Writers Corner
62 articles
Refuge Ministries Canada
Last Updated: February 3, 2026Any ministry built on a strong foundation is built on the Word of God: “The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” —Psalms 9:9 Refuge Ministries Canada is: “Supporting those released from custody transitioning into our community.” This vital ministry receives referrals from probation and parole offices and from...
Street Invaders 2025 Report
Last Updated: September 3, 2025Street Invaders 2025 was a huge success, and we are so thankful for each person who lifted our students up in prayer and for each of the churches who welcomed them in. This year we had a total of 51 students, 16 staff, and 5 missions, with representation from BC, AB, SK and MB! We...
Families Matter Most
Last Updated: September 2, 2025Does anxiety need counselling or coaching? You’re sitting with Riley, a member of your congregation who struggles with anxiety. They’ve booked a meeting for pastoral counselling, and though they’ve been to your office three times—the anxiety is still there. You’re thinking, “We’ve already gone over this and given it to God!” You’re frustrated, and they’re...
100% Community
Last Updated: August 6, 2025In the southwestern part of Manitoba, the prairie landscape is interrupted by the Little Saskatchewan River and the town of Minnedosa, which is nestled in the valley. An ACOP Church—Valley Life Family Worship Center, pastored by Don Dragan—has long dreamed of building a facility for the children and youth of its community. He firmly believes...
Prison Christian Ministries
Last Updated: July 8, 2025A Grace & Hope Story Prison Christian Ministries exists to bring the love, hope, and healing of Christ to those in need, focusing on incarcerated individuals, their families, and vulnerable communities both locally and globally. In Kenya, when a mother goes to prison, the children are often left behind without anybody to take care of...
Families Matter Most
Last Updated: June 9, 2025They love Jesus. But they’re still anxious—now what? Offer real help to the anxious people in your pews (and maybe yourself, too). As a leader, you’ve sat across from people—faithful, committed, Jesus-loving people—who are overwhelmed by anxiety. And you may have even whispered these verses to yourself in the quiet of your own struggle. “Do...
Delight Your Marriage
Last Updated: October 16, 2024Testimonial: Delight Your Marriage Podcast Two years ago, I found myself feeling frustrated and hopeless in my marriage of nearly 17 years. I knew our relationship could be better, but I didn’t know how to make it happen. I was in despair as I felt little hope that our situation would change. Then, I discovered Delight...
The Importance of a Trust Account
Last Updated: October 16, 2024Every once in a while I read an author who says something that I have been saying for years. Whenever this happens I jokingly comment on the author’s intelligence. Actually it makes me feel good that someone thinks the same way that I do. It happened again a few weeks ago in a book entitled...
Salt Spring Island
Last Updated: September 18, 2024In many people’s minds, Salt Spring Island is a beautiful and idyllic place, a kind of west coast paradise. To visitors and locals alike it is often seen as a place of retreat, rest, and renewal. While the island is beautiful and reflects the creativity and wonder of God, it also has its challenges, brokenness,...
Moose Lake Camp Report
Last Updated: August 20, 2024God’s faithfulness was evident as it always was for the past 90 years of ministry here on these Holy grounds that were set apart for ministers Gods word to the lost, to encourage the faint of heart and set people on their course for a life of being a disciple of our lord Jesus Christ. ...
Medically Assisted Dying (MAID) in Canada: A Christian Perspective
Last Updated: September 18, 2024John Martin is a licensed minister with the Apostolic Church of Pentecost, based in Vancouver, BC. He is a Spiritual Care Practitioner at a hospital and long-term care center. He has met with patients who chose MAID and numerous people who have been impacted by MAID. The perspective of this article does not reflect the...
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (ACOP Adaptation)
Last Updated: December 21, 2022T’was just days before Christmas and across the great globe, ACOP members were stirring, with hearts all aglow. The programs were finished, the services done, The Season’d been hectic with holiday fun. The pews were now empty, the people all fed Via potlucks and parties—now just go to bed! And as members all settled in...
The Joy of the Lord
Last Updated: April 5, 2022Scripture Reading: John 15:1-16. Jesus said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” (Verse 11) INTRODUCTION: We read in our text that the Lord Jesus desires that His joy would remain in us and that our joy should be full. The...
What’s Next?
Last Updated: February 8, 2022Remember when The Flu was the big deal? Although I’d always made it a habit to get my “shot,” the 1992 injection stands out for me. I’d recently undergone cancer surgery and I felt so relieved to know that I was probably protected against that hurdle. And, thank God, I was. While at the time,...
When The Fog Lifts
Last Updated: February 2, 2022Although fog is a common occurrence to those of us living on the West Coast (perhaps the East Coast as well), these past several weeks we’ve been smothered in the grey stuff. My normal view is of the Pacific Ocean, the east side of Vancouver Island, and the islands in-between. Lately, on many of those...
Be a Blessing
Last Updated: January 26, 2022This week’s offering definitely isn’t something extraordinary or spectacular; in fact, it’s extremely every-day. Be that as it may, things I’ve experienced this week have moved my heart and encouraged my struggling emotions (and who isn’t struggling these days!). I assume that by the time you’ve finished reading this you’ll be quick to nod your...
Rising Above the Pollutions of This World
Last Updated: January 18, 2022When we lived in Kamloops, during most winters, the clouds covered the valleys to the extent that you could not see the sun for weeks on end. Springtime was a welcome season as the clouds disappeared and the sun would shine. As believers in Christ, we do not always discipline ourselves and we get caught...
How Things Change
Last Updated: January 17, 2022It’s hard to believe how much has happened in the space of a few days. First, an unbelievable dump of snow here on the West Coast has been replaced by the more typical rain, green grass, and buds on various flowers and bushes. Even closer to home, a month ago the Wegner family consisted of...
The Snowplows Came
Last Updated: January 11, 2022Over these past several weeks, all bragging rights for those living on the Sunshine Coast have been eliminated. While still a wonderful place to live (geographic isolation has its merits), I was shocked to see my view of the Pacific Ocean minimized by piles of snow. While cold when I went to bed, the grass...
The Gift of Casting
Last Updated: January 4, 2022As we come to the end of this month, we’re perched at the end of the year and preparing to leap into the first day of the next. Although that week has always been filled with questions, hopes, uncertainty, and tenuous plans, this year like the past several, they are even more tainted with unpredictability. ...
Thank You!
Last Updated: January 3, 2022Another Christmas has passed and another new year is facing us. While the season of giving gifts may officially be over—peace, patience, and encouragement are never out of season. Nor is this week’s offering. Showing gratitude and consideration of others can never be out of season or inappropriate and that’s what I’d like to pass...
I Had a Friend
Last Updated: December 21, 2021We went to junior high and high school together. We were in band and choir and worship teams together. We graduated together and even after graduation still came back to our high school to lead worship and volunteer together. In 8th grade, we were goofing around with some friends playing music and he handed me...
The Gift of Encouragement
Last Updated: December 20, 2021Throughout this month of December, I’ve been musing as to what kinds of gifts I desire to give. I first presented the quiet of serenity and peace in the midst of all that’s going on in our world and in our personal lives; the second, the gift of patience—addressed both the challenges and rewards of...
Jesus, What a Beautiful Name
Last Updated: December 15, 2021Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:9-11 and Matthew 1:21 “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 Linked below is a beautiful worship song—Jesus, What A Beautiful Name: INTRODUCTION: In our Scripture reading in Philippians 2, the Apostle Paul first...
Wait
Last Updated: December 15, 2021As I wrote last week, the gift of serenity and peace in the midst of clamour is a true gift. This week I’ve been thinking of the gift of having eyes open to what God has in store for us… One of the hardest things for me to accept is the challenge of waiting for...
The Gift of Peace
Last Updated: December 8, 2021It’s that time of the year again, the time of gift-giving and gift-receiving. It’s also time for me to think of another month’s worth of articles and as much as I love writing these and I love this time of year, after 20 plus years of writing it’s not always easy to come up with...
Good Advice
Last Updated: December 1, 2021I’ve just finished reading a novel, something I rarely do. While incredibly well written, I found it hard to read but even harder to put down. Written from the perspective of two people who loved God passionately, it delves into their painful pasts. Throughout the years of their lives, they both hid abuse of every...
The Cloud and The Sea
Last Updated: November 23, 2021A prophetic picture: On Sunday as we were worshipping God, in the church building, a picture came to my spirit. I saw a rounded wall appear before people, it was too high to climb over and too wide to break down. There was one major gap in the wall, it was in the direction the...
Glimpses of Grace
Last Updated: November 23, 2021If ever there was a time when the theme for an article would be easy to capture, you’d think it would be this week. Both good and bad have flooded the news and often, our individual lives. I won’t need to reiterate the obvious, I just want to send words of appreciation for all the...
Keep Waiting
Last Updated: November 16, 2021Every week I put many hours of prayer and thought into these articles and, I admit, some weeks are much easier than others. For example, these past few days have been full of activity but there haven’t been many occasions that seemed worth sharing. But on the other hand…. As most evangelical Christians believe, Christ...
Behold The Lamb of God
Last Updated: November 16, 2021SCRIPTURE READING: John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:18-21; Revelation 5. “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” John 1:29 NKJV INTRODUCTION When John the Baptist pointed to Jesus and declared, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29 & 1:36), his Jewish audience...
You Are the God Who is My Source of Hope
Last Updated: November 9, 2021Hope is the wheels that Faith runs on! Without hope, we wouldn’t be able to see past the situations in our lives that seem hopeless. One of my favorite hope warriors is Steve Backlund. Steve often uses this quote that I love… “There are no hopeless circumstances, only hopeless people.” Hope changes people to move...
Intense Celebration
Last Updated: November 9, 2021I don’t know about you but I’m tired of COVID, vaccines, stormy weather, and rising food prices. This week I’ve been putting my thoughts and prayers into sharing some things we’ve got to celebrate. This morning, preparing to head out to church, a powerful “boost” hit me in the heart. Here’s how it happened: I...
Promises of Grace
Last Updated: November 2, 2021As part of my daily Bible reading, I’ve been plowing through the Old Testament books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. I admit there’ve been times when it’s been tough going and I’ve been tempted to skip those records of God’s interactions with horribly disobedient people; after all, I’ve read them many, many times over the...
When the Lord Opens a Door
Last Updated: November 2, 2021SCRIPTURE READNG: Acts 16:6-40. “And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.” Acts 16:9 INTRODUCTION: As we study Acts 16, we can learn some important spiritual lessons about what happens when the Lord opens a door of...
You Are The God Who Feels Deeply
Last Updated: November 8, 2021The Help’s word study defines the word compassion as “deep feelings God has for all of us.” He is a God that feels and relates to what we’re feeling and going through. He also has feelings for you. I want you to think about that for a moment. God has deep feelings for you. I...
Small But Great
Last Updated: October 27, 2021In talking about gifts, an anonymous writer penned these simple yet profound words: “Most of us will never do great things, but we can all do small things in a great way.” Charles Dudley Warner added to that sentiment in an even more artistic way: “A great artist can paint a great picture on a...
Lord Did it Rain
Last Updated: October 18, 2021Lord, did it rain! So hard, in fact, that it’s hard to recall that just weeks ago we were praying for the wet stuff. Over this past weekend, at least here in coastal British Columbia, we’ve had the same amount of rain normally experienced in the month of October in just the past couple of...
Kings and Priests Unto God—Revelation 1:6
Last Updated: October 13, 2021Both Peter and John mention the fact that we, who are born again, are called Kings and Priests and need to function in these roles to fulfill the will of God. To see what this looks like we can read the stories in the Bible about kings and priests and ask God to show us...
Give Thanks To The Lord
Last Updated: October 13, 2021SCRIPTURE READING: “Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him and bless His name.” Psalm 107:1; Psalm 100:4 INTRODUCTION: Here in Canada this year, (2021) October 11th is designated as ‘Thanksgiving Day,’...
Remember Me?
Last Updated: October 13, 2021Two things determine the theme of this week’s article; one of little importance to most people, the other, of great importance to many. Here’s what I wrote in response to the latter. “It is with great sadness that we, members of the Powell River Community First Aid Team, received word of the death of Heather...
Is God Passionate?
Last Updated: October 5, 2021Often in our picture of God, we see Him stern, calmly sitting on the throne in heaven ready to punish us for any infraction of His law or word. How we view God will have a major effect on our prayer life and our dealings with Him. After Adam and Eve sinned, they immediately viewed...
Blurred Vision
Last Updated: October 5, 2021I’m not sure when or where I found a small lapel pin. Small it is but so applicable in these days of masks and hidden facial features. Here’s how it reads: “Hi, I can’t remember your name either.” It’s those masks, those ever-present pieces of fabric that cover most of the face, including the nose, and...
Time to Rejoice
Last Updated: September 28, 2021Well, this has been a time to remember – although, in all honesty, I’d rather forget it. Between getting scammed, losing all records of my email addresses, and being threatened with having to buy a new computer, I’ve been stressed. On the other hand, it’s also been a time of great gratitude and rejoicing. Huh?...
Isaiah’s Transforming Vision and Call
Last Updated: September 7, 2021INTRODUCTION: Here in Canada, harvest time has started where farmers start to bring in their harvest of grain following their hard work of sowing, watering, and now, hopefully reaping a bountiful harvest. There is a deep conviction in our heart, that today, there is a vast spiritual harvest of precious souls to be gathered into...
From My Heart
Last Updated: September 7, 2021Normally I have my theme pretty much worked out by Friday. Not this week. Actually, I’ve wrestled over and over with two main thoughts. First, I wrote about encouragement just a week or so ago and I don’t like to be repetitious; next and most challenging, I am going to attempt to address a current...
Masks
Last Updated: August 31, 2021One of the most challenging aspects of these past (crazy) months for this extrovert has been the isolation. But, thankfully we have a large back deck that allows me to stand and chat with the great neighbours living on either side of us. Last week, a lovely treat took place in our local grocery store....
Deliverance From a Jacob Lifestyle
Last Updated: August 24, 2021“Thou art my King O God: command deliverance for Jacob.” Psalm 44:4 There are two things that need to be connected in this verse – God our King and Jacob. Let me start with Jacob; a twin born to Isaac and Rebekah; his twin brother was called Esau. If you are familiar with the Bible,...
Encouragement
Last Updated: August 24, 2021Some quotes stand out and this is one of them: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou That quote, along with some wonderful examples of it, have enriched my week and prompted this article. As we all...
The Power, Authority, and Importance of the Word of God
Last Updated: August 24, 2021Matthew 7:24-29 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. ...
Why Sing?
Last Updated: August 17, 2021Though not unexpected nor surprising, our air is smoke-filled today. Thankfully, so far, any fires we’ve had in our neck of the woods have been small and quickly extinguished. It’s that blanket of smoke that settled down on us this morning that’s sapping my strength. On a positive note, it’s giving me a reason to...
The Rewards of Faith
Last Updated: August 11, 2021This morning brought a gift to some of us. Normally common-place on the West Coast, rain didn’t reign this year! As thousands of acres of forest have been consumed this summer by drought, much prayer has ascended to God in the form of pleas for rain. We actually had a bit last night, not nearly...
Commitment
Last Updated: August 3, 2021One of the great pleasures of my life is going on my morning walk; getting my much-needed exercise is part of the reason but just as important to me is seeing the friends I’ve made over the years. We rarely see each other except for these early morning circles around the track but we genuinely...
Being…
Last Updated: July 27, 2021I’ve always been and have been known to be, busy. I look back with enjoyment and satisfaction on the roles I’ve filled in churches we’ve served and in communities where we’ve lived. While I’m going to list a few roles, it’s not meant as a boastful exercise, just an enumeration to remind me of the...
Dig Out, Dig In
Last Updated: July 27, 2021We are going to be moving so we have been sorting out, throwing out, moving out, selling, donating, getting rid of. And also finding. Finding? Finding things from the past that meant so much or have such wonderful memories. We are faced with, “Do I throw these out? Would the kids find them worthwhile and...
Sheltered & Secure
Last Updated: July 21, 2021During these weeks of oppressive heat, one of my favourite places to sit and relax is on a lawn chair situated under our back deck. While I still have a great view of the yard and of back-alley traffic, I’m close enough to neighbours on both sides to hold a conversation without leaving the comfort...
If I Perish, I Perish
Last Updated: July 13, 2021As I continue my daily Bible reading, I’ve just finished reading the book of Esther. Honestly, I found it a welcome change from the huge lists of people, their names, and details of their responsibilities. Having said that, I also derived some much-needed encouragement and inspiration from this lovely and powerful lady. Here’s background information....
Living Waters for The Thirsty
Last Updated: July 14, 2021During the heatwave we experienced here in Western Canada, both in the Spring and then just a couple of weeks ago, people were desperate for water and refreshing rain. It caused me to think of the comparison to our spiritual condition after having gone through a dry season. Water cleanses, water refreshes, and water gives...
The Centrality Of The Message Of The Cross
Last Updated: July 8, 2021A few days ago, I woke up early in the morning with the words of the hymn, Jesus keep me near the cross, going through my spirit. I found that as I sang that song that morning, I was broken in the presence of God. I felt the Spirit of God challenging me to continue to...
Hard Times, God’s Strength
Last Updated: July 8, 2021I’m not sure if July 4 celebrations were different this year for our U.S. neighbours, but here in Canada our recognition of July 1, Canada Day, certainly was. In fact, it could be said that anything but enthusiasm marked the day for a lot of people. While many, if not most of us, are proud...
Baby, It’s Hot Outside
Last Updated: July 8, 2021In 1944 the classic song, “Baby it’s Cold Outside” was a hit. I was just one year old when that was released but now, years later, I am tempted to try to re-write the piece. I’d name it “Baby, it’s Hot Outside!” Without going into the graphic details regarding climate change, we’ve definitely been swamped....
Ups and Downs
Last Updated: July 1, 2021I found it hard to choose a theme for this week’s article, not because there weren’t ideas in my head but rather that there were so many. On a positive note, our son arrived this weekend for a short but most welcome visit. On a more sombre note, it’s been months since we first planned...