“There is no God but Allah and Mohammed is the messenger of Allah.” That phrase is whispered in the ear of every new-born child in a Muslim family. This begins a life of total immersion in a religious system which dominates whatever culture is represented in the household or community. The purpose of this article is twofold: to understand a little more the people who claim to be Muslim and to understand that ministry to these folks is do-able. The title, Non Grace, emphasizes that Islam is, at the core, a system of beliefs and practices focusing on doing enough good to earn salvation. Actually, other religions such as Sikhism, Buddhism, Hinduism and others, though distinct, are also non-grace systems. Salvation from God is totally God’s grace in the Lord Jesus Christ. Anyone seeking to tell people the Good News of Jesus needs to have a firm understanding of the separation between Christianity and other faiths.
Delores and I and our four children served 11 years in Brussels, Belgium with the Evangelical Free Church of Canada Mission. Eight of those years were spent ministering to Arab people from Morocco. We saw firsthand how people are affected by a religion which presents an Almighty God but not a Personal God. As a “slave” in Islam one is always trying to please the Master Allah who may judge your good deeds as outweighing the bad on Judgment Day. I will always remember talking to Mehdi in our youth club about heaven for Christians being forever with Jesus. He said, with fear in his eyes, that in Islam, “C’est le jugement, Monsieur Blake.” (It’s judgment.) No assurance of eternity. God gave and still does give us His love and grace towards these people who strive to be religious but never have the peace the Risen Christ can give to one’s heart.
We currently serve in Millwoods, Edmonton where there are more than 30,000 Muslim background people and thousands of Sikhs, Hindus, and others in our immediate area near our church.
Look afresh at the people in your neighbourhood or workplace. Over time, we have learned how the common humanity of people overrides the differences. We need to keep reminding ourselves that God loves all these folks just as much as He loves us and that they have the same needs of the heart as we have.
In the media, we see terrifying images of murderers using religion. The vast majority of Muslim background people, however, are just trying to earn a living, raise a family and enjoy life. Because of total immersion in Islam, attitudes logically reflect the religion which makes culture and religion one whole. That’s why even a nominally practicing Muslim will react strongly at perceived criticism of his religion – it is for him a personal attack on his culture and very identity. As more families live in the West, many are inwardly questioning their background. A friendship with a Christian helps them see that Western culture is not the same as following Jesus. This process takes time. Is it worth it? Yes!
When Delores drew close to African women through English tutoring, the communication became more personal – fellow human beings sharing hopes and hurts together. When Delores’ Mom died, three of these ladies traveled across town to comfort Delores, their friend. When a cultural evening was to be held in our church building celebrating Canada and their country, a problem threatened to derail everything. The ladies were too afraid of entering a Christian church building for a social gathering. Such is the community pressure Muslims live in all the time. Through a lot of prayer and negotiating the ladies changed their minds, brought their own cuisine and a great time was had by all.
In the last several months we have been able to give furniture and food donated by church members, as well as a Jesus video in their language, to a Muslim family. The family greatly appreciated the acts of love shown. The popular phrase, People Don’t Care How Much You Know Until They Know How Much You Care, definitely applies to serving these folks.
Obviously prayer is at the core of ministry to non-grace systems’ people. God gives His direction and compassion to sow the seed of the gospel. Reading Ephesians 6 periodically is a good reality check. The enemy will present obstacles and try to discourage. Second Corinthians 4 describes the still present realities that the apostle Paul encountered. Pray for boldness on our part to take to our friends about our Saviour who forgives our sins, gives eternal life and is our Best Friend – the Imminent God as well as the Transcendent God. Seek to ask God for ways to befriend your Muslim background neighbour or co-worker. There are many God-given distinctives of his or her culture (music, food, hospitality, art) that we can appreciate and affirm. Personal affirmation is a common human need that you can meet in a Muslim person’s life and begin a bond in which to share the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. After years of sharing Jesus with our Moroccan soccer boys, 42 packages (each containing a French Bible, a sinner’s prayer card, a personal note and an Avenir Sport key chain) were mailed out to now young men. The Lord of the Harvest will use His Word. We’re doing the same in multi-cultural and multi-religious Millwoods. Pray for boldness as God gives opportunity.
Laura (not her real name) became a follower of Jesus in Belgium. She said, “Before when I did my prayers as a Muslim it was like a frozen block – no sense of communication with God. Now, I sense the relationship I have with Jesus when I pray.” Her testimony reflects what Dr. Anis A Shorrosh has said in his book Islam Revealed, A Christian Arab’s View of Islam: “… no matter what one’s religion is, it does not provide the ultimate reality. A person needs a relationship with Christ Jesus because only He can satisfy our souls.”
The Lord is doing great things around the world among Muslim background peoples including in Canada. Let us grow in reaching out to these folks with the love and power of the Lord Jesus. His grace is always available to do the Mission!
by Randy Blake
Monday, October 29, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
The unfinished task of evangelizing the Muslim world
In this issue we focus upon gospel witness among Muslim both in Canada and globally. I am unable to regard this topic as glibly as I once did. I have faced some facts and I am ashamed. A conference convened by American missionary statesman, Samuel M. Zwemer and held in Cairo in 1906 marked the beginning of a new era in Christian mission to Muslims. That was followed by a similar conference Zwemer convened in Lucknow in 1911. Why then, in 2007, do we tolerate among ourselves such limited knowledge of Islam and Muslim people? Our combined involvement in the Muslim world is marginal.
We should be appalled that relatively few Muslims have entered into life through faith in Jesus Christ. Why isn’t the Muslim world better evangelized? Why is barely two percent of North American Protestant missionaries involved in this work? Why are so many of us critical of Islamic culture? Why do we cultivate an antipathy toward Muslims? Why have we loved them so little? They deserve a Christian presence in their midst which vigorously testifies to the Gospel of Christ.
Unlike social workers and diplomats we, as Evangelicals, refuse to confine our mission to the development of better Christian-Muslim relations or to involvement in social service on their behalf. Our agenda is defined by Jesus Christ and because we love Him we are compelled to embrace the mandate to evangelize the Muslim world.
We have known for centuries that Muslims exist in strength around the world. We are now becoming aware that Muslims are here. The first recorded presence of Muslims in Canada was the 1871 census which found 13 Muslims among the population. The first Canadian mosque was constructed in Edmonton in 1938, when there were only about 700 Muslims in the country. This building is now part of the museum at Fort Edmonton. The years after World War II saw a swift increase in the Muslim population, but in the 1981 census the population was still below 100,000. Islam is steadily inundating Canada’s large cities until, according to 2001 census, there were 579,640 Muslims in Canada, just under 2% of the population. Muslim population in 2007 is closer to 790,000 or about 2.5%.
The Canadian Muslim population is diverse, combined with people born in the Muslim world, Canadian-born Muslims as well as Western converts, all making up the Canadian Muslim mosaic. The community is also divided into many linguistic, cultural and intellectual groups. Muslim immigrants come here either for a better standard of living or as refugees. The relatively relaxed and accepted role of Islam in Canada in the 21st century is represented by the success of the television sitcom Little Mosque on the Prairie.
The majority of Canadian Muslims live in the province of Ontario with Toronto’s Scarborough being the chief residential region for Somali Muslims. Mississauga has a large concentration of Pakistani Muslims. Many Bosnian and Albanian Muslims live in Waterloo. Ottawa has one of Ontario's oldest Muslim communities and is an especially important area for Lebanese and Somali Muslims. Other Canadian metropolitan areas also known to have substantial number of Muslims include Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Halifax.
Effective mission among Muslims will require transparency in conversation, love, truthfulness with sensitivity about the Gospel, compassion, prayer and fasting, courage and patience, persistence and a tough skin, and unwavering faith and joy.
Proposed Revision of the Statement of Faith
In May all of our churches received both hard copy and electronic copy of several documents related to the proposed Statement of Faith revision. The Board of Directors has enthusiastically endorsed and promoted this initiative with the desire that it will be presented at the EFCC Conference in July 2008. It has received high commendation from the Ministerial Standing Committee. It is very important that pastors, leadership teams and congregations engage in the discussion of the ten articles that comprise this statement. This should be done as soon as possible. Opportunities are going to be given within district conferences, this autumn, for questions and answers. As important as the Statement is, it is also important to be familiar with the implementation recommendations should the Statement be approved. I remind you as well that opportunity is ongoing for any individual to state a question or a recommendation via a dedicated email address or on our dedicated blog site http://efccsoff.blogspot.com
EFCC Conference 2008
Of course we are still months away from this conference, but I am reminding you now how important this time will be for the Evangelical Free Church of Canada. We will be electing a new president, a new executive director of EFCCM and possibly voting on a Revised Statement of Faith. All this will be done in an attitude of worship led by Graeme Rattray and a Conference Team. Speakers will be Dr. Bill Hamel, Dr. Jonathan Raymond, Dr. Ron Unruh and the new president. We are going to meet at the King’s University College in Edmonton. It will be a marvelous campus setting with generous space in new buildings.
by Dr. Ron Unruh, EFCC President
We should be appalled that relatively few Muslims have entered into life through faith in Jesus Christ. Why isn’t the Muslim world better evangelized? Why is barely two percent of North American Protestant missionaries involved in this work? Why are so many of us critical of Islamic culture? Why do we cultivate an antipathy toward Muslims? Why have we loved them so little? They deserve a Christian presence in their midst which vigorously testifies to the Gospel of Christ.
Unlike social workers and diplomats we, as Evangelicals, refuse to confine our mission to the development of better Christian-Muslim relations or to involvement in social service on their behalf. Our agenda is defined by Jesus Christ and because we love Him we are compelled to embrace the mandate to evangelize the Muslim world.
We have known for centuries that Muslims exist in strength around the world. We are now becoming aware that Muslims are here. The first recorded presence of Muslims in Canada was the 1871 census which found 13 Muslims among the population. The first Canadian mosque was constructed in Edmonton in 1938, when there were only about 700 Muslims in the country. This building is now part of the museum at Fort Edmonton. The years after World War II saw a swift increase in the Muslim population, but in the 1981 census the population was still below 100,000. Islam is steadily inundating Canada’s large cities until, according to 2001 census, there were 579,640 Muslims in Canada, just under 2% of the population. Muslim population in 2007 is closer to 790,000 or about 2.5%.
The Canadian Muslim population is diverse, combined with people born in the Muslim world, Canadian-born Muslims as well as Western converts, all making up the Canadian Muslim mosaic. The community is also divided into many linguistic, cultural and intellectual groups. Muslim immigrants come here either for a better standard of living or as refugees. The relatively relaxed and accepted role of Islam in Canada in the 21st century is represented by the success of the television sitcom Little Mosque on the Prairie.
The majority of Canadian Muslims live in the province of Ontario with Toronto’s Scarborough being the chief residential region for Somali Muslims. Mississauga has a large concentration of Pakistani Muslims. Many Bosnian and Albanian Muslims live in Waterloo. Ottawa has one of Ontario's oldest Muslim communities and is an especially important area for Lebanese and Somali Muslims. Other Canadian metropolitan areas also known to have substantial number of Muslims include Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Halifax.
Effective mission among Muslims will require transparency in conversation, love, truthfulness with sensitivity about the Gospel, compassion, prayer and fasting, courage and patience, persistence and a tough skin, and unwavering faith and joy.
Proposed Revision of the Statement of Faith
In May all of our churches received both hard copy and electronic copy of several documents related to the proposed Statement of Faith revision. The Board of Directors has enthusiastically endorsed and promoted this initiative with the desire that it will be presented at the EFCC Conference in July 2008. It has received high commendation from the Ministerial Standing Committee. It is very important that pastors, leadership teams and congregations engage in the discussion of the ten articles that comprise this statement. This should be done as soon as possible. Opportunities are going to be given within district conferences, this autumn, for questions and answers. As important as the Statement is, it is also important to be familiar with the implementation recommendations should the Statement be approved. I remind you as well that opportunity is ongoing for any individual to state a question or a recommendation via a dedicated email address or on our dedicated blog site http://efccsoff.blogspot.com
EFCC Conference 2008
Of course we are still months away from this conference, but I am reminding you now how important this time will be for the Evangelical Free Church of Canada. We will be electing a new president, a new executive director of EFCCM and possibly voting on a Revised Statement of Faith. All this will be done in an attitude of worship led by Graeme Rattray and a Conference Team. Speakers will be Dr. Bill Hamel, Dr. Jonathan Raymond, Dr. Ron Unruh and the new president. We are going to meet at the King’s University College in Edmonton. It will be a marvelous campus setting with generous space in new buildings.
by Dr. Ron Unruh, EFCC President
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
2007-08 EFCC Prayer Ministry Priorities
Over the last several months I have given considerable thought and prayer to the direction our 2007-08 EFCC Prayer Ministry should take. The previous emphasis on the House of Prayer/Prayer Driven church, the 40-Day Love To Pray (LTP) devotional material and the Lighthouse of Prayer (LHOP) initiative has been well received. We will continue to highlight these areas.
In addition, for this coming year I believe the Lord is leading us to add three new emphases: Personal Intimacy with Christ; Prayer-Driven Homes, and A Prayer Shield for Our Pastoral Staff and Their Families. One new primary prayer resource, The Joy of Prayer, will be added which will strengthen all of these areas.
These are the seven initiatives which we will emphasize for the 2007-08 year. These are positioned in order of priority because our church is only as strong as the energy of our individual prayer lives and the spiritual vitality of our homes.
1.Intimacy With Christ: Prayer-Driven Lives
Frequently as I have watched leaders struggle with their ministries, burnout and often dropout, I have been reminded of Chuck Swindoll’s analysis and conclusion to this dilemma. “Pastors and parishioners alike have often confided in me, admitting that the ‘tyranny of the urgent’ is not a theoretical issue but a very real fact of life. It leaves them feeling strung out, impatient, occasionally resentful, and even more empty. The core issue is a lack of intimacy. That best identifies the problem - an absence of intimacy with the Almighty.”
As we move through this prayer ministry year, my personal focus and that of our EFCC Prayer Ministry will be on this “intimate relationship with Christ.”
2.The Spiritual Life of Our Church Homes: Prayer-Driven Homes
At the recent Church Prayer Leaders Network (CPLN) conference in Michigan, I was challenged in a new way with the importance of prayer in our families. My purpose for attending these annual conferences is not only to seek personal refreshment but also to seek the Lord’s direction for the coming year’s prayer ministry. While the “home” was not the theme of the conference, the Lord impressed upon me that we need to give much more attention to the importance of encouraging prayer in our church homes. Our home and our children are at the forefront of spiritual warfare. We need to educate and train fathers and families to give prayer leadership in their homes—Prayer-Driven Homes. In the coming year we will try to provide resources in this area.
3.Prayer for our Pastors and Their Families: Prayer-Covered Pastoral Staff and Their Families
In the past we have emphasized the importance of praying for the pastoral staff and their families and the following story underscores this. Years ago, Dr. Paul Walker, a very well respected Church of God pastor, was flying back to his home in Atlanta. He sat next to a woman who refused the flight meal, saying, “No thank you. I’m fasting.’”
Are you a Christian?” Dr. Walker asked the lady after the flight attendant moved on.
She replied, “No, I am a witch, and the covens in Atlanta are praying for the breakup of the marriages of some influential pastors.” She named several, including Paul Walker.
We need to cease complaining about our church and pastor, and instead persist and persevere in prayer for them.
4.House of Prayer/Prayer Driven Church
“My house shall be a house of prayer for all nations,” Jesus said, (Mark 11:17). This denotes more than a few people meeting to pray once a week, but rather that everything we do as a church must be initiated and driven by prayer. We will continue encouraging this emphasis.
5.Love To Pray-40 Day Devotional
Of all the prayer resources the Prayer Ministry has provided over the years, none has brought more teaching and encouragement than the LTP series.
Still more churches are to make this a major Fall emphasis. If your church hasn’t already conducted this 8-week devotional material please pray about using it in the coming months.
In the fall a children’s version of the LTP material will be released. We will keep you posted on its development.
6.The Joy of Prayer-40 Day Devotional
Al VanderGriend, the founder of the Lighthouse of Prayer ministry and author of 40 Days Love to Pray devotional series, has written another encouraging devotional series entitled The Joy of Prayer. I believe this series will be inspirational, uplifting and enriching your prayer life. It can be used with small groups, personal devotions, Sunday School classes or one-on-one mentoring. Watch for details later this fall.
7.The Lighthouse of Prayer Ministry
A “Lighthouse of Prayer” is a cluster of two or more believers banded together to pray for, care about, and share the blessings of Christ with those who live or work nearby.” This emphasis asks for five blessings, for five neighbours, for five minutes a day, for five days a week for five weeks.
I know of no more simple way to break the church out of what is often described as a “Christian ghetto” where very few people even know non-Christians, and thereby reach out into the world where they live.
Churches are encouraged to use this five-week emphasis twice a year until praying for neighbours or people within their sphere of influence becomes a lifestyle.
Please pray with us about these seven priorities for the coming year and ask the Lord how He would have you and your church involved.
by Dr. Arvid Olson
In addition, for this coming year I believe the Lord is leading us to add three new emphases: Personal Intimacy with Christ; Prayer-Driven Homes, and A Prayer Shield for Our Pastoral Staff and Their Families. One new primary prayer resource, The Joy of Prayer, will be added which will strengthen all of these areas.
These are the seven initiatives which we will emphasize for the 2007-08 year. These are positioned in order of priority because our church is only as strong as the energy of our individual prayer lives and the spiritual vitality of our homes.
1.Intimacy With Christ: Prayer-Driven Lives
Frequently as I have watched leaders struggle with their ministries, burnout and often dropout, I have been reminded of Chuck Swindoll’s analysis and conclusion to this dilemma. “Pastors and parishioners alike have often confided in me, admitting that the ‘tyranny of the urgent’ is not a theoretical issue but a very real fact of life. It leaves them feeling strung out, impatient, occasionally resentful, and even more empty. The core issue is a lack of intimacy. That best identifies the problem - an absence of intimacy with the Almighty.”
As we move through this prayer ministry year, my personal focus and that of our EFCC Prayer Ministry will be on this “intimate relationship with Christ.”
2.The Spiritual Life of Our Church Homes: Prayer-Driven Homes
At the recent Church Prayer Leaders Network (CPLN) conference in Michigan, I was challenged in a new way with the importance of prayer in our families. My purpose for attending these annual conferences is not only to seek personal refreshment but also to seek the Lord’s direction for the coming year’s prayer ministry. While the “home” was not the theme of the conference, the Lord impressed upon me that we need to give much more attention to the importance of encouraging prayer in our church homes. Our home and our children are at the forefront of spiritual warfare. We need to educate and train fathers and families to give prayer leadership in their homes—Prayer-Driven Homes. In the coming year we will try to provide resources in this area.
3.Prayer for our Pastors and Their Families: Prayer-Covered Pastoral Staff and Their Families
In the past we have emphasized the importance of praying for the pastoral staff and their families and the following story underscores this. Years ago, Dr. Paul Walker, a very well respected Church of God pastor, was flying back to his home in Atlanta. He sat next to a woman who refused the flight meal, saying, “No thank you. I’m fasting.’”
Are you a Christian?” Dr. Walker asked the lady after the flight attendant moved on.
She replied, “No, I am a witch, and the covens in Atlanta are praying for the breakup of the marriages of some influential pastors.” She named several, including Paul Walker.
We need to cease complaining about our church and pastor, and instead persist and persevere in prayer for them.
4.House of Prayer/Prayer Driven Church
“My house shall be a house of prayer for all nations,” Jesus said, (Mark 11:17). This denotes more than a few people meeting to pray once a week, but rather that everything we do as a church must be initiated and driven by prayer. We will continue encouraging this emphasis.
5.Love To Pray-40 Day Devotional
Of all the prayer resources the Prayer Ministry has provided over the years, none has brought more teaching and encouragement than the LTP series.
Still more churches are to make this a major Fall emphasis. If your church hasn’t already conducted this 8-week devotional material please pray about using it in the coming months.
In the fall a children’s version of the LTP material will be released. We will keep you posted on its development.
6.The Joy of Prayer-40 Day Devotional
Al VanderGriend, the founder of the Lighthouse of Prayer ministry and author of 40 Days Love to Pray devotional series, has written another encouraging devotional series entitled The Joy of Prayer. I believe this series will be inspirational, uplifting and enriching your prayer life. It can be used with small groups, personal devotions, Sunday School classes or one-on-one mentoring. Watch for details later this fall.
7.The Lighthouse of Prayer Ministry
A “Lighthouse of Prayer” is a cluster of two or more believers banded together to pray for, care about, and share the blessings of Christ with those who live or work nearby.” This emphasis asks for five blessings, for five neighbours, for five minutes a day, for five days a week for five weeks.
I know of no more simple way to break the church out of what is often described as a “Christian ghetto” where very few people even know non-Christians, and thereby reach out into the world where they live.
Churches are encouraged to use this five-week emphasis twice a year until praying for neighbours or people within their sphere of influence becomes a lifestyle.
Please pray with us about these seven priorities for the coming year and ask the Lord how He would have you and your church involved.
by Dr. Arvid Olson
Breaking Free from an Eating Disorder
The devil is very crafty. He researches our weaknesses, finds our most vulnerable spot, and pounces! He is a master of deception and will stop at nothing to make us believe his lies. That’s why he hates the truth so much; it exposes him for what he really is. The Bible teaches us that he is the father of lies and that we must put on the full armour of God to stand against him. But what does that mean…really?
I recently re-read a book called The Bondage Breaker by Neil T Anderson. Anderson understands what it means to put on the armour of God. He explains that we are not to engage the devil in a battle of strengths, only truths. There is no question that the devil has already been defeated; Christ defeated him and reigns victorious. So why do so many Christians still fall victim to his deception? Because he’s good at what he does! In order for us to break free from the bondages with which we are struggling, we need to know who we are in Christ and believe that Satan has no real power over us. Jesus said “I am the Truth (Jn.14:6)… and the Truth shall set you Free” (Jn.8:32). Amen! It is the belt of truth in our suit of God’s Armour that breaks the devil’s hold on us.
The first time I read The Bondage Breaker, I found freedom in some real, but superficial confines that I had allowed to hinder my life. I was released from certain areas of power that I had unconsciously given to Satan. But, this book, like any great tool, is only as good as the one using it. There was more that I didn’t address the first time that I would the second.
I’ve always been an insecure girl. I wasn’t the smartest, or the prettiest, or the most athletic, but I was always the skinniest. Skinniest became my identity without my even realizing it. I become obsessed with my appearance. I loved the attention from people even when it wasn’t the most positive. My appearance was who I was, and the idea of losing myself terrified me. When I was a teenager, I began to feel sick whenever I ate, so I would vomit and then I would feel better. I truly believed myself to be sickly. I did not recognize this behaviour for what it was. It also became increasingly difficult for me to eat in front of anyone unless they were very close to me. It wasn’t long before my control was gone; food and its consumption ruled my life. I was bulimic, and things were on the road to getting worse. I spent hours and hours at the gym. I told myself that I was doing the right thing to keep my body “fit and strong” when really I was doing what would keep my body juvenile and thin. Bondage is not pretty.
In an effort to feel in control, I needed to know how much body fat I had at all times. So I signed up to be a part of a lifestyle health and fitness study. Part of the program, the only part that mattered to me, was fat caliper testing. What I didn’t know was that I would also be required to keep a log of all of my physical activity and of everything I put in my mouth. I met once a week with a counselor to disclose all that I had eaten and all I had done, in order to have my percentage of body fat calculated. It did not take long for her to figure out that I needed help, and she offered it to me. Thank you, God! I was 21 and had many years of bad habits to try to break free from, most dangerously my vomiting. It took me seven years to completely stop. But I did stop.
Now you may think that this chapter of my story is over, except that age, having children, inactivity, and poor eating habits have dramatically changed my body. There are still days when I have to continually convince myself not to fall back into my old patterns. There have been days all too recently when I have consumed nothing but coffee and been extremely proud of my “willpower.”
Eventually, I came to realize that this was an area I had never relinquished control over to God. By trying to handle this issue myself, I had given Satan a massive foothold in my life. Somewhere along the way I had equated skinniness with worthiness. And once I had done that, the devil had no problem reminding me of this lie. I never thought that this struggle was a spiritual thing, but it is. So, now that I better understand the bondage I’ve been under, what have I done? I’ve asked God for release from it. I’ve confided in Him all that I have told you and more. I’ve apologized for not respecting the body He gave me. I’ve apologized for being so vain and proud, and I’ve asked Him to help me, to teach me to be moderate. I’ve never learned moderation well. I’ve always been an all or nothing girl. But I have finally given up control and it has liberated me beyond my highest hopes. I had excluded God from this struggle for far too long.
Now everyday when I wake up, I thank God for my life and I give it back to Him. And each time a thought comes into my mind about food that is detrimental to my wellbeing, I stand with the belt of truth firmly tied at my waist. I am not worthy because of my appearance, but because I have accepted the Saviour who died for me. When I am weak, I pray for God to give me strength. I have given control to the One and Only who is to be fully trusted. I have taken up the Armour of God and Satan has lost this battle. Thank you, Lord!
by Lorrie Zachkewich
I recently re-read a book called The Bondage Breaker by Neil T Anderson. Anderson understands what it means to put on the armour of God. He explains that we are not to engage the devil in a battle of strengths, only truths. There is no question that the devil has already been defeated; Christ defeated him and reigns victorious. So why do so many Christians still fall victim to his deception? Because he’s good at what he does! In order for us to break free from the bondages with which we are struggling, we need to know who we are in Christ and believe that Satan has no real power over us. Jesus said “I am the Truth (Jn.14:6)… and the Truth shall set you Free” (Jn.8:32). Amen! It is the belt of truth in our suit of God’s Armour that breaks the devil’s hold on us.
The first time I read The Bondage Breaker, I found freedom in some real, but superficial confines that I had allowed to hinder my life. I was released from certain areas of power that I had unconsciously given to Satan. But, this book, like any great tool, is only as good as the one using it. There was more that I didn’t address the first time that I would the second.
I’ve always been an insecure girl. I wasn’t the smartest, or the prettiest, or the most athletic, but I was always the skinniest. Skinniest became my identity without my even realizing it. I become obsessed with my appearance. I loved the attention from people even when it wasn’t the most positive. My appearance was who I was, and the idea of losing myself terrified me. When I was a teenager, I began to feel sick whenever I ate, so I would vomit and then I would feel better. I truly believed myself to be sickly. I did not recognize this behaviour for what it was. It also became increasingly difficult for me to eat in front of anyone unless they were very close to me. It wasn’t long before my control was gone; food and its consumption ruled my life. I was bulimic, and things were on the road to getting worse. I spent hours and hours at the gym. I told myself that I was doing the right thing to keep my body “fit and strong” when really I was doing what would keep my body juvenile and thin. Bondage is not pretty.
In an effort to feel in control, I needed to know how much body fat I had at all times. So I signed up to be a part of a lifestyle health and fitness study. Part of the program, the only part that mattered to me, was fat caliper testing. What I didn’t know was that I would also be required to keep a log of all of my physical activity and of everything I put in my mouth. I met once a week with a counselor to disclose all that I had eaten and all I had done, in order to have my percentage of body fat calculated. It did not take long for her to figure out that I needed help, and she offered it to me. Thank you, God! I was 21 and had many years of bad habits to try to break free from, most dangerously my vomiting. It took me seven years to completely stop. But I did stop.
Now you may think that this chapter of my story is over, except that age, having children, inactivity, and poor eating habits have dramatically changed my body. There are still days when I have to continually convince myself not to fall back into my old patterns. There have been days all too recently when I have consumed nothing but coffee and been extremely proud of my “willpower.”
Eventually, I came to realize that this was an area I had never relinquished control over to God. By trying to handle this issue myself, I had given Satan a massive foothold in my life. Somewhere along the way I had equated skinniness with worthiness. And once I had done that, the devil had no problem reminding me of this lie. I never thought that this struggle was a spiritual thing, but it is. So, now that I better understand the bondage I’ve been under, what have I done? I’ve asked God for release from it. I’ve confided in Him all that I have told you and more. I’ve apologized for not respecting the body He gave me. I’ve apologized for being so vain and proud, and I’ve asked Him to help me, to teach me to be moderate. I’ve never learned moderation well. I’ve always been an all or nothing girl. But I have finally given up control and it has liberated me beyond my highest hopes. I had excluded God from this struggle for far too long.
Now everyday when I wake up, I thank God for my life and I give it back to Him. And each time a thought comes into my mind about food that is detrimental to my wellbeing, I stand with the belt of truth firmly tied at my waist. I am not worthy because of my appearance, but because I have accepted the Saviour who died for me. When I am weak, I pray for God to give me strength. I have given control to the One and Only who is to be fully trusted. I have taken up the Armour of God and Satan has lost this battle. Thank you, Lord!
by Lorrie Zachkewich
Friday, August 10, 2007
Purpose of The Pulse
Some years ago, the editorial committee established as its purpose for The Pulse the following: The Pulse magazine contributes to the health of our churches by connecting EFCC believers through the telling of inspiring and instructive stories about people engaged in ministry in our local churches and in national and international endeavours. We predictably fill The Pulse with news from districts, EFCCM, Women's Ministries, Trinity Western University and Seminary, Prayer Ministry and National Ministries. We also apprise readers about occasional hot button topics, not in an attempt to be controversial but to inform with food for thought. While we do not have a letters to the editor column, we do receive reader response letters which are always welcomed and answered. Feedback influences the way we plan for future issues.
Two articles that received some negative feedback were Phil Zylla’s Are We an Emerging Church in the Winter 2006 issue and Adela Bergen’s Listening Prayer, in the Spring 2007 issue. In both instances, the topics were selected to be enlightening rather than provocative. Further, exposing readers to opinions is not synonymous with an EFCC endorsement of every content nuance. We expect our readers to be judicious readers. You have my assurance that we will always seek to be wise in what we print.
A PS at this point. The title of D. A. Carson's book Becoming Conversant with the Emerging Church (Zondervan, 2005) expresses the reason why we wanted readers to have the opportunity to distinguish stereotypes and misconceptions about the ‘Emerging Church’ movement from accurate definitions of what it is and where it has validity or grounds to be criticized. I still think you want to be conversant rather than oblivious. Listening Prayer is not immediately suspect simply because it is an unfamiliar term. Most of us have said, "God spoke to me." Most of us have sat in silence with an open Bible or knelt in silence to hear the voice of God inaudibly impress on us His will. Something that is uncommon to us need not automatically be distrusted. We are encouraging prudent assessment.
Dr. Ron Unruh serves as president of the Evangelical Free Church of Canada.
Two articles that received some negative feedback were Phil Zylla’s Are We an Emerging Church in the Winter 2006 issue and Adela Bergen’s Listening Prayer, in the Spring 2007 issue. In both instances, the topics were selected to be enlightening rather than provocative. Further, exposing readers to opinions is not synonymous with an EFCC endorsement of every content nuance. We expect our readers to be judicious readers. You have my assurance that we will always seek to be wise in what we print.
A PS at this point. The title of D. A. Carson's book Becoming Conversant with the Emerging Church (Zondervan, 2005) expresses the reason why we wanted readers to have the opportunity to distinguish stereotypes and misconceptions about the ‘Emerging Church’ movement from accurate definitions of what it is and where it has validity or grounds to be criticized. I still think you want to be conversant rather than oblivious. Listening Prayer is not immediately suspect simply because it is an unfamiliar term. Most of us have said, "God spoke to me." Most of us have sat in silence with an open Bible or knelt in silence to hear the voice of God inaudibly impress on us His will. Something that is uncommon to us need not automatically be distrusted. We are encouraging prudent assessment.
Dr. Ron Unruh serves as president of the Evangelical Free Church of Canada.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Multi-Cultural Ministry
Multiculturalism began as an official policy in English-speaking countries, starting in Canada in 1971. It has profoundly affected our nation and the way churches design and affect ministry to their communities. A review of The Pulse over the past decade reveals an awareness of the challenge of our multicultural world and nation. More recently in the 2007 Spring issue the National Ministries page established the case for calling Canada a mission field by reminding us of the diversity within our Canadian borders. In the Summer 2007 issue of The Pulse we are developing the theme of multicultural ministries. Three Korean congregations have begun in the BC lower mainland. More could begin in Toronto. We have 17 Chinese churches in Canada. A new Mandarin church began last year in Toronto. Many people from our churches are working in First Nation and Aboriginal ministries. We need to be aware and we need to champion the Gospel among the vast population landscape of our country.
EFCC President Ron Unruh
EFCC President Ron Unruh
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Is Multi-Cultural Ministry in Your Future?
It is relatively easy to affirm God’s love for all people. After all we know it is true. We have experienced His grace, heard the Great Commission and been inspired by the vision of heaven where John declares: “After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and the Lamb” (Rev. 7:9).
All the “people groups” or cultures are included in God’s redemptive purpose on the earth. Those of every skin colour, hair style and lifestyle choice; those who speak other languages, prefer other foods and hold other views than ours. Culture is more than nationality and language; it may be generational, but more significantly, it is rooted in worldview.
Crossing cultural barriers to love and introduce people unlike ourselves to Jesus may in fact be considerably more difficult than general affirmations of Christ’s expansive love and grace to all. Canada, and perhaps your community, is changing rapidly as increasing numbers of people living around us are from cultures other than those to which we’ve been accustomed. Many have come to Canada because of our government’s policies of multi-culturalism, liberal immigration laws or because of Canada’s international reputation as a desirable place to live.
Meanwhile, immigrants to Canada are often not treated well. Their professional achievement in their country of birth is not recognized in Canada. The result is that doctors in India may serve as orderlies in Canada. Many immigrants feel Canadians are not friendly, because Canada is not a hospitality-based culture; people may speak with them on the street but the conversation doesn’t translate into an invitation to come share a meal or cup of coffee, much less to deep and lasting friendship.
The EFCC is certainly committed to missions and able to point to many positive examples of taking the gospel to other cultures overseas. But how should a denomination and the local churches within a denomination engage the diversities of our Canadian culture to bring Christ to those without Him? Where do we begin?
A denomination might make clear its desire to win the growing mission field within our country through
Many congregations may do this best by choosing to become an intentionally intercultural church. An internet “Google” search will unearth a myriad of resources.
There may be other churches nearby who recognize the same need and want to learn with you. Initiate a peer-learning cluster of churches and individuals wishing to learn from and encourage one another along the way.
You may wish to research your community. Who is living nearby? What can you learn about the culture and country of new Canadians living near you? Visits to their community centres or shops will give opportunity to learn if networks already exist or if new Canadians in your community feel isolated and disconnected from the community.
You may wish to honour those of other cultures in your midst by inviting them to tell of the land of their birth in a class or segment of a Sunday worship time. If you find ethnic believers in your community, you may find ways of inviting some into appropriate leadership roles to allow them to speak into your congregation’s cross cultural ministry in the community.
In the end, of course, it comes down to individual believers - in fact, you. What will you do to build bridges to those in your community unlike yourself, perhaps very significantly unlike yourself?
The deepest form of giving is self-giving, specifically the self-giving of hospitality and friendship. Most new Canadians come from cultures where hospitality is a much higher value than it is in Canada. We must learn the difference between being friendly towards those of other cultures and becoming friends with those of other cultures. Becoming friends involves giving time, long term. Our culture generally sees time as being scarce; many southern and eastern cultures see time as being abundant.
I recently stopped by to pick up an Afghani friend. I’d planned my schedule to spend much of the day with him. To stay on schedule I’d declined his offer of tea before leaving his home to make the stops and meet the people we’d planned to see. In the course of the day, however, I learned I’d taken from him what he wanted to give most: time and hospitality in his home. In the west we are used to saying, “yes, let’s get together sometime” without saying when. We need to move from superficial friendliness to genuine deep friendship by giving of our time. Remember that attitude is more important than method. Most people are far more perceptive about our motivation than we give them credit for.
I’m optimistic that the Christian church in Canada can evangelize our nation and the “nations” within it. Why? Because Canadian multiculturalism has already given most of us eyes to “see” the new Canadians around us. Church planting is already a high value in the evangelical community and most congregations are already asking the right questions.
I believe the EFCC can have an exciting and effective role in this context. The EFCC comes from a highly respected mission tradition and is serving effectively overseas. The denomination has the right theology and DNA. You have a tradition of freedom to innovate. Now is the time to step up to the plate. Pray, listen and innovate boldly. God will be glorified!
Murray Moerman serves with Outreach Canada where he initiated and led “Church Planting Canada” (1996-2006) focusing on reaching people of every ethnic group across Canada by training leaders in forming additional disciple-making communities.
All the “people groups” or cultures are included in God’s redemptive purpose on the earth. Those of every skin colour, hair style and lifestyle choice; those who speak other languages, prefer other foods and hold other views than ours. Culture is more than nationality and language; it may be generational, but more significantly, it is rooted in worldview.
Crossing cultural barriers to love and introduce people unlike ourselves to Jesus may in fact be considerably more difficult than general affirmations of Christ’s expansive love and grace to all. Canada, and perhaps your community, is changing rapidly as increasing numbers of people living around us are from cultures other than those to which we’ve been accustomed. Many have come to Canada because of our government’s policies of multi-culturalism, liberal immigration laws or because of Canada’s international reputation as a desirable place to live.
Meanwhile, immigrants to Canada are often not treated well. Their professional achievement in their country of birth is not recognized in Canada. The result is that doctors in India may serve as orderlies in Canada. Many immigrants feel Canadians are not friendly, because Canada is not a hospitality-based culture; people may speak with them on the street but the conversation doesn’t translate into an invitation to come share a meal or cup of coffee, much less to deep and lasting friendship.
The EFCC is certainly committed to missions and able to point to many positive examples of taking the gospel to other cultures overseas. But how should a denomination and the local churches within a denomination engage the diversities of our Canadian culture to bring Christ to those without Him? Where do we begin?
A denomination might make clear its desire to win the growing mission field within our country through
- A public declaration of intent beginning with a review and possible reshaping of the denomination’s mission statement;
- Engaging a consultant to provide ideas and directions that might enable the denomination to reshape itself for multi-cultural ministry within it’s Canadian context;
- Profiling - in conferences, magazines and newsletters - churches and individuals who are taking creative, practical steps to overcome cultural differences to bring the Gospel to those unlike themselves;
- Identifying ethnic leaders within local churches who may be willing to serve in national or regional denominational roles;
- Encouraging every congregation to identify a mission-hearted “champion” in their midst mandated to lead the congregation in local cross-cultural ministry, such as a hospitality ministry to international students;
- Pointing to the best resources, practices and ideas for cross cultural ministry which might stimulate local churches to new vision and energy.
Many congregations may do this best by choosing to become an intentionally intercultural church. An internet “Google” search will unearth a myriad of resources.
There may be other churches nearby who recognize the same need and want to learn with you. Initiate a peer-learning cluster of churches and individuals wishing to learn from and encourage one another along the way.
You may wish to research your community. Who is living nearby? What can you learn about the culture and country of new Canadians living near you? Visits to their community centres or shops will give opportunity to learn if networks already exist or if new Canadians in your community feel isolated and disconnected from the community.
You may wish to honour those of other cultures in your midst by inviting them to tell of the land of their birth in a class or segment of a Sunday worship time. If you find ethnic believers in your community, you may find ways of inviting some into appropriate leadership roles to allow them to speak into your congregation’s cross cultural ministry in the community.
In the end, of course, it comes down to individual believers - in fact, you. What will you do to build bridges to those in your community unlike yourself, perhaps very significantly unlike yourself?
The deepest form of giving is self-giving, specifically the self-giving of hospitality and friendship. Most new Canadians come from cultures where hospitality is a much higher value than it is in Canada. We must learn the difference between being friendly towards those of other cultures and becoming friends with those of other cultures. Becoming friends involves giving time, long term. Our culture generally sees time as being scarce; many southern and eastern cultures see time as being abundant.
I recently stopped by to pick up an Afghani friend. I’d planned my schedule to spend much of the day with him. To stay on schedule I’d declined his offer of tea before leaving his home to make the stops and meet the people we’d planned to see. In the course of the day, however, I learned I’d taken from him what he wanted to give most: time and hospitality in his home. In the west we are used to saying, “yes, let’s get together sometime” without saying when. We need to move from superficial friendliness to genuine deep friendship by giving of our time. Remember that attitude is more important than method. Most people are far more perceptive about our motivation than we give them credit for.
I’m optimistic that the Christian church in Canada can evangelize our nation and the “nations” within it. Why? Because Canadian multiculturalism has already given most of us eyes to “see” the new Canadians around us. Church planting is already a high value in the evangelical community and most congregations are already asking the right questions.
I believe the EFCC can have an exciting and effective role in this context. The EFCC comes from a highly respected mission tradition and is serving effectively overseas. The denomination has the right theology and DNA. You have a tradition of freedom to innovate. Now is the time to step up to the plate. Pray, listen and innovate boldly. God will be glorified!
Murray Moerman serves with Outreach Canada where he initiated and led “Church Planting Canada” (1996-2006) focusing on reaching people of every ethnic group across Canada by training leaders in forming additional disciple-making communities.
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