Aaron White has written a Daily Advent Prayer Guide that connects the ancient nativity story with the realities of displaced people today. Each week during Advent (December 2 – 24) I will post the daily guides; this week I have posted…
While some are Walking the Wall (see accompanying story about International China Concern) many others will be Riding for Refuge. Groups all over the Metro Vancouver area, and across Canada, will be on their bikes raising money for a variety…
Journey Home Community serves refugee claimants by providing housing, resettlement assistance and relational support. Following is the story of how Marleni Curi Gomez and her family were welcomed by Journey Home and how she is now helping with their ministry…
Ann Voskamp will be on the west coast this week, Saturday (October 21) as a keynote speaker for Gather Rise at Peace Portal Alliance Church in south Surrey and Sunday (October 22) to preach at Tenth Church in Vancouver. Many, many…
Vancouver is hosting the annual five-day (April 24 – 28) TED Conference (which organizers say is “at the heart of TED”), and so we also hosted Pope Francis earlier this week. Speaking on themes of hope, inclusion and tenderness, his TED Talk…
Journey Home Community has been a leader in welcoming refugees to Metro Vancouver over the past decade or so (see here, here and here). Its commitment has again been made clear in a recent letter of concern to the Liberal…
Local ministries are preparing for the next wave of refugees, even as they continue to support those who have already arrived. According to the federal government, some 6,000 more government-supported Syrian refugees will arrive in Canada this fall (of whom…
Easter approaches, and with it much beautiful music. This year, Bach’s St. Matthew Passion must surely be the most eagerly awaited by those who appreciate sacred/classical music. The Vancouver Bach Choir, with help from the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, will present…
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…
Local Christians have already demonstrated in numerous ways how much they care about the turmoil in the Middle East and the resulting refugee crisis. Three upcoming events will allow churches and Christians to gain practical insights on how to support…