The role of churches and other faith-based ministries in the social, economic, governance and health of Surrey and White Rock is the focus of a now-launched book co-authored by several long-time observers of life in the two cities. The Church…
Kinbrace, a refugee housing and support agency with Christian roots, has been recognized with the MOSAIC 2014 Human Rights Award. The award particularly cited Kinbrace’s work in developing a series of published resources under the title of Refugee Hearing Preparation Guide. The booklets…
While BC Premier David Eby and federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller are debating support for asylum seekers, local groups with strong roots in the Christian community quietly carry on their very practical support of these new arrivals. Eby started off…
With Mission Fest coming up quickly (February 15 – 17 at Westside Church) I am posting a series on Christianity as a missionary religion: Introduction 1. History of Missions 2. State of World Christianity 3. Specific Areas: Africa 4. Specific Areas: Asia 5.…
I can’t remember when I have felt as optimistic about ecumenical activities among local Christians as I have this fall. Three new (or renewed) initiatives stand out in particular: Mission Fest confirmed for early next year; Taste & Receive will…
Kinbrace Refugee Housing & Support has been receiving some very positive attention of late, but co-founder Loren Balisky is happy to share the credit as he reflects on the influence of Layne Daggett, who passed away this summer. Late last…
Churches and ministries are working hard to help Ukrainians, both locally and in Ukraine and the neighbouring nations. Ukrainian churches are leading the way. Here are just a couple of examples that have been noted by the media: Holy Eucharist…
Vancouver churches and ministries are actively participating in the worldwide outpouring of support for the Ukrainian people. Here are some initiatives that have caught my eye. Christian Life Assembly Christian Life Assembly (CLA) Senior Pastor Derrick Hamre sent out three…
Our weekly Creating Conversation editorial gives opportunity for people to speak about issues they believe are vital for the church to respond to. We asked Anika Bauman to respond to Mark Glanville’s accompanying comment (‘COVID-19, asylum seekers’ essential travel and…
“What goes on in North America is just a tiny fraction of what goes on in the refugee world.” James Grunau knows what he is talking about. He has spent many years welcoming refugee claimants to Metro Vancouver, while also…