March-April 2019 issue

live A Baptist resource for women on a mission March - April 2019 · $3.50

hearing god SOUL SISTERS 2

The next set of sessions (p8)

HEARING GOD’S VOICE

A new series on spiritual formation (p10)

NEW THEME RESOURCES

Free resources to use all year long (p3-7)

live in this issue columns theme resources Chosen | Holy | Called 3 » Theme Resources 4 » A Creative Reflection 5 » Bible Study: Abigail—The Active Listener 7 » Book List CONNECT TO mission 18 God Has Not Abandoned You 20 Continuing the Journey CONNECT WITH OTHERS 16 We Remember 22 Women’s Conference Information and Registration

features connect to gOD More Soul Sisters 8 1. Building Spiritual Friendships 9 2. Learning to Listen to God 10 Hearing God’s Voice What do you seek?

12 Listening to the God Who Speaks A way to help us listen 14 Dream On Hearing God when you can’t hear 15 Come ...Taste and See that the Lord is Good Psalm 34:8 17 Room To Pray A Fast of Preparation for Baptist Women’s Conference 24 Listening for God A Haiku

Cover photo: Unsplash.com/DRMakete

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cONNECTING a few weeks ago, as I combed through materials on Baptist Women’s history, I read several pages of a letter written by Eleanor Simmonds, one of our Canadian Baptist missionaries to India. Written in 1931, Eleanor describes her life in India as she prepares to finish her language studies.

“There have been times when I have thrown myself down in our little sleeping-porch and wondered: . . . Why the majority of India’s beautiful daughters are sad. Why a dear little girl in our school was forced to give up everything that is dear to a child and remain a widow for the rest of her life with all that that entails, merely because the lad to whom her Hindu parents had married her had died in another town; Why the kindly Brahmin music master at our girls’ school married his dear little five-year-old girlie to a boy several years older than herself while we were up in the hills during the hot season, in spite of the Sarada Act which says that a girl must not be married under 14; Why our little girls are taken out of school against their will, at 11 or 12 years of age and sent to their husbands’ homes shortly after . . . Why the bazaars, clubs and meetings are crowded with men, but scarcely a woman to be seen other than Christians of Lower Caste women; Why a Hindu mother will sell her two days’ old baby in the bazaar for 16 rupees? . . .”

Friday March 8 marked this year’s International Women’s Day. First observed in 1911 and every year since, this Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and always issues a call to action for accelerating gender balance. Eleanor’s questions made me wonder whether that balance has truly shifted.

In 2019’s climate of #METOO, human trafficking, rape as a weapon of war, murdered or missing Indigenous women, ISIS war “brides” and more, I felt sad at first, then hopeful. For I realized that Baptist Women has always invited women to listen to God’s voice and to declare His goodness in the face of seemingly overwhelming darkness (1 Peter 2:9). We did that in Eleanor’s time. We do it now. 

VOLUME 92, NUMBER 2

live (formerly The Link & Visitor) began as The Canadian Missionary Link (1878) and Baptist Visitor (1890). Published bi-monthly by Canadian Baptist Women of Ontario and Quebec 5 International Blvd., Etobicoke, ON M9W 6H3 416-620-2954 Fax 416-622-2308 bwoq@baptist.ca www.baptistwomen.com Executive director Diane McBeth Editor and communications director Renée James 416-651-8967 rsejames@gmail.com Art director Donna Lee Pancorvo of GEPM Group Inc. (www.gepmgroup.com) Contributors Jenya Bakai, Linda Ellsworth, Kathy Gust, Laura Matthews, Birgid MacCallum, Susan Bonk Plumridge, Rev. Tina Rae, Sandi Smoker, Morgan Wolf, Laurena Zondo Circulation and subscriptions Subscriptions 416-620-2954 live@baptist.ca Subscriptions Individual: $20* (direct or through promoters) US & overseas: $39 All currency in $C unless otherwise noted.

The publication of comments, opinions or advertising does not necessarily imply CBWOQ agreement or endorsement. All material is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in print or on websites without permission. Advertising inquiries and freelance submissions should be addressed to the editor.

Member, Canadian Church Press.

ISSN 2293-5096.

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We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada for our publishing activities. *includes HST

THEME RESOURCES

CHOSEN HOLY CALLED

Every two years, the Board of Baptist Women participates communally in choosing a verse and theme idea that will set the focus for the conference and resources we create.

Each member proposes a few verses to the group at large then takes time for prayer and reflection. At the next meeting, members explain why a verse resonated with them.

For this year’s conference, 1 Peter 2:9 stood out the most and we knew that the tagline would revolve around being called.

May 2019 and 2020 be years where you rediscover and stand firm on your identity in Christ. You are chosen, holy and called . . . to declare God’s goodness to all around you.

Jenya Bakai ~ president, Baptist Women 

Theme Resources

declaring the goodness of God

Our reading list (see page 7) features carefully selected titles that speak to different aspects of identity and calling.

A list of worship songs was created using selections made by worship leaders who have led us at past Baptist Women conferences. YouTube links to the songs offer an amazing teaching resource as you plan your spring and fall retreats over the next two years.

Bible studies—Each issue of live offers a fresh Bible study based on an aspect of the theme. That’s six Bible studies per year Art projects—One project is included in this issue of live and another in 2020. Our May conference includes a colouring page as part of our conference booklet.

Prayer room guides—Set up prayer rooms based on our theme. The first guide will detail stations created and set up by Monique Tatsu for this year’s conference. Check baptistwomen.com/resources in mid-May. Soul Sisters 1 and Soul Sisters 2—Leaders guides are on our website. Soul Sisters 2 launches at this year’s conference with a leaders’ guide posted just prior.

The Prayer Network—a new program to be launched at our conference. Read more in the May/June issue of live.

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THEME RESOURCES

CHOSEN | HOLY | CALLED declaring the goodness of God A creative reflection on our new theme to enjoy with a group or on your own “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9

Supplies • For a simple design—fine tip markers and paper.

• To increase the creativity quotient, add a canvas (any size) and paint, watercolour or oil, in colours of your choice.

Begin by considering 1 Peter 2:9. What does this verse mean to you?

You can artistically represent this verse in many ways. The artwork outlined here includes buildings to represent our nation, the church at the centre to represent us as His chosen people and the shadows show how we are called out of the darkness and into the light.

Directions 1. Divide your canvas in half horizontally to create your buildings on the upper half and the shadows on the lower half.

2. Paint the background first, making sure that the centre is the brightest and slowly darken the background as you paint closer to the edges.

3. When creating the buildings use brighter colours. Use darker colours for the shadows but be careful not to make those colours too dark as you want your marker to be visible when you add it later.

4. Let your paint dry.

5. Choose a marker to outline your buildings and shadows. Make sure that your shadows angle outward to give a sense of light radiating from the centre of your artwork.

6. Inside the building shadows, add words that reflect how God sees you.

They can be words you find in the Bible or that represent who God has called you to be.

7. Add details in the buildings—windows, shading or line patterns.

8. Include the Scripture verse, in full or in part, wherever you feel it suits your work best.

by Rev. Tina Rae Tina is on pastoral staff at Westview Baptist Church in London. You may follow her art on Instagram (tinarae.artist) or Facebook (ArtisticWorksofTinaRae).

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Artwork Play List When creating your art, consider listening to some music that highlights how God sees you. Here’s a suggested list, all available on YouTube.

Who Am I? Casting Crowns Who You Say I Am Hillsong Worship Remind Me Who I Am Jason Gray His Eye is on the Sparrow (version by Lauryn Hill), 

THEME RESOURCES

Abigail—the Active Listener In the midst of the everyday crises of life, how does God speak to you? How do you know and recognize His still, small voice? What are the keys that put you in step with His will?

Most of us have heard or experienced God’s voice in one of the following ways (if you have time, do read the Scripture references): • Through His Word (Psalm 119:11, 105; Colossians 3:16) “You will not be able to hear God speaking to your heart if you don’t hear Him speaking to you from His Word first.”

Lead Me Holy Spirit; Stormie Omartian; Harvest House Publishers; 2012; p 59

• Through the voice of His Holy Spirit, often in prayer (I Kings 19:11-15; I Corinthians 2:12,13; Romans 8:26,27) “When you are being led by the Holy Spirit, it will never be in opposition to the word of God …” ibid p 62 • Through the voice of a friend/

friends (Psalm 1; Job [negative counsel]; James 5:16, 19-20 [positive counsel]) “If someone gives you ‘a word from the Lord’ …don’t reject or accept it immediately without asking God to speak to your heart about it: test all things and hold fast to what is good …

(I Thessalonians 5:21) ibid p 66 • Through surrounding circumstances (Acts 27:9-21) • Through a dream or vision (Matthew 2:13,14; Acts 10:9-23; 11:27-30) But hearing the voice of God requires action. Accept what He is

saying with open minds.

Decide to obey His leading.

Follow through with the required action.

And that is exactly what Abigail did.

READ I Samuel 25 From the descriptions given in verses 1-3, what can you deduce about the characters of: a) Nabal (take a sneak peak at verse 17, spoken by one of his servants) _________________________ _________________________ b) Abigail _________________________ _________________________

u Prudent Abigail, by Juan Antonio de Frías y Escalante. Public Domain.

Wikipedia.org

by Linda Ellsworth Linda is the member care coordinator for Christian Camping International, Canada live • March - April 2019

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THEME RESOURCES

David and his camp (about 600 men, plus their families) have been fleeing from the wrath of Saul and have been hiding out in caves in the hills of Ziph on the southwest side of the Dead Sea. In I Samuel 24, David has had a very interesting encounter with Saul, and has chosen to spare his life. (Read it …it is a cool story, and bears credit to David’s character.)

Saul returns home, and David and his crew continue to live and shepherd in the wilderness of Maon, apparently also looking out for the shepherds and flocks belonging to Nabal. (verses 7 and 16) READ verses 4-9 What was David’s request to Nabal? _________________________ _________________________ Why do you think he made such a request? Was it reasonable?

Explain. _________________________ _________________________ Describe a time when someone has obviously had your back in a situation. _________________________ _________________________ When the tables turned, and they sought help from you, how did you react? _________________________ _________________________ READ verses 10-12 What was Nabal’s reaction? Was it reasonable? Explain. _________________________ 6

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_________________________ In light of the rest of the story, do you think Nabal knew who David was? Use verses to back up your conclusion. _________________________ _________________________ READ verses 13, 21-22 What was David’s reaction to Nabal’s insulting rejection? Was it reasonable? Explain. _________________________ _________________________ Now enters our heroine, Abigail … beautiful, strong, intelligent AND a woman of God. She hears God’s voice and follows through with the action God requires. Let’s examine the evidence.

READ verses 14-17 In this story, who becomes the “voice of God” to Abigail? _________________________ _________________________ Why is it so extraordinary that Abigail would listen to this young man? _________________________ _________________________ What were the surrounding circumstances that God used to push Abigail to action? _________________________ _________________________ Reading between the lines, Abigail must have known and recognized the prophetic activities happening around her. How can we deduce this from the story? (Hint: read verses 26-30) _________________________

_________________________ _________________________ READ verses 18-31 Here we see the bravery, wisdom, grace and beauty of Abigail personified.

Outline the steps Abigail takes to apologize, make restitution and change the mind of the future King. _________________________ _________________________ Women in leadership today often face discouragement and lack of respect, even within our Christian circles.

Do you feel Abigail’s actions in facing David the way she did demeaned her position or character in any way?

As you ponder your answer, pay particular attention to her words … strong words, wrapped in grace! _________________________ _________________________ READ verses 32-35 Read, and then list the key points in David’s response to Abigail’s entreaty. Had he heard her? _________________________ _________________________ Talk about respect!

READ verses 36-38 Why do you think Abigail waited so long to tell Nabal the details of all that had transpired? _________________________ _________________________ When Nabal heard the news,

THEME RESOURCES

what happened? _________________________ _________________________ Abigail’s wisdom in responding to the promptings of God in timing, word, and action resulted in two crucial outcomes: for David _________________________ _________________________ for Abigail _________________________ _________________________ We women tend to be “fixers.”

We long to make everything come out right. How often are we tempted to take situations into our own

hands without waiting for those God-promptings?

Perhaps you are in a relationship or situation similar to Abigail’s. Are you trying to “fix” it, or are you listening to the promptings of your loving Father? What are your thoughts as you digest this story? _________________________ _________________________ READ verses 39-42 To me, this is the most beautiful and meaningful ending to the story of an incredible woman.

What is David’s reaction to hearing

of Nabal’s death? _________________________ _________________________ What is Abigail’s response to his request? _________________________ _________________________ Overcome with gratitude for Abigail’s intervention and bravery, and likely overcome by the woman herself, David asks her to become his wife.

As God speaks to you, are you an active listener … one who listens, really hears, and acts upon God’s prompting in your life? Are YOU an Abigail? 

CHOSEN | HOLY | CALLED: declaring the goodness of God

Deepening the Soul for Justice Bethany Hoang $8 Turquoise Table: Finding community and connection in your own front yard Kristin Schell $15 The Ultimate Exodus: Finding Freedom from What Enslaves You Danielle Strickland $16 Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt: Hope, Healing and the Power of an Open Heart Jentezen Franklin $15

Book List Simply Open: A Guide to Experiencing God in the Everyday Greg Paul $10 Whisper: How to Hear the Voice of God Mark Batterson $20 Fasting: Spiritual Freedom Beyond Our Appetites Lynne M. Baab $19 Available at the conference or order from ReadOn All titles available from ReadOn Bookstore 5 International Blvd.

Etobicoke, ON M9W 6H3 Tel: 416-620-2934 Fax: 416-234-8840 E-mail: books@readon.ca www.readon.ca

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more Soul Sisters On April 30 the second series of sessions for Soul Sisters will be released! You can download it at baptistwomen.com/resources/ soul-sisters. And on Saturday, May 4 you can attend a training workshop at the conference where you’ll be able to practice some of the new spiritual habits we introduce in the program.

You’ll also receive a free guide.

The Soul Sisters program is a three-year series for women’s groups. With this program we hope to help you: • cultivate an environment where you can comfortably share about your spiritual life, and build deep relationships based on that.

• learn spiritual practices that will help you truly connect with God. Each Soul Sisters series builds on the one before: Soul Sisters 1 focuses on helping women listen to each other. Soul Sisters 2 emphasizes listening to God. Soul Sisters 3 will help you discern God at work in your neighbourhood.

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Soul Sisters 1 – Building Spiritual Friendships The practice of silence can build peace and clarity. Ruth Haley Barton says life can make our souls like a murky jar of river water that has just been shaken. Leave the jar to sit still for a while and the debris settles to the bottom and the water becomes clear.

The first half of the sessions in Soul Sisters 1 directs us to listen to the answers of others without responding. There are three reasons behind that: • We begin to break our compulsion to give advice.

• We weaken our habit of preplanning our own response while others are still speaking.

• We learn to listen slowly—giving weight to the story of others and developing the wisdom of pausing rather than reacting immediately.

We introduce two spiritual practices or habits with Soul Sisters 1: Praying Scripture • Scripture expands us from praying only “everyday” requests to including big things like “being filled with all the fullness of Christ.”

• Prayers based on Scripture can be faith filled—we know they are God’s will.

• Scriptural prayers are filled with blessing.

Examen The practice of Examen is one way to end the day in peace: • Any failures are confessed and covered.

• It is a chance to notice God-moments during the day (those times you recognized Him present or saw Him doing something particular).

If you haven’t done Soul Sisters 1 yet, why not gather a small group and start now. Download the leaders guide at baptistwomen.com/resources/ soul-sisters.

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Soul Sisters 2 – Learning to Listen to God Jesus intends you to hear His voice! In John 10 He repeats that His sheep hear His voice (verses 3, 4, 16) and that they know and recognize Him. Sometimes we are afraid we will be deceived. Jesus’ disciples must have thought the same thing because Jesus assures them they can recognize if the voice isn’t His (verses 5, 8).

We will practice discerning God’s voice in Soul Sisters 2 but here are three hints to get you started.

We can safely learn to discern the voice of God 1. Is it supported or contradicted by the Bible?

God will not say something now that contradicts what He said before. Scripture is our ultimate authority.

2. Ask God for confirmation He could confirm through a book or sermon, via circumstances, or He might bring a verse to mind that completely fits the situation.

3. Seek advice from wise, godly people.

We can learn to hear God through Scripture We always want to give God more and more opportunity to speak to us through Scripture, and give ourselves the time to think peacefully and deeply about what God is revealing to us as we spend time in Scripture.

There are a variety of methods to do this. Here is a simple outline you can try.

Choose a brief parable of Jesus, a short Psalm, or a brief passage from anywhere else in the Bible.

Read it through slowly several times.

• First reading: Think about the context. You might imagine yourself in the scene. What does it sound like? Feel like?

• Second reading: Is there a word or phrase that stands out to you? (If not, that is fine too.)

• Third reading: What might God be nudging you toward? (If you noticed a particular word or phrase, focus on what He might mean by this, and how you might apply it.)

This way of approaching Scripture is called lectio divina and it is an ancient Christian practice.

The words simply mean divine reading. Reading Scripture to listen to what God says confirms the authority of Scripture. The Holy Spirit inhabits each believer and gives counsel as He brings verses to mind. This spiritual formation practice is a little different from Bible study. It is reading to listen to what God has to say to us personally and directly through His word.

We can share what we hear God say Soul Sisters 2 will also guide you through principles on how to share what you hear with others . . . but you will need to get that in the guide.

It’s not too late to sign up for the Soul Sisters 2 workshop at baptistwomen.com/events/baptistwomen-april-conference-2019/. 

Unsplash.com/DRMakete

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Unsplash.com

Hearing

God’s Voice What do you seek?

by Kathy Gust Kathy is a leader of the Barnabas Group, a ministry devoted to helping believers cultivate their ability to hear and discern God’s voice. Barnabas Group is based in Hamilton, Ontario, and is associated with the Greater Ontario House of Prayer.

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The first in a series on encountering God and the impact of that encounter on ministry and mission. Each piece features the voices of those who are leading ministries focused on spiritual formation.

I wish I could sit across from you at my kitchen table and have a conversation about hearing God’s voice.

I’d invite you to tell me some of your stories. How do you hear God’s voice? Can you think of an experience where you clearly encountered God? How about an experience where it wasn’t so clear and you still wondered, “Was that You?” I’d ask if you’ve noticed what I have . . . that God often speaks in quiet and gentle ways; ways that can easily be missed or discounted but nevertheless are transformational when recognized.

I’d tell you my story about the first time I ever saw an internal picture while I was praying. Though I had no idea what it meant or even that God spoke to people this way, I somehow still knew it was Him. Maybe I’d tell you about my experience of God’s still, small voice and ask if your experience is similar. If I was in a vulnerable mood, I’d tell you the story about how I came to know that God’s voice is gentle, kind, wise and never condemning, even when He’s convicting of sin.

Over a plate of cookies we’d talk about the way prayer comes alive when we ask, “God, what would you like me to pray about?” We’d talk about reading Scripture and how God often speaks through a word or phrase that seems particularly directed to us.

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I hope we’d have time to discuss and marvel at God’s creativity in the way He speaks to people. We’d likely list some of the most common ways God speaks: Scripture, other people, circumstances, a still small voice, pictures or visions, nature, an inner knowing, songs and dreams.

If we were feeling brave with each other, perhaps we’d share about the other ways God speaks; ways we don’t often talk about because they seem especially supernatural or outside of the norm.

Sitting across from you, I’d tell you some of the most helpful lessons I’ve learned along the way.

I’d tell you that it’s possible for us to grow and get better at hearing God’s voice. I’d share that the Holy Spirit is a good teacher and that He teaches us in the way that is best for us. I’d tell you that it’s helpful

to remember that hearing God’s voice is God’s idea, not ours.

I’ve learned that asking God questions is an excellent way to grow in hearing His voice. The best questions are found by being brutally honest with ourselves and with God. Too often we are afraid to bring things like our doubt, confusion or anger to God. We need to remember that He is kind and compassionate. We can trust Him to help us.

I’ve also learned that humility is an excellent safeguard in helping us discern God’s voice. So is talking to a trusted friend, mentor, pastor or spiritual director. The Holy Spirit will give us an inner resonance and God usually speaks His messages to us multiple times.

I hope we’d discuss the impact hearing God’s voice has had on our

lives. Perhaps we’d talk about our new sense of adventure and deep satisfaction. Or how God showed up at just the right time so that we knew we were not alone. We’d share stories of healing, freedom, encouragement, love, joy, purpose, fun. Fun! Who would have guessed!

“Hearing God’s voice is His idea, not ours.”

I smile as I imagine our conversation. I think about the vitality that comes from sharing the different ways God has spoken to us and about how sharing our stories helps us navigate our relationship with the Living God. I think about how in your story . . . I’d see Jesus, perhaps in a different way than I’ve seen Him before. 

#GIVINGTUESDAY 2018 Thank you for your support of Baptist Women’s 2018 #GIVINGUTESDAY project. Together we raised $3,460 to support International Justice Mission (IJM) as they work to bring systemic change to the legal and policing systems where they serve—one trafficked person at a time.

“Thank you to all the ladies of Baptist Women of Ontario and Quebec!” writes Sarah Holden-Pizieux, development program coordinator with IJM Canada. “Over $3,000 raised is incredible. It’s money that can make a real impact on the lives of these vulnerable girls.”

Go to baptistwomen.com/causes/advocacy to download and read IJM Canada’s latest report on its rescue work in the Dominican Republic. 

Photo credit: IJM

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Listening to the God Who Speaks A way to help us listen

Photo credit: Sandi Smoker

by Sandi Smoker Sandi is the former president of Women in Focus (the women’s ministry arm of Canadian Baptists of Western Canada). She volunteers as a counsellor and course facilitator at South Island Centre for Counselling and Training in Victoria, BC. 12 live • March - April 2019

You may remember Richard Foster’s book, Celebration of Discipline. I was a new Christian when I discovered it, hoping to cultivate personal piety after the Puritan way. Looking back, I think I wanted to grow a listening ear for the God who speaks. “At the centre of the universe is a relationship,” reminds Darrell Johnson. I wanted in on that Trinitarian reality.

The question for me has always been, how, and more recently, where?

Of late, God’s invitation to me to listen means I keep ambient sound to a minimum. Foster encourages silence. And silence, he says, cannot happen without solitude. If the how means quiet, the where means alone.

Wendell Berry says, “A proper human sound is one that allows other sounds to be heard.” Is the voice of God other sound in my day? And what are the human sounds I am in the habit of accommodating, perhaps to my peril?

A few years ago, I discovered The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola and through them a practice Ignatius names the Examen. He invites us to journey through five simple steps in reviewing the day for the purpose

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“The invitation stands.”

of recognizing the Gardener God at work in the soil of our heart. Friends and mentors who have more experience with Ignatian spirituality remind me to be faithful to this practice: “If you keep only one, let it be this one.”

Ignatius encourages us to attend to the Examen at the end of the day.

1. We begin by taking a small fast from sound and company, and simply stand (or lie) before God’s loving gaze.

2. Then, we ask the Holy Spirit to bring light to our hearts, that we may respond with openness and joy.

3. Next, we give thanks for the obvious gifts of the day, asking for grace to know our sins and for the forgiveness and strength to be rid of them. We name them before the Father.

4. After this, we take an account of our soul from the day’s waking till now: As much as we can, we remember the day, hour by hour, encounBigStock.com ter by encounter, word by word and thought by thought. With open hands, mind and heart to God’s immense grace, we offer them up. We ask for the will to forgive, even as we are forgiven.

5. Giving thanks, we look to the planned events of the next day, offering them up. We thank Him for the circumstances of our lives, mysterious as they are to us, and with open palms, we say, “I am your servant. Let it be to me as you have said.”

Throughout the process I feel the soil of my heart broken in readiness. I sense Christ near and respond in worship. I engage, sometimes I push back. I accept, ingest and enter God’s gift of sleep, assured of His goodness.

Often, our encounters with God happen in less transcendent ways, mostly while we’re about our daily tasks. The Examen trains us to keep an ear open. He is the Word, after all, wooing us with His love-talk, initiating relationship in a way we can receive. We may not listen perfectly. We may miss God’s whisper in the noisy clutter of our busyness—a tangled web that deafens us to that still, small voice. Even as the barrenness of busyness compacts the soil, rendering it less receptive to germination, He calls us still, working the desires of our hearts into readiness, to the possibility of intimacy with Him. The invitation stands.  live • March - April 2019

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Dream On Hearing God when you can’t hear People get nervous when you tell them that God spoke to you in a dream. I get that. There is no way to fact-check a dream. Dreams are purely individual experiences and so their interpretation is utterly subjective. The divide between delusional and spiritual is a little too hazy to be comfortable for anyone. Even so—God speaks in dreams.

There’s a multitude of examples throughout the Bible. As such, we cannot ignore dreams—at least— we should not ignore certain dreams. I had one the other night. A dream so vivid, so unsettling, that I awoke certain of the fact that it was not one of the usual half-forgotten dreams that generally populate the night. This dream made me uneasy because while it seemed to be a spiritual dream, it wasn’t pretty. It is the only dream in which I can ever remember smelling anything. Visually, too, it was assaulting. I’m not sure my theology had totally prepared me for God speaking to me in a dream about horrifying plumbing problems.

It is a good reminder: God isn’t particularly concerned about our notions of propriety.

The dream stayed with me as I went about my morning routine. I didn’t understand it, but I wanted to. As I prayed—asking God if there was something there for me—the meaning of the dream fell into my mind like life-saving supplies air-dropped behind enemy lines: God was telling me that I had placed certain hopes in the wrong place of priority in my life and it was making a huge disgusting mess of where I live.

This was a transcendent revelation, but it was not

by Morgan Wolf Morgan is a writer from Calgary. She blogs about her faith and writing at www.anothergratuitousmdash.blogspot. ca. Morgan has just published her book, Altruism in Gophers.

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the kind of revelation I was expecting. I wanted an answer as to why my hopes didn’t seem to be coming to fruition and when I might expect a little light on the horizon. Instead, God told me I was wrong.

My hopes weren’t wrong or sinful, but rather, what I had unknowingly done with them. I hadn’t planned on letting those hopes—represented in my dream as carefully wrapped bundles of white gauze—block the drain and back everything up to the point of contamination. I thought I was doing well. I thought I had everything in order. I thought I was right according to God and everyone.

But I wasn’t.

Here’s the stark reality: It is pride that keeps us from hearing from God. We can call it other things; mask it with the appearance of different problems.

Nevertheless, at the root of it all, pride hinders our ability to hear what God says. Pride forms the impenetrable earplugs that block out everything but our own assessments. Pride comes up with alternate explanations to avoid surrendering our plans and judgments to God because it feels like it would be the death of us to do so. Pride doesn’t always look haughty, sometimes it looks perfectly reasonable.

Pride doesn’t know it is proud. It just thinks it is right.

“The source of revelation-knowledge is found as you fall down in surrender before the Lord. Don’t expect to see Shekinah-glory until the Lord sees your sincere humility.” (Proverbs 16:33 TPT) God never lies. He will not participate with you or me in a fallacy, whether it is in out-of-order hopes or a false view of our own importance or insight. He is always speaking exactly what we need to hear.

Perhaps, if you are like me and a subversive pride has so stopped your ears without your being aware of it, the mercy of God might just drop a dream into your head to wake you up. 

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Come …Taste and SEE that the Lord is Good.

Psalm 34:8

by Birgid MacCallum Birgid MacCallum and her husband currently pastor at Revive Alexandria.

She has been doing the call to worship for about seven years at Revive.

The first pew I ever graced was at Westmount Baptist Church, Montreal, in August 1964. I was born in May of 1965 and have warmed pews in many churches ever since. I was in my 40s before I ever really felt “called” to worship without it being something I worked at or was told to do through a responsive reading at the back of the hymnal. I had always known a deep longing in my heart for more of Jesus—but longing and talk of soul formation weren’t part of my Baptist heritage up to that point.

In the fall of 2008 at a spiritual formation retreat, David and Juliet Benner exposed me to a more contemplative experience of God that still honoured my evangelical roots. Juliet hosted an afternoon of exploring art as a form of worship; art as a way of experiencing God and being called into His presence. I suspended my belief that art didn’t cut it for me, sat down and allowed myself to be open to taste and see that the

Lord is good. What I found was that yes, pictures are worth 1,000 words; they accessed some deep place in my soul.

Untold generations before us have been blessed to experience the gospel through art—through vibrant, detailed pictures that told the story of Christ without words.

Art is an indelible part of church history and orthodoxy. But art and pictures are not limited to only telling the great gospel message.

Pictures can also highlight incredible truths about God and our relationship with Him. Paintings, photography and sculptures can all call us to . . .worship. The session with Juliet wasn’t over before I—a total art novice— was hooked.

When I got back to my home church, I asked if I might be allowed to bring the call to worship to our congregation using pictures rather than the written word. Could we try appealing to the visual learners in our church family and not just the auditory live • March - April 2019

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or cerebral learners? This idea was well received by our leadership team and a visual call to worship was launched.

The process is rather simple.

1. I pick a Bible verse or biblical theme—for example, God saves—or simply choose to represent Jesus well.

2. I create a PowerPoint slide—a poignant picture with a verse or main point.

3. I put the slide up early in the service (for us it is right after the music that opens our service).

4. I read Scripture or speak briefly about the theme. I leave the PowerPoint slide up so the congregation sees it while I speak.

5. We then take a minute of silence to reflect on the picture and consider where God is moving in our lives in this particular area.

We give God room to speak.

6. After that minute of silence I pray for the congregation and then, once called into God’s presence, the service continues.

May this short glimpse into how we now approach our call to worship be an encouragement to any of you who want to consider stepping out to try something new like this as well. 

We REMEMBER Each generation has the opportunity to fuel mission for the next. Did you know that if you include CBWOQ in your Will, your estate will subtract an equal amount in tax?

In Memory of Sandra Anderson Joyce Burke, Peterborough Marjorie Crossman, London Anne DelDegan, Hamilton Catherine Free, Niagara Falls Jean Hill, Niagara Falls Ruth McDonald, London Evelyn Nivils, Barrie Susie Pitul, Niagara Falls Sue Bennett, Sarnia Erla Wilson, Whitby Alice Wilson, London IN HONOUR OF Mary Temoin, London (90th birthday)

In-Canada Mission Trip July 21-26 | Dixon Ministry $1,000 Application deadline: May 10

BAPTIST WOMEN

• Cross-cultural training • Spiritual formation • Visit new Canadians in their homes

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Room To Pray A Fast of Preparation for Baptist Women’s Conference Join us for our second pre-Conference fast as a way of supporting all the women who will lead and those who will attend.

We suggest four Sunday dates in April but please pick dates that will work for you and your group.

Decide how you will fast (food/people/leisure activity). Use the Scripture prompts or choose your own. If you’d like, record what God is saying to you.

Share that in our Facebook group or send us an e-mail (bwoq@baptist.ca).

Scripture Prompts Sunday April 7 “You didn’t choose me. But I chose you. I appointed you . . .” John 15:16 (NLT) As you fast this week, consider Jesus’ words in John 15:16. He chose you and appointed you to bear lasting fruit. In what ways are you living out your identity as a woman chosen and appointed?

Spend some time thanking God for His choosing you.

Conference prayer: Pray that women will leave the event knowing that they have been seen, heard and chosen by God. Sunday April 14 (Palm Sunday) “But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.” 1 Peter 1:16 (NLT) In this verse, Peter references God’s instructions to Moses. Recorded in Leviticus 19, God gives the Israelites specific actions they were to do in hotbutton areas—family, finances, friendships, work, the need to control. By obeying, the Israelites would show that they knew God was the Lord their God. As you fast today, ask the Lord to reveal the areas

in which you need to say: “You are the Lord, my God.” Confess what you need to, then receive God’s sweet forgiveness. You are chosen by God, holy and dearly loved. (Colossians 3:12) Conference prayer: Pray that conference leaders will make space for the Lord to speak and act as they plan and then lead.

Sunday April 21 (Easter Sunday) (This is Easter Sunday! Feel free to choose an alternate day to fast this week that works with your schedule.)

“I have called you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1b (NLT) Consider a time of complete silence during your fast this week. Ask God to call you by name. Then listen.

Conference prayer: Pray that women will be ready to listen. Pray that they will hear God’s voice.

Sunday April 28 “Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.” Isaiah 58:6-7 (NLT) On this final fasting day before the conference, reflect on Isaiah’s words. They declare God’s goodness to us and they also give us clarity on what we may do to declare His goodness to those around us.

How has God been good to you? How are you declaring His goodness to others?

Conference prayer: Pray that God’s goodness will be declared throughout the conference in amazing ways.

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Photos courtesy Canadian Baptist Ministries

God Has Not Abandoned You Day Camps for Syrian Refugee Children Offer Hope and a Chance to Learn

*Name has been changed

by Laurena Zondo, with reports from Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development 18 live • March - April 2019

War in Syria forced young Ali* and his family to flee their home in Aleppo. For a while they lived displaced within their own country before deciding to migrate to Lebanon for safety. Ali’s new home is stark and makeshift, “really only a temporary accommodation, a self-made tent,” says Robin Minshull, one of the program staff of Baptist Children and Youth Ministry (BCYM). With support from Canadian Baptist Ministries (CBM) and local partner, the Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development, BCYM runs day camps and kids clubs for vulnerable children like Ali. A big challenge that Ali’s family faces is lack of educational opportunities. Ali is extremely disappointed. For over two years now, he hasn’t been able to go to school. “Lack of classroom space, the cost of transportation, language barrier in the curriculum, all make it difficult for Syrian refugee children to attend a Lebanese public school,” explains Robin. “So Ali stays home.”

He’s not alone. Hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugee children in Lebanon remain out of school. Starting life over in a new place is never easy. It’s even harder when you arrive destitute. Many refugee children end up going to work, not to school, to help earn money for food and other urgent family needs. And then there’s the emotional turmoil—the nightmares, bedwetting and other signs of deep trauma and memories of violence that children and their families have witnessed or lived through.

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A BCYM camp experience is a breath of new life. At day camp, children rediscover the joy of childhood, to simply “just be a kid” again, as they play games, do crafts, and even have a hot, healthy meal. “It’s amazing to see children who have often been through very traumatic experiences playing and acting just like any other children,” notes Robin.

...children share messages heard at camp with their parents and siblings at home.

This past summer, Bible talks on camp themes like When the going gets tough and The power of forgiveness reassured children that God has not abandoned or forgotten them, and that through Jesus there is hope for the future.

“These messages are portrayed in creative ways to keep the children’s attention and are reinforced in small discussion groups afterwards where the children can ask questions and recap the message. During the course of camp we saw many children open up to their group leaders, asking honest questions and sharing about struggles they face.”

Seven-year-old Ali was excited to have the chance to start going to day camps. Each morning he greets camp leaders with a big hug. Ali loves to sing and really

enjoys the worship sessions. One morning he surprised his group leader by asking for help in writing down the lyrics to his favourite song from worship—one about following Jesus—in his small camp notebook. Since he cannot read, Ali wanted to take it home and let his older sister read it for him.

During the year, BCYM ministers to approximately 1,200 vulnerable children through these three-day camps (where children go home in the evenings) and one-day Kids Clubs at a partner church. This past year, BCYM was thrilled to be able to use a camp site close to Beirut, in a beautiful area of nature with a large space for games. It’s a wonderful respite for children coming from harsh living conditions.

But what happens to children after camp? In 2018, BCYM teams started to make weekly home visits to follow up with children; to listen to, and better understand, family situations and how they could help. They discovered that families greatly appreciated the opportunity to speak to someone about their harrowing experiences. “Many share their feelings of anger, confusion and abandonment,” says Robin. “We often get questions about why… ‘Why did God allow this to happen?’ ‘Why did this happen to us?’ But also ‘Why do you help us?’”

At the same time, teams were encouraged to hear many stories of how children share messages heard at camp with their parents

and siblings at home. One father shared how his son told him the story of Joseph from the Old Testament and how Joseph forgave his brothers who sold him into slavery. The father was deeply moved. Forgiveness was such a stark contrast to his experiences in Syria and a deep conversation ensued about how to forgive and love our enemies instead of retaliating with hatred.

The family visits continue to be hugely beneficial. “We’ve noticed that these visits also create a stronger bond between us and the children …when we see them again at a camp or follow-up event we have a much deeper relationship with them, enabling them to trust us and letting us speak into their lives on a deeper level,” notes Robin.

“As for their future, the children we serve express two main hopes—to have a quality education and to return to their homes in Syria. For Ali, he hopes to be able to come back to another one of our camps soon.”

This is one of Baptist Women’s strategic giving projects for 2019. The funds you raise will support these day camps and children like Ali. To learn more, visit baptistwomen.com/ causes. 

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Snapshots of a journey | Uptick Baptist Women cohort listen and learn Photos courtesy Laura Matthews

Continuing the Journey Uptick Baptist Women . . . growing female leaders for the kingdom

Chosen. Holy. Called. These words taken from 1 Peter 2:9 will be our compass and theme for the next two years at Baptist Women. They feel prophetic—especially in light of finishing our first round of Uptick Baptist Women—a 10-month program designed to grow, shape and support women between 22-35 who are kingdom leaders in our Baptist churches across Ontario and Quebec.

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Why prophetic? Because these words speak about an identity deeply rooted in Christ. This is intrinsically linked to our hope for Uptick leaders and influencers; that each kingdom shaper would live her identity through this lens of being chosen by God, holy and anointed as His child and called into the vast expanse of what God will accomplish through her. Imagine the personal transformation and the influence this kind of living will have on the communities and people she serves!

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Our first cohort Included in 2018’s cohort were Julia Bowering, former associate pastor at Kings Community Church; Amanda de Santis, campus missionary with the Navigators of Canada and attendee at Mount Hamilton Baptist Church; Jessica Hartwick, youth pastor at First Baptist Church Welland; Helen Lenz, interim associate pastor at Blythwood Road Baptist Church and a graduate student at Tyndale; and Melissa Memmott, former solo-pastor at St. George Baptist Church.

Our time together consisted of online meetings. We learned discipling principles, connected around the invitations and challenges we faced in ministry and grew in affirming and understanding our call and identity as

leaders. We gathered for short retreats in April, June, September and November where we met with and learned from a number of established women pastors and leaders in our denomination. We also visited three non-profit organizations founded by women.

Spiritual and personal growth were attended to through using personality assessment tools, learning spiritual formation practices and working with a master vocal coach to establish our voices and grow in confidence as communicators. We particularly practiced how to establish life-giving rhythms that allow us to work and serve from a place of true rest.

2019’s program Investing in and praying for the Uptick program will ensure that

women leaders continue to have a voice in the church and that they will be exposed to women like you who have gone before them and paved the way. When we invest in the health and wellbeing of leaders, we impact the function and health of individuals and congregations, while affirming the call placed on these women’s lives.

Our prayer through Uptick is that each woman will more deeply know her identity in Christ as a woman chosen, holy and called.

Will you pray with us? Starting in March 2019, Baptist Women board member Kathleen Wilson, CBOQ clergy care associate Karen Lowe and I will facilitate and support eight new young women in our second Uptick experience. 

What an honour and joy it was to participate in the Uptick 2018 cohort! It answered a longing I’ve had for local companions in a similar stage of life and ministry since I entered full-time pastoral work. In addition to our vocation we also shared the joy and challenge of being young women in a non-traditional context. It’s a rare and beautiful thing to sit regularly at a table with six other women to discuss church leadership. I made friends who both encouraged and challenged me and who I will continue to journey with for a long time. One area of growth for me was in the area of confidence. Imposter Syndrome - that sense that I am not qualified to lead and that my inadequacies will soon be discovered - is a sneaky thing! We all needed to be called out at some point for undermining our Godgiven gifts and calling. We were fierce in our encouragement, but often reluctant to accept it for ourselves. For me this was a reminder of how much I need this kind of community in order to grow as a leader and how much I want to be part of that community for other young women and men.

Rev. Julia Bowering on her experience in Uptick Baptist Women 2018

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CHOSEN | HOLY | CALLED declaring the goodness of God CBWOQ’s Women’s Conference Friday May 3 – Saturday May 4

Mississauga Chinese Baptist Church 5220 Creekbank Road, Mississauga, L4W 1X1 Friday 6 p.m. registration opens | 7 p.m. plenary starts Saturday 8:45 a.m. coffee/tea | Saturday 5 p.m. conference ends

Conference Checklist Invite the young women in your church to come with you. Reach out to your friends and neighbours and invite them too. Register! Book your lunch spot (do this when you register). Book your accommodation at one of the three area hotels with whom we have packages. Make a note of the directions to the venue (see below). Gather items for Dixon Ministry. Choose the Sundays in April when you’ll pray and fast (see the guide on page 17). Ask God to open your heart to what he has in store for you in May. Follow us on Instagram (@ cbwoq) to stay up to date on all details and exciting announcements and/or join our Facebook group to learn even more.

Directions to venue

Driving (from 401): 401 East or West • Exit Dixie Road—head south • East (left) onto Matheson Blvd. E • South (right) onto Creekbank Road, one block • Church is on the right • Front entrance is at the rear of the building.

On TTC/public transit • take Eglinton West buses to Renforth Station • walk to the West platform • board the 7 Southbound (bus) (run by MiWay—you may have to pay an extra fare) • exit at Creekbank Road at Sismet • Walk in to venue.

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Items for Dixon Ministry As usual, conference attendees can donate items for a good cause.

This year our focus is Dixon Ministry in Toronto. (See the ad on page 16 and apply to join the mission experience.)

You can also be part of a workshop to create tutoring kits from these donations. Here are donation ideas: To be given to children by team members • pencil cases containing ballpoint pens, HB pencils, 4 colours of pencils (for map colouring), pencil sharpener, eraser, one 5-cm clear plastic ruler (or any of the pencil case items separately) • spiral bound notebooks • small three-ring binders • second-hand Concise Webster’s or Oxford Dictionary • Second-hand Oxford Picture Dictionary • markers, pencil crayons, stickers, activity books To be kept and reused by Dixon Ministry • simple travel size games including: Connect 4, dice, Pictionary, decks of cards, Trouble • Guessing games for English: Catchphrase, Apples to Apples, flash cards with words, timetables, pictures etc.

• Reading: learn-to-read books at the earliest levels • Math: workbooks, especially for grades 1 and 2 Please don’t bring in any items that would reference any element of war or battle including guns and camouflage as some families have been traumatized.

CHOSEN | HOLY | CALLED declaring the goodness of God Registration 2019 Name________________________________________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address _______________________________________________________________________________________ City ________________________________________________ Province_______________ Postal Code________________ Phone (____)_________________________________________ Church and City _________________________________________________________________________________________ Age: q Teen q 20s q 30s q 40s q 50s q 60s q 70s This is my first CBWOQ event q Yes q No q I will use the nursery. Number of children _____ ages __________.

Nursery will only be open during workshops and plenary sessions and closed at all other times including breaks and lunch. q I wish to volunteer at this event. Please phone me with more information. Phone (___)__________________________. q Photo release: I agree to allow photos of me which may be taken at the event, to be used in all CBWOQ publications, and social media for the sole purpose of sharing about this conference with the Baptist community at large.

The program includes the brief transaction of annual business for Canadian Baptist Women of Ontario and Quebec. Voting privileges are open to women who are affiliated with a CBOQ church; subscribe to the CBWOQ purpose: “ to enable women to reach others for Christ;” register at least 10 days before the conference starts (Bylaw 4:26a and 37) and sign and date below. Please sign and date below only if you fulfill these requirements.

Signature ______________________________ Date ____________________________

Workshops

For all ages: There are 12 workshops offered during the conference. Each workshop is offered twice: once in the morning and once in the afternoon EXCEPT IF NOTED OTHERWISE. Please select your #1 choice for each time slot. Workshops are assigned on a first come, first served basis and are capped by room capacity.

My workshop choices: Morning: _____

Afternoon: _____

For young women (age 12-18): There are three workshops designed with you in mind! q I am 12-18 years old. I plan to go to the Young Women sessions: q A) Friday PM q B) Saturday AM q C) Saturday PM

Payment Mail-in registration deadline is Friday, April 22, 2019 q Lunch ticket $15 (per catered hot lunch) | 1 per registrant $___________________ q Food allergies? Please note here: ____________________________________________________ q Contribution to bursary/event fund*

$ ___________________ Receipt requested q Yes q No (Receipts issued upon request for donations of $20 or more) q Registration fee ($60 workshops, coffee breaks, event) $ 60 q Cultivating Creativity (workshop #4) materials fee $ 5 q I enclose a cheque payable to CBWOQ for $ ___________________ If you would like to pay with credit card, please do not use this form, but visit www.baptistwomen.com to register and pay online.

Bursary application forms can be found online at baptistwomen.com. Your application must be received by March 11, 2019. *This fund was established to encourage women to attend CBWOQ events and conventions. Guidelines and application forms are available from CBWOQ’s website: www.baptistwomen.com or the office at 416-620-2954.

Cancellation Policy: 1. Cancellations before April 22: Refund of registration minus $15. 2. Cancellations after April 22: No refund. Exception: In the case of accident or illness of the registrant, or a death in the family: refund minus $15. 3. Registration forms without payment: These are not considered registered. No lunch will be ordered and workshop choices will not be held. These persons are still very welcome to register and pay on the day of the conference, but will need to go offsite for lunch and workshops will be subject to availability. (There are many restaurants within five minutes drive of the venue.)

Listening for God peeling potatoes watching the sparrows find food —I am loved too driving through the rain I see tulips standing straight —I am loved too with open Bible and silence for listening —I am loved too Susan Bonk Plumridge First Baptist London Sunday, January 27, 2019

Unsplash.com/AndreasWagner

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