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Thursday, April 06, 2023
Friend Easter 🙏 GREETINGS!
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Tuesday, March 14, 2023
🙏 Friend * THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!
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Thank you for your generosity
One day through a turn of events that only the Holy Spirit could arrange, Marty's friend knocked on his door. With tears in his eyes he said that he now realizes that he needs Christ. Next they both knelt and prayed the salvation prayer. Hallelujah! What a joy!
Marty was able to gift him with a LifeLight Bible! His life will never be the same!
Friend, you made it possible for that Bible to get into the hands of Marty and his friend. May God bless you richly!
You are making an eternal difference!
We are truly so thankful for you!
Executive Assistant to the President
Zebo@LifeLightMinistries.org
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
FAITH IS SPELLED "R-I-S-K"
Renee wrote this in Dec 1999
FAITH IS SPELLED "R-I-S-K"
"These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised." Hebrews 11:39 NIV
It always amazes me how many
believers are hesitant to claim God's
promises because they're afraid they'll be disappointed. Perhaps they feel that if they don't expect too much from God, they can avoid the pain of being let down.
I've heard it said that real faith is spelled "R-I-S-K". I think there's a lot of truth in that. It takes a lot of courage to trust God to come through for us when our senses aren't giving us any support.
But that's exactly what the Lord
expects from us. If you look at the
eleventh chapter of Hebrews, you see that God approves of those who put their faith in His promises, whether or not they come to pass. The verse above confirms this. And so does Hebrews 11:13: "All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance."
The Scriptures reveal that God holds in high esteem those who live by faith and continue to hold on to God's promises, even through long periods of waiting. The fact is, if we really want to please God and reap the rewards He has in store for us, we're going to have to risk putting our faith and trust in Him, even when it looks like the odds are against us. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
The first verse of Hebrews gives us a Biblical definition of faith: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." And the next verse reveals that it's this kind of faith that God esteems: "This is what the ancients were commended for." (Hebrews 11:1-2) The words "sure" and "certain" make it clear that faith is a confidence in God and His Word, even when we don't see any tangible evidence to justify that faith. And the verse that follows reveals why our believing in what we don't see isn't just "pie in the sky:" "By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible." (Hebrews 11:3)
The Creator of the universe isn't the least bit hindered when our circumstances look "impossible". Making something out of nothing is what our God does best.
Now you need to ask yourself how
serious you are about pleasing God. If you're really serious, you aren't going to be able to avoid taking risks with your faith. Yes, you're going to
experience some disappointments you might have escaped. But I guarantee you this- -you're going to witness some miracles in your life that you would have missed otherwise. Hebrews 11:33 tells us that "through faith" some of God's people "gained what was promised."
The bottom line is this -- whether or not we receive all the promises we believe God for isn't the issue; the issue is whether or not we are living by faith, trusting God with all our hearts in every circumstance every day of our lives. When we do, along with God's hearty approval, we'll have a peace and joy in our hearts that will enable us to live the abundant life that Jesus came to give us. Today, my heartfelt prayer for you is that you'll dare to believe!
Check out her website from her mid teens
Thursday, November 07, 2019
Why do atheists criticize religious groups?
Dr. Henry A. Ozirney
observations
Writing in Psychology Today, Dr. Marty Nemko talks about the tendancy of some people today who would "otherwise
urge tolerance and decry prejudice" but instead they "ridicule the religious:" Sadly, there are some people today who say they are tolerant and inclusive but who don't think it inconsistent to criticize people's faith in God.
Nemko quotes Christopher Hitchens in his book, "God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything" in which he writes, "one must state it plainly. Religion comes from the period of human prehistory where nobody... had the smallest idea what was going on. It... is a babyish attempt to meet our inescapable demand for knowledge as well as for comfort, reassurance and other infantile needs... Faith causes people to be more mean, more selfish, and perhaps above all, more stupid."
Similarly, Sam Harris, who calls himself an atheist, says, "I remain convinced that religious faith is one of the most perverse misuses of intelligence we have ever devised. So we will, inevitably, continue to criticize religious thinking."
Nemko responds to this narrow minded bigotry: "It ofte seems wrong, even malevolent, to attempt to disabuse religious people of their faith." I agree and think Hitchens' and Harris' comments are mean spirited and unkind. Let me explain why I think that.
As a pastor for 50 years, I have seen many people helped
by their religious faith. I have seen folks whose life has been hard and who have struggled with things like their finances, health crises, marital conflict and such. They then turned to or in some cases, returned to, religious faith because they had come to believe there is a God who loves them and can help them. For many, this has given them comfort and reassurance.
Now here's my question: why would any well-meanng person try to take that away from those people?
For others, their faith in God has given them a sense of purpose and meaning in their life. Previously, they had thought that their life had no purpose but now there is a smile on their face and peace in their heart.
Again I ask, "Why would anyone ridicule them for that?"
The list of benefits people have found in their religious faith can go on and on. And so, even though they might not share their sentiments, I think a good person would say to these religious people, "I'm happy for you" instead trying to rip it away from them.
Sadly, too often, the attempt to shake a religious person's faith is motivated by a desire to show they are right and also smarter than the religious person. Or perhaps because the critic is simply a spoilsport or a killjoy.
Nemko concludes, "Fortunately, most religious people's faith. Is sufficiently defended that atheists and agnostics usually fail to disabuse them. But it may be worth asking yourself, "If I'm truly well-intentioned, should I devote my efforts to help humankind in ways other than to denigrate a person's belief in a deity?"
I think you would agree that that would be a lot better.
Thursday, December 28, 2017
Life sure has its surprises
Just when
you think you have a pretty good idea what you think your future
holds someone has a different idea – God.
Marie
spent most of her career as a Credit Manager and had been retired for
10 years, and in November/16 I was phased out of my career as a sales
rep with Atlas Van Lines after 15 years. It looked like retirement
was in the future.
God had a
different idea.
Who would
have expected God to call us into the Canadian LifeLight Ministry
(CLLM) in our 70’s. We sure didn’t.
I had
spent 25 years in ministry before (up until 2000) and did not expect
to be called again. Of course we were willing and available, but at
our age?!?!
What an
absolute surprise and privilege.
There is
no doubt that God called us to CLLM. We weren’t looking at all, but
God worked and spoke through a number of people. We received a phone
call, met with people, prayed and here we are in our 70’s, as of
August/17, giving God’s Word out.
As you
know LifeLight’s mandate is simple – get God’s Word in to
as many people’s hands and in to as may homes as possible.
We’d love to be able to get the bible to everyone in Canada. Of
course that’s not likely to happen by CLLM alone, but we want to do
as much as possible.
We have an
unlimited number of bibles available – for children, adults, police
officers, firefighters, recovery bibles, different languages,
versions, etc. etc. If you have a particular need chances are we can
get it to you. You can see all this in our Catalogue section on our
website. If your church or organization needs bibles, material or
tracts, or you’re an individual, give us a call. That is what we
are here for.
We supply
bibles to many of you - churches, camps, prisons, recovery groups,
and occupational groups. What a privilege.
You never
know what God has in mind. We just need to listen and follow His
direction. Right now, as most of you know, in addition to all the
above, a few years ago He directed CLLM to put together the LifeLight
Bible for First Nation People. It was 3 years in the
making and published 3 years ago.
As in many
organizations, one “product” takes centre stage, and that is what
has happened at LifeLight. While we are still greatly involved in
giving out all the other bibles, but the First Nations Bible has
become a main focus. It is in great demand and extremely well
received. Praise The Lord.
Marie’s
and my job are to raise the funds to pay for the bibles that we give
out. When we give out bibles we ask the recipients if they can make a
donation to help pay for them – if not we of course still give them
the bible. Many organizations are charities like us and can’t pay
for them.
We have a great staff at CLLM. Carolyn Dueck is our Office
Manager, Ken and Patricia McGhie work in outreach, and Raymond Dueck is
our hands-on Founder and President. We all have different gifts - but
our job is get the bills paid.
We need to
be as creative as possible. I know we have to do the foot work –
but we have to believe that God will open up the doors for us to
share the ministry and raise the funds. We just started. We are
looking forward to great things. We believe this is God’s ministry,
and He will do what He wants to get the job done.
We plan to
have some dessert night fund raising events. We will also be at the
various town festivals.
We would
like to present our ministry at your church for a few minutes or a
complete service. I was a pastor and speaking is one of my gifts.
We are
networking with a number of pastors and missionaries who preach the
Word and then give out our Bibles. We can’t be everywhere but
others can be.
If you can
help in any way – that would be great. Our first need is prayer,
then funds, and lastly if you want to help us organize an event or
get us in to your church – that would be great as well. Maybe you
have some ideas.
If you
want to be a part of this ministry please give us a call. Remember –
it is God’s ministry. We are just a group of His servants each
with different gifts.
We will be
at the Vancouver MissionFest January 26 – 28. Maybe we will see you
there. I will be contacting some of you who live in the Vancouver
area to come and visit.
We are
looking forward to a blessed new year at CLLM. We pray that you too
will have a great new year.
God bless
you all.
P.S.
- Right now we have a need for office space. Our landlord has given us
to the end of January to move. We have put feelers out but nothing
has come up yet. This was a total surprise to us. We need to rest in
the fact that this was not a surprise to God. He has a place but we
still have to do our part. We only found out a month or so ago. We
need your prayers and help if you can.
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
What did you get for Christmas?
This is
the most asked question right after Christmas day. It can be a
conversation piece – or maybe the person is truly interested.
The answer
will depend on a few variables – age, sex, financial position of
the giver, friend or family etc. etc. As we get older we hope that
the gifts have a deeper meaning and more thought went in to them.
Last week
at church the worship leader was trying to bring in some humour into
the service and asked a couple questions, one was what was the best
gift you ever received. I said my wife. Not bad eh?
When I was
about seven I got a hockey game. We played it for hours. I remember
that like it was yesterday.
What’s
the best or most memorable gift you ever received?
Then I
realized I fell into the same trap again. Christmas where we’re
receiving the gifts. Is it ever easy to fall into that trap.
In our
last newsletter I was making the point that this is Jesus birthday
and we treat it like ours – and here is God, we are celebrating the
birth of Jesus and He is giving us the
greatest gift of all – Himself – Jesus.
What a
great God we have. He is continuously giving and loving.
We all
know John 3:16 – He loved us so much that He gave us His one and
only Son that whoever believes in Him will never perish but have
eternal life.
God is
again doing the giving and the loving – even on the day we
celebrate His birth.
Thank
You Lord – we sure don’t deserve it. You have made it possible
for us to spend eternity with You – and we don’t have to do
anything in return except for us to love and trust in You.
I pray
that you had a Merry Christmas.
Ed Mullis
Saturday, December 23, 2017
Sharing Jesus the Reason?
Christmas
Day is almost here. Most are making sure that they have all that they
need for their Christmas celebrations. This is a time when people love
to get together with friends and family. But there are always those that
are not as fortunate. Ken McGhie continues to work with these people
and others to make sure that no one is forgotten this Christmas,
Vineyard Church recently held their annual Chili Fest which serves up
dinner and provides gifts to those that they help all year round. Please
pray for those from the Main Street and Martha Street area who are
vulnerable and not doing well this Christmas season. Please enjoy the
pictures of that event and some of the stories of these people and
families that are affected and those that help them. Canadian LifeLight
Ministries will continue to provide God’s salvation with those who are
most in need.
Heather
Barefoot preparing bags for those less fortunate who gather at the
Vineyard Church for Chili Fest. Inside the bags are important items such
as socks and mittens as well as candy and Bibles. She thanks those who
donated these much needed items to give others a happy Christmas.
Heather
Barefoot preparing bags for those less fortunate who gather at the
Vineyard Church for Chili Fest. Inside the bags are important items such
as socks and mittens as well as candy and Bibles. She thanks those who
donated these much needed items to give others a happy Christmas.
Those
served include a family who has many concerns. But they can put those
concerns aside for a short time as they enjoy Chili Fest at the Vineyard
Church. They were greatful to receive the best of presents, the Lord’s
Word of healing and salvation.
Many volunteers attended the Chili Fest and shared God’s Word with attendees.
Street workers who work with those that attend the Love Lives Here
trailer also attended the Chili Fest to help hand out presents and share
the Word of God with those who are vulnerable.
Margaret
Sinclair attended the Chili Fest. She has family that suffers from
addictions and she always prays that they and others will receive the
healing and saving Word of God.
Here is the news featured in our Christmas Newsletter.
We need your help to get another 30,000 Bibles printed.
We are also looking for partners/volunteers in various cities to help us distribute Bibles and raise funds individually and through fundraisers. Is this something you can do to serve God?
If you can help now that would be great. Our intention is to contact each person on our mailing list so you will probably hear from us in some way – by email or phone. But that will take time. So please don’t wait until we call. If God is giving you a nudge to help CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN – May we count on you to make a difference for eternity?
MAKE YOUR DONATION TODAY AND IT WILL BE MATCHED BY ANOTHER DONOR! FOR $6 YOU CAN IMPACT 2 FAMILIES! Your donation goes twice the distance! us get His Word out, please follow through. As it says in 1 Timothy 2:4 – God wants everyone to be saved.
If you can help now that would be great. Our intention is to contact each person on our mailing list so you will probably hear from us in some way – by email or phone. But that will take time. So please don’t wait until we call. If God is giving you a nudge to help CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN – May we count on you to make a difference for eternity?
MAKE YOUR DONATION TODAY AND IT WILL BE MATCHED BY ANOTHER DONOR! FOR $6 YOU CAN IMPACT 2 FAMILIES! Your donation goes twice the distance! us get His Word out, please follow through. As it says in 1 Timothy 2:4 – God wants everyone to be saved.
If you have any questions or would like to talk and meet, please contact us at Ken@FirstNationsLifeLight.com
God bless you and thank you for your support and prayers.
Ken
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Mission to Mexico
Just so you know. My wife and I have taken a box full, sometimes more, from your Bibles to Puerto Escondido, Mexico, for approximately 15 years. We have distributed them mostly through the church we're part of when there, as well as privately. They've gone into mountain communities north and north west, into the hands of a local women's football team, and some into the hands of first time church visitors. We trust and pray that some will be responsible for additional folks in heaven with us. Keep up the good work. Ben & Marina Wiebe
Sunday, January 22, 2017
MissionFest 2017
MissionFest
As always
Canadian LifeLight Ministries will be attending MissionFests this
winter. Vancouver MissionsFest is from January 27 to 29, 2017 at the
Vancouver Convention Centre. Manitoba MissionFest is the following
weekend (February 3-5, 2017) at Church of the Rock in Winnipeg.
Please stop by to visit us!
⇿
Living
Bible Explorers
During the
Christmas Season there were many events that help people through what
can be a tough time for the less fortunate. On December 25, 2016,
Living Bibles Explorers hosted their annual Christmas Day event. Ken
McGhie was there and advised that fun was had by all. Gifts of the
First Nations LifeLight were gratefully accepted along with gifts of
socks and gloves. Praise the Lord and we pray that all who are in
receipt of the Word come to God.
⇿
Volunteer
opportunity
The
children have returned to school for the winter semester after their
Christmas break but their next break is quickly approaching. If you
have or know of a youth group that is looking to fill their time
during Spring Break, please let us know as we have Bibles that can be
prepared for distribution. Our volunteer opportunities are not
restricted to youth groups, if you want to volunteer personally or
know of others who are looking for ways to help spread God’s Word,
please call our office at (204) 339-3770, or
Bibles@BiblesforToday.com!
⇿
Walk
Ins at Winnipeg Office
Canadian
LifeLight Ministries always welcomes walk ins. Recently a family
stopped by to see how the Lord could help them through tough times.
The family had suffered through many tragic events in recent years
and had started to pull away from the Lord. But as always, God spoke
to them and their faith was renewed and refreshed. A Bible was
chosen for each child in the family and Mom chose a Bible for herself
as well as other literature that will help her continue to find
meaning even in the tough times. We invite all to call, mail or
email us your prayer requests that we may pray with you .
⇿
Thank
you
We at
Canadian LifeLight Ministries also say Thank You! We thank all who
have supported us through prayer, through volunteering with us and
through the donations that allow us to continue our work of spreading
the Lord’s Word! Please continue to support us as many hands make
our work easier and help us to do more! God Bless!
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