World Refugee Day (June 20) and World Refugee Sunday (June 21) remind us that tens of millions of people in our world have nowhere to call home. But some of them do find new homes. Vancouver has several front line…
New Hope: In Motion
Tag: immigrants
Debunking refugee myths
Refugee rights are one of five main themes addressed by Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ), “a national organization of members inspired by faith to act for justice in Canadian public policy. “Based in Ottawa, CPJ is a Christian voice for…
Seeking support from Ottawa for a Refugee Claimant Reception Centre
James Grunau and Loren Balisky have created thriving communities locally (Journey Home and Kinbrace), which share housing – and lives – with refugee claimants. Last week they travelled to Ottawa to appear before the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration,…
Immigrants rely on faith groups for material support and community
A study released July 9 confirms what anyone watching the church in Metro Vancouver already knows – that many immigrants have found welcome and support from local faith communities. The Faith and Immigration report begins: A comprehensive public opinion study of…
Around Town: Flavours of Hope, banned in New West, can we evangelize? . . .
If you visit Granville Island any Tuesday until August 28, do take a look for the team from Flavours of Hope. They are there as vendors with the Groundswell Test Market. Flavours of Hope is a “non-profit social enterprise that…
Beyond the Conversation: New ministry to immigrant seniors gains traction
In 2015, Amie Peacock surrendered to God’s calling – whatever that might be. “I said, ‘God, I’m going to give you my life. Obviously, you’re calling me for something. And, God, I am going to be just listening and being obedient…
History of evangelicalism brighter than future? Vancouver offers signs of hope
John Stackhouse has written a very useful overview of the history of evangelicalism in Canada for the July/August issue of Faith Today, to mark the nation’s 150th birthday. The rise and fall (and rise?) of evangelicalism offers a six-page ‘quick…
Refugees find New Hope’s apartment building a cause for celebration
Refugees, politicians and sponsors joined New Hope Community Services leaders and staff February 11 in the bright lobby of New Hope’s Surrey apartment building to celebrate the one year anniversary of its opening. Children from Syria, the Congo, Eritrea and…
Mary’s Song ever new: God has brought down rulers and exalted the humble
Bob Ekblad is a natural choice as a key speaker at Missions Fest early next year (January 27 – 29), as this year’s theme is Justice and the Gospel. Bob is co-founder (with his wife Gracie) of Tierra Nueva in…
Newcomers to Canada welcomed by individuals, then by church
There is an ocean width of difference between being alone and being lonely. Some think it is language, unaffordable housing, technology or erratic work schedules that distance us from each other. For newcomers to Canada, it may be all of…