Vincent Van Gogh painted his now famous The Starry Night in Saint Rémy de Provence’s psychiatric facility in June 1889 at the height of his prolific output, probably during an experience of mania. Having visited Arles in Southern France, where Van Gogh…
Peter Biggs of The Light Magazine is researching one Metro Vancouver / Fraser Valley municipality each month, and producing a focus on each one. The October issue brought attention to the Downtown Eastside and a feature interview with Jacqueline Dewar, who has worked and lived in…
Last Thursday, 170 people crowded into Fluevog Shoes in Gastown to celebrate the launch of Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries’ new curriculum for small groups, which is designed similarly to Alpha. Eight themes are explored from a psychological, social, and theological perspective, and each session…
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…
How can Christian communities provide meaningful, thoughtful and effective supports to those who struggle with mental illness? That is the question that Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries and Regent College have addressed in two series of workshops, one last year and another…
Accepting people with mental health issues has greatly improved in past years, especially in our churches. Organizations like Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries are doing much to help churches learn how they can show God’s love to such individuals. They are…
Having struggled herself with bipolar disorder for most of her life, Burnaby author Marja Bergen is committed to telling her fellow sufferers of the healing she has found in Jesus Christ. Over the past 20 years, she has written two books…
This is Mental Illness Awareness Week, but it looks as though related themes are being explored throughout the month. Two key events to look for are Understanding People, Mental Health & Trauma, hosted by Outreach Canada and sponsored by several groups…
Vancouver Archbishop J. Michael Miller released a pastoral letter February 16 urging Roman Catholics to look for ways to respond to the region’s drug overdose crisis. Though it was aimed at Catholics, it is also valuable for the whole Christian…
Just over a month ago, the Jacob’s Well community was not sure whether it would be able to carry on, having been evicted from its long-time home at 239 Main Street, just north of Hastings Street. The team decided to close its doors…