100 year old crusader on CBC

Gospel singer George Beverly Shea has many claims to fame: being a century old, having the world record for singing to the most people in person, 10 Grammy nominations and one Grammy win, a spot in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and having his hometown of Winchester, Ontario promote itself as the 'Birthplace of George Beverly Shea.' Now, the former Billy Graham crusader has one more: being interviewed on CBC radio. Listen to Shea talking with the Ottawa afternoon radio show host Adrian Harewood at http://www.cbc.ca/asithappens/latestshow.html

Threats to the young and the old

A new publication on assisted procreation, entitled 'High-Tech Babies: Exploring New Challenges to Human Dignity,' has been released by the Catholic Organization for Life and Family, to discuss the issues related to technologically enhanced births. Meanwhile, a private member's bill that would legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia has been presented in the House of Commons; the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada has written to all MPs and Senators requesting they not give further consideration to Bill C-384, which was introduced by Bloc Quebecois MP Francine Lalonde on May 13.

Healing the sick in Sudan

Samaritan's Purse Canada is partnering with the University of Calgary and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) in a $3 million project to provide medical facilities and training to war-torn southern Sudan. The Southern Sudan Healthcare Accessibility, Rehabilitation and Education (SSHARE) project aims to improve the health of thousands of impoverished Sudanese by repairing and/or expanding five existing medical facilities, and to develop doctor's skills and working conditions by providing education for regional doctors and medical personnel. While both Samaritan's Purse and the University of Calgary will manage the $3 million from CIDA, Samaritan's Purse is committing at least $300,000 in additional funds from the donations of Canadians to further enhance its construction projects as part of the project.

A change of direction that Bono won't be happy about

Minister of International Co-operation Bev Oda recently has revealed Canada's new foreign aid program, stating it would not please 'Irish rock stars.' The new policies seem to contradict the objectives of the recently passed Bill C-293, a bill that was widely supported by all parties in Parliament and by various non-governmental organizations, including U2 front man Bono's own Make Poverty History campaign. While Bill C-293 focuses on helping those most in need to eat and develop means of supporting themselves, the newly introduced program shifts the Canadian foreign aid focus from Africa to Latin America, and to enhancing the capacity of those already attaining sustenance, as well as supporting their countries' economies.

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Breakfast is on Telus

The fourth annual Telus Day of Service is coming up May 30, and breakfast is on Telus. Telus team volunteers are partnering with Union Gospel Mission to serve 2,500 hot breakfasts in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. This is just one part of the Day of Service, when over 9,000 Telus employees, retirees, family and friends will participate in hundreds of volunteer activities all across Canada.

New Wycliffe director

Wycliffe Canada has appointed Don Hekman as interim executive director. He and his wife Martha have worked with Wycliffe for 37 years. He is currently serving as director of language program services for the Americas area of SIL. Hekman will serve for two years commencing in November. He replaces Dave Ohlson.

Government prayer Sunday

The National House of Prayer (NHOP) in Ottawa has announced its third annual Government Prayer Sunday for June 28. It is a call to individuals and churches across the country to pray for government leaders both local and national. NHOP is also asking churches to take a 'Toonie' offering to help support their efforts.

Christian Heritage Party sets sights on New Brunswick

Christian Heritage Party (CHP) leader Jim Hnatiuk hopes to see the party field candidates in all 10 New Brunswick ridings in the next federal election. The 6,000-member-strong, sixth-largest federal party in Canada is planning for explosive growth in New Brunswick. The CHP had five New Brunswick candidates in the last election.

May 28/2009