I have never been to Haiti, but we were members of the St Marys, Ontario congregation for 15 years. Several families there have an ongoing connection with Haiti and made us all feel connected to the church in Haiti. I just obtained my copy of this book today and thought I would copy the Dec. … Continue reading Books about Haïti
Christianity
Too big
A minister was asked to take a break from his ministerial responsibilities. He had been known as Spirit-led man of God, an effective preacher, evangelist, counsellor. But now he was being told that he had somehow lost direction. He accepted the request, prayed earnestly to find what he had lost. He asked counsel from many … Continue reading Too big
The glory of the Lord
God's presence with the children of Israel during the Exodus was shown by a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night. There were instances when there must have been a more glorious manifestation of God's presence in the cloud. The glory of the Lord descended upon Mount Sinai and God's voice spoke … Continue reading The glory of the Lord
Baby steps
We do not expect a newborn child to talk, to walk, or to do things to help others. A baby has the potential to learn to do all those things, but the learning comes slowly, in baby steps. When a little child begins to walk, she is very unsteady on her feet and will often … Continue reading Baby steps
Joy to the world
The gospel is good news for all mankind. How is it then that so many of us make it sound like bad news? Of course the gospel is unmitigated bad news for those who reject it. Jesus did not try to soft peddle that part of the message; in fact, He spoke of hell a … Continue reading Joy to the world
Brad Wall’s Christmas message
Seven hundred years before the First Christmas, one of many promises by Old Testament prophets was made about the coming of the Christ. "For unto us a child is born," wrote Isaiah, "unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The … Continue reading Brad Wall’s Christmas message
Papa Martin, conclusion
The hours went by, the passers-by also. The little stove continued to rumble and Martin, in his chair, still watched the street. The Master did not appear. He had seen a young priest pass by with blond hair and blue eyes, just like Christ is depicted in the portraits in the church. However, while passing … Continue reading Papa Martin, conclusion
Papa Martin
[First instalment of a Christmas story by Ruben Saillens, original title Le Père Martin, translated from French.] You don’t know Papa Martin? He is only a shoemaker whose workshop, living room, bedroom and kitchen are all together in a little wooden building at the corner of Place de Lenche and rue des Martégales in the … Continue reading Papa Martin
The only hope
A few days ago Montreal daily La Presse published a cartoon by Serge Chapleau, with two frames, entitled Teenage Crisis 2000 and Teenage Crisis 2014. Both frames picture a young man with a surly, vacant expression, wearing cargo pants that appear in imminent danger of descending to his ankles. In the first frame he is … Continue reading The only hope
Knowing our own wretchedness
I am quite well aware that I am an imperfect person. Such awareness means that I am a truly humble Christian, doesn’t it? Or am I mistaking complacency for humility? Perhaps I should come right out and call it lukewarmness. That is what God called it when He told me what He thought of me … Continue reading Knowing our own wretchedness
