Sadness on the Death of Billy Graham
The EFC expressed its deep sadness last week over the death of Rev. Billy Graham, the beloved evangelist who touched the lives of millions for Christ. “We are sad to have to say goodbye, but we are also grateful for the incomparable positive impact that Billy Graham had on the faith of so many. We are also rejoicing that he has entered his final rest with his Saviour Jesus,” said EFC president Bruce Clemenger. “Graham had a long history with Canada, conducting numerous evangelistic meetings from coast to coast.” Part of Graham’s legacy is his gift for drawing local churches from diverse traditions closer together. “The Canadian Church was strengthened by Graham’s work and faithfulness,” said Clemenger.
Audio Podcast: Remembering Billy Graham
Fred Weiss, executive director of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada and Samaritan’s Purse Canada, reflects on the amazing legacy of the beloved evangelist.
Canada Summer Jobs Controversy: Three New Resources Posted Today
→ What can you do about the Canada Summer Jobs program now? (Feb. 27, 2018)
→ Revised sample letter to an MP. Choose your format: .docx or .pdf (Feb. 27, 2018)
→ Talking points to help you explain the issues to your MP or someone else. Choose your format: .docx or .pdf (Feb. 27, 2018)
To learn more, read previous materials at TheEFC.ca/SummerJobs. As always, you can contact us with questions and concerns. We are here for you as we walk through this situation together.
Webinar Recording From Earlier Today: Latest Challenges in Youth Ministry
Watch an EFC webinar recorded earlier today that discussed the latest trends in youth ministry, the challenges facing youth ministry today, and the Canadian Youth Workers Conferences. We were joined by Sid Koop of Truth Matters/CYWC, Sarah Stanley of Truth Matters and Marv Penner of All About Youth/Youth Specialties Canada.
Contest: Send Your Pastor to Dinner
The Mar/Apr cover story of Faith Today, which discusses the meaning of food in our faith, also made us ask ourselves: “Isn’t it time we sent some Canadian pastors out for a nice dinner?” Send us the name of your pastor by March 31, tell us what their ministry means to you and your community, and we'll give them a shout-out on social media and enter them in our draw for $50 dinner gift cards, one for a pastor in every province and territory.
How to Become a Disability-Friendly Church (Even If Your Church Is Small and Has Limited Resources)
Most churches claim, “Everyone is welcome,” but do we fully include those with disabilities? How can our churches become more disability-friendly, especially with limited resources? Stephen Bedard, author of How to Make Your Church Autism-Friendly, draws on his own experiences as a father of children with disabilities and as a pastor to suggest ways all churches can accommodate people who have disabilities. Bedard is pastor of Queen Street Baptist Church in St. Catharines, Ont.
The Secret to Surviving Unemployment
In the Jan/Feb Love Is Moving magazine, Jamila Holder describes the trials of unemployment, and the victory found in embracing transition. “If the last year has taught me anything, it would be that life is a scientific formula of never ending transitions, and if you get stuck in transition you will miss what God is doing. I have watched friends who graduated years after I did establish lucrative careers. I have questioned, 'God why me? Why is unemployment my struggle?' As I sit here on the dawn of my birthday, I would love to say I know exactly what I am doing, but I can’t."
Audio Podcast: Dispatch from Brian Stiller: Grace in Vietnam
Brian Stiller, global ambassador for the World Evangelical Alliance, describes how he found “footprints of the Spirit" during a trip to Vietnam. “Vietnam is a country of tragedy, ingenuity and beauty. These past 100 years, as the Spirit birthed a people of God, through horrors of war and still living under Marxist rule, theirs is an apostolic story. In this country of mysterious contradictions, there is a groundswell of faith. It is not always pretty, and petty conflicts abound. Yet they are offset by martyrdom and fearless faith, bridging a divided world by wisdom, grace and the love of Jesus."
EFC Director Coming to Calgary
Don McNiven, the EFC’s Director of Affiliate and Donor Relations, will be visiting Calgary next week, March 5-8. There will be two informational/introductory meetings at Crossroads Community Church, 912 - 19th Street NE, Calgary at 9:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6. Everyone is welcome; refreshments will be served. Contact his assistant Bonnie Knoll to RSVP or set up a personal visit.
Publicize your event for free.
→ World Day of Prayer, worldwide, Mar. 2
→ Canadian Youth Workers Conference, Calgary, Mar. 2-3
→ Apologetics Canada Conference, Abbotsford, Mar. 2-3
→ TrueCity Conference, Hamilton, Mar. 2-3
→ Fluid Young Adults Gathering, Oakville, Mar. 3
→ Promise Keepers Canada All In Men’s Conference, Saskatoon, Mar. 3
→ Shining the Light of Prayer on Sexual Exploitation, Burlington, Mar. 4
→ Mission Vision 2017, Fort St. John, Mar. 9-10
→ Promise Keepers Canada All In Conference, Winnipeg, Mar. 9-10
→ Being Clear About the Gospel, Vancouver, Mar. 13-14
→ Legacy Youth Conference, Calgary, Mar. 16-18
→ Promise Keepers Canada All In Conference, Edmonton, Mar. 16-17
→ EFC Webinar on How to Create a Great Food Ministry, online, Mar. 20
In Case You Missed It
→ For Those in Ontario: Call for Conscience Campaign
→ Seven Principles of Praying for Political Leaders
→ Podcast: One Church Responds to Canada Summer Jobs Grant Controversy
→ Eyes Wide Open to Holy Interruptions (Love Is Moving)
→ How to Continue Your Calling Even After Retirement (Faith Today)
→ Dispatch from Kyiv: The Power of a Melody, of One Sweet Rose
→ Reconciliation: We Need a New Story