Life Purpose

Church at the Dump

2009-12-02T11:19:00.000-08:00

These pictures are from the church in Manila that was built on a dump, where the village people live off of products collected from garbage. Northside Children's Church financed the building of the new church where we met. Pastors Sam & Lily Ong joined me at church this Sunday.

Conference in Palawan

2009-12-02T10:37:00.000-08:00

Manila

2009-12-02T10:30:00.000-08:00

Capital City Church

Foursquare Bible College Seminar

Davao Foursquare Church

2009-12-02T10:03:00.000-08:00

Philippines 2009

2009-12-01T15:36:00.000-08:00

Every year for the past 12 years, one of the highlights is my visit to the Church of the Foursquare Gospel in the Philippines. When Evangelist Don Schellenberg, from our church first asked me to accompany him and our team in 1998, I was quite nervous. My job on the team was to teach the Pastors who'd be helping us at the evening Crusade meetings.

It was such a successful work (12 churches were planted that first year alone from the new converts) and I accompanied Don on the next two trips - 1999 and 2000.

Over those 3 years, I fell in love with the Filipino people. We have 2800 churches there overseen by President Val (and Sally) Chavez. Each year I get to visit 3 or more Pastor's Conferences as their guest teacher.

This year I went to conferences in Cebu, Boracay, Davao, Manila and Palawan, in addition to speaking at churches on the two Sundays. Here's some pictures from each of the venues.

Cebu Foursquare Church
Suffering for Jesus in Boracay

Halloween 2009

2009-12-01T15:15:00.000-08:00

My good looking grandchildren before and Victoria categorizing her loot after trick-or-treating.

Kenya

2009-11-05T09:46:00.000-08:00

August 2009

My $10.00 per night room in Busia. I got the Chairman's Suite.

Life in Busia, Kenya.

This young man built his own mud house for no cost and said to me, "I could come to Canada and show people how to build a mud house."

Our congenial hosts in Busia.

We drove over the Equator in Kenya which was marked by this structure.

Kenya

2009-11-04T16:01:00.000-08:00

August 2009

To Kenya with Kristy & Jacob (my daughter & grandson) in the first picture. The second picture is of the Masai natives who live in the wide open spaces and herd their cattle from range to range.

Wild animals in the 50 square mile reserve.

Ethiopia

2009-11-04T14:46:00.000-08:00

August 2009

Both food & coffee (their specialty) were awesome. The Ethiopian coffee ceremony takes about 40 minutes from roasting the green beans, crushing them and brewing the coffee over hot coals.

August is a winter month in Ethiopia, so the flowers were in full bloom, the grass was green and the weather was mild.
Lisa, Amanda, Laura, Kristy, Dana, Matt & Jacob in action.

Life in Addis Ababa.

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church believes the Ark of the Covenant was taken by Solomon's & the Queen of Sheba's son - to Ethiopia. They see themselves as guardians of Old Testament history. King Haile Selassie's seat is reserved for him in the church.

Abraham, Isaac (his son) & Jacob (my grandson).

Ethiopia

2009-11-04T13:59:00.000-08:00

August 2009

The main work that our team did was to put on a camp for the sponsored children. We gave them sports jerseys as gifts.
Pastor Samuel Kebede pastors our Ethiopian church, Cush Christian Fellowship, in Surrey.

He and his wife, Ruth, set up our visit and made sure all went smoothly.

Pastor Abraham (& his daugher) is the new appointed President of FGCE.

Our Kids Church painted yo-yo's to give as gifts to the church - the sponsored children were ecstatic - for some it was the first gift they'd ever received.

While the camp was on, I taught the pastors & leaders. They were such a ready & appreciative group.

Ethiopia

2009-10-28T15:28:00.000-07:00

August 2009

I'm posting a very few of the hundreds of pictures I took in both Ethiopia & Kenya in August.

One of the highlights of both countries was the music. Ethiopian music sounds a little like Middle Eastern and is highly energetic; while Kenyan music has a real swing Swahili style. Both are wonderful to listen to.

We all went by bus from Addis Ababa to Ambo (about 2 hours). I loved the singing and friendship between our team and the Ethiopian workers.

One of our first visits was to the very poor who are sponsored by our church families. They were so delighted to receive us. The one little girl grabbing my leg wouldn't let me go. I was so tempted to take her home.

Higher Ground

2009-08-17T10:15:00.001-07:00

Every once in a while I visit our Grace Campus and get to see first hand our church in action. Our food distribution, clothing give away and Father's Table are alive and well. Thank-you to the dozens of voluteers who make it all happen.

Isaiah prophesied and we've seen it proven over and over: Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind. Then when you call, the Lord will answer. "Yes, I am here," he will quickly reply. Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring (Isaiah 58:7-11 NLT).

Red Letter Day

2009-08-12T11:09:00.000-07:00

July 25, 2009

This morning Susan and I were invited to breakfast in downtown Vancouver with Jack and Anna Hayford, the beloved President of the International Foursqaure Church. They were embarking that day on an Alaskan cruise. We are such a blessed Church to have had Jack and Anna as mentors over the past forty plus years: from the time I was 16 years old and Jack, as National Youth Director, spoke at our camp; through the years he has journeyed to Canada to teach pastors; in many Pastor's Conferences we have attended at Church on the Way; through his many books and tapes, and as our President over the past years, I have been thoroughly schooled, mentored and inspired by the Hayfords.

Thank you Lord for Jack and Anna - bless them as they shift gears to retirement from being the pope of Foursqaredom. I know their ministry will continue to flourish and bear fruit!

Life Purpose for Kids

2009-08-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday July 21st I taught about twelve children how to find their Life Purpose. We began our day with a visit to a cemetery to think about our finish to life on earth, "What will people say about us when we die?"

Then I read a story I wrote, "Joseph's Excellent Bad Day" for kids to help them understand their Life Purpose has been set by our Creator.

Finally I gave each child the meaning of their names and we made a poster to remind us of our prophetic beginning.

What a happy and fun day!

Jeremy and Chelsea's Wedding

2009-08-12T10:25:00.000-07:00

I love officiating at weddings, but this one at the Hart House on Deer Lake on Saturday, July 11th was very special.

On Feb 1, 1987 we dedicated our new Northside Church facility in Port Coquitlam. On the next Sunday I dedicated a month old little girl - beautiful Chelsea Oorebeek. She was our first baby in the church.

One of the advantages of getting older is that I get to officiate at the weddings of young adults that I held and kissed as babies. I was a very proud pastor to marry Chelsea and Jeremy Koehn on July 11th.

But I was humbled by what Diane Oorebeek (mom of the bride) said in her speech. She referred to what I'd taught the church 25 years ago, "to pray for our unborn babies" and when they are still infants to begin praying for their future (still unknown spouses).

Peter and Diane followed my counsel, so before Chelsea and Jordan (their son) were even born, they began praying for their children. Then after they were born, Peter and Diane began praying for their spouses.

At the wedding we all witnessed God's perfect answer to their prayers! Thank you, Lord!

Koinonia Foursqaure Church

2009-08-12T09:30:00.000-07:00

It was like being on the mission field for me to visit Pastor Obed and Adriana Mendoza in their very alive spanish speaking church. The music was electrifying - this Church under Pastor Obed's (his name means "worship") leadership has released a very professional CD of Latin worship music that is reaching many nations.

Beausejour Community Church

2009-08-12T09:21:00.000-07:00

June 28, 2009

Some of my most happy and memorable days are when I get to visit our churches across Canada. On June 28th Susan and I were in the small community of Beausejour, a couple of hours outside of Winnipeg and got to visit our Foursquare church there, pastored by Chris and Liza Jordan.

It was the very exciting dedication of their new sanctuary. Wow! What an awesome place - it was radiant with the love and blessing of God. Congratulations to the vibrant church there!

After our visit with the Jordan's, Susan and I recorded a couple of programs on "It's a New Day" for release in November. I spoke about two of my books, Good Mourning and Dying Well.

Wisdom & Wonder

2009-06-29T13:04:00.000-07:00

June 7, 2009

This evening was a very big night for our kids church! It was the launching of our new curriculum for kids - Wisdom & Wonder.

A couple of years ago I stated as one of our 7-year objectives, that we would write & publish a new curriculum for our kids. It's my desire to disciple our children from 0-18 to be firmly rooted followers of Jesus.

Our Children's Pastor, Ingrid Janzen, took up the torch and ran with it. Erin Caldwell and a strong team of professional educators have now completed year 1 of "Wisdom & Wonder", for Nursery, preschoolers, children and tweeners. It's an awesome curriculum, all available on the web.

On Sunday the team introduced the new program, we ordained our Kids Church leaders, anointed them with oil and celebrated this wonderful milestone!

God bless our children as they Grow, Know & Sow!

BC Christian Academy

2009-06-29T12:57:00.000-07:00

June 5, 2009

A couple of weeks ago I was invited to speak at the chapel service of BC Christian Academy High School. What a sharp group of young teens!

I loved being in the school for more than to bless the kids and teachers. It was the school where my kids attended Elementary and the very gym in which we began Northside Church in 1979. A very nostalgic morning!

Mother's Day

2009-06-03T10:06:00.001-07:00

I loved the letter that Victoria (our grade 1 granddaughter) wrote to her Mommy, Kelly, for Mother's Day. I thought you might be as inspired as I was. It is written in her own words/letters:

Guess How much I Love you...

I Love you more then the

watermelon driping down my chin.
more than the sun setting over
the tall, tall Mountains. I Love
you more than Max and Alex
happily playing at Jacob's
house. I Love you more than
all the sweet smells of all
the flowers blooming. more than
all the fireflies shining in the
dark night. more than Me and Max
wrestling on a hot sunny day.

Guess how long I'll love you...

I'll Love you until a
volcano BURST! with lava rocks
till th eearth cracks in BIG CHUNKS!
till my soul rises to heaven until a hurricane
comes and when a tsunami washes to shore.

Love Victoria

Korean Foursquare Church

2009-06-02T15:09:00.000-07:00

What an honor it was for me & Susan to be invited to speak at the 26th Anniversary Service of our burgeoning Korean Foursquare Church in Vancouver's East end.

Our Korean family know how to honor their leaders (the service was designed to honor two retiring elders) and how to celebrate God's blessings.

After the service, we feasted with Pastor Sam (and Chung) and a few of the Church elders.

Our 40th Anniversary

2009-05-21T10:30:00.001-07:00

Susan & I celebrated our 40th Wedding Anniversary on February 28th. What a wonderful, happy privilege it's been to be married to the perfect wife for these past 4 decades. God could not have done better than to match us up when we began dating February 21, 1967. I knew that day we would be married and live happily ever after!

On Sunday, our home group, which is the same couples whose wives make up The Joy Club, put on a delightful party for Susan & me. They surprised us with a video of our lives together (kind of like you'd show at a funeral) and an exquisite meal they'd all prepared.

Alberta

2009-05-21T10:25:00.000-07:00

I was in Calgary on Saturday to spend the day with Alberta Unit Supervisor, Barry Marsten. Barry & I took a drive to Brooks, AB, where one of the largest slaughter houses in North America, employs the town (they process 5,000 cows a day).

We met with Pastors Dean & Lorenda & enjoyed a refreshing breakfast meeting together.

The Joy Club

2009-05-21T09:50:00.000-07:00

Susan has a group of lady friends who've been meeting as a Bible Study Group for a long time. They call themselves The Joy Club, I think because they laugh more than they study! But more than that, the grils bring joy to a wide circle of influence around them.

One of the women, our dear friend Norma Garrison, died last week of cancer. The Joy Club has surrounded both her and her husband, Les, with love & support. As a gesture of their grace, the girls presented Morgan, Norma & Les' only granddaughter, with their symbol of joy (a beautiful joy necklace) and made her an honorary club member. Morgan is 3rd from the right on the back row!

We pray for God's grace, comfort and love to cover Les & his family over the months ahead.

"Norma lived fully and loved deeply. Fortunate were those who crossed her path for they received her genuine smile and infinite thoughtfulness. She possessed a generous nature with a selfless and willing spirit to help others in need. She offered herself wholeheartedly when just the right word was needed or when a tiny act of kindness made a lasting impact.

Born in Wainwright, Alberta, Norma was raised a prairie girl. Having graduated from the Royal Alexandra Hospital in 1959, Norma worked diligently as an RN in various operating rooms: Winnipeg, Richmond and finally Maple Ridge Hospital from 1975-1988. She led with wisdom, taught with grace and profoundly affected many lives. She loved unconditionally and her
compassionate spirit left an indelible impression on everyone she touched. Norma’s commitment to her faith and zest for life shone bright; she was passionate for shopping, cooking, gardening and decorating, which she pursued enthusiastically with her own artistic flair. She cherished annual trips with Les to their 2nd home in Arizona that fulfilled and enriched her life.

With an unwavering love for her husband and children she created a strong and cherished bond, and through them, her light will continue to shine. Steadfast in her devotion to her family and many friends, her passing leaves a void in the hearts and lives of many. For her, the journey continues; for us, we inherit a guiding star."

Mexico

2009-05-21T09:45:00.001-07:00

Susan & I spent two wonderful & restful weeks in Mexico, just as the infamous Swine Flu was being announced (not a pig in sight!). We vacation very quietly (no surfing, hang-gliding or mountain climbing), so I was able to write a couple of books while sitting by the pool.

You can look for the sequels to Secret of Happiness over the next few months. Secret of Success is about our church mission statement, "Know, Grow & Sow", which I believe should be the mandate of every person individually as well as every church.

The other book, Secret of Fulfillment, is quite biographical; about my personal growth, as well as the growth of Northside Church. In the book I illustrate several personal & church growth principles.