Forty years ago I hitchhiked up to a farm west of Lusaka in Zambia. Three months later I left as a born again Christian. The farmers/missionaries introduced me to Christ in their home Bible studies and I made a profession…
The Welcome Centre is open, and it in turn has been welcomed by its closest neighbour, First Christian Reformed Church of Vancouver, on Victoria Drive at 10th Avenue, near the Commercial-Broadway SkyTrain station. Operated by Immigrant Services Society of BC…
The look in their eyes captures many English words they don’t even know yet – overwhelmed, exhausted, relieved, hopeful. You can see the scene playing out at the airport day after day as refugees finish negotiating the final hurdle of…
A recently retired theologian in Vancouver, British Columbia, tells a story about a conversation he once had while getting his hair cut. The stylist asked what he did, and he replied, “I teach theology.” “Really? You believe in God?” “I…
José Figueroa is a free man, just in time for Christmas. Matthew Claxton of Langley Advance was on the scene when it happened December 23. He wrote: José Figueroa broke down in tears as he took his first steps outside of a…
Refugees are all around me here at this seniors’ campus of care. They walk through the café with their coffees and bundles of bananas from our campus grocery. They push their spouse in a wheelchair around the fountain gardens and…
Newly elected Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has opened Canada’s doors for 25,000 Syrian refugees by early next year. What seemed like a good thing to many people has suddenly become very contentious following the terrorist attacks in Paris November 13.…
Churches and other public buildings may be necessary to house refugees in the short-term if Canada is to achieve its goal of bringing 25,000 refugees into the country. Chris Friesen, director of settlement services for Immigrant Services Society of BC…
Journey Home Community is making a real impact in Metro Vancouver, both through its work with refugees and as the host of Ride for Refuge in British Columbia. Refugee work Journey Home began life modestly, but the 10th anniversary party celebrated…
On September 24 at 7 pm, Regent College will host the first ever Q Commons event in Vancouver. The evening will include presentations by local leaders and thinkers on the topic of housing, home, community and belonging in the city of Vancouver. …