Timeless Truths ................................................................Pages

Page 8 Happy Father's Day! June 2021

Made in His Image

The grim discovery of the remains of two hundred and fifteen children at an unmarked mass grave in Kamloops, B.C is a harsh reality of the lack of respect and dignity for human life. These children, as young as three years old, were taken from their families and moved into a residential school, abused and then discarded as if their lives accounted for nothing. This particular residential school was in operation from 1890 to 1969, when the federal government took over administration from the Catholic Church to operate it as a residence for a day school, until closing in 1978. We can't help but wonder how many more children's lives are unaccounted for, as well as how many other places have burial sites such as this one. As far as we know, these missing children are undocumented deaths. The Catholic Church has refused to release many of its residential school documents, which could shed light on unmarked burial sites. It is estimated that about 4,100 children died while attending these schools, mostly due to malnourishment or disease. But the true total is likely much

higher. Large numbers of Indigenous children who were forcibly sent to residential schools were physically, sexually or psychologically abused in a system reported as cultural genocide and they were never returned to their families. The whole purpose of the residential school was to take total control of Indian children, to remove their religion, culture, identity and their connection to their families. They were then forced to learn English, embrace Christianity and adopt the customs of the country's white majority. More than 150,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit children were forced to attend church-run, government funded schools between the 1870's and 1997. The abuse that was endured within them will have lasting physical and mental effects for

generations. It is a stark example of the violence the Canadian residential school system inflicted upon Indigenous peoples and how the consequences of these atrocities continue to this day. Without love and stability, trauma continues to live on in the lives of these people. Their hearts are filled with anger, denial, betrayal, confusion and hurt. We have to ask the question, 'Why are people treated differently and considered less valuable because of the color of their skin?' They have been dealt with unjustly and it's numbing to us as Christians to learn of the betrayal and trust by the church. We know that the Lord is very near to those who are suffering and He saves those little ones who are crushed in spirit. We know that God's relentless and all-powerful love conquers all and right now, the world needs the forgiveness and healing that only God can give. We need voices of all forms to bring to light the consequential nature of these horrific acts, a nightmare that we need to acknowledge in our history. We, as Christians, all have a responsibility. If we are to love like God loves us, then we need to change how we treat and support others. We need to change our racist attitudes and behaviors. We cannot be silent, but need to stand with those who are being mistreated in a way that does not line up with how God loves us and commands us to love one another. This is a hard truth that was 100 percent preventable and should have never happened. It is an atrocity that has to be dealt with. Both churches and government need to be held accountable. While some churches, such as the Anglican and United churches have formally

apologized for their roles in the residential school system, the Catholic Church has so far refused to do the same. While injustice may swell up righteous anger within us, we must be careful not to be hateful, but to remain humble so that we are able to respond in love, all for God's glory, for He is the One who makes all things right. 1 Peter 2:21-24 says, "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 'Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth'; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return, when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously." Pray to God that He will remind us to wait on Him to renew our strength and to seek His guidance, because He is our healer and deliverer. We also need to pray that God Happy Father's Day! Page 9

Made in His Image

comfort the wounded and the brokenhearted and that they will see His goodness and love for them. God knows every hurting heart and longs to bring healing. Finally, pray that God will break our hearts for what breaks His. He made every person in His image; this is our reminder of the importance of action when we see another human being mistreated or abused. As ambassadors for Christ, we are to show the love, patience and mercy of Christ, whether we are speaking with the brokenhearted or a person of authority. The Holy Spirit in us alerts us to the truth, which allows us to recognize the truth of the Gospel, especially when it is being misrepresented. We need to stay away from false teachings. It is important to discern, when we hear someone speak something that is contrary to the teachings of Jesus, whether that person has Christ in him or not. The law of God supersedes any regulation in society written by man. Laws serve a purpose, but as devotees of the word of God, they are not sufficient. Our God is just and righteous, so we are to do justice in His name. Isaiah 1:17 says, "Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause." When we see people oppressed, helpless or silenced, God tells us to speak for them and defend them according to His Word. When we see racism happening around us, we need to respond as a family in Christ. Contribute to their needs by showing hospitality, unite in prayer over the injustice of racism, and encourage one another. Engage in loving conversations about the value of treating each human with dignity and respect. Vote for leaders who share the same value system as you do, someone who is not afraid to address systemic racism. If you can, donate to an organization that works on the ground for change. We must be prayerful and listen for where and what God calls us to do. In a recent interview with CBC Radio's Labrador Morning show host, Janice Goudie, residential school survivor, Toby Obed, opened up with regards to the Kamloops discovery by saying: "One thing I have a hard time with is religion, but I say to everyone, pray. Pray for yourself for what you went through. Pray for your strength. Pray to know that we are not alone and these young children who have passed and who were found, they will be now recognized and maybe now they can go home and rest properly. I just say pray right now, for the families, for the generations, for the hurt, for the pain, for the struggle. This is real and all I can say is, pray. "

"But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 19:14)

WOOD Ministries