Christian Herald April 2023

CREATIVE PASTOR PROGRAM

Learn to manage the creative and media needs of a modern church or ministry.

The Creative Pastor degree (Bachelor of Theology) enters a new frontier of ministry and outreach through the medium of technology. Today more people hear the gospel delivered through technology than they do in a church service. Over the course of four years, you will obtain a strong foundation of Biblical knowledge and an extensive understanding of how to suit and manage the creative and media needs of a modern church or ministry.

TOPICS OF STUDY:

• Social Media Outreach

• Digital Marketing

• Video

• Audio

• Live Streaming

• Web

• Experience Coordination

POTENTIAL CAREERS:

Creative Arts Pastor

Creative Director

Media Minister

A/V Leader

Tech Pastor

Production Coordinator

LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Engage in active solutions to combat societal issues with excellence and accountability.

A degree in Leadership and Community Development will prepare you to change the direction of your community through effective leadership. You will build your foundation on the Word of God, allowing you to penetrate the hearts of those who have been disenfranchised by society. Upon completion, you will have the knowledge on how to measure the issues of community, assess problems, and design a program for outreach. Your leadership abilities will then equip you to set up programs, implement ideas, mentor leaders and administrate with excellence and accountability.

POTENTIAL CAREERS:

Community Outreach Director

Youth Outreach

Community Leader

Enjoy

GIVE AWAY ALERT

The 2023 Toronto Prayer Breakfast

Event successfully returns in-person; About 500 leaders in attendance

About 500 people, most of them ministry, marketplace and community leaders attended the 2023 Toronto Prayer Breakfast on March 7. The event marked the first in-person Breakfast held since 2020. Attendees from all over Toronto and beyond gathered to worship, share a meal, and pray in unity for the city.

As part of the 2023 festivities, The Toronto Prayer Breakfast teamed up with Presenting Sponsor The Canadian Bible Society to gift a copy of the Maxwell Leadership Bible to all Toronto City Councillors. Pictured above is Rev. Justin Kelsey of the Canadian Bible Society with City Councillors Jamaal Myers, Lily Cheng and Nick Mantas

Members of the city’s protective and frontline services - Police, Fire, EMS, healthcare workers and others - are thanked for their service and prayed for during each Breakfast.

For more information on the Toronto Prayer Breakfast, or to receive a free copy of the 2023 Prayer Points, please visit www.torontoprayerbreakfast.com

The 2023 TPB platform team poses for a photo. From Left to Right: Rev. Stephen Andrews of Wycliffe College, Keynote Speaker Rev. Andrew Stirling, Prayer Co-ordinator Rev. Donnie Persaud, Musician Steve Lensink, Emcee Hollie Taylor of JOY Radio, Worship Leader Brooke Nicholls, TPB Chair Fazal Karim, Jr., Vice Chair Mike Noble, and TPB committee member Rev. Desiree Sills

Christian HERALD

Volume 30, No. 2 • April 2023

Founded in 1994, Christian Herald serves the Christian community across the Southern Ontario region, and is published ten times a year.

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Fazal Karim, Jr.

Contributing Writers

Diana Chandler, Canon J. John, Aaron Hannaford, Rev. John B. Sorensen

Volunteer Distributors (Print Edition)

Cassita Bailey-Hart, John Campbell, Edgar Daniels, Rochan Goonoo, Clare Hilsden, John Howes, Dorai Isaac, Mona Lancaster, Les McPhedran, Rick Pacholko, Terence Roberts.

Contact the Publisher to inquire about becoming a volunteer distributor.

Advertising

Advertising is available to those wishing to reach the Christian community located in Southern Ontario. While we do try our best to screen our advertisers, no endorsements by Christian Herald are implied, except where clearly stated.

To advertise, email us at info@christianherald.ca or call 905-874-1731.

Contributions

Christian Herald welcomes submissions and feedback from the Christian Community or other interested parties, in the form of Letters to the Editor, Press Releases, Opinion columns, Calendar of Events listings etc.

Viewpoints expressed in articles are not necessarily those of the publishers.

The Management of Christian Herald reserves the right to refuse or edit submissions and advertisements on the basis of legal, space or taste considerations.

Circulation

Christian Herald’s general circulation (print edition) presently stands at 21,000 copies per issue. [April 2023]

Distribution

Personal copies are available free of charge in over 500 Christian churches, retail stores, colleges and businesses across Southern Ontario.

To request delivery to your church or business location, send your name, address and estimated number of copies needed by email (see below.)

Subscriptions

To receive a 10-issue personal print subscription sent by mail, send $28.25 (13% Ontario HST included.) by cheque or money order to the address below.

Christian Herald is a member of the Christian Newspaper Association. Contact us at: Christian Herald

P.O. Box 68526, Brampton, Ontario L6R 0J8 Tel: (905) 874-1731 • E-mail: info@christianherald.ca www.christianherald.ca

Copyright 2023. All Rights Reserved.

After Christian school mass shooting, nearby congregation provides sanctuary

for that reunification process to take place, hours. They called painfully few names at a time. They checked every kid off the bus,” Parker said. “They had people in the sanctuary who checked the names of parents; parents lined up and gave them their names, and they would take one parent at a time downstairs to be with their kid. And they would meet in a counseling room, and that was a slow process.”

Neighbours, church deacons, community leaders, professional counselors, Covenant School alumni, churches and nearby businesses and restaurants sprang into action.

They offered consolation and prayer. They brought snacks, full meals and bottled water, helped set up tables for the food. Church staff and police officers guided people to designated spots. Church staff kept restrooms stocked and cleaned.

Daystar Counseling Ministries of Nashville arrived with therapy dogs.

Parker and Clay Stauffer, senior minister of Woodmont Christian Church across the street from Woodmont Baptist, periodically spoke words of comfort to parents through the church’s public address system in the sanctuary.

NASHVILLE (BP) – They had never ridden a bus before, youth minister Beth Howe said of preschoolers bussed to Woodmont Baptist Church after an active shooter targeted their private Christian elementary school two miles away.

One little girl asked why there were bad guys. Howe bandaged the scratches on the arm of another who had been at recess when the shooting began.

“She jumped in the bushes to hide when they heard the gunshots,” said Howe, Woodmont’s minister of students and discipleship.

About 10:13 a.m. on March 27, 28-yearold Audrey Elizabeth Hale had entered the Covenant School with two AR-style guns and a pistol. Hale, a biological woman who identifies as male, killed three 9-year-old students and three adults before police shot her dead 14 minutes after receiving the emergency call, Nashville police said. No other injuries were reported.

Anthony McGowan, facilities manager at the school run by Covenant Presbyterian

by Diana Chandler

Church (PCA), took it upon himself to tell police officers to take the children to Woodmont Baptist. And they did, no questions asked or notification given to the church.

Howe saw on a Twitter thread that Woodmont Church was the designated reunification center and informed Senior Pastor Nathan Parker, fellow ministers and church staff.

Parker welcomed the opportunity to serve the community.

“I was so grateful for our staff and just for the honour of serving in that position of helping to reunify families,” Parker told Baptist Press. McGowan greeted him at Woodmont during the reunification process.

“He’s an older gentleman who’s deeply respected in the Covenant community, and he sought me out. ‘I’m the facilities director at Covenant,’” McGowan told Parker, “and when they asked me where we should

send these kids, I said Woodmont Baptist Church.”

Parker inquired why.

“He said, ‘Well I’ve been driving by this church for 18 years and I’ve seen the work you’re doing.’ And he said I just knew you were a good church. I think he said that we’re a Bible-believing church and I just thought that was amazing that Woodmont had had this reputation, before my time. I mean over decades of faithful service and ministry from this corner that had built that reputation in our community.”

With Woodmont as the reunification center, police and church staff escorted about 200 kindergarten-to-sixth grade students to the church’s fellowship hall. About six busloads of students arrived. Parents rushing to the church were placed in the sanctuary. Each group had to wait a couple of hours before police began reuniting one or two parents at a time with their children, with counseling encouraged onsite.

“The parents graciously waited very long

One mother with family members was praying prostrate on the floor of a counseling room near Parker’s office.

“They didn’t know if their child was OK, hadn’t heard, and I’m not sure the outcome of that meeting. I was not in the meeting when she met with the chaplains and metro P.D.,” Parker said. “I just asked if I could pray with her and of course they said yes. We just prayed together and those words don’t come easy in those times. But we trust in the Lord’s goodness and in His sovereignty.”

Police identified those murdered as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, all 9; Katherine Koonce, 60, head of Covenant School; school custodian Mike Hill, 61, and school substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61. Scruggs is the daughter of Covenant Presbyterian Lead Pastor Chad Scruggs.

It was the deadliest school shooting in the U.S. since 22 students were killed at

Continued on next page

Police and others stand outside Covenant School and Covenant Presbyterian Church in Nashville after a shooting at the school March 27

Photo from Metro Nashville Police Facebook page

Congregation provides sanctuary after tragedy (cont’d)

Continued from previous page

Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, 10 months ago.

The killer left a manifesto of sorts at her home, police said, but have not released the details or determined a motive. Hale was an alumna of the school.

Many area churches held prayer vigils that were well attended across Nashville, The Tennessean reported.

Howe encourages parents, whether or not their children were directly impacted by the tragedy, to help their children process their feelings. She recommended the resource, “What Am I Feeling,” by Josh and Christi Straub. Howe encourages parents to discuss conflict resolution with their children.

“I feel like, as a parent now, we have got to talk to our kids and do a better job,” she said. “That when someone hurts you, you go to them and deal with it, and you talk with them, and you use words.”

Teach children that their “hurt and anger against someone, even if it’s in revenge, should not have hurt other people.”

Parker sees a spiritual purpose in the church serving as a reunification center.

“Reunification is kind of a theological term for Christians. We think about what was lost in the Creation, Genesis 3, and how since that time God has been about the work of reunifying what was lost, back to Himself through Jesus,” Parker said. “That’s just Gospel work that we were able to put into practice of connecting families who were separated from their children.

“Every Christian should be about that work of reunification at any time. And I think that’s what … hit me hard last night.”

Parker appreciates that a grieving community found sanctuary at Woodmont Baptist.

“In that moment our sanctuary was really a place of refuge and safety, and I was just so grateful that it could be used as not only a holy sacred place,” he said, “but also to be a place of refuge for those grieving panicked families.”

Diana Chandler is the senior writer for Baptist Press.

EFC names new President and CEO

The board of directors of The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada has named Dr. David Guretzki of Ottawa as the EFC’s new President and CEO.

Guretzki is the fourth full-time leader of The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, the national association of evangelical Christians in Canada. Prior to 1983, the role of EFC president was a volunteer board chair role.

Guretzki has served as the EFC’s executive vice-president and resident theologian since 2017. Former president Bruce J. Clemenger, who held the position 2003-2023, has become Senior Ambassador and President Emeritus of the EFC.

Tyndale announces its 9th Chancellor Tyndale University’s Board of Governors ihas announced its appointment of Harriet Thornhill as its 9th Chancellor to a three-year term, effective April 4, 2023.

Thornhill is a values-based business leader with extensive leadership and business experience with RBC Royal Bank. In addition to an exceptional and distinguished career, Harriet has received numerous awards, including being named one of the 100 Most Influential Black Canadians in 2022.

TOWC names new National Director Transform Our World Canada announced that Jordan Taylor has been appointed National Director.

Jordan has a business background, and is also a graduate of YWAM. He has led ministry teams into many countries, set up his own life coaching enterprise, and has also served as a pastor.

CLOSURES

WayBase closed permanently in January 2023 due to financial limitations. A ministry technology startup, WayBase gathered data and developed digital platforms that helped Christian charities work together and make a greater impact in their communities.

Parasource Marketing and Distribution will close operations on May 31, 2023. Parasource is Canada’s largest wholesale distributor of Christian books and resources. The firm was formerly known as David C. Cook Canada. According to Christian Book Shop Talk blog, it was the only remaining major distributor actively warehousing Christian products on the Canadian side of the border.

The River Worship

Every Tuesday night at Canada Christian College, something special happens. The campus comes alive with the sounds of music, prayer, and worship as thousands of people gather together to connect with God and each other. This is The River Worship, a weekly gathering that has quickly become a phenomenon in the world of Canadian worship music.

The River Worship was started in 2021 by a group from the Whitby-based College. It is led by Campus Pastor Ryan McVety, who wanted to create a new kind of student outreach, where people could come and experience God in a new and fresh way. They began by hosting small worship gatherings and had an expectation of maybe 500 people in 5 years, but the word quickly spread and soon they were experiencing tremendous growth.

Now, just a couple of years later, The River Worship has become one of the largest worship gatherings in the country, with over 1,500 people coming each week to worship God and connect with others. The atmosphere is electric, with people from all walks of life coming together to sing, pray and take

by Aaron Hannaford

in the Word of God.

The River Worship is not just about music and singing, though. It’s also about community and connection. Canada Christian College (CCC) believes that worship is not just something you do on your own, but something you do with others. So they have created a space where people can come and be themselves, where they can find acceptance and love, where they can connect with others who share their faith, and where they can find faith in Jesus Christ.

The school has also been careful and intentional about its plans to promote revival and Christian unity. In its outreach to local churches in Durham and across the GTA, CCC has reportedly promised local pastors that The River Worship will not become a standalone church. On the basis of that promise, several local congregations have begun sending their young adults to the midweek service, with some churches in Oshawa, Scarborough and even Brampton, reserving dozens of seats each Tuesday for

their groups.

One of the unique aspects of The River Worship is the way technology is incorporated into the gatherings. They use social media extensively to connect with people and share their messages with a wider audience. They also use video and lighting to create an immersive experience that aims to enhance the worship experience.

This focus on technology and innovation is reflective of a larger trend among Generation Z, the generation that is now entering adulthood. Generation Z is known for its tech-savviness and its desire for authenticity and connection. They are also the most diverse generation in history, with a wide range of ethnicities, cultures, and beliefs.

However, despite their diversity, Generation Z is also facing a crisis of loneliness and disconnection. According to a recent study by the Cigna Health Insurance Company, Generation Z is the loneliest generation, with 70% reporting feelings of loneliness and isolation.

The River Worship is one way that the Church is ministering to Generation Z.

By creating spaces where people can come together and connect with each other in meaningful ways. They are using technology to create a sense of community and belonging, while also emphasizing the importance of authentic relationships.

The River Worship is also reflective of a larger trend in the world of worship music. Over the past decade, there has been a shift away from traditional hymns and choir music and towards a more contemporary style of worship music. This music is often characterized by its use of modern instrumentation, simple melodies, and repetitive lyrics that are easy to sing.

This style of music has become incredibly popular among young adults, and The River Worship is no exception. Contemporary worship music is used to create an immersive and engaging worship experience that speaks to the hearts of their audience. Despite its popularity, contemporary worship music has also been criticized for its simplicity and lack of theological depth. However, the organizers of The River Worship believe that this music has the power to connect with people in a way that traditional hymns sometimes cannot. They believe that worship is not just about the music, but about the heart behind it. Yes, lyrics are important, but the heart posture of the worshipper is also important.

Prominent worship leaders such as Kim Walker-Smith, Mack Brock, Brooke Nicholls, Maverick City’s Maryanne J George, Ryan Ofei, Elevation Worship’s Tiffany Hudson, Jonsal and Jenna Barrientes and Isaiah Templeton have been guest worship leaders at the campus in Whitby.

The River Worship is not just a weekly gathering, but a move of God that is changing the way people think about worship and community. It’s a place where people can come and experience God in a new and fresh way, where they can connect with others who share their faith, and where they can find acceptance and love.

As Generation Z continues to grapple with issues of loneliness and disconnection, The River Worship provides a powerful example of how technology and excitement toward Biblical traditions can allow God to move in a new and fresh way in His people.

The River Worship meets on Tuesdays at 7:30pm. Admission is free. The services run in ‘seasons’ which are analogous to college semesters. ‘Season 5’ ends April 25, and ‘Season 6’ begins May 23. www.theriverworship.ca

Aaron Hannaford is pursuing a Bachelor of Theology degree at Canada Christian College, He is currently taking the Intro to Journalism class taught by Christian Herald Publisher Fazal Karim, Jr.

Canada Christian College opens up its weekly student chapel service to the wider community, and congregations enthusiastically jump onboard.

Congregations in the GTA and beyond are sending their young adults to The River Worship, and the midweek chapel service in Whitby has seen its attendance regularly reach 1,500-2,500 people. Photo courtesy Canada Christian College.

Christian Music Festival at Nathan Phillips Square to return Victoria Day Weekend

Jay and Molly Banerjei, organizers of the Christian Music Festival to be held in downtown Toronto on Saturday May 20, say the one-day music event is a celebration of faith, freedom and diversity.

Their aim is to build an annual multicultural celebration that draws people from all ethnicities and cultures from right here and around the world.

The festival will feature artists and worship teams from congregations across the city at Toronto’s iconic Nathan Phillips Square in front of City Hall. The 2023 Headliners will be the ‘musical missionaries’ known as Christafari. The multi-genre event will be held from 1:00pm through 9:00pm at the Square.

While the Banerjeis are encouraging everyone to “put on their dancing shoes and become a part of this incredible move of God in our great city”, it’s not all about the music.

During the fest, there will also be prayers for peace in both Ukraine and Russia, and prayers for the peace and prosperity of

Franklin Graham to Speak at NRB Convention in May

The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) association has announced that worldwide evangelist and missionary Franklin Graham will deliver the keynote address to the Opening Session of the 2023 NRB International Christian Media Convention on May 22, 2023, at the Orlando World Center Marriott (Orlando, Florida).

Graham has carried on a generational legacy of sharing the Gospel through every medium available; from face-to-face evangelism to

hands-on acts of service to digital campaigns reaching millions of listeners and viewers.

As the Opening Session headliner, Graham will set the tone for NRB 2023 by reminding Christian media leaders of the critical importance of remaining faithful to the historic truths of Scripture.

During the pandemic, Graham created the 24-hour Billy Graham Prayer Line, which has received more than 1.7 million calls to date.

www.nrbconvention.org

Canada, amidst these turbulent times.

The event is absolutely free (donations can be made online) and a select number of display booths are available for ministries and businesses.

The Banerjeis are asking the Church to show up and make a joyful noise in Canada’s largest city. Says Jay: “Help us spread the word and let’s worship our King, together! www.christianmusicfestival.org

Toronto March for Life to be held Friday, May 12

The 2023 Toronto March for Life will take place Friday, May 12, 2023 from 11:00am to 3:00pm. The rally will be held at Queen’s Park – Legislative Assembly of Ontario, 1 Queen’s Park Circle, Toronto. Sponsored by We Need A Law, Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform, and Toronto Right to Life, the event aims to gather the pro-life movement in Canada’s largest city to stand against the injustice of abortion.

www.torontomarchforlife.ca

Cántaro Institute to host apologetics conference at Brock University on April 29

The Cántaro Institute has announced their first in-person annual event, the 2023 Niagara Conference, which will be geared towards informing and equipping the thinking Christian, as well as inspiring the pondering skeptic in exploring the comprehensive scope and rationality of the Christian worldview. The inaugural conference will be held Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 10:00am-4:00pm. Organized jointly with the Faith & Life Center at Brock University, the event will have as its theme: ‘The Inspired Word’. Featuring speakers include Vishal Mangalwadi (author of The Book that Made Your World), Dr. Scott Masson (Tyndale UC), Wesley Huff (Apologetics Canada),

and Steven R. Martins (Cántaro Institute).

Vishal Mangalwadi

The Bible continues to be the world’s best-selling book of all time, having sold 5 billion copies to date. Over the course of history, the Bible has gone on to significantly impact the fields of science, medicine, technology, human rights, education, amongst other things. To what can we accredit its transformative power? How should we understand its place in the world? Is it still relevant for our day and age? Join the conference at the Faith & Life Center at Brock University in St. Catharines and find out more about the transformative power, impact, and witness of the Bible. Ticket price $35.

www.cantaroinstitute.org

Franklin Graham

Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash

His Only Son

Angel Studios’ latest project explores the story of Abraham and Issac

It is one of the most controversial moments in all Scripture-- when the Lord God tested Abraham by commanding him to take his son, his only son, and sacrifice him on the mountain of Moriah.

The latest work from Angel Studios - the studio behind The Chosen - illustrates that striking account. The film follows Abraham, his son and their two servants as they journey for three days to the place of the offering. Along the way, the men encounter dangers and trials as Abraham silently relives memories spanning the decades he and his wife, Sarah, longed for the son God had promised.

Angel has perfected the art of Christian film crowdfunding, and with His Only Son the company raised the necessary funds to release the film theatrically. The movie was directed by David Helling, a U.S. Marine Corp veteran whose time in the deserts of Iraq formed the impetus for the film.

The film’s commitment to accuracy is seen even in the casting–with Abraham played by Nicolas Mouawad, a beloved Lebanese film and TV actor, and Sarah played by Sara Sayed, who was born and raised in Tehran. Edaan Moskowitz, born in California to Israeli parents, makes his feature film debut as Issac.

Helling says the film aims to answer the critics as well as the confused, by exploring the meaning and purpose of God’s testing of Abraham.” And He says, there’s a contemporary message as well: “For us now, the days seem darker than many of us can remember, and at a time when humanity is so downcast, we are in dire need of inspiration to lift us up again. May this film serve as a reminder that in the hard times, in the hurt, in the sadness and in the loss, there is a plan, and there is a purpose for it all.”

His Only Son is in theatres now, for a limited time. For more info visit www.HisOnlySonmovie.com

“But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen” Matt. 28: 5-6a [ESV] A Happy and Blessed Easter to you and yours

from the Management, Writers and Volunteers of Christian HERALD

Abraham [Nicolas Mouawad] and Issac [Edaan Moskowitz] on Mount Moriah in Angel Studios’ latest film, His Only Son.

[Photo courtesy Angel Studios]

The Logic of the Resurrection

Ibelieve in the resurrection of Jesus Christ for several reasons. I find the accounts of the resurrection in the New Testament compelling, I believe the resurrection is the only satisfactory explanation for the explosive growth of the church and the Holy Spirit convinces me that it is true. Yet another very strong piece of evidence is simply this: it makes sense. Although the first disciples were clearly not expecting Jesus to rise from the dead, there is in fact a powerful logic to the resurrection.

To those watching at the time, Jesus died on the cross as a guilty criminal, a make-believe Messiah who had proved to be false. The resurrection overturns that judgement; it says that despite superficial appearances

by Canon J. John

this man was, in fact, who he claimed to be – the Son of God and the Saviour of God’s people. God could not let his Son stay dishonoured by the shame of the cross. He had to be raised. There is thus a moral logic to the resurrection.

There is also a legal logic to the resurrection. Death, according to the Bible, is the just penalty for sin. As all human beings sin, we all fall under a sentence of death. As the only sinless person who has ever lived, Jesus could not stay dead, but had to be released from death’s grip. He was, as it were, illegally imprisoned, and so had to be released from

death. This is surely behind Peter’s argument in Acts 2:24 when he says of Jesus, ‘But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.’

A significant theme in the New Testament is that the cross was the place where

Jesus Christ battled against Satan and defeated him (Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:1415). Yet if Jesus had remained dead in the grave there would have been no certainty for his followers that he had won. Doubt would have reigned. The resurrection of Jesus proclaims the fact that he was victorious over Satan (1 John 3:8) and there is therefore a spiritual logic to the resurrection.

There is a psychological logic to it as well. God’s plan from all eternity was that Jesus Christ would become the head of a people of God who would bring in followers from across the world. That’s a tough task for God’s people; it could be seen as an in-

Continued on Page 15

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Nowinasafeplace,LamiwonderswhatGod hasinstoreforherandherchildren. Asshe growsin herfaith, sheis learningnew skills that will help sustain her family in the future.

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There is in fact a powerful logic to the resurrection.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Christian HERALD

Southern Ontario’s most comprehensive guide to Christian events

BUSINESS

Canadian Christian Business Federation

Monthly Morning Meetings

Local chapters of The Canadian Christian Business Federation host monthly morning breakfast meetings for Christian business and professional leaders, men and women, in select Southern Ontario cities. For more information, or to inquire about starting a CCBF chapter in your community, visit www.ccbf.org

CONCERTS & MUSIC

Gospel Music Industry Hub

Mondays; 7:00pm

GMI Hub Online is a weekly meeting and webcast of panel meetings with successful gospel music industry leaders discussing the state of the gospel arts industry and sharing their experiences and knowledge. www.gmihub.ca

The River - Season 5

Tuesdays @ 7:00pm [begins January 2023]

Midweek worship has arrived in the Durham Region! You’ll find us at the Canada Christian College auditorium, 300 Water Street, Whitby. The River exists so you can come before God in the middle of the week, leave everything else

at the door, and encounter Him in a personal and meaningful way. Expect to hear your favourite current worship songs and get ready to worship. Things might get a little loud! www.theriverworship.ca

Whitby Christian Coffeehouse

Saturdays; 7:30-9:30pm

The Coffee House is an outreach ministry of Durham Full Gospel Church focused on spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was established over thirty-eight years ago and is still going strong. Halfway through the evening there is a 15-minute break for refreshments and fellowship. Each night there is a different Christian group ministering through songs and testimonies of what the Lord has done in their lives. Held at 419 Brock St North, Whitby. For the current schedule of performing artists, visit www.durhamfullgospelchurch.org.

Live In Concert: Joshua Aaron!

Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 7:00pm Messianic Mandate invites you to a worship concert with award-winning Messianic Israeli singer/song writer Joshua Aaron! Expect a dynamic, Spirit-filled evening of worship in the presence of the Lord! A special ‘Love Offering’ will be received for the ministry of Joshua Aaron. Seating is limited. Tickets are $15. Go to www.MessianicMandate.com to order.

Elevation Nights 2023 Tour Toronto

Thursday, April 27, 2023; 7:00pm

Premier Productions and Elevation Church announce Elevation Nights Spring 2023 Tour, featuring Elevation Worship and Steven Furtick. The life-changing night of worship will sweep across eight cities this Spring as this passionate group of award-winning worship leaders brings their message of hope and life to audiences across the country. At Scotiabank Arena, Toronto. www.premierproductions.com

Lift Up Praise - A Night of Worship

Saturday, April 29, 2023; 6:30pm

Featuring: Sarah Kariuki Hatt, Ministral Osas, Anthony Aigbe, Natareo Johnson and other gospel artists. This is a free event but there will be a freewill offering. Held at Wilmer Heights Baptist Church, 1687 Victoria Park Avenue, Scarborough, ON M1R 1R7. For more information please contact 647-388-2310 or liftuppraise@gmail.com.

2023 Christian Music Festival

Saturday, May 20, 2023; Noon-9:00pm

Let’s put on our dancing shoes! Come to this one-day, multi-genre musical extravaganza and enjoy a day filled with fun and excitement. Come and experience an explosive atmosphere of praise and worship and great Gospel Music, including the main headliner, Christafari! We look forward to seeing you at the Christian

Music Festival, on the Saturday of Victoria Day weekend, at Nathan Philips Square in Downtown Toronto. Admission is Free! www.christianmusicfestival.org

GMI Hub Artist Showcase

Monday, May 29, 2023; 7:00pm

GMI Hub continues its series of Artist Showcases on May 29! The showcase features: Luke Langman, Yemisi, Tom Roe, Adrian Prince and Jason Dunn. Held at 3434 Cawthra Road, Mississauga. Tickets $10 ($15 at the door.) www.gmihub.ca/events

Victorious Festival 2023

Saturday, June 10, 2023; 6:00pm

Featuring Lecrae, Chris Tomlin and Flame. At Coca-Cola Coliseum, in the heart of downtown Toronto. Presented by Land of Hope. Sponsored by Canadian Bible Society, Compassion, Redeemer University, Crossroads and more. Tickets $49 and up. www.victoriousfestival.ca

CONFERENCES/MEETINGS

2023 Niagara Conference

Saturday, April 29, 2023; 10:00am-4:00pm

The Cántaro Institute is excited to announce our first in-person annual event, the 2023 Niagara Conference, which will be geared towards informing and equipping the thinking

To list your event in the Community Calendar, format your listing exactly as those on this page and email it to us at info@christianherald.ca. Submissions which are incorrectly formatted may not be published. All submissions are subject to space and taste considerations. Christian Herald reserves the right to decide what is appropriate, and may edit submissions. Placement in the Community Calendar is NOT guaranteed. All persons and organizations submitting events to the Community Calendar must agree with the Statement of Faith as found on our website at www.christianherald.ca. Events sponsored by churches which distribute Christian Herald will be given priority. Your calendar listing must reach Christian Herald by the 15th of the month preceding the issue in which you would like it to be printed. (For example, the listing must arrive by the 15th of April to be included in the May issue.)

Christian, as well as inspiring the pondering skeptic in exploring the comprehensive scope and rationality of the Christian worldview. Our inaugural conference, organized jointly with the Faith & Life Center at Brock University, will have as its theme: The Inspired Word. Featuring speakers include Vishal Mangalwadi (author of The Book that Made Your World), Dr. Scott Masson (Tyndale UC), Wesley Huff (Apologetics Canada), and Steven R. Martins (Cántaro Institute).

The Bible continues to be the world’s bestselling book of all time, having sold 5 billion copies to date. Over the course of history, the Bible has gone on to significantly impact the fields of science, medicine, technology, human rights, education, amongst other things. To what can we accredit its transformative power? How should we understand its place in the world? Is it still relevant for our day and age? Come and join us at the Faith & Life Center at Brock University in St. Catharines and find out more about the transformative power, impact, and witness of the Bible. Ticket price $35. Attendees will receive a gift of free books as part of their admission. Register soon as there is limited space! www.cantaroinstitute.org

CCMF Spring Conference & Ordination

Saturday, May 6, 2023; 12:30pm-6:00pm

The Canadian Christian Ministers Federation will hold their 2023 Spring Conference and Ordination service on May 6 at Kerala Christian Assembly, 121 Norfinch Dr, North York. With special speaker Rev. Thomas George. www.ccmfcanada.com

2023 Toronto March for Life

Friday, May 12, 2023; 11:00am-3:00pm

On May 12, 2023, join us in the largest city in the country and stand united with the pro-life movement against the injustice of abortion. Sponsored by We Need A Law, Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform, and Toronto Right to Life. Held at Queen’s Park – Legislative Assembly of Ontario, 1 Queen’s Park Circle, Toronto. www.torontomarchforlife.ca

2023 NRB Convention

May 22-25, 2023 | Orlando, Florida

NRB 2023 is the premier conference for Christian communicators. Whether you work in radio, TV, film, church media, or digital marketing, the NRB International Christian Media Convention is a can’t-miss event. www.nrbconvention.org

MOVIES

His Only Son

In selected theatres now

www.HisOnlySonmovie.com

Jesus Revolution

In selected theatres now www.JesusRevolution.movie

PRAYER

24 Hour Worshippers Toronto

Monthly

The mission of 24HW is to exalt God through worship and prayer as one body, while standing in the gap for the city, the country and the church. Worship and prayer teams from congregations in Toronto take 2-hour slots and pray through a weekend each month, starting on Friday at 7:00pm and running for 24 hours. www.24hourworshippers.com

SUPPORT GROUPS

Alpha Alpha is an 11-week course that creates a space, online or in person, where people are excited to bring their friends for a conversation about life, faith and Jesus. The same Alpha content is run all over the world, by Christians of all traditions, and provides a common expression of faith. Over 1 million people in Canada have experienced Alpha, and millions more have taken Alpha in over 100 countries and over 100 languages around the globe. Find a local Alpha course at www.alphacanada.org

DivorceCare

DivorceCare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Don’t go through separation or divorce alone. Find a local group at www.divorcecare.org.

DivorceCare for Kids (DC4K)

Are your children angry, hurt, and confused about your separation or divorce? A DivorceCare for Kids (DC4K) support group is a safe, fun place where your children can learn skills that will help them heal. DC4K groups blend, games, music, stories, videos and discussion to help kids process the divorce and move forward. Groups meet weekly and are designed for children ages 5-12. Find a local group at www.dc4k.org

GriefShare

GriefShare is a weekly support group for those facing the loss of a loved one through death. You will be most welcomed into a warm caring environment in which you can receive hope and encouragement by relating to others who are facing similar emotions. Find a local GriefShare

group at www.griefshare.org

Parents of Human Trafficking Victims: Online Support Group

First and Third Thursdays, 7:00-9:00 pm (Family members suffer greatly when a loved one becomes entangled in the sex trade. If you are a parent or family member of a young person exploited in this way, we offer a safe space for you to be understood. Zoom in or meet with us in person to process your feelings without fear of judgment. We also work with families, individually, to bring an end to the exploitation. Parents Hope is part of the Christian ministry of Lifeworthy - SIM Canada. For more info, please email Lynda at parents.hope@lifeworthy.ca or visit: www.lifeworthy.ca

Pure Desire

Pure Desire Ministries International is a biblically-based and clinically-informed ministry committed to true revival in the church through the healing of the present day epidemic of sexual brokenness. Pure Desire groups offer a roadmap to recovery from sexual addiction, betrayal, and relationship issues by providing a safe, confidential place to process your life story: learning how family of origin, traumatic experiences, and wounding messages impact relationships.

www.puredesire.org/join-a-group

Sharing The Burden

There is Hope! Come and take life-healing steps. Addiction, anxiety, depression, co-dependency. Don’t be alone with it any longer. Group support, all welcome. email: scott@sharingtheburden.ca or visit www.sharingtheburdenradio.org.

WOMEN

PraiseMoves

PraiseMoves, called the Christian alternative to

Yoga, is a series of stretching and strength-building postures, each linked to a verse of Scripture we focus upon while doing the posture. In this way, we are not only building strength, flexibility and balance in our bodies; we are also being “transformed by the renewing of (our) minds” on the Word of God (Rom. 12:2), nourishing our spirits and praising the Lord through His Word.

Classes include PraiseMoves Gold (for seniors and anyone with limited physical mobility) PraiseMoves, PraiseBarre (a fusion of PraiseMoves and Barre exercises to Power up your workout with low impact high intensity exercises) and MIRA! (dance as a celebration of Praise to the Lord - some say, an alternative to Zumba). Classes are held at Richview Church, 1548 Kipling Ave., Etobicoke. An exercise mat is recommended. Held at Richview Baptist Church, 1548 Kipling Ave, Etobicoke. Cost: Free. For more info contact: Inez Cann RN, CPI, CMI (Certified PraiseMoves and Mira Instructor) 416-237-1794 or email inezcann@hotmail. com. www.praisemoves.com

Moms in the Making

Christian Infertility Support Group

First and Third Tuesdays; 7:00pm

Moms in the Making exists to support and encourage women on their journey to becoming a mom by sharing the hope and truth of God’s Word. One way we accomplish this mission is by hosting in-person groups, which meet twice a month as we together focus on scripture and our hope in Jesus. Moms in the Making groups are for married women who, in partnership with their husband, are looking to expand their family. Whether you are taking a natural approach or pursuing treatments, adoption, foster care or a different route, you are welcome. The Newmarket, Ontario group which meets at 7pm on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month. www.momsinthemaking.com/ontario

UK Christian Couple Prints Millions of Coronation

Bond-ing with Israel

Israel Bonds allows the world to partner with the Jewish nation

We are just weeks away from Israel’s 75th birthday. Nearly 75 years ago, on May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion spoke six words that electrified the world:

“The State of Israel has arisen!”

Three years later, Ben-Gurion made another dramatic announcement: Israel Bonds, his initiative for a global economic partnership with Israel, had officially launched.

A defining moment in Israel’s history, the creation of Israel Bonds reinforced the deeply-held connection between supporters

of Israel around the world and the people of Israel. Together, they would build the reborn Jewish nation.

Today, the Israel Bonds enterprise has spread throughout the world. Friends of Israel on three continents continue to view Israel Bonds as value-added securities — and significant acquisitions for financial portfolios and direct investments in a land of creative achievement.

Israel Bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the State of Israel, which has always made interest and principal payments

on Israel Bonds since the first bond was issued.

From its launching in 1951, and continuing through the present day, Israel Bonds has played a unique role in Israel’s rapid progression from struggling agrarian nation to global economic powerhouse.

Today, investing in Israel Bonds supports a nation of extraordinary innovation that continues to push the boundaries of modern technology.

Submitted by Israel Bonds / Canada-Israel Securities, Limited, registered as an Exempt Market Dealer.

LOS ANGELES – A Christian couple in the UK have printed three million copies of what looks remarkably like a fifty-pound note featuring King Charles on the front and a gospel message on the back. John and Daniela Harris, representatives for the U.S. non-profit Living Waters, plan to distribute these in London during the coronation.

Ray Comfort, Living Waters CEO and Founder, said, “The May 6 Coronation service, which will be held at Westminster Abbey, will be streamed live to hundreds of millions around the world. Given the religious content of the service, the world in effect is going to church.”

During the service, millions will witness King Charles lay his hand on the Bible and swear to uphold the biblical truth of salvation by grace through faith alone, Comfort explained.

“He will be presented with a number of swords, including a sharp sword of justice and a blunt sword of mercy. Ten fascinating aspects of the service will symbolize the truths of the gospel, such as a scepter (as carried by King David and King Solomon), an orb (depicting the reign of Jesus Christ over the whole earth), and the anointing of oil (symbolic of the Holy Spirit).”

The Harrises initially printed two million of these notes locally for volunteers from throughout the UK and Europe, who will hand them out at the coronation festivities. So many people responded that the Harrises had to quickly order another million. John Harris stated, “This is an unprecedented opportunity to give the gospel to the millions who will line the streets of London, as well as to millions throughout the UK who will gather to watch the live broadcast.”

These commemorative notes are offered free, with free postage to the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. For more details and to request free “Coronation Millions,” go to Livingwaters.com/London.

Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion welcomes an early Israel Bonds delegation to Jerusalem. Seated are (l-r) Dr. Joseph Schwartz, Abraham Feinberg, and Max Bressler Source: Israel Bonds Wikipedia Page/License: CC BY-SA 4.0

‘Notes’ for Living Waters’ ‘Operation London’ at King Charles’ Coronation

The Logic of the Resurrection (cont’d)

Continued on Page 11

vitation to martyrdom. It’s a bit less tough when you have a living leader who, through his Holy Spirit, can go with you and be present with you. In Jesus, the separation between human beings and God going back to the rebellion of Adam and Eve is ended and God becomes accessible again. So, at the start of Matthew’s Gospel we hear that the infant to be born to Mary will be Emmanuel or ‘God with us’ and at the end of that Gospel we read how Jesus will be with his people ‘until the end of the age’ (Matthew 28:20). There are many other passages in the Gospels that tell of Jesus being present with his people in an extraordinary way. For example, in Matthew 18:20

Jesus says, ‘For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them’ and in John’s Gospel he says that he will not leave his followers as orphans but ‘will come to’ them (John 14:18). Such verses make no sense unless Jesus can indeed be present with his people, something that demands the resurrection. Human beings do not just want a God in whom they can believe, they want a God who will be with them. The resurrection makes that possible in Jesus.

However you look at it, morally, legally, spiritually or psychologically, the resurrection of Jesus makes sense. It is something we need to understand and celebrate!

Evangelist, minister, speaker, social activist and writer, J.John (Revd Canon) lives in Chorleywood, Hertfordshire in England. www.canonjjohn.com

Next Issue: May 2023

Ad Deadline: April 21, 2023

Email: info@christianherald.ca

JOIN US IN ISRAEL ON A FULL Feast tour!

The Feast Tour includes touring as per Touring itinerary and all Feast 2023 Events. Check In 28 September | Check Out 7 October

Rates include the following:

• 10 nights’ accommodation in 4-star/3-star hotels including breakfast and dinner

• All Feast Events are included

• 7 full days licensed Israeli guide

• 9 full days air-conditioned luxury bus services with WIFI

• Entrance fees as per the itinerary suggested

• Headsets

Full Feast Tour itinerary:

 Indicates Guided tour  Indicates Feast Event

27 Sep Departure from Canada

28 Sep Arrival in Israel (Exploring Tel-Aviv and enjoying time on the Mediterranean Sea)

29 Sep

 Caesarea, Mount Carmel, Megiddo

 Opening Night at Galilee

30 Sep

01 Oct

Rates do NOT INCLUDE the following:

• Airfare to and from Israel

• Transfers to and from the airport (Available for additional cost.)

• Lunches

• Personal expenses of any kind

• Medical or Personal Insurance

• Gratuities to guide, driver, hotel staff, and restaurants

• Any other services not explicitly referred to in this quote are not included

02 Oct

 Boat Ride on the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Tabgha, Mount of Beatitudes, Mount Arbel

 Second Evening Event at Galilee

 Jordan River valley, Masada, Qumran, Ein Gedi – swim at the Dead Sea

 Roll Call of the Nations

 Morning Feast Events at Pais Arena

 Mt. of Olives, Palm Sunday Path, Garden of Gethsemane. Lions Gate, St. Anne’s Church, Way of the Cross

 Evening Event at Pais Arena

 Morning Feast Events at Pais Arena

03 Oct

 Southern Steps, Western Wall, Jewish Quarter, Cardo & Broad Wall.

 Evening Event at Pais Arena

04 Oct  Morning Feast Event at the Garden Tomb

 Afternoon Jerusalem March

To register or for more details about the Full Feast Tour, please go to: