Love Is Moving Issue 20 - MAR/APR 2017

ISSUE 20

CANADA’S CHRISTIAN YOUTH MAGAZINE

MAR/APR 2017

TIME MANAGEMENT Jason King p. 7

MENTAL HEALTH

Woodney Pierre p. 8

#SINGLE Jamila Holder p. 21

MOVING BACK HOME Dagmar Morgan p. 28

Alyssa

showing compassion with passion

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Contents

7

8

Time Management

Mental Health

16 FEATURE Advocate For The Poor and Marginalized

15 Surviving University

21

28

#SINGLE

Moving Back Home and Trusting God Cover Photo Allan Spiers - Slingstone Productions

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WORDS FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to LIM issue 20! We hope that you are having a fantastic year and that you are finding success in your resolutions – or goals as I like to call them.

There are many holidays and significant days we celebrate in Canada, but there’s one that’s arguably the most significant – Easter! A few months ago we celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ, an exciting and uplifting season, and a few months later we face His death.

Understanding why Jesus died is important because it’s the reason we even have the option to follow Him. In addition to finding poetry, a fashion column, and movie review this issue, you’ll be able to find answers to some common questions about Easter and what it really means.

LIM continues to grow thanks to your contributions and support. We believe everyone can contribute to LIM’s mission to empower and unite youth and young adults across Canada in the name of Jesus.

Over the past year we’ve also seen significant growth in our distribution. LIM is distributed to many churches, conferences, and homes, all places where there is substantial evidence that people are reading and being affected by the material presented.

If you are a writer, artist, poet, or youth group actively serving in the community, send us an email at info@loveismoving.ca to see how your work can be featured in an upcoming issue.

If you come across an article that you have questions about, want to challenge, or it has impacted you, send us an email and we will be sure to get back to you. Your questions and responses are important to us. If you would like your response or questions to be featured in an upcoming issue, let us know!

Happy Easter and happy reading,

ART DIRECTOR MARK STEWART

SENIOR EDITOR CRILEIDY LIRIANO

EDITOR IN CHIEF & FOUNDER BENJAMIN PORTER

EDITOR IN CHIEF & FOUNDER JOEL GORDON

Crileidy Liriano Senior Editor, LIM

Jakob Owens

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Why Do We Celebrate Easter?

We asked some pastors a few questions to help us understand what Easter means for us Christians. Yes, it’s more than chocolate, Easter Bunny eggs and scavenger hunts –

peace and much more. Jesus dying means being placed back in that original state God purposed us to be in.

Rev. Paul Donkor, Toronto, ON Ever wondered if you are really loved? Jesus knows all the sins you have done, are doing and will do. And knowing that, He still came to die in your place. He exchanged His life for yours. He took your sins and paid for it. He gives His perfect life to you, so that God sees you clothed in Jesus’ perfect life. That’s love! Who else could love you that way?

Pst. Albert Kooy, Newmarket, ON

It’s perhaps the most important holiday of the year.

Why did Jesus have to die for us?

God loves us so much that He desired to bring us back to Him. It was a prophesy from Genesis that had to be fulfilled from the time Adam and Eve sinned. Although it took 4,000 years for that to come to pass, it had to because Jesus was the only one that could give us direct access to God again. Jesus died for us because He was the only one that could bring the cure. He was the only one that could redeem us from all of the negative things that come with sin.

His death and resurrection was what put an end to humankind’s separation from God. Rev. Paul Donkor, Toronto, ON True forgiveness requires payment. If you drive your friend’s car and crash because you were texting, the car repairs will cost money.

Someone has to pay. Who should pay? The person who caused the accident? That’s justice. However, if your friend paid, that’s grace.

But it cost your friend to forgive you. She chose to pay the price instead of you. It’s the same with God. Pst. Albert Kooy, Newmarket, ON The infamous “fall” placed a barrier between us and God - we tried to go our own way and figure things out on our own. God interacted with us but at a distance. Jesus came, lived and died to connect with us face-to-face, and to bring us back into relationship with the Father. His death marked that final sacrifice, that final requirement to “do” something to connect with God. It is finished!

Pst. Melissa Ytsma, Richmond Hill, ON

What does Jesus dying for my sins mean for me?

It means eternal life. Jesus dying for our sins gives us the opportunity and right to take up that forgiveness. Jesus dying is not just salvation or going to heaven, it means healing for us all through His blood. His death and resurrection is an opportunity to be reconciled back to God, to have forgiveness of sin, and to be what God had originally purposed for us to be. Because of God’s original plan for mankind in Genesis, His death gives us the opportunity to be in good health, be prosperous, have dominion and authority, Aaron Burden

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Cormorant Lord Words by Mike Bonikowsky

I gave my heart to the cormorant Lord Who gave me His body for bread.

So how can I be anything less than Also for the devouring.

So I hold my hungry children close As they tear the weave of me And pierce the cage that holds my heart To eat whatever is found there.

As I bless their bloody heads And ask of my cormorant Lord That when they eat of me They will also eat of Him.

What is Cormorant Lord?

In medieval times, people believed these birds fed their young by allowing their babies to eat their flesh and drink their blood. Cormorants became a symbol for Jesus in a lot of Christian art. This poem uses that image to express my desire that when I feel devoured by the difficult people and circumstances (in this case, my struggles being a stay-at-home dad to two small children) that God has brought into my life, I will be able to see it as a sacrifice I can make for God. Many times in our lives God calls us to lay down our lives and desires and to die to ourselves, to be devoured. This poem is a prayer that our hardship and suffering will not be for nothing, but that God will use it to reveal Himself to others.

Mike Bonikowsky Melancthon, ON Advice to youth/young adults? Don’t worry that you’re going to miss God’s will for your life. If you want to find it, you will. Be where you are, and do what is in front of you to do. He will do the rest in His time.

John Legrand

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Caring for Creation Words by Candace Maxymowich

T

oday the environment – God’s creation, our one and only home – needs all the friends and all the help it can get. People of faith have rich traditions that should place us among creation’s most passionate defenders.

In Genesis, the first humans were given the responsibility to care for God’s creation, but it hasn’t always been a strong theme among Christian thinking. Despite strong statements from many of today’s religious leaders, the message still doesn’t seem to have sufficiently gotten through to us.

Creation provides us with the physical fabric of our lives. The natural environment gives us the stuff we use every day. It gives us food for our tables, material for our clothes, and materials to build our houses and churches.

It’s also a place where people have experienced a great closeness with God through its beauty and wonder.

Creation is a gift from God, yet it can so easily and so often be taken for granted.

planet and live our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation.

We can begin, in the context of our families or in our places of worship, to care in deeper ways for the good things God has given us. This attitude of stewardship, forged in daily life, will in turn allow us to participate in the greater efforts to care for creation.

As we expand our work together as good stewards, it must be marked by care and respect for the dignity of every human being.

Creation is a gift from God, yet it can so easily and so often be taken for granted.

Modern technology has helped alleviate suffering and create new methods of solidarity among people. At the same time, it has made it easier for us to become alienated from our environment and given us new and efficient ways to plunder the world’s natural resources.

We are called to protect people and the

I invite you to integrate experiences of creation into your day so that you never lose your wonder in beholding God’s unmatched artistry. Whether that’s taking a walk in a park, visiting a place of striking natural beauty, or celebrating a meal in which you enjoy the fruits of creation, we can come together with loved ones to pray and give thanks to our Creator for the abundance of blessings given to us this day.

Candace Maxymowich Winnipeg, MB Advice to youth/young adults? We must not neglect but instead protect and respect the gifts God has given us.

Tim Marshall

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TIME MANAGEMENT

Words by Jason King In order to be successful in your studies you must develop proper time management skills. Classes can be content-heavy and if you’re not careful, you can find yourself falling behind and losing marks quickly.

Although the weather is getting nicer and the end of the school year is just around the corner, these last few months are important in order to finish strong.

Here are a few tips on how to improve your time management the last few months of school.

1

Make note of your assignments so you can keep track when each assignment is due. Try labelling each assignment by the due date. Scan your course outline often and take note of the percentage in order to prioritize tests and assignments.

2

Maximize your time at your part-time job or the extracurricular activity you participate in. Every minute in every day counts. This might sound silly

but bring your books to work and wherever you go. You can always read a chapter while you wait around or on your lunch break.

This will ensure that the time in your day is maximized. Print a copy of your work schedule and double check it does not conflict with your classes.

3

Try not to leave class early and don’t skip class. Although the weather will get nicer, students miss out on vital information, assignments and participation marks due to leaving class early or not attending class at all.

4

Watch the amount of time you spend on social media. Social media can take up a huge amount of your time that could be used studying or focusing on assignments. Let your friends know that you may be offline for some time while you are in school. This will allow you to focus on your studies and maintain good grades.

If you manage your time effectively, it’s much easier to get the grades and results you want.

Jason King Toronto, ON Advice to youth/young adults? Life will always throw obstacles at you but you must remain objective because struggles are not designed to break you but make you stronger. #ThinkPossible

Loic Djim

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Matthew Jean-Leger’s Story Mental Health and Suicide Matthew Jean-Leger, 24, took his life five years ago. His sister Woodney Pierre found him one morning in his room when she went to go get him for breakfast. Matthew was an employed, vibrant, life-of-the-party young man in a successful band, Five Aces, that was getting ready to release their first album that year, Dirty Funk.

His signs of mental health problems were not obvious. “We thought his oversleeping was because he was trying to catch up on sleep from work and with his band, but he was actually isolating himself,” says Woodney. “It felt like he was going through a phase so we didn’t think anything of it.”

Woodney recently sat down with long-time friend and senior editor of LIM, Crileidy Liriano, to discuss Matthew’s story.

Did Matthew show any signs of mental health issues?

Woodney At the time, no. But looking back we were able to see a few symptoms. He was a bit moody. Noticing he was a bit down, my mom decided to send him on a trip, hoping that the change of scenery would give him a fresh start and perspective.

Did he express why he was down?

Woodney No, he didn’t. When we asked him, he would say he was fine and would get annoyed when we would ask.

How did the situation affect you?

Woodney I ended up suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and clinical depression. It affected me at work and my day-to-day relationships. I went through serious mood swings, isolating myself, panic attacks and insomnia. Within the first week of his passing I went from a size 6 to a size 0 and my hair fell out! I couldn’t do daily simple tasks anymore. I didn’t realize it was because I was suffering with PTSD and depression.

Did it affect your relationship with your family?

Woodney It did at first. We did a bit of counselling, but then stopped. Everyone processed it individually, but now it has allowed us to try to grow even stronger together.

We are still processing it, and we will never forget what happened. It’s important to talk to others about it, because although someone may seem happy they may be battling some form of mental health issue. Some suffer in silence and give others no reason to suspect, while others may show signs. Either way there’s a stigma around the topic but it should be discussed. Unfortunately, it’s easy to dismiss someone who may be suffering with any form of it.

What’s the Matty Jae Youth Foundation?

Woodney I founded this organization after his passing.

I wanted to encompass who I thought he was – the arts because he was an artist, mentorship because he loved looking out for others, and mental health by sharing his story and creating a platform where people are able to have a conversation about it. Every year on his birthday we host a fundraiser to raise mental health awareness. We have a partnership with Evergreen, which is part of the Yonge Street Mission, Viva Haiti, and Stepstones for Youth, which deals with young girls in the foster care system. This event has been part of my family’s healing process as we get to celebrate his life and anyone who may have been affected directly or indirectly with any form of mental health and/or suicide.

Do you have any advice for teens or young adults who may be suffering with mental health?

Woodney The important part is to reach out to someone. It may seem like the hardest thing, but whether it’s a friend, church or hotline, I encourage you to take that

step. If you’re the individual who someone approaches, it’s important to not dismiss that person and to take time to listen to him or her. See if there’s external help you can direct them to. Reach out and shine your light!

The Matty Jae Youth Foundation will have its fifth annual celebration April 30, 2017 at Posh Supper Club in Toronto. There will be a live band, a DJ, special performances, a photo booth and lots of fun. For more information, visit www.mattyjaeyouth.com. *If you are suffering with mental health please speak to your family physician to get help.

Crileidy Liriano Toronto, ON Advice to youth/young adults? Tomorrow is not promised, so give your life to Christ today!

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Breaking Our Legs Words by Abigail Zantingh

We cannot figure it out. We do not need to. And honestly, the adventure is in not knowing.

There are times when the phrase “going with the flow” feels like a life necessity. In fact, I would say it is a spiritual necessity – not in terms of apathy, but in terms of following God. If I could tell a fellow brother or sister in Christ anything, it would be to go with God’s “flow.”

Quite recently I landed in India and I forgot my wallet at home in Canada. I arrived at the Indira Gandhi International Airport knowing not a person and having not a penny to my name – quite a predicament in an entirely cash-oriented culture.

I cannot describe the hours of terror, but now I look back and see plainly when Jesus said, “And surely, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Jesus did not say this just to say something nice and uplifting for the folks in the present and 2,000 plus years from now. Our God is a sovereign God who meant every word down to the last drop of crimson blood He shed on the cross when He gave His life to show us the depths of His truths.

I recently learned from Matt Chandler, pastor of the Village Church, about how shepherds sometimes cared for a sheep with broken legs – they would carry it on their shoulders until the legs healed. In India, it felt like my legs got broken. A messy, painful break. I could think it was my own love and devotion for God that got me through – but if I’m honest, I know this isn’t true. It was God’s love and steadfastness that helped me survive. When you experience how He carries us on His shoulders, you’ll never want to leave His side.

God created this world, and He controls it. His will has been determined since before He even created us. We can’t figure it out and we don’t need to. To be honest, the adventure is in not knowing. When we let go and go with God, that’s when we come alive. Our life is no longer ours. So let’s flow with God and in the future that is His. I mean, come on – God knew I would be stranded in India. But my greatest testimony yet has been from this experience and going with God’s “flow.”

Abigail Zantingh New Lowell, Ontario Strangest habit? Go with God’s “flow”.

Droy Luis Llerena

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Trinity Fashion Put your hand up if you like to look good! Of course, everyone does! Everyone has their own style, their own look and most importantly everyone’s bank account looks at them differently.

A lot of us get upset, sometimes depressed, because we can’t afford the “cool” things everyone else has. If you’re a businessman or businesswoman, stay-at-home parent, current or graduated student, you know how important it is to hold on to every coin you have in your wallet.

I’m writing to help you understand you don’t need to spend hundreds and thousands to look expensive.

We’ve all been on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat – you name it – and seen a good outfit that has captured our attention and

thought to ourselves, “I want to recreate that same look.” I don’t know how many times I’ve done that.

When I actually think about it, I’ve probably seen you on Instagram, Facebook or TV and thought I want your outfit.

You can try all you want to dress yourself up in expensive clothing, but that will never replace how you feel inside.

But let’s not get lost focusing on our outward appearance only. We live in a world that focuses on the outer appearance and we forget about our inward beauty. You can try all you want to dress yourself up in expensive

clothing, but that will never replace how you feel inside.

When God spoke to Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:7, He told him not to look at David’s appearance but instead to look at his heart. So don’t forget about your inward beauty too!

Now, back to the point of recreating a style you may see someone wearing. A lot of the time that is where creativity starts from, and even if you’re not able to afford the exact same things, that’s okay. Here are a couple “S” words to help you out.

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Similarity

You can always find something similar at a way lower price.

Simple

Less is more.

Separates

So what does an MAF missionary look like?

Having a couple of tops and bottoms helps you alternate within your closet. It makes it look like you have a closet full of clothes, even though you may not.

Maybe someone just like you?

Share

Share clothes with a sibling or friend.

Looking good on the outside doesn’t mean spending more, it means feeling good, in a not so prideful way, in a budget you can afford. It’s okay to say to yourself, “Hey! I want that” – just make sure it’s all for the right reasons.

When most people think about Mission Aviation Fellowship, the first thing that comes to mind is Pilots and planes.

But it takes more than Pilots to keep our planes flying.

In fact, we’re currently in need of Teachers, Information Technologists, Program Managers, and those with Business and Finance experience to serve our programs overseas.

Interested in learning more about serving with MAF or know someone who might?

Scan any of the QR codes below with your favorite scanning app to view one of our recruitment videos on your smartphone or tablet, or visit our recruiting page at www.mafc.org/recruiting.

CMYK COLOURS C: 100 M: 57 Y: 0 K: 40 C: 5 M: 100 Y: 71 K: 22

Information Technologists

Ruth Kyeremeh Brampton, ON

C: 0 M: 1 Y: 0 K: 51

Certified Teachers

Commercial Pilots

Aircraft Maintenance Engineers

ONLINE:

PHONE:

MAIL:

mafc.org

toll-free at 1.877.351.9344

264 Woodlawn Rd. W., Guelph, ON N1H 1B6

C O M PA S S C R E AT I V E S T U D I O I N C 201-3228 south se rvi ce rd

title: client:

burli ngton, on L7N 3H8

date:

www.compasscre ati ve .ca

d e s i g n e r (s):

MAF LOG O WIT H TAG - C MY K Mi ssi on Avi at i on Fe llowshi p June 2012 Jason Bouwman

Advice to youth/young adults? We can achieve our dreams if we have plans and goals. Other than that it just becomes something we blindly hope for.

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SOUL CLEANSING Words by Jessica Crump

It’s that time of the year again, time for the spring heavy duty cleaning and organizing. Dusting off the shelves, donating old attire and getting rid of unused items are just some of the things on our to-do lists.

It’s important to press the restart button every now and again because it gives us a fresh start and enables us to bring new things into our lives.

In the same way we make time to clean and renew our personal space, we too need to refresh our inner being. Everyday we are interacting, meeting new people, connecting globally through social media and overwhelmed by data.

“Let love be the only language you speak!

”

So, it should not surprise us that we need to take immaculate care of our hearts and minds as we do with our homes or personal space.

What does this entail exactly? It means to forgive, let go and move on in love. Whether it’s a past relationship, a disappointment or a feeling you just can’t shake it off, allow God to help you heal.

Forgiving past hurts is always easier said than done, but moving on from previous pain is important for your own happiness and peace. Letting go of the past allows room for what is to come.

Make the decision to let go of bitterness or disappointments from the previous years – forget the former things. Maybe it’s time to call those who have wronged you or even those you have wronged and make amends.

The best days are ahead and you can only receive your blessings with an open hand, rather than a closed fist. Let love be the only language you speak!

Bettering your life starts with bettering you. Dust off the shame, throw out old problems and get rid of unnecessary memories. It’s time for soul cleansing.

Jessica Crump Toronto, ON Advice to youth/young adults? Have no regrets in life, only lessons learned.

Roman Kraft

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Are You An Artist?

We want to spotlight more artists in Love is Moving Magazine info@loveismoving.ca 13 | LOVEISMOVING.CA

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Sponsored Content

Leaving the Comfort Zone Emanuelle’s Story Words by Alyssa Esparaz

E

manuelle carefully opens a large binder to reveal dozens of photos, drawings and letters from her youth group’s Compassion children. From the confident way she speaks about each child’s story, one would never guess that this 14-year-old from Toronto was once incredibly shy.

to do that – to encourage children to follow Christ at a young age.”

What is particularly special about the group’s efforts is that most of them are from the Philippines, and many grew up

“I was a shy kid and I didn’t want to approach people because I didn’t know them,” she recalls.

This series shares stories about youth discovering our role in God’s story and taking action through the ministry of Compassion Canada. God’s story is one of redemption for the brokenness in our world! May these stories inspire you to think about your role and encourage you along your journey.

When Emanuelle’s youth leader asked her to take responsibility for the youth group’s Compassion child sponsorship, the idea felt well out of her comfort zone.

However, she was inspired during one of the youth group’s Bible studies to accept the responsibility.

“We talked about how Jesus calls us to do specific things for His kingdom. I asked God if there were any specific things that He has called me to do,” she says. “He’s blessed me with a lot of ways to serve Him, and one of them is Compassion.”

Emanuelle now leads her youth group at Friends of Jesus Christ Canada church in sponsoring Emmalyn from the Philippines and Joan from Honduras. She collects money from her peers for the sponsorship and is responsible for ensuring that the group regularly writes letters to Emmalyn and Joan.

She calls it a blessing to see her peers giving back, and says that Compassion child sponsorship gets the youth involved in what’s happening not only in their church, but all over the world.

“We’re told to go and make disciples, and through Compassion there’s opportunities

seeing or experiencing poverty similar to what their Filipino Compassion child, Emmalyn, might experience on a daily basis.

“When I heard she was from the Philippines, I saw it as an opportunity to give a child something that I didn’t have”

Emanuelle moved to Canada from the Philippines when she was 8-years-old. Her family wasn’t always able to have food on the table, so she can identify with Emmalyn from personal experience.

“When I heard she was from the Philippines, I saw it as an opportunity to give a child something that I didn’t have,” Emanuelle says. The group’s generosity is impacting a child who is just like them in many ways.

It takes practice and it is a learning process, but Emanuelle strives to be obedient to the callings God has for her life, even when that means stepping out of her comfort zone.

“I learned that it’s not yourself that you’re showing to the world, it’s Christ, because Christ lives in you. So you don’t have to be afraid.”

Alyssa Esparaz Pickering, ON Advice to youth/young adults? You are never too young to make a big impact for the Kingdom.

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getting our degrees and not focusing on what we are wearing while we get them. Let us not fall into the temptation of worldly behaviours and allow God to guide our future plans. Let’s not worry about what our peers may think of us – because if we only knew how valuable we are to God, we would stop trying to prove our worth in this world to others.

Surviving University as a Christian

Jesus Will Fill the Gap Words by Abigail Morgan

T

ake a moment to reflect and ask yourself: When was the last time I experienced Jesus? Was it asking God moments before an exam to give you knowledge to pass? Or was it sitting in church on Sunday morning after a night out that didn’t go so well asking for forgiveness?

This morning as I got ready for school I opened my closet full of clothes and tried on a few things. I came to the drastic conclusion that I had nothing to wear and needed a whole new wardrobe. Don’t you find it’s hard to be positive at 7:00 a.m.?

As I sat on the edge of my bed and debated throwing on sweats and running out the door, I got a little slap in the face. There I was sitting in my nice heated home, on the edge of my cozy bed, staring at my closet full of clothes, sipping on my coffee.

What do I really have to complain about?

Re-wearing my jeans from the day before?

I got an overwhelming feeling of thankfulness that morning as I sat there surrounded by things only a third of the world is lucky enough to have.

In 1 Timothy 6, it explains that it is not bad to have riches but not to put your hope in riches. You need to be rich in God, and in that you will receive His wonderful riches.

People often worship materialistic things;

it’s just how our society works. We want the newest clothes, the best car and the most up to date electronics. But what we don’t always realize is that there is a richness that transcends all earthly things.

It’s not always just the materialistic things that we have tendencies to worship, it could be a relationship or a feeling that a substance may give. But God is the richest substance in the “...to my universe.

It’s foolish to invest in things we cannot take to heaven.

These things cannot give us life. When you take your last breath, God won’t be judging you based on the clothes you wore or the car you drove. I don’t know about you, but when my day comes, I want my family and friends to remember me for my love of Jesus and people, not how I do my hair or dress myself.

Next time you are feeling down, lonely, stressed or anxious, wait a moment, take a deep breath and say a small prayer. Don’t turn to the substance, the food, or the hobby that you enjoy to fill the gap.

There is only one thing that can fill that gap and it is Jesus. He wants us to look to Him in times of trouble. He knows our thoughts, feelings and needs. Just knock and the door will be open.

In Revelation, it attempts to describe the beauty of heaven. The walls and roads will be paved in diamonds and gold, and we will be placed at the feet of Jesus. It seriously cannot get much better than that because in heaven, university there’s a real gift that is so much friends, let’s more valuable than anything here on earth.

focus on getting our degrees and not focusing on what we are wearing while we get them...”

One of my favourite Bible verses is Proverbs 31:30: “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

I keep this hung up in my bathroom to use as a daily reminder.

So to my university friends, let’s focus on

Let’s make Jesus our treasure this month. Spread some of that unconditional, unique love of Jesus Christ as we reflect on all that God has blessed us with.

Abigail Morgan Grand Bay Westfield, NB Advice to youth/young adults? Sometimes your mom is actually right.

Fabian Mardi

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Alyssa Esparaz

Alyssa Esparaz, 19, is a full-time International Development Studies student at the University of Toronto, an anti-poverty advocate for Compassion Canada and a zealous follower of Christ. She also writes regularly for LIM and attends The Meeting House Uptown Toronto, where she’s a youth group leader and contributes to video curriculum for the children’s ministry. She recently sat down for an interview with LIM senior editor Crileidy Liriano.

An Advocate For The Poor and Marginalized

Alyssa, it seems to me that you serve God with everything you’ve got – and that God has really blessed you for that including with a nearly full university scholarship thanks to your grades and volunteer work at Compassion Canada. How did you get started with Compassion Canada?

Alyssa: My first connection with Compassion was as a sponsor when I was 12 years old. I begged my parents for Christmas to sponsor a child on my behalf. We eventually came to sponsor a little girl in the Philippines and we went to visit her when I was 14. Coming home from that trip my family was transformed. We wanted to do more so we got started volunteering at Compassion.

Right before my Grade 12 year, Compassion was putting together a youth curriculum called True Story: What God wants us to do about poverty, and they wondered if I was willing to host the video series that goes with the curriculum. Last summer between first and second year I did an internship at Compassion and it continued on into the school year. I’ve been working with Compassion for almost a year now.

What inspired you to want to want to sponsor a child when you were only 12?

Alyssa: It was actually reading about Compassion in a Christian youth magazine, much like Love Is Moving! I read about some teenagers who were sponsoring kids with their family and going to visit. It sounded like such an amazing thing to do! I didn’t know a ton about it at the time, and since getting involved with Compassion I have learned so much more about it and become more passionate.

When did you get started with LIM? Alyssa: Also about a year ago. Ben and Joel [LIM founders] heard about what I was doing with Compassion and asked me if I was willing to write for Love Is Moving. I’ve always loved to write, I’m so passionate about youth and young adults who are really building Christ’s kingdom, and I’m super passionate about Compassion, so those three things really come together nicely for these articles I write for LIM! I get to learn more about other youth who are passionate about Jesus and Compassion.

Hearing you speak, you sound super busy. How do you balance everything?

Alyssa: A lot of people hear about all the different things I’m involved with and expect me to be running around all the time and be really busy. But I think for me – this isn’t something that comes naturally to me – I have to make a conscious decision to pace myself and slow down, breathe and create margin and space in my life to just be. I do say no to a lot of things, and those are things that people just don’t hear about because I said no to them. I definitely

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What’s your advice to youth and young adults?

Alyssa: You’re never too young to make an impact in the kingdom of God. Often in the church youth think, When I grow up (or when I’m an adult) I can do something for God’s kingdom. I often think how Jesus talked about children being the greatest in the kingdom. The smallest and most insignificant people in God’s story have

do try to make that space in my life to be able to say yes to really great things like Compassion and LIM. That’s something I have to be really conscious of, to just really be instead of doing things. This year I’m really trying to centre around this idea of “presence” – being really present where I am and being really aware of God’s presence.

Being open and available to what God is doing in this moment.

What’s the difference between God’s story and our own individual story?

Alyssa: There’s this sense of individualism in North American and the North American church where it’s centred on me, What can the church and God do for me? For me personally, [I didn’t get past that] until engaging with issues of poverty and injustice, and understanding that my story is just one small part of so many other

What do you want to do when you “grow up”?

Alyssa: That’s such a funny question! I definitely want to stay in the space of being an advocate for the poor and people who are marginalized, and being part of building God’s kingdom – whatever that looks like.

When we ask that question it’s all about what do we want to do for work, but I think there’s more to growing up than working – I think and hope [laughs]. When I grow up, I want to be open to what God is doing in all aspects of my life, including my work.

The struggle that other people go through helps me realize that my story is insignificant unless it’s plugged into a greater story – and that’s God’s story.

Do you ever get scared going through so much school and not being “sure” exactly what that career title looks like?

Alyssa: At times – in high school there was a lot of worry. Somewhere in grade 10 or 11 I sat down and really thought about it, Man, there’s so much worry about something that’s already in God’s hands.

It’s definitely a struggle and something I continually surrender to God. Now that I’m in university what I concentrate the most on is learning and being, and understand that what I’m doing now is important. It’s not just a means to an end, but in itself it’s something that can be used for God’s kingdom. Just because I’m in university doesn’t mean God can’t use me right now.

people’s stories. The struggle that other people go through helps me realize that my story is insignificant unless it’s plugged into a greater story – and that’s God’s story.

How does the resource True Story: What God wants us to do about poverty link in to God’s story?

Alyssa: It’s an invitation to look at the entire Bible as this story of, Yeah, things are broken, things are messed up, but God has a story of redemption for the world –and that’s Jesus.

Today that means following Jesus and being a part of what He started. In Revelation Jesus says, “I am making all things new” [Revelation 21:5]. For me that’s such huge hope. There’s so much brokenness in the world, and looking around [it’s obviously] so messed up, that sometimes you’re thinking, What can I even do? Where do I start? Just understanding Jesus is making all things new, our invitation is to plug into that story and be a part of that. That takes a burden off of you to save the entire world, because Jesus has already done that.

been the ones who have made the biggest impact. We as youth have a potential, responsibility, privilege and calling to build Christ’s kingdom on Earth. We are never too young to start or to have an impact.

Crileidy Liriano Toronto, ON Advice to youth/young adults? Tomorrow is not promised, so give your life to Christ today!

Allan Spiers - Slingstone Productions

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Persevering in our Youth Words by Shawn LaVie

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in many ways it is) but we would have faced remember peer pressure when I was a similar struggles in our adolescents and teenager, the constant need to fit in. I youth. would try to make my hair look like the cool kids, and no matter how hard I tried, I The desire to fit in never goes away. However, the couldn’t get it to look right. I remember the ability to work through this will get better over the constant worry of years, and you will grow from the experience. how I was perceived by my peers. I can only imagine how The desire to fit in never goes away. much harder this must be for teens and However, the ability to work through this youth in today’s society, especially with will get better over the years, and you will the added hardships that Christianity can grow from the experience. As a Christian, bring. My admiration truly goes out to you right now, you are learning skills that you all. In my day there were cassette tapes and will carry into adulthood.

New Kids on the Block. In your day there I’d like to give a shout out to all youth who is digital media, the internet and Justin persevere in the face of adversity! And even Bieber. It may seem like worlds apart (and

to those who may struggle to persevere, you also deserve a shout out. You deserve to give yourselves a pat on the back and feel good about being a Christian during a difficult age in your life.

You are all the future of Christianity, and your light shines bright in churches and across the world. Enjoy these years no matter how awkward they may feel, or how long you may feel you have to struggle to find yourself.

Shawn LaVie Mermaid, PEI Advice to youth/young adults? Don’t stress out with urgency trying to figure out who you are or what your place is in the world.

Mauchw Chalis

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The

Happy News Translation of Scripture Set to Release Words by Jesse Hove

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iblical scholars from a variety of Western universities are excited to announce a new translation of Scripture that will no longer leave you squirming in your seat. The uncomfortable parts of Scripture that make people feel like Jesus is kind of a jerk, and other such injustices, will be replaced with more friendly language.

“Have you ever felt like Peter really didn’t deserve to be called Satan?” asks editorin-chief of the new translation Dr. Marcus Billich in reference to Jesus’ rebuking of Saint Peter in Matthew 16:23. “In our translation Jesus simply says ‘Don’t worry, Pete, I’ll only be gone for few days.’ We don’t think Jesus would be that mean to his friend.”

Other notable edits to Jesus’ words include Him being more inclusive with His instructions on marriage (Matthew 19) and no longer healing demon-possessed people, but simply helping those who are “having a bad day.” The Canaanite woman in Matthew 15 who Jesus calls a dog will also now be referred to as a “cute little puppy” instead.

Old Testament Scholar Dr. Wallis Trug helped in re-translating the tricky part of both the Torah and Tanakh in Hebrew Scripture. Trug was particularly interested in painting a brighter picture of God’s call to destroy and invade the Canaanites.

market-based social model for the early church; and a complete revamp of the entire of book of Amos.

The Happy News Translation of Scripture will be available for purchase this summer.

The first 1,000 buyers will get a tasty box of blue pill candies included with their purchase.

This article is speaking to our human tendency to make Scripture fit with our preconceived values. Scripture speaks to us on its own terms. Its intention is to be continually pointing us to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Sometimes Scripture is scary, doesn’t make sense, or doesn’t seem to fit with who we understand God to be. In these moments we cannot simply let our own values override or alter the Scripture we are reading. Rather it is in these moments that we are called to live in tension with all we know about Jesus and all we don’t know. We are called to remember that we are not God, and will never understand what it means to be God. As Christians we are living in a continual paradox of a God who is both wholly other and in an intimate human relationship with us. That can sometimes cause us to try to make sense of Scripture beyond what we are called to understand.

We must resist that urge.

“We don’t believe God would endorse such an awful example of mass killing,” says Trug. “Rather this was simply a matter of helping eliminate the terrorists in the area and helping the local Canaanite people further develop and extract their abundance of milk and honey.”

Billionaire evangelist Jimmy Tobison invested heavily in the project, and wanted a softer tone against businessmen and entrepreneurs in Scripture. “Folks like myself are just trying to make a living, why does Scripture always have to be so critical of the unethically wealthy?” asks Tobison.

Key edits in this area will include the fraudulent couple Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 getting minimum security prison time instead of dropping dead; the rich man’s good deeds in Matthew 19 being just good enough to get him into heaven; a more

Jesse Hove Toronto, ON Advice to youth/young adults? For those with outgoing/ charismatic personality traits: You don’t always need to be the first to speak. The more you choose to listen, contemplate, and ask questions, the more value your words will have.

For those with more introverted/contemplative personality traits: Your voice has value, when you speak to your community they become wiser. Share your thoughts!

Ben White

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Wedding Rings

& Funny Things

Young & Married Words by Jessica Bayus

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’m 24, my husband is 25, and “newlyweds” is what they call us. On May 21, 2016 we said I do to the promise of doing all parts of life together. That’s a big promise at such a young age, and it sounds a little daunting.

Although sometimes it honestly is, as I think of having someone who I can always cheer on and who constantly embraces me even in all my mistakes, I can’t imagine anything more wonderful.

And it shows me how much God believes in me.

family, and he comes from a smaller Italian family. I grew up in the country, he grew up in the city. These differences mean we need to appreciate where the other came from. To do this, Michael and I each choose a family tradition we love from our personal experience and share it with one another, like the way a quilt is made from patchworks of various fabrics or a delicious dish made from a variety of spices.

we know better how to love the person God has placed in our lives.

The differences in our individual family traditions can create a beautiful home when we are open with one another and love each other. I love what Proverbs 24:3-4 says about this: “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”

When we listen to one another, we grow to understand. And as we grow to understand,

I’d love to hear what you learned! Post it at belovedtoday247.blogspot.ca

Marriage is a friendship that grows from spending time together...

Marriage is a friendship that grows from spending time together, just like you can grow closer with friends in your youth group at a weekend retreat. You learn surprising things about one another. For example, I’ve learned movies are much more fun to watch with my husband, Michael, because we love to talk about what we learn from the story. These experiences are a special part of any friendship, but the cool thing about marriage is that you always have a close friend to come home to.

Home may look different to him than it does to me. I come from a bigger Mennonite

This person may be a significant other, but if you’re not called to be married at a young age like we were, the person could also be a friend or family member. Under your own roof is the best place to start learning how to help others feel at home.

Give the gift of a listening ear today so you can cultivate a heart of understanding.

This is a beautiful treasure in marriage and creates a place where the other feels safe.

As you do, remember to pray and always ask God for help. Be prepare to be amazed at what you will learn about those people around you!

Jessica Bayus Winnipeg, MB Advice to youth/young adults? Love yourself as God loves you.

Chuttersnap

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#Single Words by Jamila Holder

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n light of the #relationshipgoals and #Bae revolution dominating the social media world, it’s easy to be consumed with the desire to be in a relationship. Be honest!

You know you start to daydream every time you scroll past another “In a relationship” status. I know I am not the only one that asks, “Why am I STILL SINGLE? When God? When will it be my turn?”. Perhaps you have considered, are considering or have already embarked on the mission of “finding your bae.”

I will let you in on three relationship secrets I have learned over the years about being impatient.

Lesson 1: Danger! Things are not always what they seem!

He was slick! He even came to church to prove he was interested in a relationship. He had studied me, knew what to say and was quite intelligent. I was naively 21, preparing to graduate and was sure I was ready to mingle. He wasn’t saved and had a terrible smoking habit, but I was going to change him. He was my first and last attempt at

missionary dating. Needless to say, it ended badly! He did teach me an important lesson though: when you start with low quality ingredients you end up with low quality products. Be real! You can’t make people change!

Lesson 2: “Desperation” + “Wrong time” = Wrong way to start!

He was a youth leader, he loved God and he was handsome! I honestly thought he was “the one.” What else could you ask for?

Surprisingly I could have asked for a whole lot more. For instance, did his character behind closed doors match that of his

the type who has the words “heartbreaker” or “player” tattooed on his forehead? Well, I have learned that perhaps I attract a certain type because there is something within my character that may be attracting them. I had to come to the realization that I was into playing games too. I was not ready for a committed relationship, instead I was bored of waiting.

The moral of the story is this: singleness is not a curse. It is the gift of self discovery that prepares you to attract the right person at the right time! I am proud to say I am still single!

Singleness is not a curse. It is the gift of self discovery that prepares you to attract the right person at the right time! public life? I learned quickly that perhaps I needed to redefine “the one.” When you are desperately looking for something, you might just find it but only to realize it is not what you needed.

Lesson 3: You attract who you are.

This was a bitter pill to swallow. Have you ever wondered why you attract or are attracted to certain types of guys? You know,

Jamila Holder Brampton, ON Advice to youth/young adults? Don’t be afraid to be yourself because there is only one you.

Grace Walzel

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Real Talk Real Talk with Nathan White

Life Saver W

hy did Jesus come to Earth? I asked a number of religious leaders this question and here are the responses I got.

It’s about saving our lives from spending eternity in a place stripped of all hope, not about changing our behaviour.

“Jesus came for a number of reasons, to fulfill Old Testament prophecy, to save His people from sin, to call the gentiles home.

He came to earth to establish hope and purpose for people.” – Rev. Chris Westby, Surrey, BC.

The greatest act of selflessness ever done in the history of the world was Jesus leaving Glory to enter humanity in the most humble and gentle way possible, to serve His people and demonstrate active unconditional life-changing love, and to give up His life to offer salvation to everyone! Even those who curse Him, who will never believe, who put the nails in His hands and feet.

“Jesus came to die, sacrificing His life on the cross for a world who did not know Him. Through love He selflessly gave it all, death producing life for all eternity.” – Rev. Jenn Mcgrew, Calgary, AB. “Jesus came to lay down His life for everyone so that they could have life.” – Rev. Jake Mcgrew, Calgary, AB.

He didn’t do that just so bad people would do good things. He did it so everyone who was dead could live.

It seems like a pretty simple question, doesn’t it? If you ever went to even one service at church around Christmas or Easter you could probably answer this question.

In the world today it’s pretty easy to have a conversation with someone about heaven or Jesus and hear them say, “Well you know I am a good person, I think I’ll go to heaven.”

Right? Anyone ever hear that? Or thought that themselves?

The reality is that’s not enough to get the VIP pass to the greatest place ever. The list is pretty long of all the good deeds that we can do in this life – and by all means do them daily!

But we can’t kid ourselves into believing that we will ever become worthy enough to eternally be in the presence of the Creator of the universe by donating 10% of our income to the local church, or filling shoe boxes full of toys to give to little kids at Christmas – both of which are amazing things that impact the world positively.

“...we can’t

kid ourselves into believing that we will ever become worthy enough to eternally be in the presence of the Creator...

”

Without the personal intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, at the end of it all we will still be dead in our sin, spending eternity apart from the One who gives hope.

Jesus did not come to make bad men good, He came to make dead men live.

Nathan White Edmonton, AB Advice to youth/young adults? Live your life with integrity, touch as many lives with the love and hope of Jesus as possible.

Tom Ezzatkhah

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Faith is in the waiting Words by Emily Cook

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oday, everything is about distraction and immediacy. We can catch up with old friends without ever speaking to them, and we can express our emotions in emojis and gifs. We spend hours scrolling, blankly watching the world without really taking part in it. If something isn’t over in less than two minutes, it better have a really cute cat in it. “Patience” is a word that doesn’t seem to exist anymore.

How does this worldview, of immediacy and distraction, fit into God’s way of doing things?

During Easter, people remember the death of Jesus, and His resurrection three days later. Count them: one, two, three days. If that happened today – the Internet would have forgotten about this “Jesus” character by the time the sun rose Sunday!

Imagine for a second being the disciples left behind. Scripture makes it clear the disciples didn’t really understand what

Jesus meant when He said He was coming back. So, it would be fair to assume they freaked out a little when he actually died.

to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:21-23).

It’s easy to feel God doesn’t answer prayers, or is unfaithful, in a world where we expect Jesus was buried, using expensive perfumes to be gratified by the click of a button. But no less, and to go further, when Jesus patience means trust, and trust appeared to the women means having faith – faith in a at His tomb and they God who fulfills promises. returned to tell the other The beautiful disciples, Luke says they Jesus could have easily risen from thing about the didn’t believe them, the grave right after entering it – “because their words resurrection story He’s that powerful – but He didn’t. seemed to them like Instead He waited three days. nonsense” (Luke 24:11).

Maybe the purpose in the waiting Clearly they did not think Jesus was going to wake up! Even back then – with Jesus so recently with them – the disciples didn’t have patience. Just like us.

is God fulfilled His promise... bringing with Him the hope we now all hold onto.

is to increase faith – or at the very least, to test it.

It’s time our generation learned some patience, and learned to believe in waiting for the good things of God – in His timing.

It’s a great example of how God works differently from the way we do. The beautiful thing about the resurrection story is God fulfilled His promise – Jesus returned from the grave, bringing with Him the hope we now all hold onto. “…and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly

Emily Cook Sutton, ON Advice to youth/young adults? Take the time to figure out who you are, and when you do, embrace it and surround yourself with people who accept you for your beautiful uniqueness.

Tim Gouw

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When the Sun Rises Words by Kayla Merkus “And He shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds” 2 Samuel 23:4 A single golden reaching ray Stretching to touch your heart.

It is the beginning of a new day, A rebirth, a fresh start.

The brightness of the light grows, And darkness is defeated.

Let the world know The Son’s work is completed.

There is a miracle in the sun’s light, A reminder at day’s break Of the miracle of the Son’s light He has died and risen our sins to take.

Truly the beams are warm, it is sweet.1 It guides us on our way As a lamp for our feet,2 And our eyes behold the marvelous display.3 We find fellowship under the sun,4 In the light we have life.5 The shadows have been undone, We are not alone in strife.

There is a miracle in the sun’s light, A reminder at day’s break Of the miracle of the Son’s light His people He did not forsake.

Lift your head, lift your eyes, Take in the colours of day’s dawn.

The Lord will return in the sky, The sunrise a sign as we live on.

1 Ecclesiastes 11:7 2 Psalm 119:105 3 1 Peter 2:9 4 1John1:5and7 5 John 8:12 6 Revelation 21:23 7 Revelation 22:5

One day, the sun’s course shall cease,6 Its light not needed anymore.

But the brightness will increase, God’s glory to shine forevermore.7 There is a miracle in the sun’s light, A reminder at day’s break Of the miracle of the Son’s light Until He comes again with a bright outbreak.

Kayla Merkus Puslinch, ON Advice to youth/young adults? In a world of chaos and change, never lose sight of the identity you have in Christ, your ever present help, and salvation.

Annie Theby

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we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that’ ” (James 4:14-15).

Our Lives Are but a Mist Words by Conor Sweetman

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ou hear it in passing conversations in snippets on the street. You hear it every time your grandparents hug you after a long time spent apart. You hear it from your parents as they tearfully admire your graduation picture. “Where has the time gone?” – sighed wistfully with a sad smile.

During the seemingly eternal years of high school and university, the days seem to stretch out before us like they’ve been steamrolled into an unending pathway into the distance. We often wonder how we’ll make it through the drudgery of daily classes or long shifts at work slinging coffee.

The glorified, romanticized future of graduation, full-time work and raising a family holds so much appeal and intrigue. It seems just out of our reach, tempting us like a carrot hanging tantalizingly by a string in front of us. The perfect future never seems to come.

As life moves along and your baby teeth are lost, your car is purchased and your 9-to-5 job is secured, time turns into a tornado of milestones and mundanity.

Instead of eagerly awaiting the acceptance letters from university, you’ll be looking back fondly on the coffee-fueled allnight study sessions with your friends.

Having bright hopes for the future is a beautiful thing, but when we get tangled by the ropes of disappointment and trip on our own expectations, we have grasped at our destiny with our utterly incapable hands and told God to sit on the sidelines as we take control of the game.

Keep an eye on the far horizon with hope, knowing that God will use you for His glory.

Instead of neglecting the joy, trials and work of today for the sake of an imagined future, look for God in your current context. Keep an eye on the far horizon with hope, knowing that God will use you for His glory – but throw yourself into the ticking time of today.

As Paul the Apostle so directly states, “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow

Expectations of a bright future blind you as the far off “tomorrow” becomes an all too in-your-face “today.”

Time moves forward with no apology, so quicken your hands for action, take part in the kingdom and make the most of your immediate circumstances for your betterment and God’s glory.

Conor Sweetman Toronto, ON Advice to youth/young adults? Have vibrant hope for the future, but hold specific expectations loosely.

Neven Krcmarek

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We are looking for youth groups who are actively serving in their community, demonstrating God’s love. Whether your group is feeding the homeless, shovelling snow for the elderly, or other ‘act of kindness’ not mentioned, we want to hear from you and feature you on an upcoming issue of LIM! Send us an email at info@loveismoving.ca for a chance to be featured in the next issue.

Jens Johnsson

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May The Road Rise up to Meet You Words by Brittany Pettinger

“If I have any worth, it is to live my life for God so as to teach these peoples; even though some of them still look down on me.” — St. Patrick With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, I thought it would be fitting to write something dedicated to the man it’s named after. All the information I have on the history of St. Patrick, I got while visiting Ireland in 2014.

Despite popular belief, St. Patrick was not actually from Ireland. He was born in Roman Britain and didn’t come to Ireland until he was 16 – after being captured by Irish pagans. While held in captivity, he worked as a shepherd. Through prayer he converted to Christianity. He eventually escaped his captors, and later returned to Ireland as a missionary.

The world can be a scary place, but we have a protector, and with Him, we can do all things. I leave you with this Irish blessing and prayer. I hope that you find the same encouragement in it that I did.

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

In the fall of 2014, I had the privilege of visiting Armagh, Northern Ireland, which has two cathedrals dedicated to St. Patrick.

It was so amazing to get a glimpse of the mission he started in such an amazing country.

Never lose hope that you can bring change to others. The smallest of things can have the biggest impact. I highly encourage you to look up the stories of other saints (St. Nicholas and St. Valentine are great examples) and see how their actions spoke volumes. God created you to make a difference.

Brittany Pettinger Elgin, MB Advice to youth/young adults? Be who you want you to be.

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How God Used

Moving Home to Teach Me Trust Words by Dagmar Morgan

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he “millennial move” back home is becoming a new reality for many. The current economy is not making it easy for young people (and let’s face it, even older people) to succeed financially as a solo act.

I’m sure many are relieved to know they can head back home to their comfy bedrooms and the much-needed money to help send them into a better future.

From residence to your old room doesn’t seem like a far commute. After all, it is your home, right?

But what if moving home means moving there for the first time?

As a child of divorced parents, I always lived with my mom and only saw my dad on weekends and holidays. So when my little speed bump to success came, I had to move “back home” to live in a house with a man I had never lived with before.

I wasn’t exactly jumping with happiness at the prospect. Feeling like a total failure, I cried for days.

My whole life I was told, “You are exactly like your father.” We had never been forced to test the theory, but here we were.

Like many dads, he had his way of doing things and had no problem letting me know it. At times I felt horrible about what seemed like a list of stuff I couldn’t do right, but other times I felt safe, supported and loved.

I started to notice little things he would do for me. When it dumped snow, he dug a trench to my car and warmed it up. At the store I saw the strawberry milk we bought when I was a kid, and the next day it was in the fridge. Winter tires on my car, my oil changed, and washer fluid filled.

These little things softened me; I started to see he was not criticizing but instructing me. He was going to father me while I was there, grown or not. My whole life I wanted this, and now I got it. But it required me to submit, and I will officially put in print that my dad was right, a lot.

Does this sound familiar?

In need, I reached out, my father responded.

He offered help and grace. But it required me to let him do it – unlike when we are spiritually lost. In my case turning toward Him (God) and him (my father) took a massive failure, it turned it into healing, help with the future and relationships.

Our God is big enough to see our needs even when we don’t. We must trust and submit to Him in order to heal. For me, it was letting go and moving home. What is it for you?

Dagmar Morgan Toronto, ON Advice to youth/young adults? God only made one of you, be yourself fully, completely and without shame.

Matt Jones

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First Day at the

Gym Words by Melanie Kilsby

So, I hit the gym for the very first time today.

You know, I should probably keep my New Year’s resolutions and all.

It’s about time for the weights and me to have a good brawl, Thinking back, it would’ve been easier to learn how to ride on a Segway.

Excited, I spent more money on one gym outfit than any job interview.

But, who’s counting when I can think of all the clothes I’ll soon fit into! *Squeals* I can already see them now. And the shoes too!

With my new bag in hand and spandex galore, I opened the door to my “New You!” Only to be stopped dead in my tracks by a cloud of salt and misty variations of body aroma.

Not that I didn’t see this coming, but it was quite shocking, to say the least.

“Never mind that now,” I told myself, “I am here to tame the beast!”

Determined to exercise today, even if the stench puts me into an early coma.

I got to my locker and was thrown back to middle school days; forgot my combination.

Twice.

I figured the treadmill would be the best place to start.

Noticing the person next to me floating along as if this was a lost art, I clicked the number four. It seemed good, till I was bolting faster than a wheel with its mice.

My feet were clunking, my lungs were wheezing and I felt like I was going to die.

Then, when I couldn’t handle another minute, the person to my right added on more speed.

I couldn’t let them beat the beast! I punched a sweaty finger to match the need.

But my finger slipped. My grip gave way and the clunky feet begun to slide.

My race ended with the emergency cord flying and my arms clinging on for dear life.

With wobbled legs, jutted steps, and awkward sways, I cried myself away from the machine.

I made it to the wall. I rested and stretched, taking in the whole scene.

Walking past the mirrors to my gum-sticky locker, I noticed my pitiful sight.

Though I could seriously hurl and was in so much pain, I smiled at my fate.

I took a deep breath. Stared into the mirror. Blinked. Then prayed.

Whether used sometimes as an excuse or not, I was thankful for the scripture that proclaimed, “Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things” (1 Timothy 4:8).

Melanie Kilsby Maple Ridge, BC Advice to youth/young adults? Be happy to be alive one more day and joyful for Christ’s promises ahead.

Bruno Nascimento

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This Is Our Inheritance

Words by Austin Jones

W

hen you think about the past, several things may come to mind: nostalgia, progress, long-loved traditions, and things you wish never happened. We inherit the past. What does this mean? It means everything that has happened matters. It means all of history has slowly marched forward to this point.

For Canadians, this means Confederation, the Red River Rebellion, Vimy Ridge and Indigenous residential schools have all influenced us.

But what, then, does this mean for us as Christians? What are the things that we have inherited? The answer looks different for everyone.

When I think about my spiritual inheritance I think about my grandpa and my father.

By looking at these two men I see a generational commitment to Christ. The Christian traditions in which I was raised, and which gave me my most fundamental beliefs, were created by these two. It was shaped by them as I am shaped by them.

I am proud to say I am the third generation of Jones men to attend South Calgary Community Church. When I think about this I think of Genesis 17:7 where God tells Abraham, “I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and

you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.”

God promises to be faithful to the offspring of those faithful to Him. What about others who, like my fiancée, do not come from Christian families? The promises God makes do not exclude these people. The Gospel of John tells us “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (1:12).

All who believe are children of God. We all, therefore, are inheritors of the kingdom of God. The other inheritance we all share is church history. In the same way our generation has inherited the world left to us, we also have inherited the long, and sometimes checkered, past of the church. This means two things for us.

First, we have nearly 2,000 years of teaching available to us. Augustine, Aquinas, C.S. Lewis, Oswald Chambers, Dallas Willard, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and countless others have built on this tradition. If we accept that there is nothing new under the sun, as King Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes, then these writers have tackled the same issues that we face today and have answers that we can use.

Second, we have 2,000 years of minor and major mistakes to learn from, some that

have been corrected and some that still exist or repeat. One big one for the Western church is colonialism. When you add corruption, hypocrisy and environmental destruction to the mix, it’s easy to see that churches have been responsible for a lot of harm in the world.

Whether we want it, this is our inheritance as the next generation of Christians. Even if we are ignorant of how these mistakes have shaped us, many of our neighbours are only too aware of how these mistakes have hurt them.

The best thing for us to do is not to perpetuate or ignore these problems but to humbly acknowledge the harm that has been caused and begin to reconcile ourselves with those that have been victimized by any form of Christianity. It’s a journey much longer than one person’s life, which makes learning about the lives of our spiritual ancestors important if we are to avoid making the same mistakes they did.

Austin Jones Calgary, AB Advice to youth/young adults? Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, strength; and love your neighbour as yourself.

Toa Heftiba

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Movie Review

Dr. Strange(r Things) Dr. Strange

words by Steve Norton “You’ve spent your whole life looking through a keyhole.” – The Ancient One When Robert Downey Jr. first brought Tony Stark to life in 2008’s Iron Man, none of us had any idea that we would be this far down the proverbial Marvel “rabbit hole” at this point.

A mere eight years later, we have seen everything from shrinking ex-cons to hammer-wielding demigods to talking raccoons do battle on the big screen.

Over that time, I had become fairly convinced that Marvel Studios simply had no surprises left. But Dr. Strange has proven me wrong.

Now available on Blu-ray or iTunes, Dr. Strange introduces another hero (are there any left?) into the Marvel cinematic universe – Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), a brilliant but arrogant surgeon.

daunting task of creating a visual world that is both terrifying and beautiful at the same time.

such thing as spirit. There is only matter!”

His has a heart hardened by knowledge and self-amazement.

Largely known for his horror films, Derrickson was clearly given a huge special effects budget, but instead of feeling bloated his CGI wonderland is excellent, comparable to other sci-fi entries such as Inception, The Matrix and even 2001: A Space Odyssey, yet unique and dazzling.

However, after the Ancient One opens his eyes ever so briefly to the world beyond his own understanding, Strange is completely transformed. For the first time, he recognizes that he is not the most powerful force in the universe.

Like Strange, we too can often become so wrapped up in ourselves that we miss the calling to experience the kingdom beyond us.

When a tragic car accident leaves him unable to practise medicine, he becomes emotionally lost and searches for answers among the mystics of the East. Learning from his otherworldly mentor, the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), Strange’s eyes are opened to the spiritual realities around him.

Then, when a former student of the Ancient One threatens Earth’s balance of power, Strange is forced into a battle he never sought.

Veteran director Scott Derrickson (Sinister, Deliver Us From Evil) was given the

The film is also comparable to Iron Man for its tale of the redemption of the powerful. (In fact, given the quality of some of the other Marvel entries, it’s actually a high compliment.)

As Stephen Strange, Cumberbatch delivers a solid and charismatic performance (though they don’t give him much to work with in terms of the character’s depth).

Still, the real surprise of the film for me was its unabashed conversation about spirituality.

While it seems obvious that a film that includes magic and Eastern philosophy would contain some discussion of faith and belief, what really struck me was how enthusiastic the discussion was.

As the film opens, Strange himself has a very strict scientific mindset, believing only in his own abilities as a surgeon. When that worldview is threatened by the mysticism of the Ancient One, he exclaims, “There is no

And he is completely awestruck by it.

In the story he tells, director Scott Derrickson doesn’t just dip his toe into the idea of a larger spiritual reality, he dives in headfirst. In Dr. Strange he demonstrates the supernatural to be something that actually has a vested interest in protecting the lives of the people, even if they continue about their lives blissfully unaware. (After all, like Strange himself, they too have “spent [their] whole lives looking through a keyhole.”)

This depiction of belief strikes me as a cinematic representation of “whoever has ears, let them hear” (Matthew 11:14), as all are called but few are interested in seeing beyond their own world. Like Strange, we too can often become so wrapped up in ourselves that we miss the calling to experience the kingdom beyond us.

Like Strange, we too need to be humbled and shaken from ourselves.

If we are, maybe we’ll be able to see beyond the keyhole for the first time.

Steve Norton Newmarket, ON

Toa Heftiba

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