Praying for a box of cornflakes
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Praying for a box of cornflakes

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Haiti is no stranger to environmental disasters, but the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck the country’s southwest on August 14, 2021 seemed particularly cruel. Five years earlier, the same communities were torn apart by Hurricane Matthew. The country is still reeling from a presidential assassination in July. This political turmoil, coupled with severe poverty, gang…

Could peace in the Middle East start in Canada?
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Could peace in the Middle East start in Canada?

On October 10 Avi Abraham Benlolo, a prominent Canadian expert in Holocaust studies, joined the Global Imams Council’s Interfaith Network. Perhaps it seems odd that a Canadian who has devoted his life to support Israel, who received an honorary doctorate from the University of Haifa in recognition of his work combating anti-antisemitism, would be welcome…

A Ugandan perspective
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A Ugandan perspective

Sytsma: As difficult as it is to discuss homosexuality today, I appreciate how Christians with different perspectives all emphasize the importance of listening. Most importantly we listen to those who experience same-sex attraction themselves. But I am sensing a new desire among North American churches to listen to Christians around the world. Emmanuel, please tell…

Fighting the pandemic on two continents
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Fighting the pandemic on two continents

Airports were finally opening and COVID testing was now available to Canadians. Should our family return to Malawi? In the months I spent fighting COVID alongside other nurses in Canada, it seemed Malawi had been relatively spared. So we boarded a plane back to Malawi, arriving January 6, 2021, after 10 months in Canada. I…

Celebrating a life of faith: Pope John Paul II
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Celebrating a life of faith: Pope John Paul II

On April 2, Canada will once again mark the anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s passing and celebrate his legacy on what Canadian parliament has declared “Pope John Paul II Day.” Why does Canada, a secular country of many faiths, commemorate a Catholic pontiff? The Pope John Paul II Day Act was proposed by an…

Reclaiming the Image of the Church in Brazil for Christ
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Reclaiming the Image of the Church in Brazil for Christ

When you see a pastor on television, what is the first thing that jumps into your mind? In Brazil, the answer for many would be, “I don’t trust this person.” Unfortunately, those feelings aren’t unwarranted. Many television pastors, both from Brazil and here in North America, have damaged the reputation of pastors – taking advantage…

Peace on Earth
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Peace on Earth

“Peace on Earth” rings out from Christmas carols and greeting cards at this time of year. It echoes the good news of the angels long ago; it expresses the hope for shalom as a result of God coming down into our world. We cherish the serenity of a crèche and singing Silent Night by candle…