Christian men can jump

Trinity Western University forward Jacob Doerksen has been awarded the Mike Moser Memorial Trophy as the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) men's basketball player of the year. The third-year business student transferred from the University of Victoria this year and helped the TWU Spartans improve from a 4-19 record in 2007-2008 to a 17-6 record in 2008-2009. Doerksen finished third in scoring in the Canada West conference, first in rebounding and in the top seven in six more statistical categories. Doerksen helped the Spartans defeat his former team from Victoria to finish third in the Canada West playoffs.

Evangelicals, Catholics jump into court case

The Supreme Court of Canada has approved a request by the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops to intervene in the case Attorney General of Canada v. Attorney General of Quebec. As a result, the two groups have filed a ten-page brief defending the right of the federal government to regulate assisted human reproduction technologies such as human cloning, surrogacy, sex selection and in vitro fertilization through the Assisted Human Reproduction Act.

Thanks on behalf of the persecuted

The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada's Religious Liberty Commission has written a letter of thanks to Member of Parliament Paul Calandra. Calandra presented a petition in the House of Commons on behalf of Christians in Sri Lanka who may face increased persecution if an anti-conversion bill before the parliament of Sri Lanka becomes law. The Commission has also written to thank MP Pierre Poilievre. Poilievre raised concerns about the persecution of Coptic Christians in Egypt in the House of Commons and called on the government of Egypt to protect its religious minorities.

Nigeria recognizes conservative North American Anglicans

The Church of Nigeria has become the first Anglican province in the world to formally recognize the emerging Anglican Church in North America, a group that represents about 700 conservative Anglican parishes that have left the Anglican Church of Canada and the Episcopal Church USA over allegations that those two bodies have become too liberal in their theology.

Evangelicals are more complex than they seem

The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada is inviting pastors and lay leaders to one-day seminars on 'Being Evangelical in a Complex World: Stats, Facts and Trends.' The seminars will be presented by Bruce J. Clemenger, EFC president; Don Hutchinson, EFC vice-president and director of the Centre for Faith and Public Life; and Rick Hiemstra, director of the EFC's Centre for Research on Canadian Evangelicalism. The seminars are currently scheduled for April 21 in Barrie, Ontario; April 22 in Aurora, Ontario; April 23 in Mississauga, Ontario; May 5 in Regina, Saskatchewan; May 6 in Melfort, Saskatchewan; and May 7 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Attenders can register online or by calling 1-866-302-3362 ext. 234.

Not just MPs, send students to Ottawa

National Student Forum is seeking nominations of students in senior high school, college or university to attend its fourth annual forum in Ottawa May 26 - 28. Those selected will discuss faith issues with political and governmental leaders and attend the National Prayer Breakfast. Nominations may be made up to April 15 using an online form.

Continue article >>

Reaching without preaching

Last fall, members of the Canadian Network of Ministries to Muslims (CNMM) met with staff from the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada to discuss appropriate ways to do outreach among Muslim people. CNMM chair Randy Hoffmann noted that more Muslims have come to Christ in the last 25 years than in the previous 1,400 years. A summary of some of that discussion is now available online.

Don't pass over this event

International Christian Embassy Jerusalem and Friends of Jesus Christ Church are hosting a Feast of Passover April 8 at Rembrandt Banquet Hall in Scarborough, Ontario. The event includes a "seder" presented by Merv and Merla Watson, followed by a full dinner. Tickets must be ordered by March 31 by phoning 416-335-8829. A similar event, led by Hans and Vonnie Venderwerff, will take place April 9 at Antipastos in St. Catharines, Ontario. Tickets can be ordered by phoning 905-937-5610 or 905-397-8214.

Women are also a mission field

MissionFest Toronto will include a Women's Forum at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario April 18. The speakers will be Charla Pereau (Foundation for His Ministry), Mary Audrey Raycroft (Releasers of Life) and Suzette Maciel (JLWM). Music will be provided by Diane Lee-Clemons (Grey Cup Gospel Explosion).

Should we joyn the process?

Rick Joyner of MorningStar Ministries has announced that he, in association with Jack Deere and Bill Johnson, is leading a restoration process for Canadian evangelist Todd Bentley. The Lakeland Outpouring led by Bentley ended last year amid allegations of marital unfaithfulness and other improprieties. Bentley has now divorced his wife Shonnah and married ministry intern Jessa Hasbrook. Bentley's Fresh Fire Ministries in British Columbia has renamed itself Transform International and has cut ties with Bentley, although it continues to have ties with Shonnah. Todd is establishing a new ministry called Fresh Fire USA, which will be based close to Joyner's headquarters in Fort Mill, S.C. J. Lee Grady, editor of Charisma magazine has started a public debate by criticizing the restoration process for "elevating gifting above character" and for exemplifying "greasy grace." Grady said Christians should welcome Bentley being "fully restored to fellowship with God" but should "not clamor for his quick return to the pulpit."

March 26/2009