City, Community

Around Town: Modern day slavery, women in China missions, Luci Shaw . . .

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Benjamin Perrin is the author of Human Trafficking and teaches law at UBC.

Benjamin Perrin is the author of ‘Invisible Chains: Canada’s Underground World of Human Trafficking’ and teaches law at UBC.

UBC law professor Benjamin Perrin will present the main findings from his study on human trafficking in Canada next Wednesday (February 25) as part of the UBC Graduate and Faculty Christian Forum lecture series.

Confronting Modern Day Slavery: Human Trafficking in Canada will discuss “the shocking prevalence of Canadian women and girls as victims, and . . . how our country is responding to this hidden national tragedy.”
 
Perrin is an associate professor at UBC’s Peter A. Allard School of Law and a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute for Public Policy.

His principal teaching and research interests are Canadian criminal law and international criminal law. His publications include Human Trafficking (co-editor, 2012) and Invisible Chains: Canada’s Underground World of Human Trafficking, which was named one of the top books of 2011 by The Globe and Mail.

Perrin’s lecture will take place at Woodward (IRC) Building, Room 1, on the UBC campus, across Wesbrook Mall from Regent College and a little bit further west.
 
The Role of Faith and the Rule of Law
Preston Manning and guests will share their experiences in elected office.

Preston Manning is one of three speakers at ‘The Role of Faith and the Rule of Law.’

 
Another legally-oriented event takes place on the very same day as Benjamin Perrin’s presentation. Regent College’s Marketplace Institute and the St. Thomas More Catholic Lawyers Guild of BC will host The Role of Faith and the Rule of Law at the Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP boardroom downtown.
 
This will be the focus:
 
The idea of the rule of law has been the bedrock of western civilization for hundreds of years. Today, western democracies face increasing challenges to the rule of law from notions such as social license and inclusivism.
 
On the one hand, citizens and advocacy groups increasingly distrust the law as manipulable by powerful corporate interests. On the other hand, well-organized campaign groups have sought to use the law as an instrument of social change. Is our trust in the law reaching a critical low point? What are the limits to law and the appropriate use of law? And what contribution can Christian faith make to these issues?

Join us for this event as our speakers address these questions from the perspective of a legislator (Preston Manning), litigator (Mary Margaret MacKinnon) and a mediator (Lisa Alexander).

Unfortunately, the boardroom seems to be full, but I suspect this will not be the last of its kind. It is particularly encouraging to see the Catholic Lawyers Guild working with the Marketplace Institute; I hope to also see the Christian Legal Fellowship – which has just chosen a new national leader – involved in the future.
 
The need for ongoing consideration of ‘the role of faith and the rule of law’ becomes more obvious every day. On February 18, for example, former BC Premier and federal MP Ujjal Dosanjh called for more oversight of religious institutions to fight extremism, on CBC’s Early Edition, stating that “We all have grown up in a situation where you have separation between the church and state.” It sounds like he’s describing the US (where that separation is based on the constitution) rather than Canada; yet he states the proposition, apparently, without fear of contradiction.
 
Some recent cases involving clashes of faith and law are the battle over Trinity Western University’s proposed law school; the long-simmering debates over abortion and euthanasia, undergirded by deep religious differences over who controls our bodies; and last year’s decision (fortunately overturned after an outcry) by Nanaimo City Council to prevent a group from using a public building due to a couple of their supporters’ religious/social beliefs.
 
Looking ahead to next month, Our Whole Society will spend three days ‘bridging the religious-secular divide’ at UBC Robson Square. Primarily billed as “a conversation about reconciling secularism, religion and the common good that is a common good for all Canadians,” the conference will no doubt also touch on some legal issues.

Women in China Missions
The Trio: Eva French, Francesca French and Mildred Cable were world-class adventurers, while doing the Lord's work.

The Trio: Eva French, Francesca French and Mildred Cable were world-class adventurers while doing the Lord’s work in western China.

Women have played a major role in missions history, and that has been particularly true with OMF International (originally China Inland Mission). So it is not surprising that as they celebrate their 150th anniversary with a series of lectures, one will focus on Women in China Missions: History and Impact. 

Next Tuesday (February 24) at Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Free Church, participants will hear stories of women who played a significant role in the development of the Chinese church in the early 20th century, and some thoughts about where women are today in God’s work in China.
 
By 1885, CIM had more women than men on the field in China and, according to Alvyn Austin, who wrote China’s Millions: The China Inland Mission and Late Qing Society, 1832 – 1905, CIM founder Hudson Taylor said: “Our brethren in nearly every province are urgent in their cries for reinforcements; our sisters, were they to come out in 10 times the number [would all find more than enough to do].”
 
There are many heroic missionary women to choose from, but I hope we hear something about ‘The Trio’ – three adventurous women who carried out itinerant ministry all over the Gobi Desert in western China. During the 1920s and 30s, Mildred Cable, Eva French and Francesca French fearlessly travelled the caravan routes among a primarily Muslim population.
 
Or about Isobel Kuhn, who grew up in Vancouver and spent a couple of decades with her husband John working with the Lisu people in southwest China and northeast Thailand.

These stories are not told enough in our churches today; they are worth seeking out.

Lookout Gallery / Luci Shaw

whatsustainsuslookoutgallery1There are a couple of great reasons to visit Regent College this week.

The Lookout Gallery is hosting What Sustains Us, a travelling exhibit put on by the Grunewald Guild of Leavenworth Washington.  Artists from the Regent community will be partnering with this exhibit,  responding to the question, “Where do we find nourishment for our bodies, our spirits, our communities, and our land?”

An opening reception will be held on Thursday (February 19), from 4:30 – 7:30 pm; the show runs until March 19.

On Saturday (February 21) the Word Guild is offering a Dessert Soirée featuring poet Luci Shaw.

lucishaw1

Luci Shaw will take part in the Word Guild’s Dessert Soirée.

The Word Guild is “a growing community of more than 325 Canadian writers, editors, speakers, publishers, booksellers, librarians and other interested individuals who are Christian. From all parts of Canada and many denominational and cultural backgrounds, we affirm a common statement of faith and are united in our passion for the written word.”

Luci Shaw is a poet, essayist and writer-in-residence at Regent College. Author of more than 30 books, she received the 10th Levertov Award for Creative Writing from Seattle Pacific University and Image. Most recently, she has written a collection of poetry, Scape (2013) and Adventure of Ascent: Field Notes from a Life-long Journey (2014).

Eagle Ridge United

It’s good to see the role Eagle Ridge United Church is playing in the wake of a two alarm fire in a Coquitlam apartment complex February 17. Media reports noted that the church had offered itself to receive donations for displaced Glen Drive residents.

Feb 2015

North Vancouver School of the Bible – February 15, 2015 - February 21, 2015 at All Day
6 week Lenten series on Palliative Care and End of Life Issues (I): Michele Smillie – February 19, 2015 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Artists from the Grunewald Guild & the Regent Community: What Sustains Us - Opening Reception – February 19, 2015 at 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Adoption 101 – February 19, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Poverty Revolution Boot Camp – February 20, 2015 - February 21, 2015 at 6:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Chapel Tri-Cities – February 20, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Julia Prins Vanderveen: The Poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins – February 20, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Beauty From Ashes Gala – February 21, 2015 at 12:00 am - 10:00 pm
Fearless: Promise Keepers Canada – February 21, 2015 at 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Multi-sensory Language Training: Teaching To The Brain – February 21, 2015 at 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
The Word Guild: Evening Soirée - For Love of the Word, with Luci Shaw – February 21, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Jazz Vespers: Glenda Rae & Miles Black – February 22, 2015 at 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Jazz Vespers: Henry Young – February 22, 2015 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Is Christianity the Only True Religion?: Blessing Our Sikh Neighbours – February 22, 2015 at 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Faith and Justice Roundtable #2: Settler Colonialism and the Journey toward Justice – February 23, 2015 at 6:45 pm - 9:00 pm
Women in China Missions: History and Impact – February 24, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
UBC Graduate & Faculty Christian Forum Lectures: Benjamin Perrin - Confronting Modern Day Slavery: Human Trafficking in Canada – February 25, 2015 at 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
The Role of Faith and the Rule of Law – February 25, 2015 at 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Lenten Study 'Reframe' by Regent College (5 Wednesday evenings) – February 25, 2015 at 6:15 pm - 9:00 pm
Premiere Film Screening: Between a Shoe and the Roof – February 25, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Art and Spirit Lecture Series: Karen Jamieson (Dance) – February 25, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Jazz Evensong: Paul Rushka – February 25, 2015 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
The Country They Call Life: A Retreat for Pastors – February 26, 2015 at 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
6 week Lenten series on Palliative Care and End of Life Issues (II): Dr. Paul Sugar – February 26, 2015 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Company of Disciples: Free Speech . . . But? – February 26, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Engage Meets at Preview Show for The Whipping Man – February 26, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Family Life Weekend Getaway – February 27, 2015 - March 1, 2015 at All Day
Chapel North Shore – February 27, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Chapel Vancouver – February 27, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Clarke Scheibe: Looking for Meaning in a Closed Universe, Part I – February 27, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Steve Bell Solo Concert – February 27, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Silent Movie 'The King of Kings' with live organ accompaniment with Edward Norman – February 27, 2015 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Hallelujah Praise: Motown Meets Gospel: 4th Annual Gospel Music Workshop and Concert featuring Louise Rose – February 28, 2015 at 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
It Takes a Village: Nurturing Children in Faith for a Lifetime – February 28, 2015 at 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Multi-sensory Math: Teach Them to love Math! – February 28, 2015 at 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Liveword Conference – February 28, 2015 at 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
There is JustUs – February 28, 2015 at 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Dreams Conference with Bethel Music – February 28, 2015 at 1:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Taste of the World – February 28, 2015 at 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Langley Concert Band – February 28, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
At the Close of Day – February 28, 2015 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Mar 2015

Hallelujah Praise: Motown Meets Gospel – March 1, 2015 at 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Jazz Vespers: Nancy Newman – March 1, 2015 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Taizé Contemplative Service – March 1, 2015 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Steve Bell Solo Concert – March 1, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Metro Vancouver Alliance Transit Forum – March 2, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Rudy Wiebe: Faith and Death – March 3, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
The Drop Box: Showing in Local Theatres – March 4, 2015 - March 5, 2015 at All Day
Vancouver Pastors Prayer Fellowship – March 4, 2015 at 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Business By the Book: Ross Colello – March 4, 2015 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Sea to Heaven: The Photography of James Jeong - Opening Reception – March 4, 2015 at 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Who Should Judge the Limits of Free Speech? – March 4, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Art and Spirit Lecture Series: Landon Mackenzie (Painting) – March 4, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
SAMC Chamber Singers: Songs of the Night – March 4, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Jazz Evensong: Eli Bennett & Jillian Lebeck – March 4, 2015 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Awakening to Love Revival: Gathering of the Golden Eagles – March 5, 2015 - March 8, 2015 at All Day
6 week Lenten series on Palliative Care and End of Life Issues (III): Dr. Marylene Kyriazis – March 5, 2015 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Faith in Food: A Judeo-Christian Exploration of Food, Sustainability, and Culture-Making (weekly, on Saturdays) – March 5, 2015 - March 14, 2015 at 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Apologetics Canada Conference 2015 – March 6, 2015 - March 7, 2015 at All Day
Apologetics Canada Conference 2015 – March 6, 2015 - March 7, 2015 at All Day
Perogy Night in Vancouver – March 6, 2015 at 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
REED Fundraiser: Raising Hope – March 6, 2015 at 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Clarke Scheibe: Looking for Meaning in a Closed Universe, Part II – March 6, 2015 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Christian Perspectives on Islam, Muslims and the Kingdom of God – March 6, 2015 - March 7, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 2:30 pm
SAMC Chamber Singers: Songs of the Night – March 6, 2015 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Mirror Dance Grad Show – March 6, 2015 - March 7, 2015 at 8:00 pm
Planning Ahead to Finish Well Workshop – March 7, 2015 at 9:00 am - 1:30 pm
Praying With Ignatius of Loyola: Contemplative in Action – March 7, 2015 at 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Planted: Community Kitchen Connect the Dots – March 7, 2015 at 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Abendmusik Vesper Choir: Lenten Vespers – March 7, 2015 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
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