God Moment: an interview with
Tom&
Harriet Cowan
Interview by Wes Liu
Where were you born? Tom: I was born in Glasgow, Scotland.
life of faith. She was the wife of Francis Schaeffer who started and led L’Abri for many years. As a couple, they were very i n fl u e n t i a l i n shaping the minds of a generation that was looking for truth. Tom, what is your stance on Christians drinking alcohol?
Harriet: I was also born in Scotland in a town called Irvine, which is on the coast on the south west coast of Scotland. The question of drinking alcohol, like a Perhaps that’s why I love being near the number of other “social” issues, is addressed in Romans chapter 14. This is a ocean. chapter that is worth detailed and careful What does the name “Cowan” mean? study. However, it seems that these days It is an old Gaelic name which means we have swung from an attitude of “dweller in a hollow.” In Scotland each legalism, to one of liberty, but we do not major family name has their own tartan or understand the deep responsibility that plaid. Cowan comes from another larger comes with liberty. We so easily drift from clan group called Colquhoun. liberty to licence. Both Harriet and I have seen the danger that alcohol can do to Question for Tom: How did you get damage an individual and a family. It is at called to become a Pastor? What the source of many of our social and churches have you been a pastor for? marriage problems as well as a major After I became a Christian at around 16, I cause of road accidents. As a pastor, I felt that this is what God was calling me chose not to drink alcohol because I to do with my life and so I set my believe I have a responsibility to education on course for that. demonstrate leadership and example in I (actually we, as we have always worked this and in other areas before the together in ministry) have pastored congregation and especially young churches in Toronto, Calgary, Victoria and people. Vancouver. Question for Harriet: What is the hardest part about being a Pastor’s wife? Relocating and leaving our faith community When you were children, what did you want to be in terms of occupation? T: This is all I have really wanted to be. H: A mom and anything to do with Administration. I worked on staff at our last church for twenty three years as an administrator in the church preschool. Who is someone you look up to? Or who are/were your mentors? T: Perhaps the man who had the greatest influence on me was the Principal of the Baptist College where I studied. His name was R. E. O. White and I have most of the books he has written. H: I had a very Godly grandmother. I also love Edith Schaeffer’s books. She lived a
june 2011
Which one of you is the better cook? What are your favourite foods? T: That’s easy! Harriet is the better cook! Actually I don’t cook, but I do a lot of the prep work and I usually do the dishes and clean up. I like fairly basic foods – I am not very adventurous when it comes to food. What is one of your favorite quotes? T: Martin Luther said, “Freedom is not the right to do what you want, but the power to do what you ought.”
Who’s Who at VCBC? In every issue, we feature families of the English congregation. Compiled by Stephanie Woo
Some years ago, I also wrote as a quotation: The greatest seduction in life is that we can succeed at what we do while we fail at who we are. (There is a personal story being the development of that quotation which I may share sometime.)
Jim Bayles
Monita Bayles
Sabrina Chow
By day he… looks after international and newsprint sales for Catalyst Paper in Richmond. They make everything from newsprint to lightweight coated paper for magazines. Cool.
By day she… is a house wife.
Gender: Female | Age: 19 going on 20
By night she… is a budding artist/painter. [says Jim]
Height: 5’5” ¼
H: Nothing in life is wasted provided we are not bitter.
Likes to listen to… 80’s music mostly, in the car on satellite radio. But generally Jim just likes his own quiet time in the car and at home. He’s not a big audiophile.
Harriet, name one possession of Tom’s What is one piece of advice you’d give that you would love to throw out! our congregation as we are seeking an Can’t think of any at the moment because English senior pastor? I have already thrown most things out! We have also moved several times so that T: Seek someone who loves the Lord, who loves the Word and who loves the helped a lot. Church! What do you usually do with your spare time? What kind of hobbies do you H: I would agree – it is the only thing that will sustain a pastor and his congregation. have? T: I have done quite a bit of woodwork. How did the two of you meet? Who We have also renovated several homes to approached whom? make them more suitable for our family needs. Some years ago I made a lot of wooden toys and things like jig saw puzzles for our grandchildren. I have also done some stained glass. I do not have any active hobbies at present. I enjoy my work!
Jim&Monita + Sabrina&Steph
We met at a church youth group in Irvine where I was the youth leader. I think I approached Harriet. H: Yes that’s right, but I was hoping he would introduce himself to me!
Finish this sentence: God is teaching H: I used to spin and weave. Lately I have me… been enjoying chocolate making and cake T: To be more patient with people. decorating. In past we have renovated houses together. I also enjoy hospitality H: That He is above all the current events so over a forty-year ministry span it has happening in the world. given me a creative outlet to serve.
By night he… is a good husband to his wife.
Has never been to… AFRICA. We’d like to go one day. And Antarctica. On a Saturday morning, Jim might be found… running at Pacific Spirit Park. It’s fairly peaceful, so you can think, and take your mind off running. Jim… is always safe but likes to drive fast sometimes. Jim was going to be… an airline pilot. I went into military college and was going to join the air force as a pilot. But I got a medical discharge because I wrecked my knee. This was in early university. My career now as it is turned out okay and I’m happy with that. At VCBC, Jim is involved with… the Welcome Team. He quite enjoys greeting people in the morning and putting a smile on their face.
Likes to watch/read… anything from fiction to documentaries. Monita loves to read! Right now she is reading a book about health and Chinese medicine. Likes to listen to… classical music. It’s inspirational for her artwork. Has never been to… AFRICA. We’d like to go one day. And Antarctica.
By day she… is a university student studying Science By night she… is a crazy Canucks fan Likes to watch… the Canucks! Likes to read… Christian novels – her favourite author is Karen Kingsbury Likes to listen to… Christian music, Hillsongs; Glee music Has never been to… Australia
On a Saturday morning, Monita might be found… taking it easy. If Jim goes for a run, Monita will go for a walk.
Favourite VCBC event is… VBS Block Party
As a child, Monita… had a lot of fun with her father because she was his favourite child. When she was young, she played with the neighbours a lot. They didn’t have a lot of toys – they didn’t need them. Monita had a very happy childhood.
Stephanie Chow
At VCBC, Monita is involved with… the Welcome Team. Also, every year she tries to go on a missions trip.
By night she… becomes a studious nerd
Read the rest of these bios on the insert page. Bayles’ photos courtesy Ryan Mah Twins’ photos courtesy Chris Cheung
Is especially talented at… music. Sabrina has played the violin for 13 years
Gender: Female | Age: 19 going on 20 Height: 5’5” ¾ By day she… is a university student, majoring in Communication Likes to watch… Sports, especially the Canucks! Likes to listen to… random music – from Christian to pop to R&B – truly random Has never been to… Austrialia Is especially talented at… music. Stephanie has played the violin for 13 years
Have you experienced a God moment recently and want to share? A “God moment” is an experience in which God has shown Himself to you, through a trip, a story, a new revelation from His Word, or just an ordinary encounter. We’d love for you to share it on iiConnect! Email Einar pushfrog7@gmail.com
in the eyes of einar:
that’s so Vickie:
my dad, the ultimate thriftster
the art of
Bible study part 2: study harder
by Vickie Chow We had just arrived home from the airport. It was a long two weeks spent exploring the cuisine and culture of Southern China and Hong Kong. And after the unending days and nights of grueling heat and humidity in the motherland, we had finally landed into the welcome arms of Vancouver. I still remember walking off the plane and catching sight of the sun just starting to creep behind the hill-abounding horizon. At that moment, I breathed a big deep sigh of relief, a big deep West-Coast-air-filled sigh of relief.! My dad picked me, my sister, and my mom up from YVR. The drive home was bittersweet as I reveled in the sights of familiar surroundings yet harboured an impenetrable knot of anxiety in the pit of my stomach. I was to hear back from a few medical schools, for which I had spent a good chunk of time and money on applications and approximately $1500 in air travel for interviews. What I saw in the window of our home as we approached our front yard was a much-needed release of tension.! There in the window that looks into our living room were the silhouettes of three heads situated nonchalantly atop our couch. No one was supposed to be home.! What was initially met with shock and alarm was quickly permeated with the realization that these "heads" were the creations of my dad as a makeshift home burglar deterrence system. The sight of the coy smile slowly forming on my dad's face in response to our reaction was the confirmation. Our realization was then definitively confirmed when we entered our home and saw that a couple of balled up t-shirts, a large Winnie-the-Pooh stuffed animal, and three baseball caps were MacGyver-ed into the illusion of three couch potatoes if you were outside looking in. I say with unwavering confidence that my dad would be the only person I know in the world who would do such a thing.! We all know the stereotypical Chinese person to be ... well, thrifty, to be politically correct with my words. Well, my dad takes that to a whole other level. 99% of his wardrobe consists of free t-shirts and sweatshirts he has amassed over the years from different public functions and organizations. I remember my mom telling me about the time the elastic waistband tore off of one of his pairs of underwear. Avoiding having to dish out $10 for a 3-pack, he adamantly tried to repair the underwear by sewing back on it any semblance of an intact hem. He subsequently found out that the basic sewing thread does not have elastic properties and had a doozy of a time donning that pair of underwear after his morning shower. He managed to pull it up to just above his knees and had his circulation to his lower legs just about cut off before my mom rescued him with another pair of underwear.! So, I'm not surprised that our house still doesn't have an electronic home security system like most homes do in any m e t r o p o l i t a n c i t y. Unfazed by the glaring flaws of his scheme (the major one being that the "heads" can stay stationary for an inhumanly amount of time), to this day he continues to recruit Winnie-the-Pooh and his free t-shirts to guard duty when no one's home.
The Thirty-Six Stratagems are said to be collected from various Chinese generals from ancient China, masters of politics, strategy and warfare. Einar Wong once read a Wikipedia article on Kung-Fu Panda. Round 2 of comparing ancient Chinese war strategies and Bible study and attempting to justify why I still get my own column on iiConnect.! “Leisurely await for the laboured”
以 This stratagem refers to always picking the time and place of the battle. The best way I’ve found to do that is through 逸 preparation. There’s a saying in the theatre world that “every 待 minute on stage equals an hour in rehearsal.” While it would be slightly insane to put 60 hours of preparation into a 60ൻ just minute Bible study, that just gives an idea of how much time teachers should be putting into planning and/or studying. ! “Loot a burning house”! of the very first things I learned about teaching was that 趁 One it’s always better to prepare more and not need it than to ѫ prepare less and discover there’s still 20 minutes left in class. 打 Somehow, that’s led to me, at times, excessively micromanaging some of my lesson plans. That’s why I love spontaneous 劫 discussion about things that are not related at all to what I’ve prepared. It’s teaching that I didn’t have to prepare ahead of time! I will take a ten-minute “Why did God let the earthquake happen in Japan” talk over my prepared Bible study on 2 Chronicles any day of the week.! “Sacrifice the plum tree to preserve the peach tree”! sometimes due to my aforementioned excessive over李 However, planning, I run into the situation where there’s not enough time ҃ to go through everything that I wanted to go over. For every 桃 Bible study I prepare, I pick out the one message that I want my students to take away from the passage. Normally that message 僵 can be summed up in thirty seconds, both because that’s sometimes the time I have left before they wheel the name tag boards into our room and because that’s pretty much the maximum attention span of my grade 7’s.! “Inflict injury on oneself to win the enemy’s trust” of the more effective strategies I’ve found of getting a 苦One point across is to use personal experiences and stories. 肉Preferably, ones that are embarrassing. As an example, in the two years at Elim, we’ve run three or four programs about 計past underage drinking. I don’t know how much my grade 6s and 7s and now 8s remember from those nights, but I know they remember the story of when I was in Japan on exchange in grade nine that involves Autumn Festival-related whiskey, blacking out, and a very caring Japanese grandmother. Hopefully they remembered the lesson behind that as well…
alpha@vcbc by Grace Lu
I met Akiko Holz when my son was in preschool. “In Japan, where I come from, they don’t teach any religion or belief,” said Akiko. “When I came to North America, I have seen other people who believed in God. If I was missing something, I wanted to know that.” Was there more to her life than her wonderful family of 3 children and a good husband? I first knew of her interest in God when she asked me to recommend a book about Christianity. That was 2 years ago. Fast forward to March 2011. I joined her for the first night of the Alpha course. It was our first time and didn’t know what to expect. For the next 12 weeks, every Wednesday night we were treated to a chorus of welcomes that started when we walked into the transformed basement of VCBC, continued with an amazing meal accompanied by the most pleasant service, great fellowship around the table, then proceeded in the English session, to watching that night’s Alpha session by Nicky Gumbel and ended with discussion and sharing led by Eddie Chiu and/or Tony Tom, followed by prayer. We were joined by Bing and Dorothy Wong and Shew Yung Yu. “It was interesting to see the videos,” said Bing and Dorothy. “We understand and learned more about the nature of Christianity. In addition, they received many helpful devotional references and guides. Shew saw the changes in the lives of her Christian friends. “As parents of young adults,” said Shew. “I wanted to know if the challenges presented would be lessened or solved.” Looking back, it has been a very good experience for all of us. For many of us, in addition to the meals and new friendships, our favourite part of Alpha was the small group open discussion. It was also a time for questions that were welcomed by the leaders and everyone. The prayer time was especially meaningful. Shew said, “I could almost say I could feel the power of prayer.” One prayer that God answered was for Bing. He had asked for prayer for healing before his angiogram test. It resulted in immediate action for his surgery and now he is recovering well. “We are thankful for the prayer support we had received,” said Dorothy and Bing. For Akiko, she has changed in so many ways since taking the Alpha course. After studying about Christianity, she realized how much she needed God in her life. In her heart she had been waiting, thinking that she was not good enough, not ready enough to put her hope and her life in God. She has learned a lot from both Tony and Eddie. “One of the things Eddie said to me,” said Akiko, “was that I didn’t have to know everything, you can simply accept. That made me comfortable to open the door. During Alpha, I felt right in accepting God. I didn’t realize I was so weak and that I could not do anything without Him. I got so hungry and I wanted to find out.” “Being a facilitator is not something that comes naturally to me,” said Eddie. “I feel inadequate in sharing and trying not to offend people. That fear appears every time. So I trust and leave up to God our experiences.” He adds, “Being at Alpha helps me to rethink how to tell the Good News.”
Studies show that twelve newborns will be given to the wrong parents daily. Do you look like your parents? Studies show an average person laughs about fifteen times a day. After you read these Wesfacts, you will be above average. Bank robber John Dillinger played professional baseball. Studies show he was an expert at stealing bases. OK, the laughing average just decreased. Studies show that every time you lick a stamp, you're consuming 1/10 of a calorie. Canada Post is now issuing a new diet stamp. Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego? Studies ask, has anyone looked in San Diego?! Sherlock Holmes dropped his iPhone. Studies show, he cracked the case. Studies show an apple a day keeps anyone away, if you chew it with your mouth open. Studies show the early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese. Studies show that dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand on the edge of the pool and throw fish at them. Studies show I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure. Eddie shares a story about the importance of sharing the gospel. Last fall, while making plans to play racquetball with his partner, Eddie told his partner that he couldn’t play on Sunday as he goes to church. His partner casually asked Eddie to pray for him. Eddie didn’t think anything of it. When they met the following week to play racquetball, his partner fell down while playing. He never got up and eventually died. Eddie thought about the missed opportunity. “People are looking for something in life and we don’t know what they are going through if we don’t take the time to ask,” he said. “I want to make the most of each opportunity given to me.” We are thankful to Jenny Tai and the VCBC team who put on Alpha. Many came every week to help, welcome, cook, serve, lead, and pray. For those who haven’t invited someone to Alpha, joined as a participant, or lead or served, next time could be your opportune time.
in the eyes of einar:
that’s so Vickie:
my dad, the ultimate thriftster
the art of
Bible study part 2: study harder
by Vickie Chow We had just arrived home from the airport. It was a long two weeks spent exploring the cuisine and culture of Southern China and Hong Kong. And after the unending days and nights of grueling heat and humidity in the motherland, we had finally landed into the welcome arms of Vancouver. I still remember walking off the plane and catching sight of the sun just starting to creep behind the hill-abounding horizon. At that moment, I breathed a big deep sigh of relief, a big deep West-Coast-air-filled sigh of relief.! My dad picked me, my sister, and my mom up from YVR. The drive home was bittersweet as I reveled in the sights of familiar surroundings yet harboured an impenetrable knot of anxiety in the pit of my stomach. I was to hear back from a few medical schools, for which I had spent a good chunk of time and money on applications and approximately $1500 in air travel for interviews. What I saw in the window of our home as we approached our front yard was a much-needed release of tension.! There in the window that looks into our living room were the silhouettes of three heads situated nonchalantly atop our couch. No one was supposed to be home.! What was initially met with shock and alarm was quickly permeated with the realization that these "heads" were the creations of my dad as a makeshift home burglar deterrence system. The sight of the coy smile slowly forming on my dad's face in response to our reaction was the confirmation. Our realization was then definitively confirmed when we entered our home and saw that a couple of balled up t-shirts, a large Winnie-the-Pooh stuffed animal, and three baseball caps were MacGyver-ed into the illusion of three couch potatoes if you were outside looking in. I say with unwavering confidence that my dad would be the only person I know in the world who would do such a thing.! We all know the stereotypical Chinese person to be ... well, thrifty, to be politically correct with my words. Well, my dad takes that to a whole other level. 99% of his wardrobe consists of free t-shirts and sweatshirts he has amassed over the years from different public functions and organizations. I remember my mom telling me about the time the elastic waistband tore off of one of his pairs of underwear. Avoiding having to dish out $10 for a 3-pack, he adamantly tried to repair the underwear by sewing back on it any semblance of an intact hem. He subsequently found out that the basic sewing thread does not have elastic properties and had a doozy of a time donning that pair of underwear after his morning shower. He managed to pull it up to just above his knees and had his circulation to his lower legs just about cut off before my mom rescued him with another pair of underwear.! So, I'm not surprised that our house still doesn't have an electronic home security system like most homes do in any m e t r o p o l i t a n c i t y. Unfazed by the glaring flaws of his scheme (the major one being that the "heads" can stay stationary for an inhumanly amount of time), to this day he continues to recruit Winnie-the-Pooh and his free t-shirts to guard duty when no one's home.
The Thirty-Six Stratagems are said to be collected from various Chinese generals from ancient China, masters of politics, strategy and warfare. Einar Wong once read a Wikipedia article on Kung-Fu Panda. Round 2 of comparing ancient Chinese war strategies and Bible study and attempting to justify why I still get my own column on iiConnect.! “Leisurely await for the laboured”
以 This stratagem refers to always picking the time and place of the battle. The best way I’ve found to do that is through 逸 preparation. There’s a saying in the theatre world that “every 待 minute on stage equals an hour in rehearsal.” While it would be slightly insane to put 60 hours of preparation into a 60ൻ just minute Bible study, that just gives an idea of how much time teachers should be putting into planning and/or studying. ! “Loot a burning house”! of the very first things I learned about teaching was that 趁 One it’s always better to prepare more and not need it than to ѫ prepare less and discover there’s still 20 minutes left in class. 打 Somehow, that’s led to me, at times, excessively micromanaging some of my lesson plans. That’s why I love spontaneous 劫 discussion about things that are not related at all to what I’ve prepared. It’s teaching that I didn’t have to prepare ahead of time! I will take a ten-minute “Why did God let the earthquake happen in Japan” talk over my prepared Bible study on 2 Chronicles any day of the week.! “Sacrifice the plum tree to preserve the peach tree”! sometimes due to my aforementioned excessive over李 However, planning, I run into the situation where there’s not enough time ҃ to go through everything that I wanted to go over. For every 桃 Bible study I prepare, I pick out the one message that I want my students to take away from the passage. Normally that message 僵 can be summed up in thirty seconds, both because that’s sometimes the time I have left before they wheel the name tag boards into our room and because that’s pretty much the maximum attention span of my grade 7’s.! “Inflict injury on oneself to win the enemy’s trust” of the more effective strategies I’ve found of getting a 苦One point across is to use personal experiences and stories. 肉Preferably, ones that are embarrassing. As an example, in the two years at Elim, we’ve run three or four programs about 計past underage drinking. I don’t know how much my grade 6s and 7s and now 8s remember from those nights, but I know they remember the story of when I was in Japan on exchange in grade nine that involves Autumn Festival-related whiskey, blacking out, and a very caring Japanese grandmother. Hopefully they remembered the lesson behind that as well…
alpha@vcbc by Grace Lu
I met Akiko Holz when my son was in preschool. “In Japan, where I come from, they don’t teach any religion or belief,” said Akiko. “When I came to North America, I have seen other people who believed in God. If I was missing something, I wanted to know that.” Was there more to her life than her wonderful family of 3 children and a good husband? I first knew of her interest in God when she asked me to recommend a book about Christianity. That was 2 years ago. Fast forward to March 2011. I joined her for the first night of the Alpha course. It was our first time and didn’t know what to expect. For the next 12 weeks, every Wednesday night we were treated to a chorus of welcomes that started when we walked into the transformed basement of VCBC, continued with an amazing meal accompanied by the most pleasant service, great fellowship around the table, then proceeded in the English session, to watching that night’s Alpha session by Nicky Gumbel and ended with discussion and sharing led by Eddie Chiu and/or Tony Tom, followed by prayer. We were joined by Bing and Dorothy Wong and Shew Yung Yu. “It was interesting to see the videos,” said Bing and Dorothy. “We understand and learned more about the nature of Christianity. In addition, they received many helpful devotional references and guides. Shew saw the changes in the lives of her Christian friends. “As parents of young adults,” said Shew. “I wanted to know if the challenges presented would be lessened or solved.” Looking back, it has been a very good experience for all of us. For many of us, in addition to the meals and new friendships, our favourite part of Alpha was the small group open discussion. It was also a time for questions that were welcomed by the leaders and everyone. The prayer time was especially meaningful. Shew said, “I could almost say I could feel the power of prayer.” One prayer that God answered was for Bing. He had asked for prayer for healing before his angiogram test. It resulted in immediate action for his surgery and now he is recovering well. “We are thankful for the prayer support we had received,” said Dorothy and Bing. For Akiko, she has changed in so many ways since taking the Alpha course. After studying about Christianity, she realized how much she needed God in her life. In her heart she had been waiting, thinking that she was not good enough, not ready enough to put her hope and her life in God. She has learned a lot from both Tony and Eddie. “One of the things Eddie said to me,” said Akiko, “was that I didn’t have to know everything, you can simply accept. That made me comfortable to open the door. During Alpha, I felt right in accepting God. I didn’t realize I was so weak and that I could not do anything without Him. I got so hungry and I wanted to find out.” “Being a facilitator is not something that comes naturally to me,” said Eddie. “I feel inadequate in sharing and trying not to offend people. That fear appears every time. So I trust and leave up to God our experiences.” He adds, “Being at Alpha helps me to rethink how to tell the Good News.”
Studies show that twelve newborns will be given to the wrong parents daily. Do you look like your parents? Studies show an average person laughs about fifteen times a day. After you read these Wesfacts, you will be above average. Bank robber John Dillinger played professional baseball. Studies show he was an expert at stealing bases. OK, the laughing average just decreased. Studies show that every time you lick a stamp, you're consuming 1/10 of a calorie. Canada Post is now issuing a new diet stamp. Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego? Studies ask, has anyone looked in San Diego?! Sherlock Holmes dropped his iPhone. Studies show, he cracked the case. Studies show an apple a day keeps anyone away, if you chew it with your mouth open. Studies show the early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese. Studies show that dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand on the edge of the pool and throw fish at them. Studies show I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure. Eddie shares a story about the importance of sharing the gospel. Last fall, while making plans to play racquetball with his partner, Eddie told his partner that he couldn’t play on Sunday as he goes to church. His partner casually asked Eddie to pray for him. Eddie didn’t think anything of it. When they met the following week to play racquetball, his partner fell down while playing. He never got up and eventually died. Eddie thought about the missed opportunity. “People are looking for something in life and we don’t know what they are going through if we don’t take the time to ask,” he said. “I want to make the most of each opportunity given to me.” We are thankful to Jenny Tai and the VCBC team who put on Alpha. Many came every week to help, welcome, cook, serve, lead, and pray. For those who haven’t invited someone to Alpha, joined as a participant, or lead or served, next time could be your opportune time.
a
love
story by Einar Wong
An informal survey of VCBC’s current grade 6’s and 7’s indicated that roughly none of them would let their parents choose their future husband or wife. However, their youth leader, and VCBC’s Seminary Intern, Ragland Royappan has different feelings. With his wedding coming up in July, iiConnect decided to ask him a few questions before he departed back home to India. Can you tell us a bit about your fiancée? My fiancée’s name is Sandeeptha which means “giver of light”. She is the youngest daughter of Pastor Sukumaran. She is from Trivandrum, 600 kms away from my home town. She finished her Bachelors in Commerce and worked as a accountant in a private firm for 3 years. While working she also completed her MBA. She loves animals and birds. She is also a very good cook. She is a good listener and has a big heart for the poor and the downtrodden. When did you first meet your fiancée? I have not met my fiancée in person. Actually, about 10 years ago, she and her family visited my home and we had dinner together but I don’t remember seeing her that day. How did your parents pick her? Were there others in mind? Actually, there were no others in mind. My parents introduced me to her and I made the final call. Since, my last visit to India in May 2010, my parents have been pushing hard on me to consider marriage and I told them that I would think about it.
In September 2010, I asked my parents to arrange my wedding, but they did not officially contact any family or give my information to anyone u n t i l February 2011. My wife-to-be was the first person I gave my information a n d pictures to. When my parents contacted this family they asked for my information first. I asked God if she was the right person. I prayed to God saying that I would give away my picture and information only if He gave me a sign that she was the one for me. The next morning my parents called me on Skype. My parents asked me why I had not sent them my pictures and my information. While I was explaining to them that I was waiting on God to show me if she was the right person, the phone rang in our house in India. My father picked up the phone and it was none other than my (now) father-inlaw to-be asking why I had not sent them my information yet. When I heard this conversation between my father and her father I immediately knew that God was showing me something through this.
asked why his daughter had not replied. A couple of days later she replied to my email and we started chatting on February 13th exactly 6 days after we were both introduced to each other. It was very formal and nerve-wracking, but after we got to know each other we found that we have a lot in common and that eased us from the anxiety. Now we are inseparable, chatting all the time. What are you most nervous about entering into marriage? The only thing that I am anxious about is the demands of married life and providing a good life for my wife and kids in the future. What are you most excited about entering into marriage? I am excited to spend the rest of my life with my wife. I am excited that I can share my happiness, my sadness, my joy, my successes, my failures, my good times and my bad times with her. I take comfort and joy that now matter what she is always there with me. How long are you staying in India for your wedding, and when will you be back? I am leaving on June 27th and my wedding is arranged for July 20th. I promised my fiancée that I would not leave her behind to come to Canada while she waits for her visa to be processed. I am assuming it will take 45 days to 2 months to complete the process which means I will be coming back sometime in the end of September. If you had a son, what would you name him? If I had a son I would name him as Jadon. Jadon is a Hebrew name meaning ‘thankful’. There is a brief mention of this name in the book of Nehemiah (Neh 3:7). Jadon from Meremonth helped to rebuild the walls and gates of Jerusalem. Every person involved in this rebuilding of the temple is a hero, including Jadon the Merenothite.
Were you always under the impression that your marriage would be arranged? Well, My parents gave me the freedom to choose anyone I liked. They were quite open in this matter, but I preferred an arranged marriage because I had faith and trust in my parents to find the right person for me. Also, I want to be a good example for the younger generation, in my church in If you had a daughter, what would you India, who are looking up to me as their name her? role model. We haven't really talked about a girl’s name, but I like the name Magdalene. What was it like talking to her after you found out you were getting married? Would you recommend an arranged I knew she was the one God has chosen for marriage for single young adults? me so I was very positive and started Yes, I totally recommend arranged marriage contacting her through email right after my for single young adults. But I would suggest parents gave me her information. But I did that you pray and ask God for his leading in not receive any email in return. I was very this matter because only God can bring the anxious and so I called her dad’s phone and right person.
sab& steph continued
What was Steph going to be when he/she grew up?! Sab: Steph wanted to be a dentist, then a nurse, but now she wants to go into marketing.! Can you tell what Sabrina is thinking without asking?! Steph: Right now? Well she usually thinks about the Canucks and school. And work. She works for a small pharmacy.! Describe a favourite childhood memory together.! Steph: I remember jumping on my parents’ bed with Sabrina and Sam and singing the Barney song or something.! Sab: I remember that! That was one of our happier moments. The Barney song – I love you, you love me…! Describe a moment when you felt most fully a part of the VCBC family.! Steph: At SYC.! We were all singing in a circle with our arms around each other. That was a good moment. Sab: For me it was during Salt and Journey camp this year, sitting in front of the camp fire just singing and listening to people sharing. ! What is a current goal you are working towards?! Steph: Graduating and finding a good job. A “good” job is one that has an actual title. For example, not an “assistant” but… a head job such as a marketing director.! What are you doing for your dad for Father’s Day?! Steph: We haven’t planned it yet! We’re still thinking about it. Sab: Yup.! Which of you is most like your mom? Why?! Sab: I’m most like my mom because I’m really patient like her. Steph: She’s more patient. Sab: More patient than Steph.! Describe a time God answered prayer.! Steph: A time that he answered my prayer was the transition from high school to university. I prayed at the beginning of grade 12 for God to direct me in where to go and what to study.! I prayed about how I probably wouldn’t be able to hear His voice—to discern if it was His voice or not—so I asked Him to just do whatever He had to do to guide me. He put the reds and the greens together. I did a lot of science and math courses [in high school] and I studied so hard, but couldn’t get good grades. When I was applying to SFU, to get into
Arts you needed 80%. I had 79%, and Communication needed 78%. The only option that was not Science (which I did NOT want to do) was Communication. So I knew what to do. I don’t regret it.!It doesn’t seem like a coincidence anymore. ! Sab: God led me through a hard time last semester. I was taking 6 courses and got to a point where I was overwhelmed. I remember failing a Physics lab exam very badly. I came home crying, and prayed to God to really lead me. In the end I got an okay mark. God really guides you when you need him the most. ! What do you think the City will look like in 20 years? ! Steph: We’ll see more high rises in downtown and fewer historical buildings.! The Church?! Sab: The church [VCBC] will have more young people and more Canadian born, English speaking people, rather than immigrants. It will change the way we handle things. It will be more liberal.! What is a Bible passage that has influenced you/ helped you through a hard time?! Steph: Philippians 4:13 – “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Sab: James 1:2-4 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” It’s a motto for my life right now.! Stephanie and Sabrina’s advice to the congregation:! When hyper: Someone had too much candy. If you win the lottery: Give 10 percent to the church. If you fall down: God will pick you up. When angry: Calm down! If the joke’s not funny: Just fake laugh. When stressed out: Sleep. When having too much fun: You can’t have too much fun. When discouraged: Seek God. Photo courtesy Chris Cheung
jim& monita continued How did you meet? J: We met in Hong Kong through business. The first time we met I was selling paper and Monita was a potential customer. Then she came to Vancouver and we met again. Is that right Monita? M: Yes. It started out as a business relationship, and then I moved back to Canada from Hong Kong. When I left Hong Kong the business relationship stopped because I didn’t work for the company anymore. Then we became friends. J: And she still likes me. Hard to believe.
something, I try to review it and see if I could have done it better. I pray. I pray for God to give me the wisdom to handle my life, relationships, whatever I do. Describe a time God answered prayer. J: The most recent example for me would be when my son had a liver transplant. He had a rare liver disease and got a new liver last December. I thank the Lord for the skilled surgeons and the fact that He made it all work out. Clark’s body has accepted his new liver and he is doing well. God certainly answered my prayers.
Describe Monita.
M: I thank God every day for big things or small. All the blessings. I am thankful every day.
J: She’s very generous, very smart, very strong, very strong-willed, and actually very loving.
What do you think the City will look like in 20 years?
Describe Jim. M: I really don’t know how to describe him in front of him! [Jim offered to go away, but Monita insisted that he stay]. He’s sincere, hardworking, honest, and good to me. He is a good husband, a good father. We have 4 children altogether. Describe a moment when you felt most fully a part of the VCBC family. M: I hope the relationships will improve or become more intimate. I feel VCBC is my spiritual home, but I want to feel closer. I really want more intimate relationships. In the past year but I haven’t felt much improvement. J: We’ve been at VCBC for 4-5 years. I felt really close to pastor Jeff. We’ve been in a transition stage since he left, but I do think we have good core group of people. The deacons are great; I’m probably closest to Wayne. I would like to get to know the people at church better. Summer Conference is a good chance to do that. We also get to know people during our prayer/devotional groups. I am pleased that we’ve got Tom Cowan – that’ll bring in some stability and continuity. [See Tom Cowan’s interview in this iiConnect!] What is a goal you are currently working towards?
J: I think [Vancouver is] a great city. In 20 years it’ll be bigger, and modern as ever. More buildings, higher buildings, more light rail, and more green space. In general I think Vancouver is a good model for the world. M: I don’t really want the city to be more modernized. I want it to look more green; I like fresh air. I don’t want more pollution of any kind. I kind of wish [Vancouver] could be more rustic, rather than modern. I AM a city person – I’m not a hermit! But I think Vancouver is already modern enough. I wish it to stay as it is now. J: You know it won’t. M: I know it won’t. The Church? J: My vision is to see us in a big new facility somewhere with a growing, vibrant, mixed-age congregation. Youthful. It can be bigger, but still feel like a family. What is a Bible passage that has influenced you/ helped you through a hard time? J: The whole book of Job. He was a guy that had everything stripped away and just wanted to give up. But he hung in there and life came back together.
J: When I retire in a few years, I don’t want to just hang around and bug Monita all the time. I’m hoping to do more missions work, and business part time. But I need to think about it more, and work towards a goal.
Jim and Monita’s advice to the congregation:
M: To be a better person every day and a better daughter of our Heavenly Father. It’s true. This is really my goal. Whenever I do
• When discouraged: Believe and persevere; have faith and believe in your Father God.
• When stressed out: Breathe deeply. • When having too much fun: This won’t last forever.
Reflection: Half-Day Prayer
SALTxJOURNEY camp in pictures
by Casey Wong
My experience with half day of prayer was kind of like a date with God. It wasn't like a first date where everything was new and exciting but more like the 50th date where both sides are already well acquainted with one another and enjoy each other's company. Before my date with God I had the same feelings of excitement and anxiety that I would have before a date with a loved one on earth. Some of the thoughts that went through my mind were "I can't wait to tell Him about what happened the other day" and "I wonder what He wants to tell me this time". During my time with God, through scripture, prayer, and meditation, I got to know Him deeper and everything that I discovered or rediscovered about him made me love Him more. The interesting thing was the more I focused on my relationship with God, the more He turned my attention to the relationships I have with those at home, in the workplace, and in the church community. He seemed to be saying, "You say you love me, but do you love those around you as I have loved you?" That’s when I began to reflect on my all my relationships and realized that God put these people in my life for a reason. I can see how God wants to work in those relationships through me and all I could do is ask God to be involved in them. And when the date was over I felt that time had gone by too fast and all I wanted to do is just stay in His presence. As with all human relationships, it is important to take time out of our busy lives and make a decision to spend time with our loved ones. I’m sure we all appreciate it when someone we love give us their undivided attention and says they want to know us better and grow closer together. And our relationship with God should be no different. After all, isn’t our goal as believers to grow closer to God our Creator and Father? As for me, I'm looking forward to my next date with God.
Left column: Lewis and Melanie at the petting zoo, 2 “spitting” images of llama and Melanie, Raph and his new friend, praying over Pastor Jeff Phillips (camp speaker). Right column: Pastor Jeff speaks, Casey and Justin in a game of tag, Pastor Johnny leading campfire, pick-up ultimate game, Wayne and Hannah in discussion
“The City of Vancouver and Keep Vancouver Spectacular send out a big thanks to all the block captains who lead the way for the program by organizing the cleanups and recruiting the volunteers. We give a round of applause and appreciation to everyone who took part in the cleanups. It's your hard work that makes this campaign more successful each year. “The City presents the Golden Dust Pan awards annually to groups or individuals that stood out in their commitment to their communities and embodied the spirit of Keep Vancouver Spectacular.” from: http://vancouver.ca/engsvcs/solidwaste/kvs/awards.htm
God Moment: an interview with
Tom&
Harriet Cowan
Interview by Wes Liu
Where were you born? Tom: I was born in Glasgow, Scotland.
life of faith. She was the wife of Francis Schaeffer who started and led L’Abri for many years. As a couple, they were very i n fl u e n t i a l i n shaping the minds of a generation that was looking for truth. Tom, what is your stance on Christians drinking alcohol?
Harriet: I was also born in Scotland in a town called Irvine, which is on the coast on the south west coast of Scotland. The question of drinking alcohol, like a Perhaps that’s why I love being near the number of other “social” issues, is addressed in Romans chapter 14. This is a ocean. chapter that is worth detailed and careful What does the name “Cowan” mean? study. However, it seems that these days It is an old Gaelic name which means we have swung from an attitude of “dweller in a hollow.” In Scotland each legalism, to one of liberty, but we do not major family name has their own tartan or understand the deep responsibility that plaid. Cowan comes from another larger comes with liberty. We so easily drift from clan group called Colquhoun. liberty to licence. Both Harriet and I have seen the danger that alcohol can do to Question for Tom: How did you get damage an individual and a family. It is at called to become a Pastor? What the source of many of our social and churches have you been a pastor for? marriage problems as well as a major After I became a Christian at around 16, I cause of road accidents. As a pastor, I felt that this is what God was calling me chose not to drink alcohol because I to do with my life and so I set my believe I have a responsibility to education on course for that. demonstrate leadership and example in I (actually we, as we have always worked this and in other areas before the together in ministry) have pastored congregation and especially young churches in Toronto, Calgary, Victoria and people. Vancouver. Question for Harriet: What is the hardest part about being a Pastor’s wife? Relocating and leaving our faith community When you were children, what did you want to be in terms of occupation? T: This is all I have really wanted to be. H: A mom and anything to do with Administration. I worked on staff at our last church for twenty three years as an administrator in the church preschool. Who is someone you look up to? Or who are/were your mentors? T: Perhaps the man who had the greatest influence on me was the Principal of the Baptist College where I studied. His name was R. E. O. White and I have most of the books he has written. H: I had a very Godly grandmother. I also love Edith Schaeffer’s books. She lived a
june 2011
Which one of you is the better cook? What are your favourite foods? T: That’s easy! Harriet is the better cook! Actually I don’t cook, but I do a lot of the prep work and I usually do the dishes and clean up. I like fairly basic foods – I am not very adventurous when it comes to food. What is one of your favorite quotes? T: Martin Luther said, “Freedom is not the right to do what you want, but the power to do what you ought.”
Who’s Who at VCBC? In every issue, we feature families of the English congregation. Compiled by Stephanie Woo
Some years ago, I also wrote as a quotation: The greatest seduction in life is that we can succeed at what we do while we fail at who we are. (There is a personal story being the development of that quotation which I may share sometime.)
Jim Bayles
Monita Bayles
Sabrina Chow
By day he… looks after international and newsprint sales for Catalyst Paper in Richmond. They make everything from newsprint to lightweight coated paper for magazines. Cool.
By day she… is a house wife.
Gender: Female | Age: 19 going on 20
By night she… is a budding artist/painter. [says Jim]
Height: 5’5” ¼
H: Nothing in life is wasted provided we are not bitter.
Likes to listen to… 80’s music mostly, in the car on satellite radio. But generally Jim just likes his own quiet time in the car and at home. He’s not a big audiophile.
Harriet, name one possession of Tom’s What is one piece of advice you’d give that you would love to throw out! our congregation as we are seeking an Can’t think of any at the moment because English senior pastor? I have already thrown most things out! We have also moved several times so that T: Seek someone who loves the Lord, who loves the Word and who loves the helped a lot. Church! What do you usually do with your spare time? What kind of hobbies do you H: I would agree – it is the only thing that will sustain a pastor and his congregation. have? T: I have done quite a bit of woodwork. How did the two of you meet? Who We have also renovated several homes to approached whom? make them more suitable for our family needs. Some years ago I made a lot of wooden toys and things like jig saw puzzles for our grandchildren. I have also done some stained glass. I do not have any active hobbies at present. I enjoy my work!
Jim&Monita + Sabrina&Steph
We met at a church youth group in Irvine where I was the youth leader. I think I approached Harriet. H: Yes that’s right, but I was hoping he would introduce himself to me!
Finish this sentence: God is teaching H: I used to spin and weave. Lately I have me… been enjoying chocolate making and cake T: To be more patient with people. decorating. In past we have renovated houses together. I also enjoy hospitality H: That He is above all the current events so over a forty-year ministry span it has happening in the world. given me a creative outlet to serve.
By night he… is a good husband to his wife.
Has never been to… AFRICA. We’d like to go one day. And Antarctica. On a Saturday morning, Jim might be found… running at Pacific Spirit Park. It’s fairly peaceful, so you can think, and take your mind off running. Jim… is always safe but likes to drive fast sometimes. Jim was going to be… an airline pilot. I went into military college and was going to join the air force as a pilot. But I got a medical discharge because I wrecked my knee. This was in early university. My career now as it is turned out okay and I’m happy with that. At VCBC, Jim is involved with… the Welcome Team. He quite enjoys greeting people in the morning and putting a smile on their face.
Likes to watch/read… anything from fiction to documentaries. Monita loves to read! Right now she is reading a book about health and Chinese medicine. Likes to listen to… classical music. It’s inspirational for her artwork. Has never been to… AFRICA. We’d like to go one day. And Antarctica.
By day she… is a university student studying Science By night she… is a crazy Canucks fan Likes to watch… the Canucks! Likes to read… Christian novels – her favourite author is Karen Kingsbury Likes to listen to… Christian music, Hillsongs; Glee music Has never been to… Australia
On a Saturday morning, Monita might be found… taking it easy. If Jim goes for a run, Monita will go for a walk.
Favourite VCBC event is… VBS Block Party
As a child, Monita… had a lot of fun with her father because she was his favourite child. When she was young, she played with the neighbours a lot. They didn’t have a lot of toys – they didn’t need them. Monita had a very happy childhood.
Stephanie Chow
At VCBC, Monita is involved with… the Welcome Team. Also, every year she tries to go on a missions trip.
By night she… becomes a studious nerd
Read the rest of these bios on the insert page. Bayles’ photos courtesy Ryan Mah Twins’ photos courtesy Chris Cheung
Is especially talented at… music. Sabrina has played the violin for 13 years
Gender: Female | Age: 19 going on 20 Height: 5’5” ¾ By day she… is a university student, majoring in Communication Likes to watch… Sports, especially the Canucks! Likes to listen to… random music – from Christian to pop to R&B – truly random Has never been to… Austrialia Is especially talented at… music. Stephanie has played the violin for 13 years
Have you experienced a God moment recently and want to share? A “God moment” is an experience in which God has shown Himself to you, through a trip, a story, a new revelation from His Word, or just an ordinary encounter. We’d love for you to share it on iiConnect! Email Einar pushfrog7@gmail.com