LAND
MINISTRIES IN THIS
Canada Christian College • 2
Canadian Bible Society • 7, 8
Celebrate Recovery • 8
Christian Service Brigade Canada • 13
Crossroads Christian Communications/ 100 Huntley Street • 4, 6, 8
Freedom Session • 8
Kingdom Advisors Canada • 7
Mission Without Borders • 7, 15
Pickering Pentecostal Church • 6
Power To Change • 8
Salvation Army, The • 6
Scott Mission, The • 9
ShareWord Global • 10, 16
Shepherd Village • 5
Transform Our World Canada • 10
Women’s Christian Temperance Union • 11
Worship Road Radio • 12
for the Faith Community
Christian HERALD
Volume 31, No. 5 • July 2024
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 Art Wormald
Volunteer Distributors (Print
Edition)
John Campbell, Edgar Daniels, Sandra Diaz, Michelle Foster, Elaine Frith, Rochan Goonoo, John Howes, Rick Pacholko, Terence Roberts, Henry Stevens.
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 24,000 copies per issue. [July 2024]
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 2024.
May not be reprinted without permission.
Food Bank usage still on the rise
Salvation Army research finds food security challenges persist
New research from The Salvation Army Canada finds that many Canadians continue to struggle to meet their basic needs with food affordability, inflation and housing security challenges persisting as top issues.
As one of the largest non-governmental direct providers of social services in Canada, The Salvation Army produces the biannual Canadian Poverty and Socioeconomic Analysis to better understand the attitudes, behaviours and experiences of Canadians on issues such as the availability of housing and food, general affordability and related health outcomes.
Due to overwhelming feedback from policymakers, news media and other stakeholders, The Salvation Army will now produce the Canadian Poverty and Socioeconomic Analysis twice a year, in the spring and fall. This will allow The Salvation Army to quantify the demand for ongoing social services provided and help the organization to better serve those in need.
The most recent research shows Canadians rank health care, inflation and food affordability as their top concerns. These findings are in line with The Salvation Army’s internal data, which reveal households that were inactive in reaching out for help are now active, and the number of new households seeking assistance, such as food, clothing, furniture and emergency housing, is on the rise.
The report finds that 26 percent of Canadians polled continue to be extremely concerned about having enough income to cover their basic needs, and that concerns around food security are on the rise. While seven percent of respondents said they recently accessed a food bank, food hamper or community meal program (up from six percent in October 2023), the percentage of first-time users is up sharply, to 61 percent compared to 43 Percent in October 2023.
“The increase in first-time users of food banks is an alarming indicator of the conditions that many Canadians are facing,” said Lt-Colonel John Murray, territorial secretary for communications, The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda. “We often find that when people show up at a food bank it can be the tip of the iceberg for additional issues they may be facing. The Salvation Army is
Evangelicals gather to show support for Israel
Following the Walk With Israel on June 9, a number of Evangelical pastors and ministry leaders, community activists and politicians assembled at Toronto’s Revival Time Tabernacle for a meeting with their Jewish community counterparts to offer support and encouragement to the Jewish community locally and abroad, as antisemitic incidents have risen sharply. The meeting was attended by leaders such as Rev. Charles McVety, Rev. Pat Francis, MP Dr. Leslyn Lewis (Chair of the Canadian Parliamentary Israel Allies Caucus), Stockwell Day, Israel Allies Foundation President Josh Reinstein, and dozens of others.
A resolution was signed condemning the increase in antisemitism in Canada, and the attendees put forward ideas on how to work together for community peace, including an expected joint community event in Fall 2024.
committed to a holistic approach in supporting people through partnerships that help create a positive impact on individuals and families.”
The number of respondents who said they had skipped or reduced the size of at least one meal increased to 26 percent, up from 21 percent previously (October 2023).
More Canadians also said they’d bought less nutritious food to save money and had reduced their grocery bill to pay for other necessities.
On financial issues, 72 percent of respondents described challenges managing limited financial resources in the past year, including cutting back on non-essential needs (59 percent), changing habits to save money (52 percent) and using savings or going into debt to afford basic needs (36 percent).
“Despite easing inflation numbers, life is still difficult for many Canadians,” said Murray. “Food insecurity is just one symptom facing people today. At The Salvation Army, our vision is to reduce barriers and
address the root causes of poverty, working together with people to achieve their goals in overcoming them.”
Last year, more than three million visits were made to The Salvation Army in Canada
and Bermuda for assistance, including 2.1 million visits for food, clothing or practical help, 438,000 visits for Christmas food hampers and toys, and 3.2 million community meals.
Former Crossroads Centre renamed after re-purchase
As reported in our April 2024 edition, the Crossroads Communications broadcast facility in Burlington has been repurchased by the ministry through their YES TV sister corporation. At a special ‘Ignite Hope: Power In Unity’ event on May 10, Crossroads announced that the building has now been renamed the Crossroads Unity Commons, and a ceremonial ribbon-cutting was done by ministry co-founder Norma Jean Mainse and Crossroads CEO Kevin Shepherd. Ministries, businesses and video production houses looking for office or event space rental can visit www.crossroadsunitycommons.com
Pickering Pentecostal invests in Community Hub
Pickering Pentecostal Church (PPC) has embarked on a project to build a multi-function “Hub” in 7,000 square-feet of space on the church property previously rented to an insurance company. The project aims to create a safe place for the community to gather and belong. It will primarily be used for youths & seniors, but will also offer family programs such as Mommy & Me, Grief Share, and Autism support. Building the Hub will cost an estimated one million dollars and is expected to be completed spring 2025. To learn more or donate, go to www.fundthehub.ca
Kingdom Advisors host Toronto conference
Kingdom Advisors Canada, operating out of Ontario, is part of a larger North American network of approximately 3600 Christian financial professionals whose head office is located in Atlanta, Georgia. This community is growing worldwide with over 2200 attending the annual “Redeeming Money” conference in Orlando, Florida every February.
As part of the growth in Canada, KA National Director Lorne Robinson, hosted annual one-day events in Langley, Calgary and Toronto in May, with over 130 in attendance.
It’s a powerful way for like-minded Christian financial professionals to connect, clarify their calling, expand their expertise in offering biblically-wise financial advice, and earn industry-approved continuing education credits.
With approximately 200 Kingdom Advisors in Canada, almost half have studied to earn the Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®) designation. The CKA® course is an educational program designed to equip Christian financial professionals to bring their faith into their practice through in-
tensive training. These advisors have been trained to offer specialized advice that aligns with the values and priorities of Christians. Those who maintain this designation can be found on the KA website when searching for a Christian advisor.
www.kingdomadvisors.com/find-a-cka
Scan to learn more and get your ministry tool kit.
Ride2Provide Cycling Challenge this month
This July, join the Ride2Provide Cycling Challenge with Mission Without Borders and pedal with a purpose! The Ride2Provide initiative invites cycling enthusiasts of all levels to take on a personal distance challenge, raising funds to support vulnerable children and families across Eastern Europe. Whether you choose to ride 20 km or 2,000 km, your efforts can make a significant impact.
Participants can customize their fundraising goals at www.ride2provide.ca and track their progress via Strava, ensuring an engaging and transparent experience for both riders and their supporters. The funds raised are supporting scholarships, after-school programs, and summer camps, providing essential resources for children in countries like Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania. These programs are crucial in offering educational opportunities and a creating a sense of normalcy to kids affected by poverty and conflict in recent years.
One of the highlights of this year’s Ride2Provide is the matching donations offer, where the first $750 donated will be matched, doubling the impact of early con-
tributions. Additionally, there are exciting prizes and giveaways for fundraisers, adding an extra layer of motivation.
By participating in Mission Without Borders Ride2Provide, you’re not just cycling; you’re championing change and providing hope. Sign up today, choose your challenge, and ride to support families striving for a brighter future in some of the most disadvantaged regions of Eastern Europe. For more details and to register, visit Ride2Provide.ca and start your journey to make a difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable in Eastern Europe.
Rescuing the captives
It’s time Christians in the GTA took the fight against drug addiction to a whole new level
“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”
Luke 4:18-19 [BSB]
The level of drug use in Canada is at an all-time high. In January, a data analysis released by Go Smoke Free (a vaping product sales website) suggested that the country is the second-most drug-addicted country in the world, after the United States.
In 2019, the Global Drug Survey ranked Canada as having the second highest cocaine usage in the world, after Scotland. And this was before the pandemic shut down churches and social gatherings, causing drug use to skyrocket.
The Trudeau Liberals legalized access to marijuana for non-medicinal use in the fall of 2018, and the impacts have been severe. The smell of cannabis is now ubiquitous in public places, and a generation of young brains are being slowly poisoned. There have been medical warnings that chronic use has serious effects on the brain, especially for youth, and might even be linked to an increase in heart attacks. Post-legalization research is still ongoing, but some experts have claimed that some modern cannabis can be as addictive as heroin.
In addition, newer drug strategies like decriminalization are now being rolled back in Oregon, B.C. and a host of other places after an untold number of deaths and a prolific rise in street crime and homelessness. Safe Supply, a strategy where addicts are provided with safer alternatives to street drugs, is being blamed for large quantities of diverted opioid supplies ending up in black market sales on the street.
A horrifying video of conditions near a Vancouver ‘safe’ drug injection site went viral in March, showing people passed out, and women crying and screaming.
The situation is untenable, impacting the community not just in crime, personal safety and homelessness, but also with real economic consequences. A host of restau-
rants across the country have had to close or curtail late evening/overnight activities, leading to job losses among those who can least afford it.
Canada has a serious problem with drug use, and it’s unlikely that political change alone will be capable of fixing it.
The Cross and the battle against drug addiction
Christians have been engaging in the war against addiction for a long time. In the 1960’s, Pastor David Wilkerson engaged New York’s troubled street youth with the Gospel and started Teen Challenge. Some congregations host AA meetings, and Christian counselling is available both at churches and licensed private counselling practices.
More recently, Christian ministries have refined their approach to 12-step recovery programs.
Christian 12-step programs maintain the fundamental structure of the 12 steps (pioneered by AA in the 1930’s) but place a stronger emphasis on Christian theology. Participants are encouraged to foster a relationship with Jesus Christ, view their recovery journey through a Biblical lens, and use prayer and scripture as key tools in
their recovery process.
The Canadian Bible Society recently released a updated version of Overcomers, a Bible-based 12-Step Support and Recovery Program to help people who are struggling with life-controlling issues and destructive habits. (biblesociety.ca/overcomers). Power to Change has its Addiction Resource Ministry which has currently active groups in B.C., Edmonton, and Ottawa. Celebrate Recovery, which is one of the largest Christian recovery programs globally, has a strong presence in Canada. Celebrate Recovery offers a Christ-centered approach to tackling a wide range of issues, from substance abuse to emotional struggles. (celebraterecovery.ca).
Freedom Session is a personal healing discipleship journey “for people who are ready
“Canada has a serious problem with drug use, and it’s unlikely that political change alone will be capable of fixing it.”
to look honestly at how they deal with life’s challenges and discover the abundant life God intended them to live.” (freedomsession. com). The Salvation Army’s Harbour Light Center in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside not only offers Christian 12-step meetings, but also provides comprehensive support services, including housing, detoxification programs, and employment training. These are good programs, but the current drug epidemic we are facing, an epidemic that has ensnared so many, in so many different ways (cannabis, opioids, heroin, cocaine, etc.) for so many different reasons (fear, loneliness, trauma, abuse, etc.) demands a new level of unified response from the Church.
A coordinated response could entail:
• Congregations and denominations working together to ensure that every Ward/Neighbourhood in the GTA has access to an active Christian 12-step program by the end of 2025.
• Deploying a GTA-specific website with recovery testimonies and teaching videos and prayer resources, as a starting point for people and families impacted by addiction.
• Ensuring pastors and congregational leaders are familiar with recovery resources and can readily access information and support programs for their congregants.
• Ensuring congregations have the proper resources to dedicate at least one Sunday a year to focus on recovery from addiction, and prayer for the addicted.
• Working towards the goal of having a Christian university in Ontario introduce a Nursing program, so that congregations and para-church ministries can help to train and hire qualified personnel for ministry initiatives.
Jesus tasked us to go to the Least of These, and ordered us to proclaim the Good News and liberty to the captives. It’s time. Let’s go save these souls - and our cities.
by Fazal Karim, Jr.
MARKETPLACE CHRISTIAN HERALD
Attain your real estate buying, selling, or leasing objectives - whether for yourself, your business, or your Christian ministry. Contact Alex Rascanu, Real Estate Agent at Right at Home Realty, Brokerage (and mention ‘Christian Herald’) www.Rascanu.com alex@rascanu.com/647-471-3337
Small Business Website for only $199. Free website hosting for one year. Rank on the first page of major search engines.
Call 1-888- 491-1211 Ext. 3 or visit YourDreamWebsite.com.
Gospel Impact Conference coming this August
2-day Evangelism-focused event will feature speakers Mark Mittelburg, Andy Bannister, and worship with Rebecca St. James
With Canada’s population growing by leaps and bounds from immigration, it’s a perfect time for Believers to learn how to share their faith and grow in confidence in sharing the Gospel. Nowadays, a Christian doesn’t have to pack up and leave for foreign shores to become a missionary, the Lord has brought the mission field home to us!
We’ve previously covered ShareWord Global’s Ignite Evangelism events, where a local congregation is trained to evangelize their community during a morning session, and then ventures out into their neighbourhood in the afternoon to put the evangelism training into practice.
So what happens when ShareWord Global brings believers from all corners of the globe to Toronto with the intention of igniting the flames of Gospel-focused evan-
gelistic passion within the Church? We’re about to find out.
The Gospel Impact Conference will take place August 16-17 near Pearson Airport, and the 2-day international gathering will feature captivating speakers and exciting worship leaders, a transformative experience to connect with fellow believers and equip you and members of your congregation with tools to share the faith confidently.
Speakers include Mark Mittelberg, a renowned bestselling author, international speaker, and evangelism strategist, Mark Mittelberg has been instrumental in equipping individuals to confidently share their faith. He has decades of experience, including collaboration with Lee Strobel. His latest work, Contagious Faith: Discover Your Natural Style for Sharing Jesus with Others,
encapsulates his fervor for evangelism. Andy Bannister will also speak at the GIC. He is a celebrated podcast host, public speaker, and author. His book, How To Talk About Jesus Without Looking Like An Idiot, exemplifies his knack for fostering meaningful conversations about faith in today’s world. Other speakers include Graham Beckett from the U.K., Juan Carlos Letelier from Chile, and Katherine Arias from Canada.
Attendees and local music fans can also attend a special night of worship featuring Grammy®-winning singer/songwriter, author, actress, and recent feature of the movie
Unsung Hero, Rebecca St. James. Known for her powerful vocals and unwavering faith, Rebecca promises an intimate evening of praise and worship on the night of Friday, August 16.
The conference will be held at the Delta Hotels Toronto Airport and Conference Centre at 655 Dixon Road, and individual tickets are $275. (includes all sessions and all meals, including the Saturday Impact Dinner.) Tickets for the separate Friday night Evening of Worship are $30.
For more information and to purchase tickets for the Gospel Impact Conference, visit sharewordglobal.com/ca/conference
For more information and to purchase tickets for the Evening of Worship with Rebecca St. James, visit sharewordglobal.com/ca/worship-concert
Kingdom Builders Forum aims to unite Christians to transform society
The first Kingdom Builders Forum will take place in Downtown Toronto on Friday, July 26, aiming to network local believers and offer strategic insights into how Christians can unite to impact their communities with the Gospel.
Sponsored by Transform Our World Canada, the event will feature speakers like Dr. Ed Silvoso (Founder of Tranform Our World), Christy Childers (serial entrepreneur and former Meta/Facebook and Dropbox employee), Chuck Proudfit (serial entrepreneur, Harvard grad. Founder of At Work on Purpose), Glem Dias (Canadian business leader and consultant, originally from India), and Bryan Elliott (serial entrepreneur and author).
The Forum will he held at Vantage Venues, 150 King Street West, Toronto. The cost for the day-long event is $230 per ticket (Dinner included.)
For more information or to register, visit kingdombuildersforum.ca
Rebecca St. James
Nellie McClung, a Christian Whirlwind
Western Methodist fought for women’s rights and temperance
by Art Wormald
Every female Canadian owes a great debt to a Christian whirlwind from Western Canada for their rights to vote, work outside the home, study, own a bank account and have legal rights. Who was she? She was Nellie McClung. Her birth name was Nellie Mooney in Chatsworth, Ontario, in 1873. Her parents were Methodists. She was active in the local Methodist church. Nellie started school at age 10 and learned to read and write. At age 16, Nellie passed the provincial exams to be eligible for teacher’s college. She went to Manitou, Manitoba to teach school.
She boarded with the local Methodist pastor’s family whose name was McClung. In 1902. Nellie entered a short story competition, but did not win. She was encouraged to turn her story into a novel. Her purpose in writing was to use writing as a teaching tool. Her first novel sold 100,000 copies. Nellie went on to write 9 works of fiction, 8 works of non-fiction, numerous articles and speeches on issues. In 1896 She married Wes McClung, the pastor’s son. They had 5 children. Nellie observed women had no property rights, could not vote, have a career outside the home, or have a bank account.
Being a member of the WCTU which was campaigning for women to have the vote and to prohibit the sale of alcohol, Nellie was active in these causes, with her husband’s support.
Frustrated that petitions fell on deaf male politicians ears, Nellie and others in 1914 met Manitoba Premier Roblin. Roblin told Nellie and others the place of women was in the home, period!!
In 1916, the McClungs moved to Edmonton where Nellie successfully advocated in Alberta for the women’s vote. In 1921 she was elected to the Alberta legislature and Nellie championed a mother’s allowance, immigrant women workers and property rights for women. (Her advocacy also in-
cluded the Alberta Sexual Sterilization Act, which did harm to those deemed “mentally deficient”, and to First Nations women.)
Nellie was defeated in the 1926 Alberta election due to her advocacy of temperance.
Nellie, and 4 other WCTU allies knew women were considered “non-persons.” So they took the cause to the Privy Council.
The Council ruled that women were “ per sons. “ Therefore women could vote, own property, hold public office, own a bank ac count, and have a career outside the home.
Nellie was the only Canadian Methodist del egate to the World Methodist Conference in 1921. She advocated for women’s ordina tion in the Methodist/United Church and was successful in 1936. She fought for the Canadian-Japanese who were deprived of their citizenship during the Second World War unsuccessfully. Nellie was a governor on the board of the CBC from 1936-1942. She passed away in 1951 in B.C.
God used Nellie McClung and other women who cooperated with her to fight for rights for all women in Canada. Praise the Lord for her persistence and courage in the face of verbal and violent opposition.
God calls His people women and men to make a better world for us and for his glory, to wipe the wrongs in this world. What is God calling you to do in this world for his for his glory?
Nellie McClung
Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Worship Road Radio launches
New digital music platform promises more songs, no ads
Anew advertising-free digital platform for Christian worship music has launched in Canada.
Worship Road Radio announced its official launch in May, introducing a transformative digital platform for Christian worship music. Based in Vancouver, Worship Road Radio is the first nationally accessible Christian radio station in Canada and is set to revolutionize the listener experience by offering an ad-free digital ecosystem.
Departing from traditional radio formats, Worship Road Radio eliminates the interruption of ads and frequent fundraising, aiming to provide a seamless worship music experience. Beyond just broadcasting, Worship Road Radio also offers each program as an on-demand playlist on Spotify and YouTube Music, facilitating a deeper engagement with the audience. This allows listeners to explore and reconnect
Concerts
Galore!
The GTA is suddenly a hotbed of large-scale Christian music events
The rapid population growth happening in the Greater Toronto Area over the past several years has apparently had a interesting side effect: a boom in Christian music concerts.
Following the pandemic shutdowns, Christian young adults have flocked to events. The River Worship nights at Canada Christian College in Whitby regularly sees over 2,000 attend the free Tuesday night worship service. That has helped kick Toronto’s Christian concert scene into overdrive, and the post-pandemic demand and population growth has clearly attracted the attention of U.S. concert promoters.
The announcements keep coming fast and furious. Petra’s reunion tour lands in
with their favorite programs at their convenience, effectively merging live streaming with personalized digital playlists.
Worship Road Radio’s unique digital ecosystem enhances listener engagement by offering multiple access points for its 24/7
live stream. Whether through smartphones, phone apps, tablets, laptops, radio aggregators like Radio.net, or smart speakers (e.g., “Alexa, play Worship Road Radio”), the station ensures easy access to its ad-free content, making it a go-to source for worship music anytime, anywhere.
Worship Road Radio distinguishes itself by offering a weekly song rotation that features over 125% more tracks than conventional Christian radio, directly addressing listener concerns about repetitive playlists. With its no-ad policy, which allows for 30% more music per hour, the station prominently features independent and emerging artists often ignored by traditional formats. Moreover, Worship Road Radio expands the definition of worship music beyond industry norms to include any song that inspires listeners to worship God. This broad and uninterrupted programming sig-
nificantly enhances the listener experience, ensuring a diverse and engaging selection of music.
Founded by Scott Fehrenbacher, former CEO of the digital Christian platform Crosswalk.com and a leader in digital transformation of Christian higher education at Grand Canyon University, Worship Road Radio is more than just a radio station—it embodies a mission-driven movement. “Our goal is to forge the next digital generation of Christian radio, broadening accessibility and the diversity of music across Canada and North America,” said Fehrenbacher, who also has experience on the Gospel Music Association Board of Directors. “Worship is a unifying force within the Church, and through our platform, we aim to extend this unifying power of worship music to a broader audience.”
www.worshiproad.com
PHOTO: Mike Janzen (left at piano) brought his latest album of Psalm interpretations, Songs from the Canyon, to Toronto’s TD Music Hall this spring. Available at digital and streaming outlets, the project features Janzen musically painting vivid, powerful textures as he explores Creation’s aweinspiring landscapes along with the deep, plunging canyons of life’s suffering. The Toronto-based artist melds jazz, pop and classical styles, and has been nominated for both Juno and Covenant Awards.
Toronto on July 6, with Lauren Daigle taking the Coca Cola Coliseum stage July 27.
On Friday, August 16, Rebecca St. James, Chris Tomlin and Matthew West
will all headline separate GTA concerts on the same night!
‘Goodness of God’ songstress CeCe Winans will visit Toronto for one night on
September 19, and Maverick City Music will follow on November 19. All these events (and more) are listed in the Community Calendar on pages 14-15.
Lauren Daigle
Holiness Here:
Searching for God in the Ordinary Events of Everyday Life
By Karen Stiller NavPress
192 pages, Paperback
These days, brokenness feels more comfortable to discuss than holiness. It’s easier to say that we are messy than holy, that healing is a long way off. To say that we are holy seems like one step away from holier than thou, and no one ever wants to be that.
Holiness Here offers practical and inspiring ways to transform your life by helping you see the holiness within your ordinary, everyday life.
As a fellow pilgrim on the journey, Karen Stiller weaves together captivating stories, theological insights, and spiritual reflections to help you discover holiness in the mundane moments of your life. With her engaging style and accessible voice, Karen invites you to embark on a journey of spiritual growth, discipleship, and wisdom. You will explore holiness from a fresh perspective, from the importance of community and the role of the church to ways to cultivate a deeper relationship with God and live out your faith. Karen also explores topics like the fruit of the Spirit, money and work, hospitality, and humility.
Read on your own or with a group, Holiness Here is a rich spiritual formation and discipleship resource that will inspire you to seek out the beauty and wonder of a holy life.
The City-Wide Church: Unity That God Blesses
By Richard Long One Way Ministries
219 pages,
Paperback
Does church unity really matter?
When Jesus prayed, “Father, may they be brought to complete unity,” did He really expect to see His prayer answered in our communities?
In The City-Wide Church, Richard Long goes deep into the biblical imperative of unity to stretch your imagination for what is possible here and now.
Long has spent 35 years pastoring churches and fostering city-wide unity in Toronto, Hamilton, and Ottawa. He currently serves with the One Way Ministries team in Ottawa, which has been supporting the city-wide Church for over 27 years. Additionally, he advises the Canadian City Leaders Network
This book will inspire you with real-life stories, problem-solving scenarios, and easily transferable principles that can propel the Church in your city to the next level.
God promises to pour out great blessing where He finds unity among His people. This book serves as a guide for how to see this happen in your community. Richard Long’s insight and passion for the city-wide Church will fill you with hope for the future and draw you into the vision God has for His Church.
The Deconstruction of Christianity What It Is, Why It’s Destructive, and How to Respond
By Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett Tyndale House Publishers
304 pages, Paperback
Amovement called ‘deconstruction’ is sweeping through our churches and it is affecting our loved ones. It has disrupted, dismantled, and destroyed the faith of so many, and this book can help you not only understand what’s happening but also stand your ground and respond with clarity and confidence.
• Maybe you have a loved one who is deconstructing their faith, and you are struggling to know how to respond;
• Maybe you are trying to understand the radical spiritual makeover your friend or family member is going through;
• Maybe your relationship with a loved one has been strained or even cut off because of your “toxic” Christian beliefs and you don’t know what to do;
• Maybe you’re experiencing doubt yourself and facing hard questions about truth, God, the Bible, theology and the gospel.
Some who leave the faith feel wounded by the church. Others feel repressed by some of the moral imperatives found in Scripture. For some, it leads to a custom-made spirituality. For others, deconstructing their faith leads them away from the truth into agnosticism, atheism, the occult, or humanism.
In this seminal book, Alisa Childers, author of Another Gospel?, and Tim Barnett, creator of Red Pen Logic, will help you understand what deconstruction is, where it comes from, why it is compelling to some, and how it disorients the lives of so many. You will be able to think through the main issues around faith deconstruction and explore wise and loving ways to respond from a biblical worldview.
Becoming Homeschoolers: Give Your Kids a Great Education, a Strong Family, and a Life They’ll Thank You for Later
By Monica Swanson Zondervan
240 pages, Paperback
If you’ve ever wondered whether you have what it takes to homeschool your children, look no further. Parenting author, podcaster, and homeschool mom Monica Swanson is here to tell you: you can do it. In fact, it can be the most fun, family-unifying, character-building, life-equipping experience you and your children will ever have.
Becoming Homeschoolers tackles your legitimate doubts and fears about homeschooling, as well as the questions you want answered before you commit-questions like where to start and how to choose a curriculum, build social skills, teach what you’re not good at, and prepare for college. With humor and encouragement, Monica weaves her own story of homeschooling her four boys with stepby-step, practical advice on how to:
• Assess whether home education is right for you and your children
• Establish a foundation of faith in your everyday homeschool routine
• Find socialization opportunities such as sports and extracurricular activities
• Care for yourself and your marriage even as you spend more time each day with your kids
• Tackle the practical side of homeschooling, including standardized tests, transcripts, college readiness, and navigating education requirements.
It’s time to trade fear for empowerment and insecurity for confidence as you live out your own story of becoming homeschoolers.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR Christian HERALD
Greater Toronto’s most comprehensive guide to Christian events
BUSINESS | CONCERTS & MUSIC | CONFERENCES/MEETINGS | GOLF | MOVIES | PRAYER | SPORTS | SUPPORT GROUPS | WOMEN |
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 Worship
Tuesdays @ 7:00pm [Season Nine begins May 28th.] 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
Hubfest
Monday, July 1, 2024; 1:00pm-10:00pm
A FREE Canadian Gospel Music Festival featuring live performances from a variety of Canadian Gospel/Christian Music artists
including: The Torchmen, The 8th Line, Kevin Adams and Voices of Praise, Andrew Martin, Adrian Prince, RayTo, and more! Plus Food Trucks and fun for the whole family! Held at 3434 Cawthra Road, Mississauga. www.gmihub.ca
Petra: Best for Last Tour
Saturday, July 6, 2024; 7:00pm Held at 1536 The Queensway, Toronto. www.petrareunion.com
Lauren Daigle: The Kaleidoscope Tour
Sunday, July 27, 2024; 7:00pm With Blessing Offor. At Coca Cola Coliseum, Toronto. www.ticketmaster.ca
Kingdom Bound Festival 2024 July 29-31, 2024
Three incredible days of Live Concerts, Art, Teaching and more! All with complete access to Darien Lake Amusement and Water Parks in upstate New York! Over 50 Bands, Artists and Speakers, including Cece Winans, Casting Crowns, Anne Wilson, Matt Maher, and many more. Join thousands of Christian music fans! www.kingdombound.org
An Evening of Worship
with Rebecca St. James
Friday, August 16, 2024; 7:00-9:30pm
Come for a special night of worship led by one of the most defining artists in Christian music history, GRAMMY®-winning singer/songwriter, best-selling author, speaker and actress, Rebecca St. James! Presented by ShareWord Global, the concert will take place alongside the Global Impact Conference. Held at Delta Hotels Toronto Airport & Conference Centre, 655 Dixon Road, Toronto. Ticket Price: $30. Venue Doors Open: 7:00 pm, Concert Starts: 8:00pm. www.sharewordglobal.com.
Holy Forever World Tour
with Chris Tomlin and Pat Barrett
Friday, August 16, 2024; 7:00pm
At the Canada Event Centre, 300 Water Street, Whitby. www.uniteproductions.com
LIFE 100.3 25th Anniversary Party with Matthew West
Friday, August 16, 2024; 7:00-9:00pm
Join us to celebrate 25 years of LIFE 100.3. Featuring Matthew West in concert! Plus special guests The 8th Line, giveaways and more! Location: Cedarview Community Church, 1000 Gorham Street, Newmarket. Tickets are $50 +HST per person. www.lifeonline.fm
Cece Winans Live In Toronto
Thursday, September 19, 2024; 7:00pm With Special Guest Martine Kelsey. Held at: 1536 The Queensway, Toronto. General Admission: $70. www.GospelConnection.ca
CONFERENCES/MEETINGS
Return To The Power conference June 29 -July 1, 2024
Presented by Abundant Life Assembly in Rexdale, with Host Pastors Allan and Irene Bowen. Featuring Special Guest: Pastor Jonathan Rodkin- Campus Pastor Restoration of Hope Ministries Texarkana, TX. Monday, July 1 (Canada Day): 2-5pm Abundant Life Assembly-church parking lot- Mobile Truck Ministry Stage - Free BBQ with Music, Testimonies, Host: Pastor Al Bowen and special guest speaker: Pastor Jonathan Rodkin. www.facebook.com/events/s/return-to-thepower/308093312361634
Church on the Beach
Sundays, July 7 to Aug. 25, 2024; 8:45-10:00am Church on the Beach is a non-denominational worship service on Crystal/Bay Beach in Fort Erie. Come dressed for the beach! Bring your own chairs, blankets, beach towels, and other beach gear. Sponsored by Kingdom Bound Ministries in partnership with WDCX-FM. www.churchonthebeach.ca
2024 Christian Game Developers Conference July 11-13, 2024
The Christian Game Developers Conference is a unique event focused on encouraging and edifying those interested in both making games and glorifying God. We are thrilled to bring the community together in-person once again at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California. A virtual attendance option is available. Please consider joining us. We can’t wait to connect you with other Christian game developers who share your passion for Jesus and building original games! www.cgdc.org
Jesus In The City: 25th Anniversary Gala Friday, July 12, 2024; 7:00pm
Enjoy an elegant evening of dining, live entertainment, auctions, awards and more, celebrating 25 years of Jesus in the City. At the Canada Event Centre, 300 Water Street, Whitby. Tickets: $125. www.jesusinthecity.com
Kingdom Builders Forum: Transforming the Nation Together Friday, July 26, 2024; 9:00am - 9:00pm Presented by Transform Our World Canada. Join us as we gather Kingdom Builders like you from across Canada for this one-day event in the heart of Toronto (including dinner together). The purpose of this event is two-fold: • To connect you to other Kingdom-minded believers in Canada in your sphere of influence and region.
• To help you get practical about your next steps of Kingdom Building, through clear teaching, training, breakouts, and stories of transformation. Speakers include Ed Silvoso, Chuck Proudfit, Christy Childers, Glem Dias and Bryan Elliott. Held at Vantage Venues, 150 King St W, Toronto. Tickets: $60-$230. www.transformourworldcanada.ca
Christian Product Expo Summer 2024
August 4-6, 2024
CPE is a tradeshow featuring exhibitors of Christian resources and giftware, attended by Christian retailers from around the world. The event also features training and workshops, inspiration and entertainment from Christian authors and artists and more. Held at Grand Wayne Convention Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne, Indiana. www.cpeshow.com
Global Leadership Summit 2024
August 8-9, 2024
For over 30 years, the Global Leadership Summit has been empowering leaders worldwide. It offers a unique opportunity to access worldclass leadership training directly in your local community. When leaders get better, everyone wins. Various GTA locations. www.globalleadershipnetwork.ca
2024 Gospel Impact Conference
August 16-17, 2024
Are you eager to learn how to share your faith and grow in confidence to share the Gospel? Look no further! This August, believers from all corners of the globe will converge in Toronto for an extraordinary event that promises to ignite the flames of gospel-focused passion within you. Discover your calling at the Gospel Impact Conference, a 2-day international gathering featuring captivating speakers and exciting worship leaders who will inspire you with thought-provoking and life-changing teachings. This transformative experience is a unique opportunity to connect with fellow believers and equip yourself with tools to share your faith confidently. Featured speakers include Andy Bannister,
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 July to be included in the August issue.)
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Mark Mittelberg, Graham Beckett, and Katherine Arias. Held at the Delta Hotels Toronto Airport & Conference Centre, 655 Dixon Road, Toronto. Individual Ticket: $275. (Includes all meals including Saturday Impact Dinner, All plenary and breakout sessions. www.sharewordglobal.com
Christian Farmers Outreach at CNE
August 16 - September 2, 2024
The Fellowship of Christian Farmers Canada will be hosting a booth at this year’s Canadian National Exhibition, and welcomes volunteers to help share the gospel using free walking sticks and the coloured beads. Please contact Brad 416-526-5216 or brad@com-pleat.com
Israel Rejoicing 2024
Sunday, August 18, 2024; 5:30pm Honouring the God of Israel through Hebrew Song and Dance. Admission is Free. At Earl Bales Park (Barry Zukerman Amphtheatre) 4169 Bathurst St. (South of Sheppard Ave.) Toronto. www.friendsofjesuschrist.com or call 416-335-8829.
Jesus In The City Parade
Saturday, September 7, 2024; Noon-4pm Festival of Praise International again joins with churches across Toronto for its annual Jesus In the City Parade. The parade starts in front of the Ontario Parliament at Queen’s Park and winds through the busiest downtown intersections of our city proclaiming the love of Jesus. Grab your comfortable shoes (it’s a 3km walk) and prep your voice for praise. To register your church or ministry to participate in the parade, call 416770-8699 or visit www.jesusinthecity.com
2024 First Responders BBQ
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Are you part of a church/community group with a passion for BBQ? Sign up with your community group as a pitmaster to cook some amazing food for our First Responders in your neighbourhood. First Responders give to the community every single day. Don’t let their service go unrecognized. It is time to give back. For information on becoming a Pitmaster, or helping to sponsor a BBQ in your GTA community, visit www.1strespondersbbq.com.
2024 Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit
September 18-20, 2024
The vision for the Christian Alliance for Orphans was birthed in 2004 in Little Rock, Arkansas at the first “Orphan Summit,” where 38 Christian leaders expressed a shared sense of God’s desire to rouse His Church to care for orphans. CAFO2024 in Nashville marks our 20th year of Summit...and we can’t wait to celebrate with all of you! Whether you come on your own or with a team, you will leave feeling inspired and equipped to serve wisely and well for vulnerable children and families. Held at Brentwood Baptist Church, 7777 Concord Rd, Nashville, TN. www.summit.cafo.org
GOLF
Galcom 15th Annual Golf Tournament
Monday, July 15, 2024; 11:00am Galcom 16th Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Whisky Run Golf Club in Port Colborne. www.galcom.org/golf
MMI Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament
Monday, July 29, 2024
Medical Ministry International presents its 2024 Fundraising Golf Tournament at Piper’s Heath Golf Club in Milton. Funds raised enable the ministry to continue delivering health care on project teams, sponsoring training, and supporting development initiatives led by incountry leaders in response to identified needs. For more information or to sponsor our event, please email giving@mmi.org www.mmi.org/2024-golf-tournament
MOVIES
The Forge
In theatres August 23
Isaiah Wright has some growing up to do. A year out of high school with no plans for his future, Isaiah is challenged by his single mom and a successful businessman to start charting a better course for his life. Through the prayers of his mother and a prayer warrior named Miss Clara, as well as biblical discipleship from his new mentor, Isaiah begins to discover God’s purpose for his life is so much more than he could hope for or imagine. From the Kendrick Brothers, the creators of the No. 1 hit War Room, comes The Forge, a faith-filled new movie with familiar friends and inspiring new twists. www.theforgemovie.com
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
SPORTS
Ride 2 Provide Ministry Fundraiser
July 2024
Pedal with Purpose this July and go the distance for others and help create a brighter future for children and families in need today. Mission Without Borders works with some for the most vulnerable in six of the poorest countries across Eastern Europe – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine. Sign up, choose your challenge & fundraising goals, then get on your bike and ride! Any bike, any distance, anywhere - every ride counts! www.ride2provide.ca
Anglican Church Cricket Festival
Saturday, July 13, 2024
Official ceremony - 9:00-10:00 am; Cricket games 10:00am - 1:00pm
A space through cricket for the working of the Holy Spirit in the lives of young and old, churched and unchurched, skilled cricketers and enthusiastic amateurs! Location: Creditview/ Sandalwood Park, 10530 Creditview Road, Brampton, ON L7A 0G2. Come join your fellow believers across the GTA for a day of cricket lovely cricket! Meet new friends, enjoy food, fun and fellowship. All are welcome. For more information contact:
Ranil Mendis rmendis1@gmail.com, Peter Marshall judipeter@hotmail.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 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 strengthbuilding postures, each linked to a verse of Scripture we focus upon while doing the posture. 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.) 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/canada.
GOSPEL IMPACT CONFERENCE 2024
Toronto | August 16 & 17
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS: WHILE YOU’RE THERE, DON’T
Author, How to Talk About Jesus Without Looking Like an Idiot, and Director of Solas in the UK
Mark Mittelberg
Best-selling author, speaker, and leading faith-sharing strategist.
• Practical teachings for sharing your faith
• Inspiring stories of God working around the world
• Moving times of collective worship
• All meals included!
sharewordglobal.com/ca/conference
Andy Bannister