skip to main |
skip to sidebar
For the past few months, SPPC has been raising money for our mission work by selling soup and meat pies. Sunday, we upped our game with a luncheon after service.
The House Upon the Rock Ministry has undergone some hard times recently, with Dr. Wendy's husband, Pablo, needing life-saving (and expensive) surgery. As well as supporting his wife, Pablo runs the Christian radio station. He is a vital part of our ministry in the Dominican Republic.
Lunch, as usual, was delicious and "gratefully received." The money donated at the door will be used to defray Pablo's expenses. As well as paying for the surgery, he needs follow up treatments.
Money is always useful, but prayers are sorely needed. And if you every wondered if prayer is effective, let me tell you about Pablo. He had to remain in ICU for ten days. During that time 200 people from his church gathered outside the hospital and said prayers for him. During that time, no one on ICU died. Four members of staff accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Prayer is a powerful witness.
Please continue to pray for the House Upon the Rock and their ministry in the Dominican Republic and for Dr. Wendy and Pablo and Sharon and Paul and all who work to bring the light of Christ to the people in that part of the world.
Special thanks to Darlene, Joan and Diane for organizing this event and preparing the food.
Along with the rest of the country, our congregation has watched the images of the tragedy unfolding in Fort McMurray this past week. As fellow Canadians, our hearts ache for the nearly 90,000 people who've been evacuated, fleeing for their lives before the monster fire, leaving their homes in the knowledge there may be nothing left when they return.
At SPPC we feel a particular connection to Fort Mac because that was Rev. Irwin's previous congregation. His sermons are peppered with Fort Mac stories. The children were all born there. He and Diane have many dear friends still living in the area.
Elizabeth, who often graces our worship with her music, is from Fort McMurray. Her parents still live there. At last report, they are safe, but in separate locations. Her mother has made it to Edmonton and is staying with relatives. Her father is at the Syncrude site. He and his crew are working to shut down the plant in case the fire reaches it. (The latest news is that Syncrude is now shut down, so he has also been evacuated.)
Our immediate response is to want to help. We would love to reach out from our congregation to the Presbyterian congregation in Fort Mac with personal gifts and compassion. However, that is not the most effective way. Organizing the transport of goods and materials is costly and time-consuming. Our best means of assisting is through the Red Cross. Not only are they on the ground with organized distribution centres and an army of volunteers, but every dollar you give to the Red Cross will be matched by the federal government. You can donate on-line here, or go to the Red Cross office, 909 Fairfield Road, Victoria, BC V8V 3A3, Phone:(250) 382-2043,
PWS&D is also accepting donations marked for Fort McMurray. Here's the link.
You can also read the letter from the minister of Faith Presbyterian. At latest report all of the congregation is safe, although scattered. There is also a letter from the Moderator.
We can also pray.
Dear Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for the glory of this world, for forests and meadows and vast skies. We acknowledge Your power and majesty. We know that even the winds and waves obey Your command. In the face of forest fire, we pray for rain.
We pray for the fire-fighters.
Give them courage and strength and determination to battle on until all are safe and the task complete.
We give thanks for police, paramedics, and military personnel who risk their lives to serve their community and their fellow citizens.
We ask that You bless the people of small towns like Lac LaBiche and Boyle and Athabasca who have reached out in compassion to the tide of evacuees washing into their communities. People pulling together to offer refreshment, a bed, a shower, and comfort to bewildered, frightened strangers.
We thank You for the generous souls who hand out coffee and muffins and gasoline to those stranded along the roads.
We give thanks that no lives have been lost to the fire.
Dear Lord, sustain and comfort our neighbours in Fort McMurray, give them resilience, faith and hope.
We ask all this in Jesus' name. Amen
