This is what the Sovereign LORD says:  …I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.  Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.  They will be my  people, and I will be their God. : Ezekiel 11:19-20
 
 
Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.
Sir Winston Churchill
 

Sudbury Christian Messenger Table of Contents
 
 Local News and Events
 1.  Sudburian shares Letter to the Editor on abortion
 2.  CLEANSING STREAM SEMINAR  March 5, 2008 to May 21, 2008
 3.  Sudbury Interfaith Dialogue             Women in Faiths        March 11
 4.  School of Intercession           March 14 & 15         
 5.  KINGDOM CELEBRATION          March 13, 14, 15    
 6.  Pregnancy Care Centre          Ham Fundraiser         Order by March 16th  
 7.  Good Friday Concert      March 21st         All Nations Church
 8.  The Real “F” Word ….Forgiveness!     Series starting Easter Sunday
 9.  Laurentian University Concert Series            Handel’s Belshazzar            March 28  
10.  Family Friendly Checkout Campaign  
11.  REAL Women of Canada Northern Spring Luncheon          
12.  Meeting of Family Coalition Party          April 15  
13.  Celebration 2008         All churches urged to participate!  
14.  National Prayer Wave for Women ………..for all Sudbury women
15.  Knights of  Columbus trip to Ottawa Tulip Festival
16.  REAL Women of Canada National Conference Announcement
For more events that might interest Christians, please go to www.cjtk.com
 National News
1.  Pro-Life Campaign to say no to Henry Morgenteler re: Order of Canada
2.  Rex Murphy on Human Rights Tribunals   "Coming to a Human Rights Commission Near You"
3.  Unborn Victims of Crime Bill ............something to celebrate!
4.  Take action re: Unborn Victims of Crime
5.  Canada Family Action Coaliton ----------- something to celebrate!
6.  Clergy Care Network:  a)  No brothels for 2010 Olympics    b)  Teen STD rates soar
7.  Be part of the planning for the new Human Rights Museum
8.  Block Child Porn
 
International News
 1.  Evangelical Fellowship of Canada Report on Religious Persecution in Vietnam
 
Interesting Sites
1.  Mom's Moments
2.  Life Expectancy Calculator
3.  Toronto Lent Mission
 
Chuckles for the Day/Night
1.  How did the human race come about?
2.  Beware of babies bearing gifts
 
Words of Wisdom
1.     The Joy of the Lord is my Strength
2.     Beautiful Christian Sister
3.     Devotional - We start the day with 0
      4.  Hunger for Meaning
      5.  When you thought I wasn't looking .......
      6.  Why did Jesus fold the napkin?
 
 
Local News & Events
 
 
1.   Sudburian shares Letter to the Editor
 
From: Tony
To: sudbury star editor
Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2008 8:54 PM
Subject: ABORTION-20 YEARS LATER
 
          LETTER TO THE EDITOR
 
Dear Editor:
 
January 28th, has been heralded a great day for abortionists across Canada. This is the day that women all over Canada have remembered and celebrated, the Supreme Court of Canada ruling that restricting abortions were unconstitutional. Dr. Henry Morgentaler; a Montreal physician was victorious in the courts , ensuring that Canada would have no restrictions on abortions, giving Canada the most radical pro-abortion regime in the Western world.
 
What an achievement! What a legacy, abortionists have left Canadians for generations to come! 2,000,000 babies not given a chance to survive, nor given a chance at life.
 
Since that decision was passed, 20 years ago, our country has no law on abortion, whatsoever. As a result Canada became the only Western nation with no abortion law, to protect the innocent unborn fetus. The result has been been the mother's ownership of the pregnancy is absolute and final, neither the father of the child to be or the government has any rights. Currently, in Canada, abortion is legal up to and until, delivery (9 months), unlike other advanced countries on earth where the fetus in the womb is granted some limits of protection. In many European countries the fetus is protected after 12 weeks-In Canada there is no measure of protection. This 20 year figure symbolizes the stark reality of the degree to which the lack of respect for the sanctity of life has affected our society.
 
After 24 weeks the head of the fetus is pulled out of the mother's body then crushed. The body of the fetus is then carved and extracted in pieces. This is a fully formed human person, that is crushed and destroyed. These unwanted children are discarded in garbage bags, never to receive a decent burial.
 
6,000,000 Jews were killed by the Nazi's during the Second World War! More than 2,000,000 Canadians have been killed by our fellow countryman and accepted as legal by our courts, since January 28,1988.
 
What about the cost to the Canadian taxpayer. Medicare was established in this country to assist the sick and disabled for the benefit of their health. Yet we are burdened by the high cost of health care to-day mainly because abortions are being funded  by medicare in every province. Billions of dollars from provinicial coffers have been paid, so far, towards the cost of abortions in Canada.
 
Why is Employment Insurance giving maternity leave to mothers that abort their babies, despite there being no mother and no child? Maternity leave was established so that
the mother and father would be given time off to care for their new baby- a time to bond. 
 
The Canadian taxpayer has been made the scape goat for the past 20 years, since Dr. Morgantaler was victorious in the courts since 1988. 
 
As Christians and Jews, who follow the Old Testament, we are commanded by God,"Thou shalt not kill." The murder of  a human being is contrary to the laws of the scriptures.
We must uphold the dignity of human life. We must protect the sacredness and inviolability of human life from conception to natural death.
 
The rights of the unborn child must be protected!
 
Tony Sottile
542 Anderson Ave
Sudbury On
PEC 2E4
P. 673-2854
sottiletp@persona.ca
 
 
 
2. Valley Pentecostal Church presents CLEANSING STREAM SEMINAR
 
CLEANSING STREAM SEMINAR
each Wednesday evening @ 7pm
March 5, 2008 to May 21, 2008
 
Cleansing Stream is a small group ministry that empowers, encourages
and releases believers into the fullness of their Kingdom inheritance.
If at times you doubt your salvation, question whether God really
loves you, have a hard time forgivving people or have strong fears and
other issues in your life, then Cleansing Stream is for you.
 
For more information and to register contact:
Valley Pentecostal Church
231 Martha Street, Hanmer  705-969-7940
 --------
Thanks so much Diane.
 
Esther Gudrie
VPC
 
3.        Sudbury Interfaith Dialogue             Women in Faiths        March 11
 When :              Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 7 pm
Where :             Mosque,  755  Churchill
Programme :     Round Table discussion on the present role of women in their own faith communities
            Moderator :        Joyce MacQueen
 
            Christians :        Sr. Marie Turcotte
            Hindus :            TBA
Jews :               Vivian Field
            Moslems :         Aisha Alladin
            Sikhs :              Kuljeet Buttoo
A general discussion will follow the presentations of the speakers.
 
Looking forward to seeing many of you. Remember to bring your own cup, and indoor shoes.
 
Françoise & John Arbuckle
 
4.  School of Intercession           March 14 & 15
 
“What is intercession and how can it change your circumstances?”
 
Friday & Saturday
March 14th & 15th.08
10am – 4 pm
 
Location; NLCC, Chelmsford
 
Cost: $45.00 per single,    $70 per couple
 
Registration:
Maranatha Ministries
Phone 855.0878 or 983.9296
e-mail pahughes@sympatico.ca or  jimsuecraig@hotmail.com
 
For more info call,  NLCC 983.9296, or  Maranatha Ministries, 855.0878
 
Presented by: 
 Grace Family Church, New Life Christian Centre, Redeemer Fellowship, Tree of Life, and Valley Pentecostal
  
5.  KINGDOM CELEBRATION          March 13, 14, 15           
Come and join with us for a
KINGDOM CELEBRATION
 
March 13th , 14th , 15th., 2008, 7pm at: Grace Family Church with Dennis Wiedrick
 
All welcome, Offerings will be taken
 
Greetings brothers & sisters in Christ!
 
Many of you may have already heard that Dennis Wiedrick, an advanced Canadian apostolic teacher in intercession, is coming to Sudbury to teach and train in intercession from March 12 through 16. Any person interested in intercession is welcome.  Attached here is the basic info about his coming; such as, in the daytime teaching sessions will be held at New Life Christian Centre in Chelmsford, and the evening sessions will be held at Grace Family Church. The times are above. Those who have been seeking the Lord about bringing him here are quite assured that the Lord wills to do wonderful things in our midst.  Please pray and ask the Lord as to His will for you and others around you about coming to this opportunity for development, as well as a time for effective networking with others of like heart for effecting significant change for the Lord in our region.
 
Looking forward to seeing many of you there!
 
Committed To seeing His Kingdom Advance!

Maria Cooper for Sue Craig
 
6. 
Pregnancy Care Centre
HAMS FOR EASTER!

Buy and/or sponsor a Ham!!

Black Forest Hams
(Vitto Brand Name)
Approximately 2 kg ( 4.4 lbs)
 
Cost:  $18.00 each
(Must be prepaid)
 
·       Order by telephone 673-5003  (using Mastercard or Visa)
·       At office – cash, cheque or credit card
·       Sign up sheet at your church
               
Last day to order:          March 16th/2008
Hams to be picked up between March 17th & March 20th     in our office (430 Notre Dame St. Unit 216).  
Office hours: Monday to Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
 
 
7.  Good Friday Concert at All Nations Church         March 21st
Time:  7:00 pm
Place:  Fraser Auditorium, Laurentian University 
All are welcome to experience Easter with the All Nations Church Worship Team and Musicians.          Parking is free.            For further information       www.allnationschurch.ca
 
 
8.  The Real “F” Word ……..Forgiveness         
     5 week series starting Easter Sunday  @ All Nations Church
 
 Date:  Starts March 23
 Time:    9:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m.
 Place:  Fraser Auditorium, Laurentian University
 
Finding Forgiveness
How Can I Forgive Myself?
How Can I Forgive Others?
Is Forgiveness Really Forever?
Livin’ Forgiven
 
Childrens’ programs are available at the same times.   All are welcome. For further information ………www.allnationschurch.ca
 
9. Laurentian University Concert Series            Handel’s Belshazzar
 
GROUP:        Laurentian University Choir
 
DATE:            Friday, March 28, 2008
 
TIME:             7:30 P.M.
 
LOCATION:   GLAD TIDINGS TABERNACLE, 1101 REGENT ST. S.
 
ADVANCE TICKETS: BLACK CAT TOO, LAURENTIAN BOOKSTORE, GUITAR CLINIC, GLAD TIDINGS TABERNACLE    General Admission $20    Seniors/Students $15
 
The Laurentian University Choir, under the direction of Dr. Robert Hall inaugurated the new Glad Tidings auditorium last March in an exciting performance of Mendelssohn’s Elijah enjoyed by over one thousand audience members. The Old Testament narrative found in Handel’s Belshazzar promises to equal the dramatic intensity of Elijah. Performed in English, it tells of the downfall of King Belshazzar, including the famous scene with the “handwriting on the hall”, which will be recreated with the video technology available in the Glad Tidings facility. While Handel’s oratorios are not stage or costumed, the characters are distinctly represented and will be sung by five guest soloists. The choir in the work alternately represents the Israelites and Persians, including the wild revels of the famous Belshazzar’s Feast. The sixty-five voices of the Laurentian University Choir will be joined by about thirty community members for a chorus of almost one hundred.
 
Stratford organist Ian Sadler will again return to Sudbury to provide the accompaniment. The organ will be supplemented by several instrumentalists to enrich the orchestral sound.
 
Tickets will be sold at Black Cat Too, Laurentian University Bookstore, Guitar Clinic, and Glad Tidings office or at the door (if available). General Admission $20  Students/Seniors $15
For further information, contact Robert Hall at 675-1151 ext.2521. For interviews contact Susanne Allin at 692-4351, cell 662-9600 or email susanne.allin@personainternet.com
 
10.  LAST CHANCE to participate in the Family Friendly Checkout campaign!
Join the many churches from all denominations taking part in this community initiative. 

Through a simple petition, join your voice with hundreds more,
asking retailers to cover or remove sexually offensive magazines,
making our spaces more family friendly.

Want to start a petition in your church?
Want to take the petition to your neighborhood?
To get all the info, downloads, prayer points, and the address to mail your petitions, visit www.sudburychristian.ca and click on the "Take 5 for Change" link.

PLEASE MAIL YOUR PETITIONS BY APRIL 1ST, 2008
 
11.  REAL Women of Canada           Spring Lunch/Speaker Event 
Hello everyone:  This is to let you all know that the latest details of the spring luncheon of R.E.A.L. ( Realistic, Equal, Active, for Life) Women of Canada, Northern Ontario Chapter, have been finalized.  The luncheon will be held` Saturday, April 5, 2008, at the Best Western, 700 Lakeshore Drive, North Bay. Doors are open at 11:30 am and lunch will be served at 12 noon.   The speaker is Dr. Moira McQueen,  LL.B., M.Div., Ph.D., Director of the Canadian Bioethics Institute and University of Toronto Professor in Moral Theology.  Her topic is: "Updates on Bioethical Issues in Canada".  The cost is $20.00 per person, which includes an all- you- can -eat lunch buffet.   Tickets must be purchased in advance and can be obtained by phoning Jeannine, 724-5964 or Shirley, 472-7964, or myself, 724-5964.  If you would like to know more about R.E.A.L. Women of Canada, please explore the website ,  www.realwomenca.com.   The luncheon is open to all, men and women, members,& non-members. 
 
Hope to see you there.
 
Pauline G., President
Northern Ontario Chapter
REAL Women of Canada
 
 
12.  The Family Coalition Party meeting
  
The Family Coalition Party, Ontario's Pro-Life and Traditional Family Party is holding a meeting Tuesday, April 15th at 7:00 PM.
It will take place at the Marguerite Lougheed Community Centre (formerly St. Clement's Church)
located at the corner of Regent and Albert Streets in Sudbury. Everyone from the Sudbury and Nickel Belt Ridings is welcome. If you wish to learn more details about the Family Coalition Party you are invited to attend.
 
Use the Regent Street entrance - adjacent to the garage doors. Parking is permitted on Albert Street, please do not obstruct the bus stop. No beverages please.
Carita Murphy-Marketos  FCP
 
 
13.  Celebration 2008 in Sudbury!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Feb. 27, 2008
Dear Christian friends,
 
Plans are well underway for our fourth annual “Celebration” event at the Bell Park Amphitheatre. The date for Celebration 2008 is Sunday, June 1 at 6:30 pm. As you probably remember, these “celebration events” are nation-wide in scope and hundreds of other churches in dozens of other cities across Canada will be celebrating in various ways during the same time period.
 
We are again asking local churches to transfer their evening service (if they have one) to the amphitheatre that night. We had a good turnout last summer and our desire is to fill the amphitheatre this summer for worship, fellowship and proclamation to the glory of God in the heart of our city.
 
It will again be a family event with lots of good music, prayer, a children’s puppet feature, a drama and a message of hope and inspiration. The 6:30 pm start recognizes the need of families with children to be home in good time for school the next day.
 
We encourage local churches to support this event in the following ways:
 
1. in prayer -- for the preparations, spirit of unity, good turnout, good weather, effective ministry etc.
 
2. in promotion -- by putting C2008 inserts in your bulletins in May as well as verbal and written announcements
 
Thank you and may God bless you, your church family and your ministry to the Body of Christ in Sudbury!
 
Pastor Rob Weatherby
Chair, Celebration 2008
robw@onlink.net     866-0847
 
Our intent is to invite all local churches and all people in Sudbury to the event. The organizing team is made up of evangelical pastors.
 
 
14.  An Afternoon of Worship and Prayer         National Women's Prayer Wave
For the last three years the Heal Our Land Women’s Prayer Wave has been held in Sudbury. Women of all ages and from different churches in the city have had an opportunity to join their prayers with women across this nation like a giant wave of prayer.
  Last year women from 16 area churches congregated at All Nations Church for this national event.  Small group type prayer was made for families, the unborn, marriages, healthcare and revival.  Prayers were also made by Hilda Wemigwams who prayed for the First Nations people, Eva Lachappelle for the poor of our community, Pearl Ransom for those imprisoned, Caroline Jacobs for the sick and dying, and Cathy Hooper for the fatherless.  Sue Slater, Diane Ikonen, Carol Matheson, Cheryl Battistelli and Shelley Belcher lead prayers regarding legal justice, politics, education, arts and the media.
There was a wonderful sense of the joy of the Lord as we joined together in unity of faith and worship.  I’m looking forward to this years gathering at the Prete Street Ministry Centre on Saturday May 3rd as we continue to pray for our city and nation and I would love to see you there. 
Please call me at 983 4370 or visit www.womensprayerwave.com for more information.
  
15.  Knights of Columbus
Ottawa Trip    
TULIP  FESTIVAL        
May 13th to May 16th                  
4 DAYS AND 3 NIGHTS              
2 Bedroom Suites
Canadian Museum of Civilization, Rideau Hall Byward Market, War Museum,
Hull  Casino and much more!!
 
$590.00  A Couple
Call  Tony Sottile at 673-2854 to book
 Knights of Columbus St. Patrick’s Council 11522 
 
 
16.  REAL Women of Canada Announcement  
      25th Anniversary Celebrations
 
Annual General Meeting:  Friday, Sept. 19th      Cartier Place Suite Hotel
Speakers              Saturday, September 20, 2008          Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel in Ottawa
 
 
For more events that might interest Christians, please go to www.cjtk.com
___________________________________________

National News
1.   Campaign to say no to Henry Morgenteler re: Order of Canada
 Dear Pro-Lifer,
Right now, there is a campaign to nominate Henry Morgentaler for the Order of Canada.
This must be stopped. Some prominent names are behind this. Jakki Jeffs of Alliance for Life Ontario phoned the GG and they said that the office has a file on Morgentaler's nomination.
Do you want to see Henry Morgentaler honoured yet again for killing unborn children, by someone no less than the Governor-General of Canada?
Me, neither.
You must phone the Governor-General's office and tell them that you do not want Henry Morgentaler to receive the Order of Canada.
It's easy.
First call the Governor-General's Office. Phone numbers:
Ottawa: 613-993-8200
Rest of Canada: 1-800-465-6890
You will get a receptionist.Ask to speak to Madeleine Proulx (pronounced "Prew"). She deals with the Order of Canada. When I phoned today, I got a voicemail and I have been told by other pro-life callers that calls about Henry Morgentaler are being re-directed to her voicemail. State your name. Tell her that you want to register your objection to Henry Morgentaler receiving the Order of Canada. State the reason why. Please try to be neutral in your tone-- calling him a bloodthirsty murderer probably won't gain us a lot of credibility. I stated that he's a symbol of inequality as he is the reason that unborn children have no legal status today and that I believe in the equality of all human beings, and that he fought this struggle in my name as a woman, and I resent that.
And that was it.
It's actually hard to reach the people in charge through email. This is actually better, because it's harder to phone people than write an email.
We need thousands of people to call so that they get the message.
Please spread this message to ALL your pro-life contacts-- both on email and facebook.
If you're feeling reluctant to phone, think of this: how mad will you be when you see Morgentaler get that Order of Canada?
We gotta do this.
Spread the word.
God Bless,
Suzanne Fortin
Say "No" to Morgenteler re: Governor General Award   
Dear Pro-Lifer,
Right now, there is a campaign to nominate Henry Morgentaler for the Order of Canada.
This must be stopped. Some prominent names are behind this. Jakki Jeffs of Alliance for Life Ontario phoned the GG and they said that the office has a file on Morgentaler's nomination.
Do you want to see Henry Morgentaler honoured yet again for killing unborn children, by someone no less than the Governor-General of Canada?
Me, neither.
You must phone the Governor-General's office and tell them that you do not want Henry Morgentaler to receive the Order of Canada.
It's easy.
First call the Governor-General's Office. Phone numbers:
Ottawa: 613-993-8200
Rest of Canada: 1-800-465-6890
You will get a receptionist.Ask to speak to Madeleine Proulx (pronounced "Prew"). She deals with the Order of Canada. When I phoned today, I got a voicemail and I have been told by other pro-life callers that calls about Henry Morgentaler are being re-directed to her voicemail. State your name. Tell her that you want to register your objection to Henry Morgentaler receiving the Order of Canada. State the reason why. Please try to be neutral in your tone-- calling him a bloodthirsty murderer probably won't gain us a lot of credibility. I stated that he's a symbol of inequality as he is the reason that unborn children have no legal status today and that I believe in the equality of all human beings, and that he fought this struggle in my name as a woman, and I resent that.
And that was it.
It's actually hard to reach the people in charge through email. This is actually better, because it's harder to phone people than write an email.
We need thousands of people to call so that they get the message.
Please spread this message to ALL your pro-life contacts-- both on email and facebook.
If you're feeling reluctant to phone, think of this: how mad will you be when you see Morgentaler get that Order of Canada?
We gotta do this.
Spread the word.
God Bless,
Suzanne Fortin
___________________________________________________________
 
February 12, 2008
 
Dear Prayer Partners,
For those of you who have children, you know how "persistence" can wear you down. For better or worse, our children can sometimes get us to change our minds just through bringing us the same issue over and over. Well, this same technique can be used in the public domain. Right now there is a group that is, for the third time, bringing an application to have Dr. Henry Morgentaler receive The Order of Canada award.
 
This cannot happen.
 
 
ANDRé PICARD
Globe and Mail Update
February 9, 2008 at 12:31 AM EST
 
A group of pro-choice activists has decided that, protocol be damned, they are going public in a last-ditch attempt to have Dr. Henry Morgentaler invested into the Order of Canada.
 
"Going the prim and proper route doesn't seem to have worked, so we need to change tactics," said Carolyn Egan of the Ontario Coalition of Abortion Clinics.
 
Well, it's time for us to employ powerful tactics. We must pray that this award be kept out of the hands of Dr. Henry Morgentaler.
 
Traditionally, all nominations for the Order of Canada as well as the deliberations leading to the selection of candidates are confidential. Public discussion of nominees is frowned upon.
 
In an unprecedented move, Dr. Morgentaler's supporters have decided to catalogue past rejections and spur a public debate about why one of Canada's iconic figures has never received its highest honour.
 
Lawyer Clayton Ruby, himself a recipient, said he is at a loss as to explain why Dr. Morgentaler has been repeatedly overlooked. "There are a lot of deserving people who don't have an Order of Canada. But among them Henry stands out as a giant. It's a monumental absence," he said.
 
There have been at least three large, organized attempts to nominate Dr. Morgentaler for the Order of Canada, as well as numerous individual nominations.
 
"It's blasphemy that this hasn't happened, a national embarrassment," said Cathie Colombo, the long-time assistant to Dr. Morgentaler who is leading the charge. Ms. Colombo said a new nomination will be sent to the Chancellery of Honours within days. "Even if you don't agree with his views, you can't deny the impact he's had on Canadian society."
Blasphemy??? Puleeease. My dictionary says: Blasphemy: blasphemous language (expressing disrespect for God or for something sacred)
 
It is widely speculated that Dr. Morgentaler has been overlooked because the Chancellery does not want to be seen as taking sides in the abortion debate.
  
Yet while pro-choice activists push hard for the nomination, anti-abortion activists warn that they will battle to prevent Dr. Morgentaler from being honoured.
 
"I really can't conceive of why we would give Morgentaler the Order of Canada. I can't think of anyone less deserving," said Andrea Mrozek, founding director of ProWomanProLife.
 
Ms. Mrozek said the selection committee has been wise to reject nominations in the past and should hold firm. "Yes, he is a public figure, but this honour should be reserved for people who make a positive contribution," she said. "It would create a terrible precedent if a controversial figure who has done women irreparable harm gains a place in the hall of honour."
 
The Order of Canada was created in 1967 to "recognize a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation." Those recognized – 5,541 people to date – should have "enriched the lives of others and made a difference to the country."
Yes, he has definitely changed Canadian society but FOR THE WORSE!
 
Pray that Dr. Morgentaler never receive The Order of Canada Award.
 
For Life,
Nancy Bartz
P.S.
 
2.  A good article by Rex Murphy on Human Rights Tribunals.
From: "Bill Murphy" <</span>grandknight932@ontarioknights.org>
Subject: Recommended page from CERC

> Bill Murphy has recommended that you check out a page from the Catholic
> Educator's Resource Center at
> http://catholiceducation.org/articles/persecution/pch0173.htm
>
> Your friend said:
> I thought this was such a good write up about the Human Rights Commissions
> that I want to pass it along. You are aware that Catholic Insight Magazine
> is dealing with an HRC complaint now.
> Bill
>
> This message was sent using our send-to-friend service.
> Visit the Catholic Educator's Resource Center at
> http://www.catholiceducation.org.
 
Coming to a human rights commission near you
REX MURPHY
In Canada our esteemed human rights commissions are so busy these days, it worries me. The number of these gimlet-eyed scrutineers is, after all, finite.
 
Ezra Levant
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
There is, therefore, only a limited store of intellectual energy and moral fervour for them to call upon. In a brutish world, righteousness is not inexhaustible; virtue, like oil, has its peak moments and, with their current agenda, Canada's HRCs may run out of fuel.
 
Alberta's Human Rights Commission, one of the keenest, a noble avatar of those old censor boards that used to guard public libraries from “steamy” literature and “brazen” language, is trying to contain — I think that is the only proper verb here — Ezra Levant.
 
Mr. Levant has, as the jargon expresses it, “gone before” the commission to answer for the putative crime, offence, tastelessness of his (now defunct) magazine, the Western Standard's publication of the Mohammed cartoons. But even the sturdiest tribunal can summon forces too large for it to manage. And even the deepest probing commissioner, alert as a tuning-fork to the harmonies of political correctness, should have quailed before the thought of putting Ezra Levant under state-mandated interrogation.
 
His initial hearing is an Internet hit. He videotaped it, you see, and against the urgings of the commission placed in on the World Wide Web.
 
His performance, a marathon aria to free speech, looks to outpace even Jessica Alba beach footage as a web draw. More than 400,000 visitors have YouTubed Mr. Levant (A Daniel, I say, a Daniel come to judgment on Canadian free speech!). He is as a tidal wave breaking against a lone and solitary craft.
 
So Alberta's HRC is, to put it timidly, busy with Ezra Levant. And now, three others have had the courage, folly, or zeal, or, if you wish, the zealously courageous foolishness, to take on Maclean's magazine and Mark Steyn. The martyrs in question are, respectively, the Ontario, B.C. and federal HRCs. It's a busy time in the world of magazine censorship — and a bull market for the litigious and offended. John Donne comes to mind: “Lawyers find out still litigious men, whom quarrels move” and, if you are both, well, Canada is ripe with HRCs that want your business.
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Mostly I fear, if the HRCs are tied up, Canadians will be reading, unguided, what they choose to read, deciding for themselves what they like and what they don't, will discard a book or pass it to a friend, like a column or curse one — lit only by the light of their own reason.
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
The question is, of course, does an HRC, or even a pack of them, really want to take on an institution as beloved as Maclean's? Next only to the Eaton's catalogue of sacred memory, Maclean's is a talisman of the Canadian way, it is Tim Hortons in print. For more than a century, Maclean's has stimulated minds, its back copies have intellectualized many a dental crisis; rolled up, it has been the fly swatter of choice for thousands. Approach Maclean's at your peril.
 
But, in addition, do they really want — after Ezra's example, mind you — to call Mark Steyn, the Victoria Falls (“The Smoke that Thunders”) of prolific columnists — into one of their style-less chambers to “explain himself?” If Mr. Levant contains multitudes, how to describe Mr. Steyn? He is a prodigy of immense resource and industry. Compared to him, Trollope was a slacker, Dickens a wastrel, and Proust a miniaturist. He inundates. Books, columns, blogs and obiter dicta in a thousand venues — if Mr. Steyn goes before one or all of these commissions, he will be firing off columns between questions. He'll write a column on a question while it is being asked. I urge our guardians to consider their own interests: Stay a while before essaying this profitless and useless venture.
 
A Maclean's/Steyn confrontation, in tandem with the prairie whirlwind we all know as Levant rampant — this is too much at one time for the meticulous and tidy tribunals that alone are our guardians against every stray thought that might fracture our fabulously delicate Canadian sensibilities. While they are preoccupied with Steyn-Levant, overwhelmed, exhausted and undone by Steyn-Levant, battered, borne-down on and befuddled by Steyn-Levant — who will watch out for us?
 
Who will there be to read before we read, and tell us what is proper for us? Who will be there to edit the editors, to copy check the copy checkers? Who will shield our vulnerable law-students, and who will tend to the commission's most industrious serial complainant. There is one person, so eggshell brittle that he has drummed up a fierce amount of business for the HRCs. Is so loyal a customer now to be ignored because the Steyn-Levant tsunami is about to rumble mercilessly on shore?
 
Mostly I fear, if the HRCs are tied up, Canadians will be reading, unguided, what they choose to read, deciding for themselves what they like and what they don't, will discard a book or pass it to a friend, like a column or curse one — lit only by the light of their own reason.
 
The horror! Before we know it, we'll have an unstoppable epidemic of free speech, free thought, and freedom of the press. And, surely, no one wants that. Otherwise, why would we have human rights commissions?
 
 
Rex Murphy on the Cartoon Controversy
 
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
 
Rex Murphy, "Coming to a human rights commission near you." Globe & Mail (January 28, 2008).
 
Reprinted with permission of Rex Murphy.
 
THE AUTHOR
 
Rex Murphy is host of CBC Radio One's Cross-Country Checkup and contributes weekly TV essays on diverse topics to CBC TV's The National. (See Rex's TV commentaries). In addition, he writes book reviews, commentaries, and a weekly column, Japes of Wrath, for the Globe & Mail.
 
Rex Murphy was born near St. John's, Newfoundland, where he graduated from Memorial University. In l968, he went to Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. His primary interest is in language and English literature, but he also has a strong link with politics. His first book, Points of View, is described on Amazon: "With TV commentator and journalist Rex Murphy, it's easy to put a twist on the old parable: when he is good he is very very good, and when he's angry, he's awesome. Uncommonly dignified, relentlessly honest, unencumbered by de rigueur political correctness, and solidly grounded by his Newfoundland roots, Murphy is that rarest of TV types. He's an everyman who happens to be a Rhodes Scholar, and a personality treasured for his brain, not his looks...A cranky intellect, maybe, but an intellect just the same. It's Murphy's almost reluctant cynicism — delivered in language as sharp as shattered glass and aimed squarely at those in ivory towers — that makes Points of View a must-read."
 
Copyright © 2008 Rex Murphy
 
 
3.  Unborn Victims of Crime Bill – Northern Ontario MPs – How will they vote?
 
 Hello
I am working with a contact to confirm which MP’s will vote for or against Bill C-484,the Unborn Victims of Crime Bill. It is very important to know this for lobbying purposes.
Below is a list of a Northern Ontario-area MP’s who have not said how they will vote on Bill C-484.
Please contact them and urge them to support the bill, and ask them how they will vote.
Even if your MP is not on this list, please contact your MP in any case. Emails and phone calls create a positive momentum for the cause.
I realize that sometimes an MP’s abortion stance is correlated to their vote on this bill and you can almost guess what they will vote. But we should not take this for granted. Sometimes MP’s can surprise us. Plus we want confirmation. In any case, all contacts create buzz for our side, and that’s important.
If you get any confirmation of how they will vote, i.e. they actually tell you, or you can quote a reliable source such as a newspaper, etc, please get back to me Suzanne Fortin, at sfortin@ca.inter.net
Please pass this information on to supporters of the bill, especially to those who live in the ridings of the MP’s below.
God Bless,
Suzanne Fortin
Boshcoff, Ken-- Thunder Bay—Rainy River-------- Email: Boshcoff.K@parl.gc.ca Thunder Bay:  (807) 623-6000   Fort Frances: (807) 274-9313   Atikokan: (807) 597-2629
Comuzzi, Joe (Hon. )-- Thunder Bay—Superior North-------- Email: Comuzzi.J@parl.gc.ca  Telephone: (807) 345-4305
Marleau, Diane (Hon.)-- Sudbury-------- Email: Marleau.D@parl.gc.ca Telephone: (705) 673-7107
Rota, Anthony--Nipissing—Timiskaming------- Email: Rota.A@parl.gc.ca North Bay : (705) 474-3700  Haileybury: (705) 672-2664
St. Denis, Brent-- Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing-------- Email: St.Denis.B@parl.gc.ca Kapuskasing: (705) 335-5533 Espanola: (705) 869-0059
Valley, Roger-- Kenora-------- Email: Valley.R@parl.gc.ca Kenora: (807) 468-2170  Dryden: (807) 223-8000
 
 4.  Unborn  Victims of Crime Bill Passes Second Reading ..........something to celebrate!
Our team just got back from Parliament after tonight's vote on the 2nd reading of C-484 and we are ELATED to report that the bill has passed to committee! Themargin was small (final tally was 147 yeas and 132 nays) but the victory at this step is now secured. To become law, C-484 must pass 3rd reading in the House and then make it through the Senate. Our greatest work is yet before us on this one but, as for tonight, WE CELEBRATE.
Thank you to those of you who contacted your MP, got the word out, and prayed. We will keep you posted as to how you can continue to be a voice to make sure it passes to Royal Assent and becomes law.
VOTE Video Notice: Stay tuned on our web site (www.4mycanada.ca) for the video of the vote to see how your member voted. It should be posted some time tomorrow morning.
PRESS RELEASE JUST ISSUED BY KEN EPP REGARDING THE VICTORY:
Ken Epp, MP
Edmonton-Sherwood Park

For Immediate Release
March 5, 2008

Unborn Victims of Crime Act passes Second Reading in the House of Commons

(OTTAWA) – "This is a victory for Canadian women and children, for victims' families, and indeed for all Canadians," said MP Ken Epp, reacting to today's vote in the House of Commons on his Private Members Bill C-484, the Unborn Victims of Crime Act.

Members of Parliament voted 147 to 132 in support of allowing the Bill to proceed to Committee Stage. "Since 72% of Canadians support this legislation, I will continue to work hard to persuade my Parliamentary Colleagues that I have no sinister motives, and that they should support the Bill at further stages," Mr. Epp said. "Canadian women who choose to give birth when they are pregnant should not have to stand alone to protect the child within that they are eagerly awaiting."

"I want to thank my Colleagues in the House today for doing the right thing, for standing up for pregnant women and the babies they want to protect from violence," said Mr. Epp. "It is so encouraging to see the outpouring of support from thousands of Canadians right across the country who have urged their MPs to support this legislation, who have signed petitions, and who have spoken out in defense of pregnant women who have chosen life for their children."

Mr. Epp continued, "In the midst of their grief, I hope Mary Talbot and Aydin Cocelli and others who have lost loved ones to this type of crime, can experience some measure of consolation today, knowing that many, many Canadians are united with them in the quest for justice for unborn victims of crime. Although justice will never be served for the crimes committed against their own family members, there is real hope today that other families in future will be spared the injustice of being told that the child they loved and wanted to live never even existed in the eyes of the law."

Mr. Epp concluded, "I look forward to continuing to work with these families, with my Colleagues in the House from all parties, and with Canadians to move this cause forward in the weeks and months ahead."
Find out more at www.kenepp.com.
  
Please read this and send Ken Epp an email that you support this bill. The abortionist groups have an email circulating to sign against it.  We need to stand for the Lord and show our support of this bill.  God Bless! Elaine Johnston-Scott
 
Bill C-484 Unborn Victims of Crime Act
MP Ken Epp has introduced a Private Member's Bill, Bill C-484, that proposes to amend the Criminal Code by making it an indictable offence to injure, cause the death of or attempt to cause the death of a child before or during its birth while committing or attempting to commit an offence against the mother.
The Issue:

Today, there is no law that makes it an offence to harm an unborn child during an attack against the mother.
There is widespread support to implement laws to protect unborn children.
If an unborn child has no protection under the law, the woman stands alone in protecting her baby from assault. 
The purpose of bill C-484 is to recognize that there are two victims in crimes of violence against pregnant women -- the mother and the child.

Why This Issue Is Important
Bill C-484 recognizes a crime has been committed against an unborn child when that unborn child is hurt or killed in an attack against the mother. There are currently no criminal laws protecting children while they are still in the womb.
A prior bill presented on the issue was deemed NOT votable (June 13, 2006) due to concerns of some politicians that the provisions of the 2006 proposal might not stand up to a constitutional challenge, or that it might in some way infringe on the rights of women to have an abortion. MP Ken Epp has taken steps to ensure that this new bill, Bill C-484, is written in such a way as to address those concerns. Bill C-484 is not the forum to address the issue of abortion. It has a different intent.
Bill C-484 has been considered ‘votable’ -- an important first step -- and the Bill has proceeded through one hour of debate before a parliamentary sub-committee. A second hour of debate is scheduled in late February before the bill will be put forth for a free vote among Members of Parliament on or around March 5.
How Is Bill C-484 Being Received?
Those who oppose legislation for the protection of the unborn argue that Bill C-484 might provide a wedge to open debate on the issue of the need for abortion laws in Canada. During the first hour of debate for Bill C-484, several witnesses opposing the Bill argued that Canadians do not want this kind of legislation. Despite the examples given of at least six pregnant women who lost their lives and the lives of their unborn children due to violent attacks --with no added criminal charges for the lives of the babies-- opposition witnesses said a Bill addressing this injustice made them ‘uneasy.’
The Criminal Code currently states that an unborn child only becomes a human being when he or she has completely emerged alive from the mother’s body. If the child is killed in utero no charges can currently be laid, because in Canada, the unborn baby is not recognized as a human being under the law.
Some Say Canadians Do Not Care...
No. Canadians do care. An Environics poll commissioned by LifeCanada released in October 2007 (MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from "www.evangelicalfellowship.ca" claiming to be http://www.lifecanada.org/html/resources/polling/2007PollReport.pdf) showed that 72 per cent of Canadians — and 75 per cent of women — support a law that would make it a separate crime to kill a fetus during an attack on a pregnant woman.1 
What Can We Do?
Your Member of Parliament needs to hear that you care about the protection of unborn children. Politicians need to hear that this issue is alive and well in the hearts and minds of Canadians. Families of victims need to know that the Canadian population recognizes that both the mother and the unborn child matter, and that violent crime against a pregnant mother affects two people’s lives not just one. Without a law to address the crime against both the mother and her baby, injustice, rather than justice, has so far been the order of the day.
Resources:

See Christianity.ca webitorial Unborn Victims of Crime Act is Just Plain Common Sense, by Douglas Cryer

Actions:

Let Ken Epp know you support his bill
Ask your MP to support the Unborn Victims of Crime Bill
Meet with your MP. Call and make an appointment to explain why this issue is important to you and many other Canadians.
Make a telephone call to your MP or send a personal letter.
Partner with us in 2008.
Add the EFC Update to your list for weekly updates

Elaine Johnston-Scott
Associate Director
CEFOntario North East Region
Jesus Loves You
 
5.  AGE OF PROTECTION           Canadians celebrate!!!
 After nearly eight years of work on getting the federal government to raise the AGE OF PROTECTION for sex with children - we have it.
 Last night 19 courageous adult Senators passed the Bill, while the other 80 "brave" Senator either opposed, abstained or were vacant.  Thankfully we had enough courageous adults do the responsible and right thing.
 We want to thank the 750,000 Canadians who signed the petition three years ago, those who called their MP, and the ones who continued to push and pray that Canada would regain some decency in our global reputation for being a civilized country.
 Thanks to Prime Minister Harper for keeping a promise - to all other MPs who passed it in Parliament and to the PM and Justice Minister for pushing the Senate to act on behalf of safety for Canadians in the Crime Bill.
CFAC leading citizen action for a better Canada
 
6. a)  Feds rule out brothels at 2010 Olympics
Today’s Family News
February 20, 2008
The federal government has effectively dashed the hopes of some MPs that it will decriminalize prostitution and allow Vancouver “sex-trade workers” to open a brothel to coincide with the 2010 Winter Olympics, the Ottawa Citizen reported.
“We are not in the business of legalizing brothels, and we have no intention of changing any of the laws relating to prostitution in this country,” Justice Minister Rob Nicholson told the Commons status of women committee.
A majority on the committee had urged the government to amend the Criminal Code so that only those who exploit or buy sex from prostitutes would face prosecution. But Nicholson refused.
“We have laws with respect to street soliciting or soliciting in public places that criminalizes completely the activity – the individual that is trying to purchase that service and the individual that is offering it,” he said. “And [those] will continue to be the laws of this country.”
“[Nicholson] doesn’t get it,” said Liberal MP Maria Minna. “The men don’t get charged. Who gets the record and gets thrown in the clink? It’s the woman. She’s the victim.”
A coalition of female, male and transgendered prostitutes had hoped to be granted an exemption to the law so they could set up several “co-op” brothels. They claimed this would create a safer environment for sex-trade workers, citing as a precedent the exemption from Health Canada that allows a supervised drug injection site to operate in Vancouver.
But as Montreal Gazette columnist Janet Bagnall noted, the Aboriginal Women’s Action Network in B.C. is concerned that legalizing brothels would only increase the number of prostitutes.
“With an estimated 90 per cent of prostitutes having been forced into the sex trade, [that] is not a good idea,” wrote Bagnall. “Research shows that the vast majority of prostitutes have been trafficked or been sexually victimized in their homes or suffer from drug addiction.”
Vancouver Courier columnist Mark Hasiuk also suspects that the time for this idea has come – and gone. “Legalized brothels have been tried before in Europe, but the zeitgeist seems to be changing. . . . Even Europe’s most liberal governments have decided that prostitution is not a solution to the problem – prostitution is the problem,” he wrote.

6. B)    Teen sexual infection rates soar
Today’s Family News
February 20, 2008
The number of Canadian teenagers who have contracted a sexually transmitted infection (STI) has risen dramatically in the past decade, the Globe and Mail reported.
Between 1997 and 2006, the rate of older teens becoming infected with gonorrhea jumped 100 per cent, from 52 cases per 100,000 people to 100. The rate of chlamydia infections rose 50 per cent, from 546 cases to 816 per 100,000.
As troubling as these numbers are, there are likely many more cases that have never been reported. “We know that these numbers are an underestimation of the actual proportion,” Public Health Agency of Canada analyst Rhonda Kropp told the Globe and Mail.
One common factor in recent Canadian health surveys, according to University of New Mexico pediatrician Victor Strasburger, is that most high school students said they felt they could not talk to their parents about sex.
Writing in the February edition of the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, Strasburger said teens tend to get their information instead from television, movies and the Internet.
“When you look at the surveys, it’s very clear youth want to be able to go to their parents,” said Linda Capperauld, executive director of the Canadian Federation for Sexual Health. “A lot of people who are parents didn’t get very good sexual health education themselves.”
Yet teenagers are not the only age group showing an increase in the rate of sexually transmitted infections. Across all age groups, the rate for chlamydia, for example, rose 77 per cent.
 
7.  REAL Women of Canada
"Women’s Rights Not at the Expense of Human Rights"
NGO in SPECIAL consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations
February 18, 2008
ALERT !
Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR), Winnipeg, Manitoba
Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced in April 2007 that the federal government will contribute 100 million dollars toward the building of the Human Rights Museum in Winnipeg.
He also stated that the federal government would contribute $22 million annually to cover its operating costs.
This new Advisory Committee now wishes to take the views of the public into account in reaching its decisions on the scope and content of the Museum. As a result, a public consultation on the Museum is being carried out between February 5th and March 15, 2008. To further this project, the Advisory Committee has prepared a public consultation document that can be found at: http://www.pch.gc.ca/index_e.cfm. In the left bar, under the heading, Department, please click Public Consultations. The document includes a number of questions which are intended to stimulate ideas for the Museum for Human Rights. The Committee also invites views not covered by the questions.
It is important that as many of us as possible, with a conservative perspective, provide input into this Museum as it will remain a part of the Canadian culture for many years to come. We want it to reflect basic human rights, not the trendy rights contributed by recent court decisions.
 
   8.  Block Child Porn
The Institute for Canadian Values calls on the Parliament of Canada, Prime Minister Stephen Harper to require Internet Service Providers to block child pornography from being distributed by their services.  Dr. Charles McVety, ICV President, says “Today’s police report describes child porn as a “social epidemic” with tens of thousands of Canadians viewing hundreds of thousands of child porn pictures.  The U.S. data shows that 30% will become child abusers.  Distribution of child pornography is producing tens of thousands of perverts that walk the streets of our towns and cities just waiting to prey upon our children.”
 McVety goes on the state “It is unconscionable for ISP’s like Bell Canada, Rogers, Telus, Shaw and others to continue to distribute this criminal material across Canada. The ICV has been appealing to the ISP’s and the Prime Minister for months to stop placing our children in danger.  It is shameful that Canada refuses to join other civilized nations blocking child porn making Canada number 4 in the World for child porn distribution.”
 The Institute for Canadian Values asks the public to go to www.blockchildporn.ca and join the campaign to protect our children.
 -30-
For further information contact Dr. McVety at 416.391.5000 or on cell at 416.456.0096
charles@canadianvalues.ca
 
International News
 1.  Vietnam: Summary Report on 2007 Progress Released
February 27, 2008
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada’s Religious Liberty Commission (EFC RLC) today released a report summarizing 2007 religious freedom developments in Vietnam. 
Entitled "Religious Liberty for Protestants in Vietnam: A Summary of 2007 Progress," the document reviews developments in 2007, including the ongoing challenges of church registration, the situation in the Northwest Mountainous Region of Vietnam and the positive impact of peaceful protests on policy changes.
Read the report on the EFC website.
Pray

that there will be continuing and genuine progress of religious freedom in Vietnam;
for protection, encouragement and boldness for Vietnamese Christians who continue to suffer persecution;  
that the Vietnamese church will continue to grow and be strengthened in their hearts, minds, and bodies. 

Learn More
About Vietnam 
About Religious Freedom and Persecution in Vietnam 
- From The Voice of the Martyrs (Canada)
- From Christian Solidarity Worldwide UK
In obedience to Scriptures, the purpose of the EFC Religious Liberty Commission is to promote religious freedom as a fundamental human right*, with a particular focus on Christians. It does this by providing expertise, information and resources to equip, mobilize and network Canadians and organizations, and to influence public policy.
*In accordance with Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the 1981 UN Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief.
  
Interesting Sites
 1.  Mom's Moments
Mom's Moments is an online ministry that reaches out to connect, encourage and support all women! Read our current newsletters, join in our Online Study Blogs (currently The More Friends the Merrier - Cultivating a group of friends), and browse through our online resources - feel free to use our publications and website to reach out to family, friends and coworkers! Check us out at www.momsmoments.ca! Sign up on our website to receive our monthly newsletter by email!
2.  Life Expectancy Calculator
http://www.peterrussell.com/Odds/RealAge.php
 
Chuckle for the Day
1.    A little girl asked her mother, "How did the human race come
about?"
 
The mother answered: "God made Adam and Eve and they
had children and so all  mankind was made."
 
Two days later she asks her father the same question.
The father answered: "Many years ago there were monkeys,
and we developed from them."
 
The confused girl returns to her mother and says: "Mom,
how is it possible that you told me that the human race was
created by God and Papa says we developed from monkeys?"
 
The mother answers: "Well dear, it is very simple.
I told you about the origin of my side of the family,
and your father told you about his side."
 
2.  Beware of Babies Bearing Gifts
When I was a baby, someone had given me a little 'tea set' as a gift and it was one of my favorite toys.
> Daddy was in the living room engrossed in the evening news when I brought him a little cup of 'tea,' which was just water.
> After several cups of tea and lots of praise for such yummy tea, my Mom came home.
> Daddy made her wait in the living room to watch his little princess bring him a cup of tea, because it was, 'just the cutest thing!'
> My Mom waited, and sure enough, here I came down the hall with a cup of tea for Daddy and she watched him drink it up, then said,
> 'Did it ever occur to you that the only place that baby can reach to get water is the toilet?'
>
> Beware of young children bearing gifts.
 
Words of Wisdom
1.      Joy: A Very Real Force "The joy of the Lord is your strength."
(Nehemiah 8:10)

------------------------------------------------------------------------


Joy. It's not a warm, happy feeling you're supposed to have now and then when things are going well. It's much more than that. Joy is one of the most powerfulspiritual forces in the world.

Look again at Nehemiah 8:10 and I'll show you why. If you were to diagram that scripture and remove the phrase, "of the Lord," you would find what it's truly saying is this: Joy is strength. The two are interchangeable.

That's what makes joy so crucial. You can't live a life of faith without being strong in the Lord--and when God wants to make you strong, joy is what He uses to do the job!

Joy is not just a state of mind. It is not a fleeting emotion. Joy is a very real force, and the devil doesn't have anything that can stand up against it. Just as fear has to yield to faith, discouragement has to yield to joy.

Since joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, you already have it residing within you. But you must develop it, confess it, and live by it if you want to enjoy its power.

Whatever circumstances you are facing today, you can be full of joy. You can be strong in the Lord. You can draw on the supply of the Holy Spirit within you and come out on top.

Rejoice!

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scripture Study:  Psalm 18:28-50
"For this and other devotionals, please see http://www.kcm.org/studycenter/devotional/f2f/index.php ."
____________________________________________________________
 

2.  BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER
by Maya Angelou
'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin''
I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' ! I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say.. 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain..
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!

3.   
 
 
Kingdom Perspectives
Starting with zero
February 27, 2008
In Matthew 6:33 we read, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (NIV)
Recently I had the privilege of visiting a national Christian ministry organization and meeting many of the leaders, staff and volunteers.  It was a heartwarming experience to see the commitment and enthusiasm these folks have for their work.  In speaking with one of the leaders about the fickle nature of donations and the struggle for resources that is common in charities, she said, "We start every day with exactly the same amount of money - zero. We are 100% dependant on God's provision, through our donors, to fund the work we do. We cannot even meet payroll that day unless God moves the heart of donors and they in turn act on His prompting - whether through regular monthly withdrawals or a spur of the moment cheque-in-the-mail. It is both humbling and exciting."
 
It was an inspirational conversation that ensued and I was moved by the rock-solid faith and belief in God's ownership, provision and desire to bless us.  Later on I was thinking about my life and my attitude.  Do I begin each day with an understanding that I have nothing - zero?  All that comes to me through my efforts or by someone else's that day will be by the grace of God. When I wake up, that first breath is by God's grace and His design. The legs that carry me through the day, work in concert with my brain - by God's design. The food I eat is by His provision.  The pay cheque I bank is through His order of creation and plan for work. The smiles that greet me from family and co-workers are proof of God's delight in creation.
 
I wonder what the average workday would look like we all approached each day with the same understanding as my friend above - we start with zero - everything that comes our way that day is by the grace of God.  This will probably be a stretch for many of us as we have become quite confident in our abilities.  But think about it - where does that confidence come from? If tomorrow, the economy took a nose dive and wiped out our financial resources, might we more clearly see the providence of God.  Something to think about, isn't it? Why wait for a catastrophe? It will not alter the truth - just our acknowledgement of it.
 
"Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions.  Don't worry about missing out.  You'll find everyday human concerns will be met.  Matthew 6:33 (The Message)
 
Jan Kupecz

------------------------------------------------------------------------
ouraging, Empowering & Equipping God's Stewar
 
4. Hunger for meaning
Are you so busy chasing pleasure that you leave no room for joy in your life? Are you so obsessed with proving how happy you are that you make yourself miserable?
Step back for a moment and remember who you are. Even if you reach them, the generic goals and aspirations you borrow from others will not bring you even a moment of real fulfillment.
Life does not gain meaning through the things you see advertised on television. If all you want is what the world tells you to want, you'll find yourself in a perpetual state of lack, limitation and frustration.
Within you is a hunger for meaning. Within you is a burning desire to make a difference and to express a purpose that is special to you alone.
No one can give that purpose to you, for it is something you already have. Let go of the need to nourish your shallow ego, and you'll begin to connect with the real, meaningful purpose that is woven through your whole life.
Free yourself from the off-the-shelf definition of success that is nothing more than an empty fantasy. Instead, find real success and joy by giving life to the purpose that has always been within you.
-- Ralph Marston
 
5.WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING (Written by a former child)
 

> A message every adult should read, because children are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.
>
>    When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
>
>    When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
>
>    When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.
>
>    When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.
>
>    When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
>
>    When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.
>
>    When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
>
>    When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.
>
>    When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.
>
>    When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
>
>    When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.
>
>    When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, 'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.'

>    LITTLE EYES/AND ALL GROWN UP EYES SEE A LOT...!!
>
>    Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle,sister, brother, teacher and friend) influence the life of a child AND ONE ANOTHER.  How will you touch the life of someone today? 
 
6.  WHY DID JESUS FOLD THE NAPKIN?
Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection? The Gospel of John(20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes.

The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded and was placed at the head of that stony coffin. Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.
 
She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!'

Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple out ran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in.
 
Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side.
 
Is that important? Absolutely! Is it really significant? Yes! In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day.

The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition. When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it.
 
The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table until the master was finished.
 
Now if the master was done eating, he would rise from the table wipe his fingers and mouth with that napkin and toss it on to the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done.' But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant knew that the folded napkin meant, 'I'm not finished yet.' The folded napkin meant, 'I'm coming back!'
 
I would think that would be very interesting for many our friends.
 
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