Truth and Reconciliation

Truth and Reconciliation Day, September 30, has been set aside each year to honour indigenous “children who never came home and survivors” over generations throughout Canada.  Many like to wear orange shirts on this day which symbolizes the “stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem.“  Gord Downie, leader of the well-known Tragically Hip band, issued a call to build a better Canada by shining light on this indigenous problem before he died in 2018.  The Poets, a Tragically Hip Tribute band from Moosonee and Moose Factory, support his legacy through their concerts.  Our son, Rob, periodically plays his guitar with them.  Please pray that he will have a positive influence on these well-intentioned performers in the days ahead.  For additional excitement in his life, Rob and his twin teenage daughters went off to Egypt on a 10-day missions trip this month to perform at a 3-day arts festival sponsored by the largest Coptic church in the country. Since they were allowed to share the Gospel openly many decided to become followers of Jesus.  Please pray for continued good follow-up on these vulnerable lives.

Our daughter, Sara is a representative for Walk Through the Bible Canada.  Recently at her own church, Bramalea Alliance, she led this workshop which is comprised of 40 hand symbols to help you remember the events of the Old Testament in chronological order.  This ministry is particularly important these days when so many are lacking Biblical knowledge.  If you would like to have Sara come to your church for a presentation, email her at saraburton71@gmail.com.  

Gary is busy getting books ready to be sold by his friend, Glenn Taylor on the Internet – a task that often Internet glitches will give him grief over.  Check out glennctaylor.ca to see his books on navigating through life. He would really appreciate a short book review on Amazon.

Hillside Church is still very much interested in providing Biblical information, such as “truth and reconciliation” concepts to our Milton neighbours. But first of all, we desperately need a place to meet.  Scott Lockhart is doing so much better with his health, his new apartment and new job.  He is working for a company called Warm Cozy Cozy that provides insulation, sound-proofing, and air-sealing services in the GTA.  He has lots of leads to follow up on week by week to give him income on a commission basis. Anyone need insulation for their home?

“Truth and reconciliation” are values often emphasized throughout the Bible.  In Jesus’ discussion with some Jews in John 8:31-21 he remarks, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.“  In 2 Corinthians 5:18, the apostle Paul states, “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”  Many have found that when researching these principles in the Bible, light is shed on how to obtain healing and restoration in a deeper way.

May you continue to enjoy these beautiful warm autumn days.  They say that red coloured leaves seem to be more vibrant this year – another proof that our God is an excellent artist.

Wendy   

Wendy.carter@kainos.org