Does God care about Injustice?

Absolutely!

Thus says the LORD: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place. Jeremiah 22:3

In response to this invitation from God, our Elders signed documents in September agreeing to function as a sponsoring organization for an Orthodox Christian Iraqi family who has had to flee their homeland due to threats of forced conversion. Thankfully, we received notice this week that Citizenship and Immigration Canada has approved our church to act as sponsors for this family. Please pray by name for Muhib and Ghosson and their children Meelad, age 2 and Manahel, age 7. While it may take up to two years for them to arrive, we are praying for their safety leading up to the day they touch down in Canada!

As we wait, we are further considering full legal and financial sponsorship for other families robbed of religious freedom and justice.

A Bitter-Sweet Day...

My friend Matthew Murray died early this morning of cancer. Matt was a Ministry Partner at Southwood Church and a friend since college. When Pastors Dan & Rielly and I visited with him on Friday afternoon he had deteriorated badly and yet I will cherish that amazing experience hearing him sing and pray and eagerly celebrate the Lord's Supper with us. His death saddens me deeply and yet I am simultaneously rejoicing that he is in the arms of Jesus now. His life was an incarnation of humility, grace and love. I will miss him.

Matt's funeral will be held on Tuesday evening at 7:30 PM at Families First Funeral Home in Windsor (http://www.familiesfirst.ca/) . He asked me to talk about the Good News of Jesus at his funeral and so I will.

A Fresh Breath of Air!

Paul Potts grew up in obscurity and was bullied as a child.

But you've gotta love it when the least expected among us shines!

This video is worth watching in light of all sickening glitz, glamour and sexiness normally associated with musical talent shows...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k08yxu57NA