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December 2008
Volume 21, Number 8
A Gift and a Tree
There will be less someday –
much less,
and there will be More:
less to distract and amuse;
More, to adore;
less to burden and confuse;
More, to undo
the cluttering of centuries,
that we might view
again, That which star
and angels pointed to;
we shall be poorer –
and richer;
stripped – and free:
for always there will be a Gift,
always
a Tree!
Written by Ruth Bell Graham
©2002 Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
Used with permission. All rights reserved.
May your Christmas be a time of sharing Christ’s love with those around you. ~ Gerry Taillon and the CNBC staff
Do you know how to pray for missionaries?
By Ellen Cone
o Tell the Story of Jesus. That is
what our international missionaries
are doing! But do you what their prayer
needs are?
By now, CNBC churches should have
received the 2008 International Missions
Offering promotional materials. Included
with these is a prayer guide booklet in
which you can read stories from five of
our missionaries serving in various parts
of the world.
How can you use this year’s prayer
guide? One practical way is to choose five
consecutive days, read that missionary’s
story and pray through each of the
prayer requests.
You could make this a part of your
G
The Baptist Horizon December, 2008
daily quiet time with the Lord or use it
in your family’s devotional/prayer time
together. One person can read the story
aloud and each family member can take
turns praying for the missionary and the
requests.
Included in
this year’s prayer
guide are two
children’s pages.
These activities can be used
during Sunday
School, midweek activities, or any other
time that children are together.
Use the prayer guide as a way to
educate your whole congregation about
missions. Learn about this year’s focus
©2002 Billy Graham
Evangelistic Associa
tion. Used with perm
sion. All rights reserve
region, South America, and pray for this
part of the world.
Maybe your church has a mission
emphasis once a year. You can save the
prayer guide for that month and use it
during the international missions focus.
Your congregation
may be new to giving
to the International
Missions Offering or
maybe your church
doesn’t contribute
to this offering. Let
this be the year you begin to take part in
supporting our missionaries around the
world. Through our financial giving and
prayer, missionaries can be sent out to tell
the story of Jesus.
1
Connecting cnbc
By Gerry Taillon
C
hurches must share Christ. We do
Our convention exists to impact lostness
many things as churches that are
and to see people come to know Christ
important but ultimately if we do not
and become His followers. The purpose
share the good news about Jesus Christ
of this article is not to make churches
and how a person can have a relationship
who baptized no one last year feel guilty.
with our Saviour and Lord, we are not
Instead it is to help all of us refocus on
fulfilling God’s purpose for our
the most important things.
church.
The church that we are plantForty-eight percent of our
ing in Northeast Calgary recently
congregations and seeds didn’t
invited Cesar Parra to come and
baptize anyone in 2007. That
talk to us about an evangelism
means 48 percent of our works
process called Action 52.
did not see a person come to
Action 52 was started at
Christ and follow His comEmmanuel Baptist Church in
Gerry Taillon
mand to be baptized.
Toronto through Pastor Francisco
CNBC National
Now I want to be fair here
Aular and Cesar Parra in 2006.
Ministry Leader
because there are all kinds of
This year Paul Johnson and Cesar
reasons why a church might not baptize
have adapted the program to effectively
anyone in a year. Some of the seeds
launch a national evangelism movement.
have just been started and have not had a
Now it is the vision of our convenchance to baptize anyone. Some churches
tion to motivate all our churches to live
may have baptized many people the year
evangelism in Canada. This very simple
before and had a large harvest and now
process challenges ordinary people in the
are concentrating on sowing to be able
church to get activated and commit themto harvest again. Some churches are
selves to planting at least one evangelistic
working in hard soil and baptisms don’t
seed every week for 52 weeks.
come easy.
During the training process each person
The above and additional explanations
learns a variety of methods for sharing
may account for some of the churches but their faith and they are asked to pick the
I am convinced they do not reflect all of
one that best suits them and their lifestyle.
the 48 percent who reported no baptisms.
They are then given a small bag of 52
This is a very serious issue for the CNBC. sunflower seeds and asked to intentionally
ISSN 1195-4744
National Ministry
Leader: Gerry Taillon
Editor: Debbie Shelton
[email protected]
Canadian National
Baptist Convention
Toll Free (in Canada):
1-888-442-2272
Phone: 403-932-5688
FAX: 403-932-4937
Download the
Baptist Horizon
www.cnbc.ca
Subscription
information email:
[email protected]
Please send address
changes to:
Baptist Horizon
100 Convention Way
Cochrane, AB
T4C 2G2
This issue:
December 2008
2
seek to plant an evangelistic seed in some
non-believer’s life at least once a week.
It could be an evangelistic prayer, a testimony, an act of kindness or anything that
helps a person in their journey to become
a believer. When they do that they get to
throw away a seed till there are none left.
Paul and Cesar are presenting this
process to churches all across Canada, to
summer youth camps, youth groups and
recently at our Oasis retreats in Saskatchewan and Ontario. The response has been
amazing. Students are overcoming their
fear of witnessing and churches are planting hundreds of evangelistic seeds. People
are intentionally incorporating evangelism into their daily lives, when before it
was almost never present.
I recommend this process to any church
because it is flexible and adaptive to any
context and any person in your church. I
especially recommend it to churches that,
for whatever reason, have not seen conversions or baptisms for some time.
Maybe we have made this thing too
complicated in the past. This is a simple
process that any church can do. Why not
at least give it a try.
If you are interested in Action 52 contact Paul Johnson ([email protected])
or Cesar Parra ([email protected]) at the
Convention Office: 888-442-2272.
Read the rest of these missionaries’ stories …
G a n d T i n No r t h A f r i c a a n d t h e M i d d l e E a s t
April’s Call to Missions in North Africa/Middle East
As our friends
seek to deepen
their understanding of
God, we have
taken the opportunity to share with them about Jesus …
The summer
April turned
15, God began
to reveal to her
that he had
already been preparing her heart for foreign missions …
Wendell and Carrie Webb On Mission in Germany
Angel and Elma Ignacio O n Mission in Mexico
One of the
most exciting
experiences
we’ve had while
on the field is
seeing people we have discipled begin to share their faith …
The Atkins ’ Call to Missions in Croatia
We felt the call
to missions as
we recognized
and were challenged with
the vast spiritual needs throughout the world …
After pastoring
Filipino churches
for twenty-seven
years, we responded to God’s
call to take part in His global mission …
…in the
International
Missions
Prayer Guide
Volume 21, Number 8
Ontario church receives community service award
By Harold Campbell
NEPEAN, ON—From handing out coffee
and hot chocolate at intersections to cleaning up after parades, Sequoia Community
Church members have made service an
integral part of their church’s life since
Sequoia was born about nine years ago.
The city of Nepean and the greater
Ottawa area have noticed—Sequoia was
presented the Service Club/Non-Profit
Organization of the Year award in October
at the annual Greater Nepean Chamber of
Commerce awards dinner.
“We’re a big-time serving church,”
Rick Lamothe, Sequoia pastor, said. “It’s
in our DNA.”
Lamothe said that Sequoia was the only
church nominated for the award. In total,
six organizations, including the Lions
Club and a Muslim organization, were
nominated.
“It was cool just to be nominated,”
he said. “I mean just to be noticed in
the community as a church serving the
community and doing some really cool
things.”
However, he said the really cool thing
was that Sequoia received the award and
he got to give an acceptance speech before
about 300 Nepean community leaders.
“God is getting the glory and Sequoia
was recognized for its great impact in the
community,” he said.
Ever since its inception, serving has
been part of Sequoia’s mission.
One of the first outreaches the church
undertook was handing out hot coffee to
motorists at busy intersections. It was a
gesture which led Donna Boisvert, now
the church’s care minister and serve team
leader, to start attending Sequoia.
“We’ve always been a church which
has been a light and the hands and feet of
Jesus, not with words only, but we walk
the talk,” she said.
In recent years, she has organized
Sequoia’s effort to pick up garbage after
Nepean’s annual Christmas parade.
Church members have been cleaning up
after the parade for three years. This effort
began after parade organizers would not
let Sequoia hand out materials during the
parade; although they are allowed to hand
out candy canes.
The Baptist Horizon December, 2008
The Fun Cruiser gives Sequoia Church a visible presence at community events as they serve free
snow cones, cotton candy, coffee, popcorn and hot dogs.
Garbage collection hasn’t been
Sequoia’s only service outreach, however.
Lamothe said Sequoia’s Fun Cruiser
has become a common sight at events, and
the church has also been involved in such
activities as disaster recovery training,
sponsoring a disaster relief trailer, helping
at the Rogers Run and sponsoring five
floats in the Christmas parade.
On top of that, the church hosted 200
World Changers youth who took part
in a number of projects around Ottawa
and members have also undertaken such
projects as roof repair and a ministry of
singing in homes for the elderly.
The church also plans to add a mobile
carpenter’s workshop, and establish the
Eastern Canada Missions Centre.
For all this, he thanked Sequoia members and First Baptist Church of Montgomery, Alabama, who have provided
financial and volunteer assistance.
Lamothe hopes Sequoia can serve as an
example for other Canadian National Baptist Convention (CNBC) churches to find
ways to connect with their communities.
“We want all the other churches in the
convention to win an award,” he said.
CNBC leaders complimented Sequoia’s
work and said that many other churches
are also reaching out to their communities.
Gerry Taillon, CNBC national ministry
leader, said, “Receiving this award is one
of the highest honours a church could
ever get. It means they are involved in
the community, and serving the community and, knowing Sequoia, it means
they are sharing the love of God with their
community. We thank God for churches
like Sequoia; they are showing us how to
impact our world for Christ.”
Paul Johnson, CNBC Share team leader,
said it’s an unusual honour for a church to
be given the community service award.
“Since its inception, Sequoia has shown
a commitment to be involved in the community,” Johnson said.
Johnson added that a former Nehemiah
Project (church planting) professor at
the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary, often said churches can be seen as
parasites in Canada because they pay no
taxes and some give little back to the community.
“Sequoia has shown a better model,
enhancing Nepean with its Fun Cruiser
and creative events,” Johnson said. He
also said the church has not only helped
locally, but members have also traveled to
other locations to serve.
He said other CNBC churches are doing
the same, referring to such examples as
bringing a potted plant to businesses (The
Potter’s House, Westbank, British Columbia); sponsoring a Family Fun Day (Église
de Rocher Vivant Communauté Chrétienne, Saint-Félix-de-Valois, Quebec); and
giving concerts on the beach (Abundant
Life, Penticton, British Columbia).
“They find ways to add value to their
community and give credibility to the
good news,” Johnson said.
“One Quebec pastor, Francois Vershelden, states it this way, ‘Jesus came
with good news and good works. We must too.’”
3
New church-starting team heads to Winnipeg
By Frank Stirk
COCHRANE, AB—By 2010, Winnipeg could
begin to see a resurgence of Canadian Southern
Baptist churches thanks to a new joint churchplanting initiative between the CNBC and the
North American Mission Board.
“We believe we’re going to start several new
seed groups within Winnipeg in the next two
years that will be future congregations,” said
Gary Smith, who was recently appointed by
NAMB as a national missionary assigned to
Canada.
Gary Smith
Smith and his wife, Sue, plan to move to Winnipeg by the end of the year from Montreal, where
he had been serving as the Start Team coordinator for
Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada.
Already we’re
Joining them will be church-starting advocates
hearing about
Roger and Lisa Harrison from Louisville, Kentucky.
projects and
“They’re just an incredible gift to us,” said Smith.
partnerships
“They’ve got a huge passion for Winnipeg.”
and possi“Our desire,” he added, “is not to transplant, but to
bilities to plant
work through the indigenous church-starting leaders the Lord will give us. It’s really to work with and
churches and
train folks right there.”
to encourage
“I think Gary will make a major impact in Winchurches in the
nipeg,” said National Ministry Leader Gerry Taillon.
Winnipeg area.
“Already we’re hearing about projects and part—Gerry Taillon
nerships and possibilities to plant churches and to
encourage churches in the Winnipeg area.”
Twenty years ago, Winnipeg had six Canadian
Southern Baptist churches. Now it
only has two—Garden Park Church
and New Life Sanctuary. Finding
some way to reverse that decline “has
been a significant prayer request of
ours for the last couple of years,” said
Start Team leader Dwight Huffman.
The breakthrough came when
NAMB agreed to pay Smith’s salary,
which until a few months ago had
been paid by the CNBC. “He is now
in their payroll system,” said Huffman, “and yet they are allowing
him to stay here and be a part of our
national team.”
In fact, Smith’s assignment is
largely unchanged. It still includes
facilitating new church starts from
northern Ontario to Newfoundland
in partnership with team members
Jeff Christopherson in Toronto—also
newly appointed as a NAMB national
The corner of Portage and Main in
missionary for Canada—and Jacques
Winnipeg’s downtown.
Avakian in Montreal.
4
And with the resources freed up by Smith’s
arrangement with NAMB, Huffman has been able to
bring onboard former International Mission Board
missionary Maurice Tenkink, who now lives in Prince
Albert, as the coordinator for Saskatchewan and the
rest of Manitoba outside Winnipeg.
“Maurice’s job is rural church-planting and developing a strategy to see self-sustaining rural churches
planted all over the Prairie provinces,” said Taillon.
These additions mean that for the first time, the
Start Team will have representation in every region of
the country. “That’s a significant development in the
last six months,” said Huffman. “It’s really preparing
us to do what we need to do in 2009 and 2010.”
“In the midst of a crisis with the American dollar
and our own Canadian financial crisis,” Taillon noted,
“God has found a way to multiply our church-starting
team by funding them in other ways.”
Garden Park pastor Sean Major is, in his words,
“thrilled times two” by this new initiative.
“With only two small CNBC churches in all of
Manitoba, to hear that there is someone coming here
with a focus on starting more churches—and even the
companionship of having more people on the team
near you—that is such a blessing,” he said. “I am so
thankful that God has put Winnipeg on Gary’s heart.”
As a first step, the team plans to conduct what is
known as a North American Mission Board People
Search. “It will help us know by the end of next year
how to strategically go about planting churches and
the types of church planters we’re going to need,”
said Smith. “As far as I know, it’s never been done in
Canada.”
“There is so much sowing and harvesting and fruit
to be had in this place,” said Major. “There’s a ton
of single moms around here. We have a challenge
with gangs, youth looking for something, looking to
belong, and a huge immigration presence.”
Smith is also hopeful that a breakthrough might
even be imminent in the vast region between Winnipeg and Ottawa, where there is currently not a single
Canadian Southern Baptist witness.
“I have a church-starting advocate for northern Ontario and we’re already seeing things begin
to happen,” he said. “That whole region, maybe
in the next two years, will totally change, and we
won’t have that huge land mass without any CNBC
churches anymore.”
At the same time, Taillon stressed that the national
leadership remains very mindful of the fact that the
Atlantic provinces in particular still face “major challenges” in getting new churches started. “We want to
continue to do more and more for eastern Canada and
to expand our church-starting team there,” he said.
Volume 21, Number 8
Share
By Paul Johnson
God’s mysterious ways with an International Student
ajing* flew to Canada from China by
herself. No one was with her, no one
was waiting for her. She was stepping into
a brave new world to pursue a master’s
study at a major Canadian university.
No one met Yajing at the airport when
she arrived in the university city. The signs
were in English, a language she was only
functional in: new language, new culture.
She processed immigration and retrieved
her luggage on her own.
First major decision: how to get to the
university? There was no bus, at least she
couldn’t figure out the route for one. She
took a taxi, and made a new discovery:
taxis cost much more in Canada than
China.
Yajing spent her first days in Canada
alone in the residence. She’d arrived early,
so classes hadn’t started. She knew no one.
The first weekend, she wandered and read.
It was Lan* who first befriended her
in a science lab. Although Lan wasn’t
a Christian, she was interested in God. She
invited Yajing to attend Focus, a Christian
group in a nearby church. Lan wanted to
know Canadians and learn more western
culture. Yajing did too, so she went with
Lan. The discussion about God had no
impact on her.
Another lab partner, Elaina*, became
a friend too. Elaina was a Christian and
Y
showed it by inviting both her friends to
In a conversation, Yajing overheard
mid-Autumn festival dinner at her church
Elaina mention to Lan Jesus’ promise
and a Bible study. Lan went.
to give His followers abundant
Yajing didn’t care to.
life. That stuck in Yajing’s mind,
Early on Elaina gave Yajing a
abundant life. She had many
Bible, but she didn’t read it.
things—good health, good friends,
Yajing had opportunity to go
good job prospects once she
to church more. There was one
finished her Master’s degree. But
only a twenty minute walk from
she asked herself, even it I get all
the residence. She usually didn’t
this, so what?
bother, although Christians kept
Abundant life? Yajing didn’t
Paul Johnson
inviting her. Perhaps if someone
have abundant life.
CNBC Share
Team Leader
had picked her up, she might have
The next day, she began to read
gone? Perhaps.
her Bible.
What she enjoyed in her conQuietly she drifted into a
tact with Christians was potluck parties.
relationship with God. She wanted Jesus’
Graduate students would rotate hosting
offer. Even more than wanting it, Yajing
took it, surprising everyone by becoming a
these gatherings in different homes each
Christian. She was baptised one night in an
month. Once Yajing and Elaina became
apartment bathtub.
roommates off-campus, they opened their
Lan was interested in God, but never did
place for parties. Christians were in the
minority at these potlucks.
trust in Him. Yajing wasn’t seeking God at
It seemed Yajing would never respond
all. To the contrary.
But God was seeking her, and found
to the good news. She concentrated on her
her through a Christian friend who cared
studies, not on a spiritual search. Elaina
gave up witnessing to Yajing. She preferred for her, prayed for her and brought her to
to speak to others more receptive, like Lan. church. Yajing is now a contented child of
But God’s Spirit was working. Yajing
God, delighting to serve him.
became more aware of God through
Makes one wonder. How many more are
Elaina’s friendship. She began to wonder,
like Yajing, needing a Christian to befriend
What is the meaning of my life? However,
them and point them to Jesus?
she told no one her thoughts.
*Names changed
Refuge and immigrant ministry in need of computers
T
he Refugee and Immigrant Ministry of
with volunteers from the church and the
Scarborough Baptist Church in Prince
community of Prince Albert.
Albert, Saskatchewan is reaching out to
Students, ranging from school age
immigrant people in the community by
through adult, arrive at 6:30 pm—often after
meeting their need—specifically their
a long day at work or school—eager to learn
need to learn the English language, which
a little bit more. Most choose to divide their
is crucial to getting jobs
time between the computer
“For I was hungry, and you
and integrating into the
lab, where they use English
gave me something to eat;
community.
language software to hone
I was thirsty, and you gave
The ministry provides
their skills, and the ESL
Me drink: I was a stranger,
English and computer
tutors, where they work on
and you invited Me in…
classes held each Monday
speaking, listening, writing
and Thursday evenings
and reading skills. Students
in the basement of Scarborough Baptist
are also able to work on their typing skills
Church. The program, under the direction
and learn basic computer skills.
of Alanna Banman, Scarborough’s Refugee
There are currently thirteen students (age
and Immigrant Ministry leader, operates
seven to fifty) regularly attending. Normally
The Baptist Horizon December, 2008
the classes consist of adults and a few
teenagers, but this year several families have
decided to attend all together.
The language classes and computer lab
was miraculously able to start up three years
ago when an individual provided a complete
lab of ten used computers with all the
accessories. Unfortunately, the computers
are showing their age and are unable to
run some of the newer software. Newer
computers are now needed. So, the Refugee
and Immigrant Ministry is sending out a call
for help to upgrade the computer lab.
If you are interested in helping, or know
someone who might be, please contact
Alanna Banman: Email [email protected]
or telephone 306-922-8639.
5
First Baptist Church, Grand Forks, gives thanks
sickness to work through and discouragement from the ones who said, “It
can’t be done.” But with God’s help it
was done!
How was it done? “God’s field workers” came from all over. We were greatly
inspired by the many who came from the
Southern US and from other parts of the
US and Canada.
These workers were a witness to
our community, not only because they
donated their time and talents but also
because local contractors and tradesmen
noticed that they worked in an atmosphere of clean language and with an
attitude of Christ-like selflessness. They
exhibited the “fruit of the spirit” in their
lives. What a blessing they were to us as
we got to know them.
They will
remember
us, too.
When our
improvised
campgrounds on
the church
property
had no
hygienic
facilities,
the ladies
First Baptist Church, Grand Forks, BC, celebrates their first Thanksgiving in their especially,
new building.
were so
By Joan Enquist
o God be the Glory! October 19 was
a special day at First Baptist Church,
Grand Forks, BC. It was our first Thanksgiving in our new building! We celebrate,
as a church family, one week after the
Thanksgiving holiday to allow for family
get-togethers.
Much has transpired since last year
at this time. We were still meeting in a
rented hall but looking forward to what
was happening.
What was happening? Our workers
were racing against the clock to get our
new building ready for a December 2
opening.
We thank God for His strength and
protection at this time. There were nails
to go through fingers, ladders to fall off,
T
thankful for a real flush “biffy” and a
sink to wash up in, thanks to our resident
plumber, Rudy.
There was also a wonderful spirit that
permeated our church family—a spirit of
coming together to help one another. Our
ladies cooked endless meals and snacks.
Our men and ladies sanded, painted,
and helped in any other way they could.
Pastor John Siemens rolled up his
sleeves and worked with them.
Our people gave sacrificially; unexpected money came in and the bills were
paid. For this we can only thank God.
We have been so blessed and that is why
we had a special time of thanksgiving as
a church family.
Several leaders in the church
expressed thanks to the different committees, the deacons expressed a special
thanks to “God’s field workers,” the
Building Committee (We are ready for
the final inspection!) and the Social
Committee (Thanks to the ladies for their
hard work).
The treasurer reported that the bills
are paid up to date. The Sunday School
reported that we can now divide the
children into separate age groups
because of the work done by the New
Mexico VBS team.
Finally, thank you to the Cooperative Program and the CNBC leaders in
Cochrane, Alberta.
Louis Steegstra, long-time friend of convention, dies
Louis Steegstra passed away on
October 11 in Abbotsford, BC.
Louis’ relationship with Canadian
National Baptists began in June 1990
when he addressed the then Canadian
Convention of Southern Baptists,
introducing the pastors and staff to the
benefits of a group Retirement Savings
Plan to help provide for ministry leaders
in their retirement.
He went on to help the convention
define and establish a group insurance
plan with Equitable Life to provide
insurance and extended health and dental
benefits to convention pastors and staff
across Canada. Many will remember
Louis from convention meetings where he
6
would come just to meet with the pastors
whom I have believed.” Louis faithfully
to discuss their needs and concerns.
served at the Sevenoaks Alliance Church,
Through his company, Parity Agencies, Abbotsford, BC.
Louis was an advocate for our convention.
Louis’ greatest pride was his family.
He had a heart for Christian
Predeceased just eight weeks by
leaders.
his grand-daughter Andrea, Louis
Joan Bruce recalls Louis
leaves behind the love of his
as a person with a twinkle
life and wife of 52 years, Mary
in his eye, a firm handshake,
(Reimer), five children, thirteen
a love of life, a pride in his
grandchildren and six greatfamily and a passion for
grandchildren.
Louis Gerald Steegstra
Jesus. The CNBC has been
In response to extensive
blessed to deal with Louis, a Feb. 28, 1935 - Oct. 11, 2008 business growth, Louis prepared
Christian man of high integrity.
a succession plan for Parity Agencies,
Louis’ family shares that his life
inviting his daughter, Jolene, to assume
reflected the verse from 2 Timothy 1:12,
the role of group benefits specialist, and
“I am not ashamed, because I know
son Kevin as Certified Financial Planner.
Volume 21, Number 8
The President’s Corner Unstoppable Faith
cnbc
By Rick Lamothe, CNBC President
2 • Four Men … vs 3
Some men came, bringing a paralytic.
n my first three columns of “The PresiMy question is this: How far did they
dent’s Corner,” I have written about
come? They were carrying him. That
“being radical in our faith” (with our lives
must have taken great effort! And it was
and with our churches) and the idea of
most likely inconvenient. But they were
being “consumed by greatness.”
desperate!
In this column, I want to return to the
You see, to bring people to Jesus, it will
topic of faith. Why? Because Hebrews 11
take great effort. It will be inconvenient!
tells us that it is impossible to please God
But are we desperate enough to do whatwithout faith. I also want to share with you ever it takes to bring people to Jesus?
3 • Obstacles (verse 4)
the opening devotional and challenge I
This one verse blows
shared with our National
me away! You see, the four
Leadership Board as we
men could not get to Jesus
met together November 3
because there was a crowd.
through 5.
So really they could have
Please turn with me
turned back. But what’s
in your Bible to Mark
interesting to me is that
2:1-12. As I read this
they didn’t!
well-known story, of
Rick Lamothe, CNBC president
Though there was an
Jesus healing a paralytic,
“obstacle” they didn’t turn back. They
during one of my daily devotionals, I was
had an “unstoppable faith!” I mean these
struck by this story in new ways—not by
guys were desperate to bring their friend to
what Jesus did for the paralytic, nor even
Jesus. Imagine they climbed the roof. That
the paralytic himself—but by the faith of
in itself would have taken effort.
his four friends! As I read this story, four
Then they dug through the roof—more
things jumped out at me:
1 • Many people gathered (verse 2)
effort required. Then they lowered their
There was no room left where Jesus was friend right before Jesus. Really, more
speaking. To me that means when Jesus
effort required!
is doing something in our lives and in our
But even more so, they risked being
churches, people are going to be curious
criticized and laughed at by the people,
and check out what’s happening.
as surely as they were interrupting Jesus
But is that the case?
talking.
Are non-Christians curious enough to
So let us ask ourselves a few questions:
check out what Jesus is doing with our
Is our faith unstoppable? Does our faith
lives and with our churches throughout
require effort? Do we go beyond whatever
Canada?
obstacles we may have in front of us in
I mean, people need “good news!”
order to bring people to Jesus?
People need to be healed! But are they
Remember, some of these obstacles
coming so much that the “house” is
may even be our “religious traditions.” By
packed?
the way, I am not talking theology here.
I
But do we remove obstacles or even go
through them in order to bring people to
Jesus?
You see, sometimes faith will be very
risky and unconventional. I mean, they
dug through a roof! How unconventional
and disruptive was that? This is what I
see in this amazing story: Faith, at times,
needs to be risky (being willing to be
laughed at or criticized), unconventional
and disruptive!
4 • When Jesus (verse 5)
When Jesus saw their faith! Wow! When
Jesus saw their faith—not what they said.
He saw their radical and unconventional
faith and belief in action—which required
great effort in surmounting obstacles—
then He healed the paralytic!
Folks, I love our convention family.
We have a great vision! We have so much
potential! But we will never accomplish it
if we individually and as churches do not
live with this kind of faith as exhibited by
these four men.
Some of you churches simply need to
start giving 10 percent to the Cooperative
Program—no more excuses as to why you
are not or why you can’t!
Yes, it may require effort. Some of
you, individually, simply need to get over
obstacles and stop having excuses for not
bringing people to Jesus! Some of you
need to be radical and unconventional in
your faith—real faith—“something you
are sure of what you hope for and certain
of what you cannot see” (Hebrews 11:1).
I believe in you! Let’s all individually
and corporately live an unstoppable faith
in 2008/2009! What changes can you
make right now in order to activate this
unstoppable faith? Jesus needs to see your
unstoppable faith! Go for it, for His glory!
Calvary Baptist Church commended for giving
MOOSE JAW, SK—Calvary Baptist Church,
International). They take up one offering and
capita to the International Mission Offering/
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, received
divide it among the three mission areas.
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® in 2007.
a certificate of appreciation from the
International Mission Board (IMB).
Calvary’s pastor, Bob Butt, explained that
The IMO has set up four giving challenge
The Tengchow Challenge was named for
levels, highlighting the life of
the Chinese city where Lottie Moon
Lottie Moon, missionary to
began evangelism. The challenge
for the month of December, the church has
China. Calvary was recognized
levels can be found on the IMB
a missions focus with each Sunday focusing
for meeting the “Tengchow
on a different area (Canada, North America or
(dung-joe) Challenge” by giving $51.11 per
The Baptist Horizon December, 2008
website: www.imb.org/main/give/
page.asp?StoryID=5517&LanguageID=1709.
7
OASIS WEST
Thoughts from the Journey By Bob Sh
I
did it again. Another incident
grace we carried on. Deb and
for my list of Bob’s most
some of my kids are still in
embarrassing moments.
shock but we made it through.
Let me set the scene: I am
The simple life lesson here
waxing eloquently from Acts 2
is make sure you are connected
about the Spirit coming at Pento the power source. I had all
tecost. The congregation is with
the power I needed to run my
me, we are about to have our
computer but I forgot to plug it
own personal pentecost when,
in at my end.
lo and behold my computer
Oasis 2008 is now history.
screen pops up and says I am
The ministry couples who
about to run out of battery.
gathered in Saskatchewan and
I am using a Mac computer
Ontario experienced the refreshand so what I see on my screen
ing touch of the Father.
is not necessarily on the big
Our theme was “Come to
screen behind me, and to my
Me.” Jesus’ invitation is for
wife’s horror, there is a picture
all of us to come to him as the
of me, standing in the ocean,
source of life, joy, refreshment
looking like a beached whale!
and power. Jesus has everyNeedless to
thing I need
say the congreto do life and
gation broke
ministry, but
out in hysterical
when I forget to
laughter.
connect to the
I began to
source, Jesus,
work frantiI find ministry
cally to fix the
to be heavy and
problem. Come
a burdensome.
to find out I had
Jesus says, yoke
asked someone
up with me and
Bob Shelton, church strengthening you will find the
to plug my
computer into a team leader preaches at Oasis East. source of life.
power source but I had forgotHow are you doing my
ten to connect the power cord
friend? Are you feeling a little
to my computer. Eventually I
unplugged? Hamish Buntain
regained power and by God’s
shared three ideas at Oasis West
Page 8: Ministry couples are relaxed and refreshed at Oasis West,
November 14-16. Photos by Marilyn Rathje and Debbie Shelton
8
Volume 21, Number 8
OASIS EAST
helton
of the Lord is perfect, revivthat I want to share with you
ing the soul” (Psalm 19:7). If
along with a few of my thoughts
we want to lead like Jesus we
added in.
must become like Jesus. If we
One: Be ruthless with sin
want the character of
and run from
Jesus we must learn
temptation.
Jesus says, “Come
to practice the habits
Paul speaks
to me, all you who
of Jesus.
of crucifying
Three: Be diligent
the old nature.
are weary and
about
honouring
Peter says,
burdened, and I
the Sabbath. Do
“Abstain from
will give you rest.
we know the value
fleshly lusts.”
Take my yoke upon
of embracing the
Why? Because
you and learn from
Sabbath? Sabbath
they wage war
me, for I am gentle
is God’s gift—and
against the soul.
command—of repetSin distances
and humble in
itive, regular rest. It
us from God
heart, and you will
has been created for
and forces us to
find rest for your
our delight and comlive on our own.
souls. For my yoke
munion with Him
This means
is easy and my
and as a means of
that soul rest is
burden is light”
renewal that impacts
impossible. So
(Matthew 11:28-30).
every dimension of
let this serve as
our lives. I am still
a reminder to us
trying to work this
that if there be
out in my own life. Sabbath
anything in us that displeases
helps me realize that God is the
the Lord we should root it out
One in control. I can stop and
and be done with it.
rest and trust Him to sustain
Two: Understand the life
things for a day without me.
giving nature of God’s Word
Are you plugged in? Do
and how He nourishes us
you make time for a personal
through it. I trust that you have
sabbath? Too often if we don’t
developed habits that make
find time to come apart and
room for the reading, study and
be with Jesus we will literally
reflection upon God’s Word.
come apart.
As the scripture says, “The law
Page 9: Ministry couples enjoy fellowship and worship time at Oasis East,
November 21-23. Photos by Debbie Shelton
The Baptist Horizon December, 2008
9
Church Administration Helps
By Joan Bruce
Meeting needs through church benevolence
B
y their very nature churches are motivated to
help those in need. Although history shows that
the church has always been involved in benevolent
ministry, churches need to understand the difference
between public and private benevolence. It is not
appropriate for a church to be involved in private
benevolence or to act as a channel for private
benevolence.
Churches should have a policy in place that governs
benevolent ministries and guards against such activity
becoming private benevolence. Often the emotion
attached to a particular situation governs the actions
of the body and puts the church at risk of engaging in
activity that is not in line with her charitable status.
Gifts given to the church in support of benevolence
ministries must be given to the church to use for its
programs. The donor cannot designate who will get
the gift. The church is in control of such gifts and will
decide where the need is and how to meet that need.
The CNBC is a network of churches giving ourselves away to advance the kingdom of God. One of
the ways we can make a difference in our communities is by giving to those in need. Following Canada
Revenue Agency’s regulations and establishing
simple guidelines will ensure that your church has a
viable benevolence ministry that does not compromise your charitable status.
As your church looks at its benevolence ministry
keep these things in mind:
• Do you have a clear purpose statement and written objectives
regarding your benevolence ministry? These should be specific
and in line with the purpose and ministries of your church.
• Is your benevolence limited to a specific group or individual? It
should be open to all members of your community.
• Have you appointed a committee or group to administer the
benevolence program?
• Do you have guidelines to administer the program? These
will answer questions such as the types of needs that will be
considered; priorities if funds are limited; reasonable amount
of assistance; who will make decisions regarding benevolence;
on-going assistance; one time assistance, and so on. The guidelines address the matter of determining if there is a need and
the help required to meet that need.
• Have you developed a reporting system to document the basic
information on actions taken? This information is only for
the leadership responsible for the benevolence program. The
names of those individuals who receive such assistance is confidential and should not be released. The report to the church
would include total receipts and disbursements of the benevolent fund.
For regulations regarding charties: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/chrts/menu-eng.html
Church stunned by bomb attack
By Frank Stirk
LANGLEY, BC—Two weeks
after a bomb seriously injured
Campus for Christ missionary
Gary Stevenson, police were
still at a loss to establish a
motive for the crime.
Stevenson, 39, works
closely with Victor Thomas,
pastor of The Point, in ministering to students attending
Simon Fraser University in
Burnaby. “It seems totally
unreal that this is happening
here,” said Thomas, a native
of South Africa.
The attack occurred on
November 8. Stevenson was
in the process of moving his
family out of their Langley
10
town house when he noticed
a package wrapped in pink
tissue paper on his doorstep.
Thinking it was a goodbye gift
to his two young daughters,
aged three and one, he started
opening it in his garage—
when it exploded.
Stevenson suffered cuts
and burns from the blast,
which also sent a piece of
shrapnel into his liver. He
underwent emergency surgery
and is expected to make a full
recovery.
Thomas said it was “a miracle” that Stevenson survived
the explosion and that his
wife, Lynda, and their children
were not home at the time.
The bombing stunned everyone who knows Stevenson,
from neighbours who told the
media the Stevensons were
“a wonderful family” to his
home-church in Langley, to
his co-workers at Power to
Change—Campus for Christ’s
parent organization—to the
members of The Point.
“He’s just been a good
friend to The Point, somebody
we really love and respect
and somebody I admire,” said
Thomas. “He’s a guy who
really cares for all the students. He has a great mind
and he’s very open about sharing his faith.”
“Our whole community
is shocked by this,” Guy
Saffold, executive director of
ministries at Power to Change,
told CTV British Columbia.
“You just wonder who could
possibly want to do this kind
of harm.”
As a precaution against a
possible further attack, Stevenson is under police guard
in hospital.
“One of the big prayer
requests,” said Thomas, “is
that the police get some leads
and are able to find the people
who were involved. I’m sure
that will explain a lot of it to
the family in terms of knowing was it random, or was it
targeted—whatever it was.”
Volume 21, Number 8
Women explore “Authentic Spirituality” at conference
By Candice Thomas
VANCOUVER, BC—In September the WestCoast
Baptist Association held a one-day women’s conference. The event, themed “Authentic Spirituality,” was
designed for women in every state of spiritual life.
The group explored what being spiritually aware and
authentic really means in one’s life.
Women from WestCoast associated churches
brought their friends, family and work colleagues to
this event which was held at the Vancouver Space
Museum. There were
95 participants from
different backgrounds,
cultures and spiritual
beliefs.
The speaker, awardwinning journalist
and bestselling author,
Connie Cavanaugh,
hilariously portrayed
aspects of her walk
with God—having
the participants crying
with laughter—while
Connie Cavanaugh, right,
giving
spiritual insight
autographs her book, From
with
her
personal
Faking it to Finding Grace, for Iris
examples.
Samchuck.
While looking at
“if authentic spirituality is possible” and “if so, what
difference does it make,” Connie lead the women to
reflect on their personal
authenticity.
Peggy Nickel joined
in the fun with two
monologue dramas
titled “Find it”—depicting a women’s struggle
with finding God and
“Live it”—portraying
the difference that
living out her beliefs
made in her life.
Vancouver Idol
winner Laurell concluded the
conference with songs about her
life and God.
Some of the participants
commented: “Loved it.”
“I hope that there another conference next year.”
“Please give me information
about any future events that WestCoast Women hold.”
Adria Doll, a collegiate student
who attended the conference, said
“I loved Connie,
really enjoyed
the breakout
sessions and
it was great to
connect with
people I hadn’t
seen in ages.”
The best way
to summarize
this conference
is this comment: “Loved,
laughed and
Women enjoy the “Authentic Spirituality” conference, held in
learned.”
Vancouver. Photos by Kim Cleland
Renaissance Bible Church kid’s program
Jana Young, daughter of Ron Young,
pastor of Renaissance Bible Church in
Rawdon, Quebec, shows off a book
during a session at the church’s new
Awana program. The church started
the program this fall, and now more
than 30 children attend, including nine
from unchurched families. Young said
this is the first long-term and ongoing
outreach for the church without
involvement from a mission team.
The Baptist Horizon December, 2008
December Kids4Christ lesson is online
www.namb.net/k4c_canada
In this month’s Kids4Christ lesson children
will learn about Jay Smith and his ministry
to the Fulani people
in West Africa and
how the Cooperative
Program helps Jay to
do his ministry. Hear
about a story from the
Bible and how Paul and his friends worked
together to share Christ with others.
11
GIVING THROUGH THE COOPERATIVE PROGRAM
Oct
YTD 2008
CP 2007
BRITISH COLUMBIA
CONGREGATIONS
√Abundant Life, Penticton
√Bethel Romanian Church, Abbotsford
Canyon Community, Canyon
√Chinese Christian Gospel, Burnaby
√Cityview, Vancouver
Collingwood Congregation, Vancouver
√Coquitlam Chinese, Port Coquitlam
100.00
√Cornerstone Baptist Church
√Eden Korean Baptist Church
√First Baptist, Grand Forks
188.02
First East Indian, Richmond
√Gateway, Surrey
God’s Grace Vietnamese, Delta
Grace Baptist, Williams Lake
√Grace Romanian, Burnaby
√Immanuel, Vancouver
100.00
Joo An Baptist, Burnaby
Kamloops Korean, Kamloops
√Korean Baptist, Vancouver
√Korean Bethel, Delta
√Laotian Baptist, Surrey
Living Water Chinese, Richmond
√Living Word Chinese, Vancouver
√Logos Baptist, Coquitlam
√Mapes, Vanderhoof
310.03
√Mountain View Baptist, Salmon Arm
380.53
Neul Sarang Korean, Langley
√Okanagan Chinese, Kelowna
1384.09
Open Door, Richmond
√Pacific Rim, Langley
Peace Korean, Langley
Primera Iglesia, Delta
√Richmond Chinese, Richmond
155.07
Richmond Chinese Gospel, Burnaby
√Richmond Gospel, Richmond
√RockBridge Church, Surrey
146.48
√Royal Heights, Delta
1750.00
Sa Rang Baptist, Burnaby
√Salmo Baptist, Salmo
336.00
√Southside Agape, Surrey
√Surrey Chinese, Surrey
400.00
The Bridge, Kitsilano
800.00
√The Church of Loving People, Langley
√The Lord’s Baptist, Burnaby
The Point, Burnaby
578.33
√The Potter’s House, Westbank
1140.00
√Towers Baptist, Richmond
True Light, Surrey
√Uplands Baptist, Terrace
543.00
√Vancouver Chinese, Vancouver
1340.00
Vancouver Japanese, Vancouver
112.50
Vancouver Light, North Vancouver
Vancouver Upper Room, Surrey
Vernon Chinese, Vernon
√Victoria Baptist, Victoria
√Victoria Christian, Victoria
√Victoria Korean, Victoria
450.00
√Westlynn Baptist, North Vancouver
5269.24
0.00
150.00
0.00
0.00
11184.19
0.00
1000.00
8203.96
0.00
2726.56
0.00
200.00
0.00
2872.13
0.00
1100.00
0.00
0.00
1450.00
0.00
850.00
0.00
0.00
1819.73
3864.84
3851.27
0.00
5605.35
0.00
475.00
0.00
300.00
3155.07
0.00
1500.00
1219.23
19686.07
0.00
3593.69
500.00
4400.00
3615.49
700.00
0.00
1914.08
13855.00
1552.50
0.00
2380.87
6660.00
2029.38
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
1800.00
9887.89
0.00
0.00
0.00
500.00
12368.40
0.00
1200.00
6495.92
0.00
2523.55
0.00
135.00
100.00
2333.42
300.00
1200.00
0.00
0.00
1800.00
600.00
1627.00
0.00
500.00
2593.40
5785.57
3595.59
0.00
6342.31
1100.00
2465.67
0.00
400.00
2166.38
0.00
1000.00
17261.26
0.00
6228.00
0.00
4200.00
4800.00
950.00
0.00
733.87
15322.00
773.00
0.00
1812.50
12600.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
270.00
1800.00
6979.96
3499.42
992.19
180.00
461.63
0.00
490.00
SEEDS
All Nations, Coquitlam
245.70
Burnaby Baptist church, Burnaby
676.74
Church on the Mountain, Whistler
12
Oct
Crossings, Cranbrook
80.00
Emmanuel Romanian, Port Coquitlam
50.00
Jo Eun, Coquitlam
SFU Community Church
The Bridge Community, Kamloops
The Connection, Maple Ridge
The Joshua House, Richmond
125.50
The Open House, Vancouver
139.79
UBC Point, Vancouver
BC TOTALS
YTD 2008
210.00
500.00
801.10
91.94
3240.00
522.50
542.50
597.08
367.14
CP 2007
65.00
600.00
56.00
0.00
3000.00
1319.42
0.00
704.29
355.11
16801.02 135646.17 137914.25
ALBERTA
CONGREGATIONS
A Place Called Hope, Lethbridge
660.40
Agape Chinese, Edmonton
√Alpine Christian, Canmore
Bethel Community, Boyle
√Big Rock, Okotoks
520.56
√Bow Valley, Cochrane
7484.28
√Bridge International, Calgary
√Calgary Chinese, Calgary
Calgary Jiguchon, Calgary
Calgary Korean Global, Calgary
100.00
√Cambrian Heights, Calgary
1510.78
√Country Christian, Tomahawk
Cowboy Trail, Cochrane
960.75
√Dovercourt, Edmonton
√Edmonton Chinese, Edmonton
√Evangel Chinese, Edmonton
√Evansburg Baptist, Evansburg
√Fairview Cornerstone, Fairview
794.24
√Filipino International, Edmonton
850.00
√Grace Family, St Albert
486.38
Heartland Christian, Pincher Creek
√Ivy Lake Baptist, Grande Prairie
100.00
√Jasper Place, Edmonton
812.89
√Lighthouse, Edmonton
√Mountain View Christian, Calgary
Newway Baptist, Edmonton
√Richmond Hill, Calgary
√Riverside, Red Deer
Southwinds, Calgary
Symons Valley, Calgary
√Tapestry, Tuscany, Calgary
The Bridge, Edmonton
The Hope for All Nations, Calgary
√Trinity, Calgary
√Truth Baptist, Calgary
Vietnamese Community, Calgary
√Westwood, Edmonton
Willow Creek, Nanton
√Worsley Baptist, Worsley
1730.33
2105.08
0.00
800.00
0.00
3180.02
55284.14
5000.00
6263.51
0.00
900.00
16101.11
174.00
10210.27
9453.32
900.00
2100.00
5127.00
9174.33
2715.00
5863.08
0.00
1385.51
5177.84
0.00
0.00
1600.00
42246.29
736.90
4942.19
3274.83
8132.00
1266.30
0.00
20790.57
5434.00
1789.20
2600.00
0.00
18196.41
1949.85
0.00
0.00
0.00
2355.56
77261.83
0.00
7279.91
0.00
1100.00
17009.26
2273.10
8678.09
10006.46
2400.00
1200.00
3605.40
11172.57
2000.00
2072.94
0.00
712.29
4497.74
170.00
1673.30
1200.00
32215.29
2306.91
0.00
6239.65
4937.00
3375.00
0.00
26359.97
2539.00
1711.05
2600.00
0.00
18024.03
0.00
221.10
0.00
1055.17
467.00
0.00
679.00
793.00
0.00
61.40
200.00
0.00
0.00
2360.00
0.00
251.00
SEEDS
Abundant Life, Calgary
Edmonton Mosaic, Edmonton
Grapevine Christian, Edmonton
Heart Mountain Community
Maranatha Indonesia Church
Red Deer Korean, Red Deer
Tapestry, Citadel, Calgary
Tapestry, Rocky Ridge, Calgary
AB TOTALS
16010.61 256138.17 261798.60
Volume 21, Number 8
GIVING THROUGH THE COOPERATIVE PROGRAM
Oct
YTD 2008
CP 2007
SASKATCHEWAN
CONGREGATIONS
2063.59
455.96
3857.73
0.00
2366.39
540.00
5423.66
2895.92
0.00
238.63
0.00
0.00
3204.53
0.00
0.00
4517.39
1500.00
25000.21
604.02
4781.64
0.00
1956.36
1725.77
785.51
2010.16
0.00
201.38
0.00
75.00
4184.80
0.00
0.00
5152.46
1125.00
22602.10
MANITOBA
CONGREGATIONS
√Garden Park, Winnipeg
√New Life Sanctuary, Winnipeg
MB TOTALS
0.00
4036.09
100.00
4666.00
200.00
4136.09
4866.00
450.00
100.00
3800.75
0.00
1000.00
0.00
0.00
1300.00
1600.00
808.80
0.00
0.00
6746.17
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
793.90
0.00
0.00
0.00
24651.53
0.00
500.00
30049.39
0.00
4368.00
3514.70
1884.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
150.00
300.00
4689.01
0.00
1550.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
775.01
0.00
2550.00
7094.13
0.00
ONTARIO
CONGREGATIONS
Bethel Romanian Baptist, Kitchener
50.00
√Bible Centered Fellowship, Oakville
Celebration!, Gloucester
Comunidad El Faro, Orleans
√Dixie Baptist, Mississauga
√Eglise Baptiste Haitienne Salem, Hamilton
Eglise de la Saintete, Scarborough
√Eglise Eben Ezer, Ottawa
Emmanuel Baptist, Etobicoke
√Grace Baptist, Mississauga
√Grace Community, Devlin
√Greek Gospel, East York
√Iglesia Betel, Scarborough
630.90
Iglesia Getsemani, Brampton
√Kingdom Harvest Missional, Scarborough
Kwang Myoung, Etobicoke
Mississauga Chinese, Mississauga
Mosaic, Brampton
Oakville Christian, Oakville
194.36
√Ridgecrest, Hamilton
Sea Way Valley, Cornwall
Seneca Christian, North York
√Sequoia, Nepean
1542.05
√Shanliwood, Spencerville
The Journey, Brampton
√The Sanctuary, Oakville
4711.00
The Sanctuary, Burlington
The Sanctuary, Milton
The Sanctuary, Mississauga
383.20
The Sanctuary West, Hamilton
120.00
Toronto Baptist, Toronto
Toronto Korean Baptist, Toronto
Vietnamese Baptist, Scarborough
Westside, Mississauga
Woo-Rhee Baptist, Stoney Creek
0.00
100.00
0.00
768.52
0.00
0.00
0.00
33052.79
500.00
0.00
35221.46
936.98
9913.91
1791.10
2965.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
SEEDS
Affinity Baptist, Oshawa
ON TOTALS
The Baptist Horizon December, 2008
YTD 2008
CP 2007
CONGREGATIONS
√Allan Baptist, Allan
108.84
√Calvary Baptist, Moose Jaw
266.19
√Cochin Baptist, Cochin
√Community, North Battleford
701.96
√Discovery Baptist, Regina
√Emmanuel Baptist, Melfort
623.50
√Faith Baptist, Saskatoon
117.90
√First Nations, Saskatoon
Hi-Way Harvest, Smeaton
Kinistino Community, Kinistino
Lakeland Community, Prince Albert
√Lakewood Baptist, Saskatoon
245.20
Little Red Mission, Prince Albert
√Muskoday Baptist, Muskoday
√Scarborough Baptist, Prince Albert
√Watrous Baptist, Watrous
SK TOTALS
Oct
QUEBEC
7631.51
0.00
3551.69
Agape, Montreal
√Assemblee bon Samaritain, St George
Arabic Baptist, Montreal
Curieux, Montreal
√Eglise Maniwaki, Maniwaki
677.42
√Eglise Galilee, Saint Hubert
√Eglise Haitienne Siloe, Montreal
180.00
√Eglise Nouvelle Jerusalem, Montreal
√Eglise Sheba, Longueuil
100.00
√Eglise Rocher Vivant, Saint Felix
246.00
Eglise Baptiste de la Cite, Montreal
Eglise Manahaim, Montreal
√Eglise Bethanie, Montreal 60.00
√Eglise Pointe Saint Charles, Montreal
60.65
Eglise Reformee Chatequguay, Chatequguay
√Eglise Reformee de la Capitale, Quebec
Eglise Reformee de Montreal, Chatequguay
Eglise Renaissance, Kirkland
Eglise Renaissance du Long Sault, Pierrefonds
First Romanian, Laval
√Greek Cdn Gospel, Montreal
Hellenic Gospel, Saint Laurent
√Impact, Montreal
√International Christian, Montreal
Native Christian, Maniwaki
√On Noori Korean, Cote St Luc
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
1996.42
0.00
450.00
500.00
600.00
1353.00
0.00
100.00
615.00
495.03
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
2000.00
1000.00
750.00
0.00
1478.42
25.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
100.00
0.00
300.00
2684.13
250.00
265.00
0.00
350.00
1430.00
0.00
100.00
525.00
561.14
0.00
834.00
0.00
1200.00
0.00
500.00
150.00
0.00
1450.34
150.00
0.00
0.00
SEEDS
√Renaissance Bible, Rawdon
2360.04
2104.81
QC TOTALS
1324.07
13722.91
12954.42
NEWFOUNDLAND/LABRADOR
NL TOTALS
0.00
0.00
0.00
NEW BRUNSWICK
CONGREGATIONS
√Hope Community, Fredericton
700.00
√Providence Christian, Riverview
6180.00
0.00
6400.00
2375.00
114.95
8251.78
0.00
6869.00
SEEDS
Border Baptist, St Stephen
Miramichi Valley, Doaktown
NB TOTALS
13.53
2656.00
3369.53
14546.73
15644.00
NOVA SCOTIA
CONGREGATIONS
√Bay Road Baptist Church (Timberlea, NS)
√Gospel Light, Halifax
√Living Hope Community, Halifax
√Margaree Valley Baptist Church
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
1400.00
0.00
NS TOTALS
0.00
1400.00
0.00
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
CONGREGATIONS
√Community, Charlottetown
877.52
√Georgetown Baptist
√King’s Way Christian, Montague
pe TOTALS
877.52
8244.55
0.00
2349.14
10593.69
8710.17
995.70
2243.91
11949.78
√Tli-Cho Baptist, Rae Edzo, NWT
YK/NT TOTALS
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
OTHER GIFTS
0.00
2770.94
YUKON/NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
CONGREGATIONS
TOTALS
48077.85 541351.21 577809.69
√ Denotes those churches that are affiliated (seated) with the CCSB
81567.24 105909.60
13
More Glimpses Mosaic of a Master
M
By Elaine Phillips
And the parallels continue between the
ore has been said, sung and written
and the Word was God.” Finally, God
about Him than about anyone else
is unchangeable. “Jesus Christ is the
life-giving shepherd God and the Messiah:
throughout history. For twenty centuries,
same yesterday and today and forever.”
“I am the bread of life,” Jesus says. “I am
authors have failed to find the real person
If we consider the Bible inspired by His
the light of the world.” “I am the door of
in their fiction; news documentaries and
own Spirit, we shall find the fulfilment of
the sheep.” “I am the good shepherd.” “I
magazine writers have created Him in
hundreds of prophecies.
am the resurrection and the life.” “I am
their image. The Book in which His story
The Old Testament paints a portrait of
the way, the truth, and the life.” “I am the
appears is read by more people, quoted
God by using such titles and descriptions
true vine.” “These things are written,” John
by more authors and translated into more
as alpha and omega, saviour, king, judge,
tells us, “that you may believe that Jesus
languages than any other book. His words
light, rock, redeemer, shepherd, creator,
is Christ, the Son of God, and that by
are set to music; artists are inspired to
the One who gives life, forgives sin and
believing you may have life in His name.”
sketch scenes from His life; endless words
speaks with divine authority: the Lord. In
It is essential that we consider the
of wisdom are gleaned from His teachings.
the New Testament each of these titles
claims He made; eternity is at stake. What
Who is this prophet, priest and king—
applies to Jesus. “When you look at the
He says leaves His hearers in no doubt:
Jesus, the anointed Messiah, the Christ?
sketch of God from the Old Testament, you
I AM—I am God. His claim to be God
As a baby, He had wise men following
will see a likeness of Me” (Lee Strobel, The
is either the illusion of a madman, the
Case for Christ).
deception of a clever liar, or the truth; no
a star to fall at His feet in worship. As a
boy, He astounded theologians with His
knowledge and wisdom.
As a man, He calmed a
storm with a mere word,
multiplied food for thousands,
and turned water into wine.
When He taught, people said,
“We’ve never heard anyone
speak like this before.”
Today we are invited to
search the Scriptures, for
they speak of Him. Although
many wish to divest the
Bible of its miracles, its
Author is a miracle worker.
And then there were the claims He
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government
will be on His shoulders.
And He will be called
Wonderful, Counsellor,
Mighty God, Everlasting
Father, Prince of Peace
(Isa. 9:6 NIV).
made about Himself.
John, the beloved
other options exist. So who is this man—
liar, lunatic or lord?
In Mere Christianity C.S. Lewis says,
apostle, records His
“I am trying here to prevent
Master’s words:
anyone saying the really fool-
“Before Abraham
ish thing that people often say
was born, I AM.” We
about Him: ‘I’m ready to accept
hear a faint echo in
Jesus as a great moral teacher,
the psalmist’s words,
but I don’t accept His claim to
“Before the mountains
be God.’ That is the one thing
were born or You
we must not say. A man who
brought forth the earth
said the sort of things Jesus
and the world, from
said would not be a great moral
everlasting to everlast-
teacher… . You must make your
ing, You are God.”
choice. Either this man was,
As a healer, He is supernaturally able
In the Old Testament, YAHWEH tells
and is, the Son of God: or else
to control nature, cure disease, banish
Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” God delivered
a madman or something worse.
evil and bind up the broken-hearted. He
His people from the bondage of Egypt; He
You can shut Him up for a fool,
healed a leper, a paralytic, a woman with
is their ever-present help in times of trou-
you can spit at Him and kill Him
a fever, a nobleman’s son with a critical
ble. Almost 7,000 times in the Bible when
as a demon; or you can fall at
illness, a man with a withered hand and a
God is identified, He represents Himself as
His feet and call Him Lord and
woman with severe bleeding. He raised the
a rescuer: eternal,
widow’s son, Jairus’ daughter, and Lazarus
present, and
from the dead. His desire to redeem is
willing to
coupled with His power to restore.
save His
All the words beginning with “omni”
people.
used to describe the nature of God also
So
God. But let us not come with
any patronizing nonsense about
His being a great human teacher.
He has not left that open to us.
He did not intend to.”
In the words of Ravi Zacharias, “Jesus
apply to Jesus. God is omniscient, all-
by the
didn’t come into this world to make bad
knowing. “Now we can see that
time the
people good; He came to make dead
You know all things,” affirms John. God
Son of
people live.” He is the source of life: “For
is also omnipresent. “Surely I am with
God entered the arena, the Jews knew
the LORD is your life.” When asked who
you always, to the very end of the age.”
who God was. When Jesus said, “All that
Jesus was, Simon Peter replied, “You are
God is omnipotent, all-powerful. “All
you know about God is true about Me,”
the Christ, the Son of the living God.” The
authority in heaven and on earth has
they were outraged. For the blasphemy of
choice we make about Jesus Christ is the
been given to me.”
equating Himself with the eternal God of
only choice that matters for eternal life.
God is eternal. “In the beginning was
the Word, and the Word was with God,
14
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, “they picked
up stones to stone him.”
Today the Master asks each of us, “But
who do you say that I am?”
Volume 21, Number 8
CNBC International Connections
Tell me more about Jesus
By Angel Ignacio
fter pastoring Filipino churches for twenty-seven
years, my wife, Elma, and I came to realize that
we should fulfill the Great Commission of Matthew
28:19, “Go and make disciples of all nations …”
Though we were living in our comfort zone, we knew
the strong call of God upon our lives.
It was difficult to choose the country where we
wanted to serve. We prayed and asked God to let us
know the specific place He wanted us to go. We wrote
the names of five countries (Venezuela, Uruguay,
Congo, Japan, and Mexico) on little pieces of papers
and put them in a jar. I chose Mexico twice and Elma
did not like it. She still insisted we go somewhere
besides Mexico. She felt there was no reason to go
there because, at that time, we were surrounded with
Mexican neighbors. Then when I chose a third time, it
was still Mexico.
We prayed again. One night, we were sleepless
because God placed the cry of Mexico on our hearts.
God did not stop calling until we responded to Him.
As the song says, “for there’s no other way, to be
happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”
During our first term (four years) in Mexico we
saw many Mexicans saved, baptized, and beginning
to serve the Lord. After a one-year stateside assignment, we have recently returned to Mexico for our
second term.
When we arrived, our church planting team
members shared with us the growth that had happened over the past year. They called us to join their
joint fellowship which was held in Ojo de Agua and
surprised us with new faces. Excitedly, they shared
with us how thirty-five brand new believers had been
added to their new house churches. They are creating
a team to go to Morelia, our new mission assignment,
to be a part of the church planting movement (house
churches).
The most rewarding part of our ministry here is
when we see the fruits of our labor from our first term
of service. House church planting and cell groups
continue to meet and are growing. People are being
discipled and are helping to disciple others.
One man, Carlos, age 85, had been attending
several Christian gatherings here, but he never had
enough faith to believe that he could be assured of his
salvation through Jesus. One day, during our Bible
study, he invited Jesus to come into his heart and two
weeks later, he was baptized.
Some of our national team members from
Northeast Mexico City are coming in January to join
A
The Baptist Horizon December, 2008
in Gospel
Saturation
and Prayer
Walking and
to start a
new work in
a non-church
area. Carlos
is excited
to join us in
that event.
There is a
man named
Antonio,
who was one of the Santa Muerte (saint death)
followers who received a copy of the Gospel of John
and started to attend a Bible Study led by Carlito.
Later, Antonio took his whole family to a home Bible
study and he surrendered his life to Jesus.
Anywhere we go in Morelia, we see people who
need the Lord. One weekend, we had a baptismal
service at the pool of a resort. Beside the swimming
pool there was a little store with a saleslady named
Cristina, who was watching what we were doing.
Elma explained to her the meaning of baptism.
Later the woman expressed her interest and said,
“Tell me more about Jesus.” The Holy Spirit began
working in her heart and she prayed to receive Jesus
into her life.
After a year of mentoring and discipleship, Patricia
said, “I am ready to invite Jesus to come into my life
and I am ready to be baptized.” Now, she is helping
disciple others and her family are believers.
We want to thank you for your prayer and faithful
giving through the International Mission Offering/
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. One-hundred percent of your giving supports the 5,300 IMB missionaries all over the world.
Your faithful giving
keeps us on the mission field.
Merry Christmas
and a blessed, happy
new year from your
missionaries on the
field of Mexico.
Elma Ignacio, right,
leads women in a
Bible Study.
Canadian
Connection
The Ignacios
were in Canada
for five years
when Angel was
a pastor here.
Their daughter
and son-in-law
are part of CNBC
work in Alberta.
Angel and Elma Ignacio
Urban Strategists
Morelia, Michoacan,
MEXICO
15
Clearly Canadian
Matthias Emerson Thomson was born
on November
2 to Michael
and Kara
Thomson.
He is their fifth
child. Michael is
a lay elder/pastor
at Providence
Christian Church,
Riverview, NB and is also starting a church in
Dieppe, NB.
Elizabeth Amy Raffini was born on
November 18 in High River, AB to
Jonathan
and
Rebekah
Raffini.
Jonathan is
children’s and
family minister
at Big Rock Baptist Church, Okotoks, AB.
Audrey Denise Milne, was born on May
27 to
Alexander
and Ashley
Milne. Audrey’s
grandparents
are Dennis
and Ardell
Milne; her
great grandparents are Pat
and Daisy
Milne. The three Milne couples all serve
in leadership roles at Jasper Place Baptist
Church, Edmonton, AB: Alexander and Ashley
lead the youth; Dennis and Ardell work with
college and career young adults; Pat and Daisy
work with senior adults. Pat is a retired CNBC
pastor; his last church was Mountain View Baptist, Salmon Arm, BC. Dennis has, for the past
seven years, been the church planting pastor
of Lighthouse Baptist Ministries, which has
recently chosen to merge with Jasper Place.
A memorial service was held at Richmond Bethel Mennonite Brethren
Church, Richmond, BC, for Barbara
McKenzie, who passed away November
14. The McKenzies were involved with the
convention during its formative years and Barbara served on the Executive Board/National
Leadership Board from 1986 through 1990.
Please pray for her husband, Warren, and their
children, Chelsea and Eric.
Ben Yablonski was honoured
by receiving the Erin Marlatt
Scholarship to attend
the International
Critical Incident Stress
Foundation Training
Seminar in Victoria,
BC. Ben is a Mission
Service Corp missionary who serves as a chaplain to police officers
in Victoria and the surrounding area.
Former director of missions dies
Kamie Ponath married Craig Berglund in Cochrane, AB on October 25. The couple is now living in Grande Prairie, AB. Kamie
is the daughter of Ken and Darla Ponath. Ken is the CNBC
construction coordinator. Darla is the CNBC Mission Centre manager
and also the regional disaster relief coordinator for Western Canada.
16
Jerry Wittenmyer, who
served as director of missions
for the CNBC from 1989 to 1998,
died November 20 in Spring Hill,
Florida.
Jerry and his wife, Osa Marie,
served in the Capilano Association giving leadership to the
association as director of missions. The Wittenmyers brought
with them their added giftedness
in Christian education, music
and children’s ministry to the
association and the convention.
Prior to coming to Canada,
Jerry worked with the Northwest
Baptist Convention and upon
leaving Canada he went back
to the Northwest to serve as
director of missions for Mt. Baker
Association in Washington.
In 2003 Jerry retired and the
Wittenmyers moved to Seattle.
In 2007 they moved to Florida
to be closer to their children and
grandchildren.
Jerry is survived by his wife,
Osa Marie, and his children,
Bruce, Terry and Jerri (Trammel).
The Northwest Baptist Foundation Wittenmyer Scholarship Fund has been set up for
donations in memory of Jerry.
These funds are designated for
seminary students going into religious education in churches in
the Northwest and for leadership
training sponsored by the Northwest Baptist Convention.
Notes of encouragement can
be mailed to Osa Marie at
11447 Kerridale Ave.
Springhill, FL 34608
or emailed to:
[email protected]
Volume 21, Number 8