Love Is Moving Issue 21 - MAY/JUN 2017

ISSUE 21

CANADA’S CHRISTIAN YOUTH MAGAZINE

MAY/JUNE 2017

WHY THE STRUGGLE WITH BODY IMAGE?

DON’T LOSE YOUR RARITY p. 21

I HAVE NOTHING. I AM HAPPY. p. 27

WHERE IS GOD IN MY ANXIETY? p. 23

p. 6

HistoryMaker presents TRUTH

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WORDS FROM THE EDITOR

Contents

We want to wish all mothers and fathers across Canada a very special Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Sometimes the work they do for us, their children, and the love they show goes unnoticed, but let’s make sure they know they are deeply loved and appreciated.

At LIM magazine and our publisher the EFC, we believe in the power of prayer and Christlike love. We know a lot of us wouldn’t be where we are if it weren’t for our parents praying such prayers, continually asking God to protect, bless and encourage us.

Moms and Dads, we hope that you enjoy these special days set aside to highlight your lives. We pray that God will continue to strengthen you and bless you in all of your endeavours.

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Why the Struggle With Body Image?

I am Human

In addition, the end of the school year is fast approaching and we want to wish all the students a successful last two months. We will keep you in our prayers during this time of examination and final assignments.

We take pride in helping unite young Evangelicals across Canada in the name of Jesus during a time where hate crimes both online and in person are increasingly prominent. Our goal every issue is to highlight work from passionate individuals who want to stand up for Christ and live out His love.

We continue to encourage you to contact us if you are passionate about writing or if you’re an artist. Share your godly gifts and ideas with us. If you or someone you know are interested in participating in an issue of LIM, contact us at info@loveismoving.ca to see how you can get involved to help bring God’s light creatively across this country.

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27

Where is God in my Anxiety?

I Have Nothing. I am Happy.

Crileidy Liriano Senior Editor, LIM

Cover Photo Next Generation Ministries

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ART DIRECTOR MARK STEWART

Don’t Lose Your Rarity.

SENIOR EDITOR CRILEIDY LIRIANO

FEATURE Dear Mom & Dad

In Christ,

EDITOR IN CHIEF & FOUNDER BENJAMIN PORTER

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EDITOR IN CHIEF & FOUNDER JOEL GORDON

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Daniel Cheung

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WORDS FROM EDITORS IN CHIEF

This year, we are celebrating seven years of God launching and advancing the vision for the Love Movement, which birthed Love Is Moving magazine (LIM).

With the production of the Love Movement’s Take Action Video Series and study guide in 2011, the spin-off Love Is Moving TV series that aired on national television in 2013, and the support of The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC), we stand amazed that over one hundred and twenty thousand copies of Love Is Moving magazine have been printed to date.

In 2016, we proudly partnered with the Canadian Youth Workers Conference to initiate our first national conference partnership.

Through sharing insightful and inspiring written pieces in the print and digital versions of Love Is Moving magazine, video and digital platforms, we continue our commitment to making known the love of God through Jesus Christ.

To date, we have had the privilege to produce and publish nine printed and 21 digital issues of Love Is Moving magazine. We are very grateful for those who have blessed us, including our creative team, EFC staff members, mentors, volunteers, readers, contributors, encouragers, subscribers, and donors.

As we acknowledge our supporters, we also need to take a few moments to apologize to some of them. In the March/April issue of LIM there was a satire article published about a fictional translation of the Bible entitled, The Happy News Translation of Scripture Set to Release by Jesse Hove. We acknowledge that this piece should have had a disclaimer that clearly stated it was a satire article and should not be taken literally. We intended for this piece to be funny, thought-provoking and poking fun at how far things can go if we don’t hold Scripture sacred and set apart from poetic license. We further frustrated things by putting text at the end of the article that was not clear either. To those who were offended, we offer our sincere apologies. In this current issue, on page 19, Jesse Hove explains why he uses satire and affirms his steadfast desire to uphold the integrity of Scripture.

We would like to thank you for reading our magazine closely and taking the time to comment. We appreciate your feedback, financial support and encouraging words. God’s love is always moving!

In Christ, Joel Gordon and Benjamin Porter

David Helgerson London, ON What does being a Christian mean to you? I have a purpose in my life for God, and that my life is worthwhile and meaningful.

About The Artist Ever since David can remember, he has always loved to draw and create characters. The turning point for David was when he was about 10 or 11 years old and he checked out the book Complete Peanuts 1963-1964 by Charles Schulz from his local public library. Schulz had David hooked on his incredible artwork and characters. It suddenly dawned on David that Schulz made his living creating things and getting paid for it. Right there, he decided to become an artist – a cartoonist.

David says if you live in London, Ont., and see a teenager wearing a Montreal Canadiens hat during the winter or a Toronto Blue Jays one in the summer while walking out of a library with two bagful of books, that’s probably him.

He loves to learn new ways to draw comics, and Calvin and Hobbes, Peanuts, Marvel, and Tintin have all inspired him to create and draw totally weird, goofy, and lovable characters. His purpose in creating comics is to make people laugh, think, and see God’s awesome power! *All three comic strips are separate from each other and not presented in any particular order.

So what does an MAF missionary look like?

Maybe someone just like you?

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

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

Certified Teachers

Commercial Pilots

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 service rd

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Aircraft Maintenance Engineers

title: client:

bu r l i n g t o n , o n L7 N 3 H 8

date:

w w w. c o m pa s s c r e a t i v e . c a

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

M A F L O G O W I T H TA G - C M Y K M i s s i o n Av i a t i o n F e l l o w s h i p Ju n e 2 0 1 2 Ja s o n B o u w m a n

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Do you think Bible school is not for you?

Think again

If we’re created in His image, why the struggle with body image?

Words by Spencer Meisner In Mere Christianity C.S. Lewis writes: “Christ never meant that we were to remain children in intelligence: on the contrary. He told us not only to be ‘as harmless as doves’, but also ‘as wise as serpents’. He wants a child’s heart, but a grown up’s head.”

Words by Candace Maxymowich Imagine a world where everyone looks like Barbie or Ken. Try to imagine yourself as Barbie or Ken, talking to the other virtually identical dolls. Would you like yourself? Would you think you were as pretty as them? Would you be envious?

If that’s true, we can’t easily rule out Bible school or Christian university – is there a better place to gain intelligence on biblical principles?

We honour our bodies – what the Apostle Paul calls God’s temple – by honouring the creative and passionate calling of God in our lives, not by trying to form our body into a culturally palatable shape or shade of colour.

Imagine you’re a hockey player, say your favourite player is Sidney Crosby, and your dream is to make it to the NHL and to be the best player in the world. You do whatever you can to pattern your career after Crosby. You study his skating, his positioning, how he handles the puck behind the net, how he enters the attacking zone, how he acts in post-game interviews, and every other little detail that makes him a great player.

Having the body of your dreams isn’t your ticket to happiness.

Happiness is learning to love the skin you’re in.

Creation care starts with our bodies. As Christians, we need to learn a proper perspective on true beauty. We are bombarded each day with images from the world telling us what we should look like.

Honouring and caring for our bodies means we do what we know is good for them. We exercise, sleep and nourish ourselves – for Him.

These things matter to you because you want to Sidney Crosby’s success, you want to be known as someone like him.

Our bodies are important in that they enable us to serve the Creator. We live in a culture obsessed with appearance, in which millions of dollars are spent on health and cosmetic products. But what does God say?

Now, imagine you are a Christian. Possibly your ultimate goal in life is probably to be like Jesus Christ, so you model your life after His. You study how He healed the sick, how He interacted with sinners, how He prayed, how He handled temptation, what kind of things He taught, how He led His disciples, and every other powerful detail about Him.

The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

When we focus on where we fall short in the looks department, perhaps we tend to blame God for making us the way we are. There is nothing the enemy would enjoy more than getting us to feel ugly and useless. We need to see there is only one way to authentic perfection, and that is through Jesus Christ. The perfection He brings is not the same kind we are seeking in our physical bodies.

Jesus is a great example of somebody who was a cultural critic. We can be encouraged to follow His example by challenging the norms of our society today and questioning some of the dominant values that many people take for granted.

Jesus challenged His culture and the norms that everyone else accepted. We should wake up to the messages from our culture that encourage unhealthy thinking and behaviour.

The Bible is full of stories that critique social injustices and social norms that are harmful to people. That is a fundamental message in Scripture – stories of new creation and transformation. We need to be in God’s word daily so we have true images of beauty put in our minds.

Candace Maxymowich Winnipeg, MB What does being a Christian mean to you? That you are changed on the inside, not controlled from the outside. It means that your heart has been changed by the presence of God.

Mike Wilson

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Being like Jesus is more What better way aim to be more like important than being like Jesus than to study with people who have Sidney Crosby (a fact that I’m dedicated their lives to teaching how to still trying to convince myself do just that? of). What better way aim to be more like Jesus than to study with people who have dedicated their lives to teaching how to do just that? a Bible school or Christian university.

Whether they did a one-year program to If at any point in your life you have felt like better understand their Bible before they you craved a Christian community, or you went on to be a construction manager, or have had questions about the big, confusing did a full four-year degree, graduated, and world of adulthood that you are in or about decided they wanted to open a bakery, none to enter, or have desired to be a pastor but of the people I know regretted their decision don’t exactly know where to start, then I or time at the institution. beg you to consider biblical post-secondary education.

I have met very few people (in fact, perhaps no one) who has regretted their time in

God may call you to serve overseas or locally, but He may also say, “Take a step; I’ll close a door if I need to.” That was

what He told me, when I chose to enroll in a Christian school. I encourage you to consider how your faith and walk with God may strengthen when you better understand subjects like philosophy, geography, and psychology, and see how God is at play in all of them. Who knows, you may just love it and become more like Jesus in the process.

Spencer Meisner Saskatoon, SK What does being a Christian mean to you? I must decrease, and He must increase.

Kelly Brito

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God did not create dating to fill a missing gap in your life. He doesn’t want you to abuse the company of another to reduce your loneliness. God wants us to find an equal match and use it to His benefit.

If you are feeling lonely, seek Him. If you are tired, seek Him. If you are weary, fearful, sad, or hurt, seek Him! Your partner should not replace your love or desire for God. He has a plan for all of us. Do not grow weary, continue to seek Him and trust in His plans for you. God has greater things in line for your life than you can even imagine.

Dating Christ-Centred Clarity My parents have reminded me since I was a young girl that they often pray for the man I will end up with. I never truly understood why they did this.

I thought it was my decision who I dated, married or if I decided to stay single. I dated who I wanted and I dated too young, but I was naïve. It seemed like fun and games, spending time with my boyfriend, going out to eat, having double dates, texting all day long.

You can be blinded by the fun and not realize the hole you’re slowly digging yourself into. It could be months before you find out this person is not a believer. And then what happens?

Your first thought may be, like me, “I am a strong believer and will not let the opinions of my significant other diminish my beliefs.”

Unfortunately, no matter how strong your faith may be, the Bible says very clearly in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’ ” In other cases, people believe they can do “missionary dating” which is exactly what it sounds like. Date someone who is not of your belief system, but believe you can change that. Sometimes this interaction does work, and I think that would be amazing to fall in love with someone while teaching them to also love Jesus.

But I believe that loving Jesus comes first, and the Apostle Paul writes that we must not be “unequally yoked” with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14).

You may be thinking I’m jumping the gun here. But if you can’t see yourself marrying your partner in the slightest, then you’re in the wrong place. You are setting your heart up to be hurt or you’re intentionally hurting another.

If you are feeling lonely, seek Him. If you are tired, seek Him. If you are weary, fearful, sad, or hurt, seek Him! Your partner should not replace your love or desire for God.

responsible decisions when making our hearts vulnerable to another.

Finding someone special can take time and patience. If you are feeling weary about who you are currently with or maybe discouraged about your lack of companionship, bring these concerns to God. Only He can reveal the truth about your future. Maybe your soulmate is on campus right now. Be cautious, guard your heart and let the Lord guide your path.

When God created relationships, He had way more in mind for us than Tinder, social media relationship statuses and texting. He created this infinite, sacred, and beautiful bond between man and woman. Pointless conversation bouncing between cellphone towers is not the relationship that God has called us to have.

After observing and reflecting on the relationship that my parents share, I was surprisingly enlightened. Their arguments are always made in person, not text messages or DMs. Their physical love is shared through touch, not photos. More importantly, an “I love you” is exchanged with eye contact, not emojis.

Remember, before jumping into a relationship, pray about it and ask God to order all of your steps.

I cannot imagine sitting in church on Sunday morning as a married woman without my husband or having my children ask me, “Why doesn’t Daddy have to go to church?” Relationships, whether just friends or more than that, can be very complicated things. Let’s ensure we are implementing

Abigail Morgan Grand Bay Westfield, NB What does being a Christian mean to you? Looking to the future eagerly and confidently. It’s living a meaningful life.

Eli Defaria

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The Summer Is Here!

Black heels Girls and guys, we all need a pair of something for dressing up. If you find yourself at church every Sunday or like to hang out with friends on the weekend, a nice pair of black heels are perfect for you. I usually prefer thick heels because they are more comfortable. Black matches everything and if even if you’re not really into wearing heels, having one black pair will get you through the summer.

Cross body bag or a backpack There’s nothing more annoying than holding your wallet in one hand, your phone in the other and then realizing you actually need your hands to grab something. It’s annoying to try to shop or eat ice cream when your hands are full. The simple solution is a cross body bag or a simple backpack. Dump whatever you may need for the day in your bag and you’re set for the day with two free hands.

Sneakers, gladiators, or flats You might call these the “My feet hurt, I need something comfortable” shoes. On extremely hot summer days, we want to forget about our socks. Girls, it’s great to have a pair of gladiators, especially if you’re not trying to wear heels the entire day. Guys, a nice pair of crisp white sneakers can add emphasis to your outfit and be perfect for these days too.

Jean jacket or something denim

Kendyle Nelsen

Words by Ruth Kyeremeh

Spring is almost over and spring cleaning means there is more room for summer pieces in our wardrobes. Here are a couple of summer essentials I believe everyone should have in their closet to get you through the summer. I chose these five because many of us are on a limited budget, and we’re trying to be accountable to God about how we spend the money He gives us.

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Sunglasses I like to call these “stunnas.” You know it’s summer when the shades come out. I love the heat but can’t stand how bright it gets, so I find a pair of shades is essential. Find a great pair to keep in your bag or car, or wherever you think is best so you have something every time you step out of your house.

You and I can most likely agree on one thing – the weather in many cities across Canada is not consistent.

Within 24 hours we can experience all four seasons.

Just like black heels, jean jackets can be worn with anything. So if you get cold easily like me, find yourself a jean jacket to keep you warm during those sometimes cool summer evenings.

Ruth Kyeremeh Caledon, ON What does being a Christian mean to you? Living a lifestyle that’s pleasing to God. Top Left: Maxi Corrado Bottom Left: Ricardo Alves Right: Matheus Ferrero

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Recommend

Are You An Artist?

MUSIC REVIEW

Artist Flatfoot 56 Album Odd Boat

Words by Darcy Rumble At first glance, punk rock and bagpipes may seem like two musical styles at extreme odds but, in the case of Flatfoot 56, they are not only complementary but apparently made for each other. It may be hard to imagine a wide audience getting stoked on bagpipes, or for that matter, seeing Celtic music lovers into hardcore and punk. Flatfoot 56 are among the few bands that find a way to blend the two (and amazingly bust out a gravel-voiced rendition of “Amazing Grace” that even your grandma would dig).

Flatfoot 56 are often described as “positive-natured hardcore-tinged Celtic punk.” These five bros from Chicago have been making music together for well over a decade.

They’re natural storytellers, weaving tales of sailors and the working class, and every record is a boot-stomping, mandolin picking good time.

“A Voice” is a worshipful reflection of how we are walking in our spiritual journey: Odd Boat’s opener “Ty Cobb” is named “And if we can’t walk in love / we’re a noisy after a famous Detroit baseball player and little gong / and if we can’t walk in peace, an example of such a storytelling song. A we’ll forget about the least of these.” The standout point on the album is the female song’s power builds with the music and is guest vocals of indie pop artist Il Neige a seriously positive on “Penny.” Her high, clear vocals are and reflective note an excellent contrast to (her husband) to close out the Front to back, Tobin’s rough voice and gives more album. in-your-face tracks like “The Trap” even Odd Boat is a Front to back, Odd more of a punch. high-energy Boat is a high-energy This genre is so specific, you’d be hard blast of feel-good pressed to find another Christian artist blast of feelpunk rock and good punk rock pick slides mixed to reach such a niche audience. To some, the band may sound like high with bagpipes and pick slides energy Irish pub songs, but Flatfoot and mandolin-led mixed with uses their position to shine a light into melodies. The so many music lovers’ lives. bagpipes and hard-charged punk eases back at just “KPM” touches on Jesus’ teaching in mandolin-led the right moments Matthew 5:37 as it says, “Let your yes melodies. to let softer acoustic be yes and your no be nay / always and vocal parts some and never are mostly lies” during the breathing room. slower, more ballad-like track.

Flatfoot 56’s Odd Boat is packed with “The Crippling” speaks about being careful powerful storytelling and biblical truth in a with how we use our words, and being truly unconventional, but undeniably catchy crippled by lies. The infectious repetition of and fun package. “stand up and walk/walk with me” is sure to stick with you.

For Fans OF The Mahones THE TOSSERS the real mckenzies

Darcy Rumble Uxbridge, ON What does being a Christian mean to you? Knowing that I am a loved child of God, and trying to show that love to others.

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

Electrically Records

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I am

Sponsored Content

Human

Never Say Never The Convay Family’s Story The Convay family keeps returning to an island better known for natural disasters and extreme poverty than for tourism.

With three trips to Haiti in the past five years, and two more planned, the northern Ontario family of four might give the impression that they have always been well-seasoned travellers. But they never expected to become frequent flyers – least of all to Haiti.

“I thought that was something that could never happen in a million years,” says 19-year-old Olivia.

Her dad, Jamie, explains that while they sponsor a Haitian child, Channedieuline, through Compassion Canada, travelling to meet her never crossed their minds. They were comfortable in the familiar setting of their small-town home.

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.

However, some friends of the family travelled to Haiti in 2010, and upon their return encouraged the Convays to consider going, too. They took the encouragement to heart. “We knew we should take our family,” says mom Laurie. Two years later, their church planned a mission trip to Haiti, and the idea became a reality.

stark inequality stuck with him. Each time they visit, the family is inspired to continue serving in Haiti.

They also value the opportunity to spend face-to-face time with Channedieuline, a privilege most sponsors and sponsored children will never experience. But whether built through visits or letters, the relationship between Compassion children and their sponsors is one that changes lives on both sides.

The way the family speaks about Channedieuline shows how their relationship with her – and with her country – has changed them. Laurie tears up when she describes how Channedieuline has become part of their family.

“...whether built through visits or letters, the relationship between Compassion children and their sponsors is one that changes lives on both sides.

While making plans for that first trip, the Convays wondered if they might be able to meet Channedieuline and got in touch with Compassion. It turned out that their sponsored “daughter” lived just 10 minutes down the road from the church where they would be serving and staying. “It was really the Lord who brought it together – truly a miracle,” Jamie says.

“

Olivia and Alex say that knowing her has inspired them and expanded their view of the world.

“You see how much harder [Haitian students] work in school, because they don’t have a back-up plan,” Alex says. Olivia adds that being in an unfamiliar setting reminds her that the Church is so much larger than her own experience of it.

“It’s important to realize that the Church is diverse and includes people from all over the world in all different walks of life,” she says, “Everyone is welcome.”

The differences between Haiti and their home in northern Ontario are vast, to be sure. The youngest family member, Alex, now 17, remembers little from their first trip, but he says the images of poverty and Alyssa Esparaz Pickering, ON What does being a Christian mean to you? Striving to live like Jesus in everything we do.

I’ve made mistakes in life.

I’m not made to live under the commendable.

The atrocious acts I’ve committed are what make me who I am, you see.

Is all that this world says true?

What definition comes from my sins?

Not this forgiven word you speak of.

Is this the way it goes?

Am I alone?

It is unknown.

Never will I be good enough?

It is not that the sculptor of the universe stopped working on me.

I am not worthy enough.

That lie, it is what I believed.

But then, something changed.

There is someone bigger than me.

Bigger than everyone.

Life is a different experience when you’re brought back with a new perspective, you see: It is what I believed.

I am not worthy enough.

That lie stopped working on me!

The sculptor of the universe decided.

Will I be good enough?

It is not that unknown.

Never am I alone.

It is the way it goes.

This forgiven word you speak of is the definition that comes from my sins.

Not all that this world says is true.

What makes me who I am, you see, is the commendable.

The atrocious acts I’ve committed are what I’m not made to live under.

I’ve made mistakes in life.

I am Human.

Bailey Ennig Kelowna, BC What does being a Christian mean to you? I can always have a heavenly Father I can trust in. He reminds me of His goodness and his power every day.

Samuel Zeller

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MESSAGE TO

MOM & DAD

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are special days because we get to celebrate your love, hard work, beauty and strength. Thank you to all of the mothers and fathers who have raised us to be God-fearing individuals who love people and the world back.

DEAR MOM

To my beautiful wife, and mother of my son,

DEAR DAD

Sarah, you astound me with your beautiful spirit and loving nature. I am the most fortunate man in the world to be able to share in the experience of you and Jacob’s mother-son relationship. From the moment we found out you were pregnant something changed in you.

You were born to be a mother. Thank you for everything you do for your boys! And thank you for raising our little man with such grace and love. You are so capable of motherhood and Jacob is so in love with his mama. Happy Mother’s Day, Sarah!

Love, Jacob & Nathan

To my Mom, Mom, thank you for the many years you have loved me, prayed for me, nurtured me, and cheered me on. You are an amazing encourager and friend. I am externally blessed to have you as my mom! You’re the best!

Love, Nathan Dear wonderful mother of my awesome children, On this special day I want to celebrate your greatness. I want to celebrate you. You are the most dedicated and passionate person I know and it shows how great you are by the amazing children you have.

Love, Mecky Mom, There is little that I haven’t said to thank you for how much you do, how much you love, and how much you care, not only for me but for everyone around you. Know that today, much like every other day; you are so appreciated and valued not for all the things you do but because of who you are and how important you are to everyone who knows you.

Love, Monique

To my Dad, Hey pops! Your shoes still look mighty big to me even though I am grown up and have a family of my own. I imagine that they will always be big to me. I strive to be a good dad like you are. I look back on my childhood with fondness remembering all the moments we shared as father and son, as buddies. Thank you for carrying for your family and for providing us with our needs, with many wants, and opportunities to make memories that have lasted forever. Love you dad! Happy Father’s Day!

Love, Nathan W. Happy Father’s Day to the most loving dad I know. I appreciate everything you did and still do for me. Every sacrifice you made to ensure I never lacked anything. I love you and I am grateful to be your daughter.

Love, Karen Thanks, dad. From teaching me to ride bikes to drive cars, always been there for me.

Thank you mom for always accepting me and loving me with open arms xo.

Ryan My wife is a wonderful mother to Victoria (our 15-year-old daughter). She is also a wonderful mother and Christian. She constantly listens to me as I try and tackle difficult theological beliefs, and supports me fully in seminary.

She is stronger than me, which results in her sharpening me. God has blessed me through her, and works through her to help me. I love my wife, happy Mother’s Day!

Ryan Dad, Sometimes you’re funny, sometimes serious, but you are always willing to love, always willing to listen, and always willing to help everyone around you in the best way you know how. Although we’ve had our ups and downs you are still the first symbol of love from a man that God has given me, I am grateful for that, and I hope that someday I am loved by my husband, just as much as you love me.

Love, Monique

Love you always, Shawn

Duong Tran Quoc

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The The Humble Humble Competitor Competitor Words by Shawn LaVie Over the years, as I have gotten older, I find myself less involved in physical activities. I have always enjoyed testing my physical limits in different sports, and when actively participating in any game, I try not to be someone who I refer to as an obnoxious competitor (I do not always succeed). An obnoxious competitor is another term for a sore loser.

I have been on both sides of the coin when it comes to competition. I have gotten caught up in striving to be number one, and forgotten about the love I’m commanded to feel in my heart for the other competitors. A desire to climb to the top and be number one is the opposite to what Jesus taught, but that does not mean that we cannot compete in a sport and strive to be the best at what we do.

Here are a few tips I use when I find myself in a competitive environment, whether it is in the workplace, amongst friends, strangers, or sports.

Appreciate your opponent The person you are competing against is valuable. Their talent or gifts challenge you to work hard and push yourself to be better.

Without their God-given talents you would not have someone to compete with – that is healthy competition.

Pray for your opponent Pray that he or she may do the best they can, and that they may find joy in the sport and competition. Pray that they in turn give all glory to God for their ability to perform.

Find time to talk to God Take time to communicate with God regardless of what you are doing. Find time during the event to reflect, pray, meditate on God, give thanks, or simply show God’s love to your opponent.

Remember that we are called to show others the love, compassion, patience and leadership Jesus showed.

Shawn LaVie Mermaid, PEI What does being a Christian mean to you? I am saved by the grace of God by faith in God. Filip Mroz

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Satire Satire in in aa World World of of Fake Fake Realities Realities Words by Jesse Hove Some of our readers have called to express concern over our article about the fake Happy News Translation in our previous issue.

We’re sorry that this satire and its adjacent commentary didn’t convey more clearly that this phony translation does not actually exist.

The article was actually written to show in an exaggerated, satirical way how our flesh might lead us to ignore or water down the hard parts of Scripture. Sometimes, humour falls flat.

Ultimately the key intent was to encourage readers to resist such urges and to cling to the full gospel, including parts of Scripture that challenge us. We will be more careful in the future.

We asked Jesse Hove to explain the value of satire as a genre, why it’s effective today, and why he likes using it to communicate with youth and young adults across Canada.

that “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick,” and that He has not “come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Jesus is fully aware of their sin and the great need of their own repentance but uses sarcasm to convict the hypocrisy in their heart.

We live in a world where reality and truth are becoming more and more obscured every day. The media blurs truth to fit their political narrative, scholars turn opinion into historical fact, and national leaders run entire political campaigns on false This was the goal of my previous satire or exaggerated claims and promises. As article in discussing Christians I believe one way to convict an entirely fictional and respond to this culture is through translation of God’s satire.

We live in a Word the “Happy world where Probably the most famous Christian News.” By exaggeratreality and truth satirist was Jesus Christ Himself. ing the folly of some are becoming When Jesus calls out hypocritical forms of modern more and more judgement in Matthew 7:3, He asks biblical interpretHis listeners why they “look at the obscured every ation, my goal was speck of sawdust” in their “brother’s to convict us into a day. eye and pay no attention to the plank” greater submission of in their own eye. This is the satirical God’s Word. method of hyperbole which Jesus often While this literary form of satire is used uses, but is not the only method of satire throughout the Bible, it has also been in His tool box. In Luke 5 the Pharisees are proven to connect with younger audiences complaining that Jesus is hanging out with today. Increasingly, young adults are finding “sinners” and Jesus is sarcastic in response satirical characters like Stephen Colbert,

satirical news programs like The Daily Show and satirical websites like The Onion to be more informative and interesting than traditional news sources. The popularity of satirical Christian websites such as The Babylon Bee and Lark News shows Christian young adults are no different.

Satire is not something for us to be afraid of, but is a literary tool that can be used to speak the truth of Jesus Christ into the hearts and minds of young adults in a way that the WWJD bracelets simply aren’t doing anymore.

Jesse Hove Toronto, ON What does being a Christian mean to you? To hope in Christ’s incarnation, death, resurrection, ascension and coming again as the now but not yet redemption of my body and the entire world.

Braydon Anderson

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DEAR CHRISTIAN,

Don’t lose your rarity.

Words by Rosemond Ennin

Is Jesus [my] Bae?

All people want to be accepted and belong, but in our culture, that often means pressure to look and act like others. We easily forget the beauty of what it means to be rare.

To be rare means to be different, and it often comes with a cost. If you stand for something, it will not always be understood

but with time you notice that some of the things you did in the past, like swearing or stealing, you no longer do.

But if we aren’t careful, we can easily lose sight of the beauty of this rarity. Our eyes may begin to focus on “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16). In other words, we can still get

your rarity.” I didn’t really understand the depth of that instruction then, but I’ve seen its importance now. If you are not mindful and grateful for your rarity, you will give it up for the nickels and dimes of ordinary.

But, “what good is it for someone to gain the whole [common] world yet forfeit his [rare] soul? (Mark 8:36)

Before Anyone Else

Words by Jessica Bayus Colloquial, trendy expressions are used to communicate with others. Most of them sound funny to those who aren’t use to speaking that way. In the early 1900s “get a wiggle on” meant “better hurry up,” while in the groovy ’70s “get a boogie on” meant “let’s hit the dance floor.” “Banana oil” meant “doubtful,” and “you shred it, wheat!” meant “you said it.”

Although we still use plenty of traditional expressions, acronyms such as YOLO, LOL, and BRB surfaced on social media and have become a part of our everyday vocabulary – some even make their way into formal university or college essays.

“Bae” is a common word derived from “babe,” in other words, “my love.” Although “bae” is a cute word used to describe a significant other, I began to think about what other meaning it could have. I started to wonder if Jesus is my bae. My definition however is, “before anyone else.” I asked myself, Is Jesus my Before Anyone Else?

In Matthew 22:37 Jesus says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Do I love the Lord like this verse tells me to?

The popular I Am Second videos may ring a bell. These are many testimonial videos where individuals tell the viewer that they are second, God is first.

Bailee Madison caught my attention. At just nine years old, Bailee shows me what 20 | LOVEISMOVING.CA

it means to be under the umbrella of God’s care. She talks about her love for acting and shares the way she, together with her mom, will politely say, “We’d like to pass on this one,” if the movie content is something God wouldn’t approve.

Starring in any film seems like an incredible opportunity that a person would be crazy to pass up, but Bailee is doing this for God. She loves Him.

Bailee shows me what it means to be under the umbrella of God’s care.

I wonder what this love for God looks like in your life? For me, it means giving my worries to Him. As I do, I feel lighter. The worry may still be there, but I know in my heart that my bae – God – will protect me because I treasure the truth of His word.

by everyone. But Jesus understands what it’s like to be rare, and thanks to His rarity we can now have salvation. He chose to go against the tide of popularity and stand with God the Father in righteousness and truth despite of what others around thought of Him. Our world includes a powerful enemy whose goal is to steal, kill and to destroy. When you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour you become a new creation, and Satan’s desire is to steal your heart back.

Jessica Bayus Winnipeg, MB What does being a Christian mean to you? Being in the most meaningful relationship of all eternity.

Jez Timms

When you made the decision to receive Christ in your heart, in the core of who you are, you still looked the same on the outside, but on the inside, a transformation had begun. It may not have been immediate

“There is a war for your rarity. It’s far more than your choice to stop swearing or stealing. The enemy does not want any part of you to surrender to God.” distracted by immediate human concerns and lose sight of eternal things.

There is a war for your rarity. It’s far more than your choice to stop swearing or stealing. The enemy does not want any part of you to surrender to God. God desires for you to remain where He is so that He can complete what He has started in you (Philippians 1:6).

At the beginning of this year, the Holy Spirit gave me a simple instruction, “Preserve

Rosemond Ennin Brampton, ON (living in Belize) What does being a Christian mean to you? Getting the opportunity to see life through the eyes of victory, through the eye of Jesus. Help me, Lord to be grateful for the rarity that I am. For the investment you have put in me, will not be in vain, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Alessio Lin

LOVEISMOVING.CA | 21

Real Talk Words by Nathan White My prayer as a youth pastor for all the young people I get to mentor or lead is that they may understand they are chosen by God. in that time have enjoyed some really awesome experiences.

What pastors want you to and Included in those memories are many students that I would say know before you graduate have succeeded beyond my expectations in their personal relationI have been involved with youth ministry for the past eight years,

ship with Jesus.

I make it a priority in my ministry to communicate to young people that God literally chose them and set them apart for a special purpose – a specific calling.

All of you, no matter what age you are, have been created for a specific purpose, to complete a particular assignment or series of smaller assignments for the kingdom of God. When every individual lives out their calling, together we makeup part of a bigger picture to fulfil God’s plan in our individual lives and in the world.

Our goal as youth pastors is beyond playing fun games or having an amazing biblical lesson during youth group meetings. We have important messages we want you to take wherever you go. We want to see you succeed and flourish into the zealous, incredible individual God created you to be.

I asked a number of youth pastors what they pray the next generation might fully grasp by the time they graduate high school? Here’s what they had to say.

“It’s not making faith about themselves, it’s about making themselves like Jesus” - Pastor Jordan Pilgrim, Kelowna, BC “Simply that they know the truth of who God is.”

- Pastor Kirk Tasseron, Vetran, AB “The love of Christ is the most radical message in the world. It has the power to transform your life, give you hope and purpose.”

– Rev. Chris Westby, Surrey, BC “The influence and impact they have with their faith. Sharing it, having others commit their lives to Christ.”

- Pastor Tyson McCombs, Calgary, AB God’s love for you is special, passionate, and irreplaceable. Your pastor wants you to know it, experience it and be changed by it.

If there are pastors or leaders reading this, be encouraged to keep praying for your students to comprehend the truth. Thank you for faithfully playing your part in God’s kingdom!

What does being a Christian mean to you?

Jesus gave His life so I could live. So, I will follow Him all of my days.

Nathan White Kelowna, BC What does being a Christian mean to you? Jesus gave His life so I could live. So, I will follow Him all of my days.

Ryan Tauss

22 | LOVEISMOVING.CA

Where is God in my anxiety?

Words by Emily Cook According to Google dictionary, anxiety is: “a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.”

Every day we are asked to perform in a million different ways. You strive to be a good student, a good child, a good sibling, a good athlete, or a good musician. You try to get good grades or excel in sports so you can get scholarships and pay for university. You haven’t even accepted a school’s offer yet and you’re dreaming about the debt you’re going to have. High school is a breeding ground for anxious thoughts.

“Does it make me a bad Christian if I experience anxiety?”

A wise person once told me anxiety is God’s way of telling you your trust or identity is resting in something that doesn’t deserve it and can’t hold up under the weight of it (namely, something that’s not God).

Prayer and petition means taking the worries we have and trusting them to God. It also means asking God to pinpoint what we’re putting our identity in, that’s not Him.

It’s a question I’ve asked myself hundreds, if not thousands of times. We are told, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). So when pressure starts to build in my chest, my stomach ties up in knots, and I want to cry or scream or run, I wonder if I’m missing something.

So in a nutshell, anxiety is a good thing – a gift, even.

The fact that this verse in Philippians 4 calls us not to be anxious makes me think God knew we would be. So I don’t read this verse as shunning those of us who feel anxious. It’s more about highlighting what our response should be when we feel anxious.

we’re putting our identity in, that’s not Him. Whether it’s success, pleasing people, control, or something else, He wants to get to the root of it, and free you from it.

If this sounds like a hard and uncomfortable process, I won’t lie to you – it is. But the result is so incredibly worth it: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

Take a deep breath, let it out in a prayer, and trust God is greater than your anxiety.

“…but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Anxiety is all about the response. It’s training our thoughts to sense anxiety and recognize it as an early warning signal to re-centre our thinking on the maker of the universe.

This doesn’t mean we can pray for the anxiety to disappear and it always magically will. Prayer and petition means taking the worries we have and trusting them to God. It also means asking God to pinpoint what

Emily Cook Sutton, ON What does being a Christian mean to you? Knowing my purpose goes far beyond this world and the cares that come with it, and I can rest in the love and peace only God provides.

Nicole Mason

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What Is Truth?

Words by Joel Gordon Historymaker is an annual event on the May long weekend in Chilliwack, B.C. that gives teens and leaders an opportunity to have a life-altering encounter with the living God.

Ben Fielding is an Australia-born worship leader and songwriter. He lives in Sydney with his wife Karalee and sons Harper and Leopold.

Each week, his songs are sung by over 40 million people worldwide.

His songs include “Mighty to Save”, “This I Believe”, “Stronger”, “God Is Able”, “Anchor” and many more.

That encounter can encourage, equip, and empower them to reach the 1.2 million people considered the next generation in BC and the Yukon. $5 from each registration is going towards starting a new youth group.

Mike Miller pastored Shiloh Youth for over 10 years and founded Shiloh University Church a ministry focused on young adults meeting on campuses in the heart of Halifax, N.S. Known for its strong culture of inclusion, preaching and passionate worship, it reaches hundreds of college students weekly.

Mike and his wife Nancy and their two children, Joshua and Mattie, transitioned from being the student pastors at Rock Church in June 2015, and Mike now travels full-time preaching and teaching. They are planting Nova Church in Halifax, N.S., launching fall 2017.

This year’s Historymaker (May 19-21, 2017) theme is TRUTH. The call is to experience and to know God personally. It is also a call to make him known in every context of life.

Jesus’ message of love, hope, forgiveness, and wholeness is for inward change and for outward impact found in John 8:32.

An Eternal Identity Words by Kayla Merkus I lost sight of who I was.

My identity was once so strong.

As I look now I see the cause, And it was when all started going wrong.

In the post-Christian and post-modern Canadian culture where we find ourselves living out the gospel, truth has become an increasing relative concept. Truth for some is based on their feelings, whatever they choose it to be, or what is convenient from season to season.

I relied on my social state – By name, single or dating, That’s how I would rate.

In my mind there was no debating.

However, those things change, And so I felt I lost my identity.

Something so odd and strange As I lost sight of me.

But my measurement wasn’t right – I still have my identity!

My eyes had lost their sight, For God’s daughter I will always be.

In the daily search for truth, many seek truth from whatever the top 10 results on Google explain about a given topic. It is important for the next generation to grasp the need to rely everyday on truth from God’s word and to live out truth through a relationship with Jesus that is empowered by the Holy Spirit.

The future still sometimes scares me.

It can look dangerous and wild.

So I’ll hold fast to my identity, I am forever God’s child.

This year’s conference welcomes worship leader and songwriter Ben Fielding from Hillsong Church Australia along with pastors Mike Miller and Kim Moran.

For more information and to register visit historymaker.ca.

Kayla Merkus Puslinch, ON What does being a Christian mean to you? Showing by my actions that I am different so that others can see I am Christ’s representative.

Jez Timms

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Over the last 10 years, Kim Moran has served as a youth pastor, director of a not-for-profit organization, a campus pastor, a Bible college professor, and most recently became one half of the lead pastoral team at Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly in Abbotsford, B.C. Kim’s passion for the Bible, her inspiring story of hope and healing, and her desire to see people’s lives changed by the presence of the Holy Spirit resonates with people of all ages.

While her favourite things include warm pastries, smoothie bowls and travelling, if you ask her what she really loves she’ll gush about her husband Clark, her passion for ministry, and her love for the God who has never left her side.

Joel Gordon Toronto, Ontario Next Generation Ministries

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I Have Nothing.

I am Happy.

Words by Katrina Martin

The moment felt utterly surreal. I was perched on the helm of a long-tail boat, listening to soft Thai reggae and watching the sunrise over the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. Having somehow impressed our boat driver the previous day with my less-than-impressive ability to speak Thai, my friends and I had been invited to forgo dingy yet expensive accommodation on Koh Phi Phi and instead spend the night on the boat.

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!

Long-tail boats are nothing glamorous; they are essentially glorified canoes with a questionable motor strapped to the rear. We slept on the wooden floor with life jackets as pillows, lulled to sleep by the senseless Thai chatter of the drivers and the gentle rocking of the waves.

It was an unforgettable experience – certainly one that you pull out during backpacker sharing time. Yet my excitement was sobered when I realized that for the drivers, this was not some rich cultural experience but just another night.

Send us an email at info@loveismoving.ca for a chance to be featured in the next issue.

Describe in 250 words or less how your youth group is putting love into action.

Only as I watched them begin to boil rice over a small stove did I realize that this boat, no more than six feet wide, was their home. For months at a time their lives are packed into dry bags and stored beneath the

Here’s what to include in your submission: 1) The steps you took in preparing your event or initiative.

2) Reflect on the initiative and explain how you build on it.

3) Why you would encourage other youth groups to do a similar initiative.

wooden benches they sleep on.

They crouch and climb, pack and unpack, are at the constant beck and call of the tourists, and at the end of the day have not made more than $12.

Jesus and His disciples also had nothing.

They relied on the generosity of others for their earthly needs, and did not even have a bed to call their own.

The night before we had sat on the floor of the boat, wrapped in a heavy cloak of darkness lifted only by the light of a small lantern and the thousands of stars above our heads. Stumbling along in a variation of Thai and English, I asked them about their lives.

Ameen, our round and sprightly driver, nonchalantly explained that he sends nearly everything he makes to his mother in Bangkok. “I have nothing!” he laughed, throwing his hands in the air. “I am happy!” he added.

And I believed him. I believed him more than I believed the obviously posed laughing pictures on social media, or the ubiquitous advertisements apparently offering a perfect life along with whatever the product may be.

I believed him because I have had a closet overflowing with clothes I never wore, and a makeup bag worth more than what these drivers make in two weeks, and still I had

never felt the presence of Jesus as acutely as I did at that moment, with those who had nothing.

Materially speaking, Jesus and His disciples also had nothing. They relied on the generosity of others for their earthly needs, and did not even have a bed to call their own.

Yet as Paul says in 2 Corinthians 6:10, they were “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.”

Trying to live a simplified life is an arduous journey of severing the redundant and resisting the shiny things. However, having lost everything of this world we are still able to say, “I have nothing. I am happy.”

Katrina Martin Toronto, ON What does being a Christian mean to you? Seeing this world not just as it is, but as it could be through the grace and love of Jesus.

Bench Accounting

4) Photos of the event even if they’re taken on mobile phones.

Jens Johnsson

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LOVEISMOVING.CA | 27

Stuck in the Mud Words by Austin Jones If you grew up in church, you’ve probably heard Christians should be “in the world but not of the world.” It’s as if the world is seen as a huge mud puddle, and if we go outside of the church we’re going to get ourselves dirty.

The message seems to be the world is going to corrupt us. Like Isaiah, we’re very aware of our sinfulness and that the world around us only makes us worse. We have “unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5) – meaning we can’t even praise God appropriately or speak on His behalf – and we live in a world where everyone has unclean lips.

Well, if we only remembered the next verses too, we’d see the mud puddle idea is wrong. After Isaiah laments his sinfulness, one of the seraphim touches his lips with a piece of burning coal and tells him he is made clean.

My Big God Moment Words by Dagmar Morgan

Picture an epic landscape covered in tall grass. A girl stands in the centre, hair blowing in an upturning wind, her head towards sky. The clouds darken and part to reveal streams of light, thunder rumbles in the background. Jesus appears, His hand extended. She thinks, “Finally! This is it!

He is speaking to me! This is my big God Moment!”

If you’re like me, your most important moment with God was not the grand majestic, film-worthy moment I described above. My biggest moment with Him was also one of the smallest.

It happened during one of the most mundane parts of my day. The commute. I was worshipping with the radio and praying about family issues. I had always felt like an outsider, but after some challenging loss and trauma it was official, my family and I weren’t talking. There was hurt, guilt, and shame attached to our relationship, and I was convinced that these were the roots that made and defined me. I thought I was unloved, misunderstood, a loser, and that nobody wanted what I had.

In my life I’m surrounded by tight-knit Christian families that have sown into many individuals and cultivated thriving people.

One day I asked God, Why didn’t I have that,

Lord? How am I going to build a successful life, full of decaying roots that produce a shaky plant at best?

“Since that moment I have taken God’s hand and walked through all my childhood hurt, teenage disappointment, early 20s hardships right up until today.”

It was such a vulnerable admittance, such an honest question.

Well, it was probably more of a complaint.

Why can’t I have what others have? What about me?

And so clearly He said, “You do have that.” I was so shocked at the answer because I really didn’t think I had that in my life.

So, I spoke back out loud in my car, “God what do you mean?

I so, obviously do not.”

He said, “I am your Father; not your earthly parents. I made you. It does not matter what people have done, what your family has done. I am your Maker; come to me for those things.” It sounds trite but in that tiny little exchange my entire life changed.

It sunk in. Deeply. I was missing nothing. I had Him! I had love, guidance, correction, joy, and purpose. My chest softened and I felt my heart almost sink with the weight of His love. He is my Father.

Since that moment I have taken God’s hand and walked through all my childhood hurt, teenage disappointment, early 20s hardships right up until today. He showed me what happened to you is not who you are.

He planted me here. Jesus is the soil I can grow from. He will care for me, fight for me and protect me. Just like a family should.

The more I talk to Him out loud in my car, the more I sing to Him, the more He whispers back who I truly am. He may speak quietly but the impact is as loud as a thousand boomboxes playing the same song. Let Him drown out the world. He is your father. He loves you!

Or consider what Jesus thought about our mud puddle. He wasn’t afraid to come down to earth. He wasn’t afraid of “playing in the mud.”

When the coal touched Isaiah’s lips, he was made clean. When Jesus came to earth, He came to save us. What does this mean for us? It means that the world isn’t going to make us dirty. The biblical example is clear: When something holy touches something unholy, purification takes place.

When someone becomes a Christian they are transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God. And because we have been made holy through Christ, the world cannot take that away.

Because we have been redeemed, we are God’s holy presence on earth. When we go out into the world the Kingdom of God goes with us. When we go into dark places, we are the light. We can bring God into the most desperate situations by going to those places ourselves.

We shouldn’t be afraid of getting dirty because that’s not how the process works. All you have to do is look at Jesus’ ministry. He goes out and heals the sick, casts out demons, feeds the hungry, and spends a lot of His time with the tax collectors and sinners.

So remember to ask yourself: What happens when something holy – that’s you, because of what Christ has done in you – touches something unholy? They both become holy.

What was your biggest God moment? Share it on our Facebook or our Instagram pages with the hashtag #bigGODmoment

Dagmar Morgan Toronto, ON What does being a Christian mean to you? Having a personal relationship with Christ and dedicating my life to striving every day to be more like Him. To know Christ is to know God. Read John14:6.

Usamah Khan

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He wasn’t afraid to come down to earth.

He wasn’t afraid of “playing in the mud.”

Austin Jones Calgary, AB What does being a Christian mean to you? Living and loving as Christ lived and loved.

Trevor Brown

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Recommend

recommend

MOVIE

BOOK

John is a man who has sinned against Winston and, although there remains the desire to forgive, Winston cannot erase the actions that have already taken place. As a result, he is now the target of everyone yet protected by none.

John Wick Chapter 2

A Viscount’s Proposal

The Regency Spies of London Series Book #2

This is a film that explores the moment where one is forced to decide who they shall be. While on his way to meet underground crime boss, Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne), he is met with a sign that says “Jesus saves,” yet he walks right past it. It is a reminder that the justice of the Old Testament can appear dark without the light inherent to the New Testament.

Author Melanie Dickerson

Wick is a man who needs salvation yet finds no absolution in anything. Near the end of the film, he sits in his burnt down home, clutching his wife’s rosary and reflecting on the events that have just taken place.

Although he is clearly repentant, he refuses to – or, more accurately, is unable to – move beyond his past.

Words by Steve Norton Warning: The following article contains multiple spoilers for John Wick: Chapter 2.

John Wick: Chapter 2 continues the story of retired hitman John Wick (Keanu Reeves).

Set a mere two weeks after the events of the first film, Wick has successfully finished his manic vengeance and settles in at home for his new life… for about 10 minutes.

Soon after, he is met by Santino D’Antonio (Riccardo Scamarcio), a former associate who reminds him of an old debt that needs to be repaid.

Despite his protests, Wick is forced back to work to fulfill his obligation – after all, there are rules to be followed – and he finds himself in the middle of a global turf war.

In the most surprising mash-up of the year, John Wick: Chapter 2 opens with a clip of Buster Keaton projected on a nearby wall as the action takes place below. The message is clear: This is a film that will emphasize the visuals and physical performances.

Like Keaton, Reeves’s character will show you through the story with his actions, as opposed to his words.

By utilizing a unique style of violence that some have dubbed “gun-fu,” the appeal of the Wick films seems to lie with its almost dance-like action sequences, combining the use of martial arts and firearms.

Whereas the majority of actioners now make use of the infamous shaky-cam style of filmmaking (I blame you, Paul Greengrass), the Wick series follows the violent acts in ways that develops genuine intensity. Although extremely violent, it remains both visceral and stunning visually.

Still, there is far more to the film than choreography and headshots. Whereas the first film follows Wick’s grief-filled heart, Chapter 2 focuses entirely on his soul. As the film builds to its climax, he seems to straddle two different worlds. With the final battle taking place in an art gallery featuring an exhibit entitled “Reflections on the Soul,” John Wick has no time to do so. By literally making his descent into the underworld that he is caught between heaven’s gates and hell’s flames.

For Fans OF The Matrix V for Vendetta 300

Through the director’s ingenious choice to continues to care for him. In a moment place the final battle in a hall of mirrors, reminiscent of Cain’s exchange with God we see that Wick is actually two men – one after the murder of Abel, Winston informs seeking redemption and the other forever John that the only reason he remains alive damned. (Admittedly, this reflective setting is “because he wills it.” What’s more, to is hardly new to the action genre, but “...the film reveals a man who wishes to take steps into the subtext a world of freedom but remains a lost soul, running keeps the moment from his past and leaning into an empty future.” fresh.)

What’s more, in John Wick: Chapter 2, justice is swift and vengeful. In an “eye for an eye” world, Wick is reminded that he is “still Old Testament.”

We see this evidenced in the penultimate moment of the film where, in a scene reminiscent of Genesis 4, John literally kills his blood brother in the Continental’s dining hall. However, in doing so, he also breaks one of the key rules of his profession and thus, destroys the only place of Edenic shalom that he has enjoyed.

As a result, such an act causes him to be thrown out into the night. Yet, even so, the Continental’s benevolent and everpresent manager Winston (Ian McShane)

deepen the comparison with this moment, Winston even hands John a marker as he departs.

As the film closes, he is cast out into the night with nowhere to wander. Through Winston’s act of grace, he takes on a God-like persona as he watches over Wick, yet because of his actions, there must be consequences.

Steve Norton Newmarket, ON

What does being a Christian mean to you? Following Jesus with everything I do and am. It’s not a set of rules to follow but a real relationship with our living, breathing God of all creation.

Lions Gate Entertainment Inc.

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What people will most likely remember about John Wick: Chapter 2 is its stylized violence and spectacular battle scenes. Still, the deeper story within the film reveals a man who wishes to take steps into a world of freedom but remains a lost soul, running from his past and leaning into an empty future. (“Am I free?” he asks as he is reminded that he “never will be.”) Though called “the Boogeyman” by those who fear him, Wick is in fact more of a ghost floating through life without any firm spiritual grounding.

One only hopes that, in the inevitable, and likely final Chapter 3, Wick finally finds some shred of light in the darkness that continues to swallow him whole.

A Viscount’s Proposal

The Regency Spies of London Series Words by Melanie Kislby Incredible! This is Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice retold with a Christian perspective!

Subtle hints and flares of Emma are also seen throughout the story. Especially in the colourful conversations of Leorah and her friend. Leorah’s stubbornness to society and her feminine ignorance made this story quite hilarious at times. Her clumsiness was also charming.

I adored the character arcs for both Leorah and Edward, the Viscount of Withinghall.

The duty to do good for opposing reasons was a perfect combination for these two.

The underlying love of Christ was, and is always, wonderful in this author’s stories. (She lives in Alabama. See MelanieDickerson.com.)

The only critique I have is that there wasn’t much “spying” going on. But, with that said, a seriously well told story took precedence to that very small fact. By far, my favourite out of all of Melanie Dickerson’s stories to date.

I rate it a solid 5/5 for this fantastic character driven Young Adult Christian Regency Story!

Melanie Kilsby Maple Ridge, BC What does being a Christian mean to you? Love, mercy, seek justice and walk humbly with our God. Amazon Publishing

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