hour, Becca will be completing City Vision College. Hopefully you can all celebrate that with her at our July All-Staff Reunion. That is kind of an inside joke. We had "District Reunions" this year, and both Becca and I thought it would be snacks and fellowship, but it was rows of chairs and a meeting. Kind of a loss leader, don't you think?! Still, the first-timers got to share, and Rebecca was able to introduce herself. She's met a lot of new people, but of course, as is always the case when I travel with ya'll, the "20-somethings" are quite scarce at convention!

I have been so busy this year! Our board meeting went "overtime" and took the first whole day and evening, (which I had planned and left early for) then one of the free afternoons because we couldn't get finished. I taught a seminar. I had signed Becca and I up to be Rangers, which means you stand guard at the door, Mountie sytle, to make sure people aren't sneakng in who haven't paid for lunch! I was also able to meet a man who is just starting a mission in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and hooked him up with Gary in Expansion, and even had the priviledge of paying so he could complete the conference! I tell you, not to receive acolades, but because, really, the Mission paid, so all of us together are growing our mission family!

We have had a couple of VERY hysterical moments, such as when Rebecca displayed her super-strength powers and managed to open an elevator door with her bare hands, after it had already closed. Yes, folks, this, right before our very eyes! The secret of Super-Becca is out! Bill Butterworth is an asolute HOOT, to the point where I want to buy the CD and let you all listen to it. We nearly peed our pants, people! (Can I say pee here?) And last night was the night of corny humour and cowboy (complete with banjo & harmonica) music when the English Brothers treated us to a night of entertainment. If you want to hear their sound click the link and a little ditty will play. My FAVOURITE kind of music! One of them used to be with the Flying W Ranch, which Ken and I went to during the Dallas Convention, where I graduated from Rescue College.

And that leads us back to Becca. I wanted to let you know we are buying her the following gifts, which I will present to her this morning at the grad: a plaque that has a grad prayer on it and a picture of architecture of some sort, framed in black; a black leather-like grad promie book, complete with tassle; a RESCUE mug (this is kind of a joke because she won a case of these but I comandeered them for our fund raising department! Plus, of course, the trip out here to Dallas!

It would seem I have time for one more cup of joe, so off I go and I`ll see ya`ll real soon!

In Christ,
Michelle
xoxo

Howdy, Pardners. How's Erybudeh?

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Tue, 27 May 2008 15:54:00 +0000

Bill Thompson from Dallas' Union Gospel Mission has made this the best convention ever! I toured both his mens and womens facilities and they are amazing complexes that help to reduce the cause of homelessness for the 9000+ homeless population in Dallas, Texas.

Yesterday I did my first convention seminar. The topic was chosen for me, and it was the Biblical view of hospitality in Rescue Missions. Email me if you want an electronic copy. I had the boys in blue as special guests. They are the program guys of the local mission.

Hung out with some friends, toured the museum and west wing, walked the grounds, got shin splints. This place is incredible! There are something like 7 eating establishments and upscale stores in here! Anyway, I must go continue my fun!

Dallas hosts national homeless meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Mon, 26 May 2008 12:41:00 +0000

By KIM HORNER / The Dallas Morning News

Less than a week after Dallas opened a new homeless center, hundreds of leaders from shelters nationwide will meet in the city to discuss the latest ideas for helping people leave the streets.

More than 600 people are expected to attend the 95th annual Association of Gospel Rescue Missions convention at the Hilton Anatole. Meetings get under way this morning.

One of the group's goals is to move beyond the image of charities that simply provide a bed and a meal, said Bill Thompson, executive director of the Union Gospel Mission in Dallas.

The Dallas mission, for example, plans more outreach and to provide housing and extensive job training, he said. The charity is raising money for 30 single-room apartments for the homeless near the city's new downtown homeless center, The Bridge, which opened Tuesday.

Projects like the Union Gospel Mission's apartments are exactly what's needed to make The Bridge a success, said Mike Rawlings, Dallas' homeless czar.

"Now that we were able to build The Bridge, they [charities such as Union Gospel Mission] are evolving and looking at other ways to fill the need," he said. "People are realizing that's the right answer, that a lack of affordable housing is such a big issue in Dallas now – that's where we've got to focus our attention."

The Dallas mission also is working on a program of vocational training in carpentry, masonry, floor and wall covering, and auto mechanics, Mr. Thompson said.

"We realize how undersupplied a lot of the building trades are, and what would be better than to have schools that produce people able to compete for those jobs or even start their own small businesses?" Mr. Thompson said.

Phil Rydman, spokesman for the Kansas City, Mo.-based Association of Gospel Rescue Missions, said the shelters need to adapt to an increase in the number of intact families – mom, dad and children – seeking help.

"That's a big change for us," he said. "Certainly not all our missions are able to serve entire families."

More apartment-style homes are needed so women and children don't have to be in a separate dorm from the fathers, he said.

For more information about the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions conference, go to: www.agrm.org.

I'm in TEXAS, Ya'll!

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Sun, 25 May 2008 13:04:00 +0000

A big howdy from the registration desk of the Association of Gospel RESCUE Missions! For some reason no one is getting up at 7:00 a.m. to be registered. Hmmm...

So, this place is GREAT! I came early as I'm on the board of trustees and we had a day long meeting, including a working lunch. But before the ball got rolling, the day I flew in, I was able to walk the grounds and WOW! There is a sculpture garden, and indoors in the Tower is a museum of sorts, with all kinds of marble statues and such.

Yesterday was our "fun day" and we went to a rodeo! Watched some crazy clown antics and crazy rodeo events. You have to be crazy to ride a bull, ya'll! Saw cowboy poker, mutton bustin' and the calf scramble!

Today I have board meeting part 2, and then things really get underway... IF ANYONE WOULD COME TO THIS REGISTRATION BOOTH AND GET THEIR NAME BADGES! Where is everyone?!

And of course, a Tesas post would not be complete without a comment on the climate:

HOT & HUMID & WINDY

This'll melt your snowman in about 30 seconds. And they say it isn't even hot right now! It's a Saskatchewan summer with a whole lotta moisture. For the first time my hair has these cute little frizzies. Ha! and if you can believe it, the OUTDOOR POOL is heated!

Well, in anticipation of a registration rush and a dead laptop batter, I'll leave you for now and check in later.

Wedding Bells

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Tue, 20 May 2008 11:03:00 +0000

Ken and I had a great long weekend in Calgary, where he officiated at my brother's wedding. He and Tina have already been together for a long time, and have a beautiful daughter, Jacquie.

We got to stay with my oldest little brother, Richard, and his family, getting to know little Lexie, as we hadn't seen her since her "bobblehead" days!

My Aunties from New York and Edmonton, my cousins and their new baby, and my Grandma from Saskatoon were all there, so it really was a very nice little reunion. Rich had a huge steak BBQ at his place the next day, and we had a great time catching up and eating Suzie's amazing dinner. That night, once everyone was gone, the four of us had a WII bowling tournament, where Sue and I rocked!

I'm home now on the "flip flop," as Sherry Mebs says, and heading off to Dallas next week, where you'll likely hear from me again!