Welcome to Canada

If you missed it on the news last night, you might (not) want to check out this web site: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2007/11/14/bc-taservideo.html

Dziekanski, 40, died on Oct. 14, hours after he arrived at Vancouver International Airport. He was on his way to Kamloops to live with his mother in the B.C. Interior.

This Polish immigrant arrived from Europe the previous day around 4 p.m., but for some unknown reason he did not clear customs until after midnight.

An eyewitness's video recording of a man (Robert Dziekanski) dying after being stunned with a taser by police on Oct. 14 at Vancouver International Airport has been released to the public.

Perhaps the most disturbing revelation came from CBC's interview with the airport CEO. He was asked, "Are you ashamed?" His (calloused) response, "Shocked, but not ashamed." His staff had allowed a visitor who spoke no English to go unnoticed and unhelped (in spite of repeated requests from the man's mother) for 10 hours!

Apathy is a deadening virus . Some of us have person experiences with the apathy of Canada's front line welcomers. A little caring goes a long ways -- might make some friends -- might even save a life!

Something for all of us to (re)consider.

THAT KILLER INSTINCT

Years ago a friend of mine destroyed the first few days (and maybe more) of his married life. Shortly after leaving the church and heading out on his honeymoon he intentionally ran down a jack rabbit with his car! Not a good idea for the jack or for my friend!

I was reminded of that (male) killer instinct the other day. I was giving a young man a ride in my car. We came upon a white tailed deer with her delightful fawn. Up came the young man’s arms into a shooting stance and he was heard to mutter, “If only I had my gun!”

I was never much of hunter, nor marksman. However, I remember the last buck I dropped in mid flight. At dusk, on a chilly evening in November 1976, on my way back to the farm, after trudging for a couple hours, a beautiful 5-pronged buck bounded across the clearing at least 100 metres away. On one of his high jumps, I pulled the trigger and sent him nose diving back to earth. Never again. I sometimes tease my hunter friends that when I became a Christian I came up several bad habits … and the first one was the murdering of innocent animals!

On a much more serious note, the killer instinct in men throughout the world is appalling. How can murders and terrorist do it? But, maybe worse yet, it is done daily by the media, athletes and (most despicably) politicians who set out to destroy their opponents. I am dumfounded at the “hate literature” that supposedly mature, veteran politicians have the audacity to drop in my mail box.

And professed “church folk”! Better not go there.

It is no wonder that Jesus warning about gossiping, slander, and malicious anger (Matthew 5:21-22).

Why do we tolerate it? Something to consider.

Daughter-in-laws

An aged sage once advised me, "you can choose your friends, but you must accept their relatives." How true this is when it comes to the "in-laws"! Three times this summer I have been informed by "sons" that their mothers were hard on their daughter-in-laws. That does turn life into a challenge!

However, my experience has just been the opposite. My observation is that my mother (Marie McMillan) has enjoyed a very amicable relationship with all four of her daughter-in-laws: Carolyn, Heather, Kay, Ellen. (I guess the sons chose well!)

Ellen and I have certainly been bless with special daughter-in-laws: Deista, Rebecca, Tara. (I guess Ellen and I taught our sons to choose well!)

So, those of you who are still in the process of choosing ... choose well so that there will be no "in-law" regrets. Something worth considering.

Those 800 Numbers!

They call from everywhere and at the most inopportune times -- usually during family meals! Call Display is so helpful. Just let them ring it out! Or, the alternative is to answer is nasty tones.

The interruption is annoying. We live in a culture which hates interruptions. However, you might be surprised to discover that not all cultures are programmed to despise interruptions.

We might not appreciate telemarketing. We are not interested in what they have to offer. So ... I have a right to be nasty!

But we might stop and consider. The folks who work at those call centers are not likely working for big wages. Many of them are on minimum wages. Single parents ... trying to get by.

Sure, you don't want what they are offering, but how about blessing them with some kindness and courtesy? What would it cost you? What would it give them?

Something to consider, especially if you style yourself as a Christian!

Where's a Good Church?

WHERE’S A GOOD CHURCH?

When I was a boy, I remember people asking the question, “Which is the right church?” In 1993, our Canadian “church” specialists, Don Posterski and Erwin Barke, authored a book which pursued a more contemporary query: Where’s a Good Church? I suppose “right” and “good” might have the same connotation for some people, while others would not bother themselves with either the similarities or distinctions of those terms!

The answer to this question becomes important when we move from one place to another or when we become disenchanted with our current church. Our answer will be determined mainly by our personal definition of “good church.” Not long ago, “good” was determined by the quality of the pulpit because the “message” was considered to be of utmost importance. More recently, “good” seems to be primarily determined by the desirability of the music, since we live in a culture where music carries the day! And, of course, there is the not-so-biblical criteria which determines “good” by the acoustics and splendor of the “church building” or by the number of people who enter it. “Good” tends to suffer severely from “what suits me”.

If you are looking for a “good church” I suggest you place all other indicators on the back burner and search for a church that—may not have the most eloquent preacher nor the most scintillating music—but one that is making a distinctive difference in its neighbourhood (Matthew 25:35-36; James 1:26-27). Surely it is past time for us to stop focusing on “going (in)to church” and to start giving all our energies and resources to “going into the whole world” – making disciples by sharing both the mercy and message of Jesus!

Only In India

FIRST CLASS HEALTH CARE … ONLY IN INDIA!

Nov 06: Ellen developed a 40oC temperature. We taxied her to the local Presbyterian Hospital and within two hours she was settled in for a week of first class care… and subsequent diagnosis as having cellulitis.

Feb 13. Kimi (18 year-old Myanmar bible student) complained of a serious tooth ache. She had never seen a dentist before. At 4 PM I phoned the dentist who invited us to come immediately. It is a 30 minute taxi ride. By 5 PM we had paid the $40 for a root canal and were headed back to the hostel. She has been going weekly for treatment. The final process is to be concluded on the 10th.

Feb 17. Thui (a 22 year-old Myanmar girl who is here as a Bible student) was gasping for air. At 5 PM we taxied her to the Presbyterian Hospital. By 7:30 PM she had had several tests, including a chest X-ray and diagnosed as having gastro problems, so sent back to our hostel.

Feb 22. Pran, a 21 year-old Bible student fell off the roof smashing his head and breaking his left arm. We were so amazed that he was still alive and sure that he had other serious injuries. This happened just after 3 PM. Fortunately, our usually taxi driver was at home and responded in minutes to our call for help. By 5 PM Pran was in the operating room of the Presbyterian Hospital, soon to be fitted with a cast and tucked in for a three-day hospital stay.

Mar 04. At 2 PM, during the afternoon church service, eight-year old David (youngest son of a Myanmar couple) collapsed on the floor. He was rushed to the nearby Civil Hospital and by 5 PM had already had a CAT scan! He is doing fine. He may have been suffering from dehydration and even malnutrition. He is the youngest of five children. The only family income comes from his father’s garbage collection job which nets $75/month.

Mar 05. Yesterday at 5:30 Becky came running up saying that Kimi was crying from severe abdominal pain. I called a taxi, rushed her to the local Presbyterian Hospital and by 7 PM she was bedded down in the female surgical ward for observation with the suspicion that she was suffering from appendicitis. She is more comfortable today. The doctor is hoping to solve her problem with medication. She remains in hospital.

How does that kind of efficiency compare to your health care? Or, maybe “it’s only in India”!

Old Friends

Almost 40 years ago, Para, Moya, and Kamkhup studied at Alpha Bible College in Shillong. ABC was located in a house owned by Lalkhama (sitting beside me). Today we are again living on his property—Silver Oak School.

These fine Christian gentlemen blessed me by sharing my 65th birthday celebration engineered by my wonderful wife (Ellen) and beautiful daughter. Harmony is here for a week from Hong Kong where she teaches grade 5 in the Alliance International School.

What great memories! In another 40 years, I pray that our present bible students will stand as tall as these men do as faithful disciples of Jesus and valuable citizens of India. (I don’t plan to be around to verify that!)