We're Here - Land of the Big Bee and Big Butt

We stayed at the Vegas the last couple of nights. They took me up to Tisdale and showed me around. We saw the big Bee and the big Butt when we arrived. Apparently Tisdale is home to the world's largest Bee and an even bigger Butt (Brent Butt) picture. I am amazed. Al and Karen Hoeft were right. Phillipe and Phyllis confirmed it. Parts of Saskatchewan here do seem to be like Corner Gas - particularly Tisdale, it seems, Brent Butt's home town.

The people are very friendly in Tisdale. I have met a good number of them the last couple of days. There is a lot of property in Tisdale. We have just moved thrift shops. This seems to be a good idea. There are decisions in to be made soon...

Nipawin

We arrived yesterday. The church is amazing: chandeliers and everything. The house is a good size - we really appreciate it. The previous officer did a great job at getting it set up beutifully for the kids particularly. She had pets however and Susan is suffering terribly from allergies to the animals... There is still a bit of tidying to do both here and at the church to do but it is good. We weren't able to get the keys to the Centre until today, so I am just trying to find everything right now...it will be a busy time for the next little while...

I gotta go - I have to try to find a printer that will work right now so that I can print out my sermon and the overheads for tomorrow...

Michael

Poverty, Murder, Rape...and honey

Our history with The Salvation Army: immediately before, during, and after training college.

Before: we were in Vancouver's downtown eastside, the land of poverty. (the poorest postal code in all of North America)

During: we were in Winnipeg, the land of killing. (Winnipeg is the murder capital of Canada.)

Now: we are in the land of rape...and honey.

"The Land of Rape and Honey" is the motto of Tisdale, one of the towns in the new North East Saskatchewan circuit of which we are a part. Nipawin, the town where our new home is located, comes from a Cree word meaning "a bed, or resting place" (I am looking forward to that right about now...) and Melfort, the home of the Hoefts (our ministry partners), is "the City of the Northern Lights and the City of Opportunity."

We really were blessed by the Lord in both Vancouver and Winnipeg. We miss our friends from there already and we will keep in touch. The Lord has blessed us by allowing us to see His miricles in both places and participate in His ministry. We look forward to seeing and being a part of the mighty work that He is already doing in Nipawin and NE Saskatchewan. I pray that we will serve Him well.

BTW, rape is an older term for Canola...

Michael

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web: www.sheepspeak.com
comics and rations: www.sheepspeak.com/drwas.htm

Dr Was

Join us as we read through the Bible in a year on-line. Click today's date at www.sheepspeak.com/drwas.htm and see the scripture readings and the comic for the day.

If you would like to subscribe to have the Bible readings and comics delivered to your e-mail inbox daily, just send us an e-mail to erations@sheepspeak.com

God bless,

Michael

light

'It is better to light one candle than to complain about the darkness.'

We went to Rebecca's school assembly today. It was a very good ceremony. The teachers addressed their classes and the students' parents as a body for the last time this year. Winnipeg Mennonite Elementary School really is an amazing school - I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who has children attending elementary school in Winnipeg. If you have a child who will be starting kindergarten next year, you may wish to move to Winnipeg so that you can have Mrs Weiss as a teacher.

It is interesting too. Many of you have read some the stuff that I have written here or in JAC or elsewhere about private Christian education. You will know that traditionally I have not been the greatest fan in the world of it. I have always argued that not only is it our responsibility to shine light in the darkness of secular schools through having our children attend and attending the PTA meetings and paying attention to the school board elections ourselves. I have also argued that if Christian children only ever see Christian children at school, they miss out own great opportunities for learning and sharing the gospel.

That being said, if there was anyway that we could send Becca back to WMES or SGV to Mrs Weiss' class, I would do it in a moment. Rebecca and her classmates learned so much. They not only acquired skills and abilities beyond what is expected of kindergarten students, they also have been able to encourage and be encouraged in their relationship with the Lord. At the assembly today, I almost wept as I heard testimony as to how the Lord is working in the lives of the staff and students at WMES. The theme of the meeting was to be a hero, shine their light, and remember that 'with God all things are possible' (Matthew 19:26).

I am grateful that the Lord provided this opportunity for Rebecca. She will miss her friends, her teacher, and her school next year but I know she will do well with her new school, new teacher, and new friends in Napawin. The Lord is good, and I'm sure Rebecca and Sarah-Grace will have ample opportunity to light their candles in Nipawin.

Water

We were rained out of our campsite. Everything is soaked so we booked into a hotel for our last couple of days in Winnipeg. There is a certain symmetry in this as we camped the month at the Birds Hill park before we started life at CFOT two years ago - we were rained out then too. (actually I think the bugs bugged the three girls more than the rain this time to tell the whole truth of the matter). It was neat too that two years ago we saw our first ever wild turkey chicks when we were at the park, this year Rebecca and I saw some baby deer (still wobbly on their legs even).

 

Becca, however, is a lot bigger. We went for a walk or two, just the two of us. It was really neat. Yesterday we all went to Grand Beach with Stacey and Evan. That was good. The waves reminded me of the ocean back home on the west coast. It was also good to go swimming in the heated pool with the girls today and it is a lot easier to do writing and research in a comfortable hotel room than it is with the laptop plugged into the laundry room at the campsite or someone's trailer hook-up.

 

I received two books by NT Wright today. I've started reading Evil and the Justice of the Lord. I am not that far in and I really do enjoy reading the Bishop of Durham's writing - I have read a number of exegetical article before but this is my first 'reader-friendly book by him. He opened up by stating that there would be no longer any sea in the 'new earth' according to Revelation 21. That is a new idea for me. As an Islander by birth, I must admit that I am still taken a back by that one a bit. Upon refection, symbolic or literal, I think I can understand the symbolism of this as NT Wright puts forth. The Sea was a symbol of the consequence of judgement (Noah being spared from the flood, and Moses being spared by the Red Sea, etc.) and there is no more need for this sort of consequence of righteous judgement; it is completed in Revelation 21. but it was a new idea for me anyway - one I will keep in my mind at least until I have time and inclination to look at it more fully.

 

NT Wright also raised the debate about moral evil vs. 'natural evil'...I still maintain that 'there is noting natural about evil' (I am quoting someone here, I want to guess someone but I don't want to guess wrong so I'll have to get back to you). 'Natural evil', of course, is a theological term for an event in nature that results in mass destruction or loss of life - it has nothing to do with the earth committing sin as the earth, which does not exercise free will, cannot possibly transgress the will of God...anyway these are some of my thoughts at the moment. I'll try to keep you posted.

 

By the way, the above picture is of Susan and I at the Celebration 125 Friday night festivities.

Michael
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web: www.sheepspeak.com
Comics: www.sheepspeak.com/drwas.htm
Rations: www.havelock-viha.com/journal.htm  

It's almost time

The house is packed and emptied. The movers came yesterday.
It will be all cleaned by tonight.
We're moving to the campground for the weekend.
School finishes early next week for the kids, then its Saskatchewan bound...

Canada's latest hot commodity: Saskatchewan farmland
Last Updated: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 | 10:28 AM CT
CBC News

For years, prices for Saskatchewan farmland have been relatively stable - but now the market is catching fire.

Investors from across the country and around the world who've been buying houses and apartments are also snapping up farmland in the province.

read more from www.CBC.ca: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/saskatchewan/story/2007/06/20/farmland-sales.html

Today is moving day

Tonight we say good-bye to our company.
Tomorrow is cleaning day.
The next day is cleaning day.
The next day is sermon prep...

We leave soon...we'll miss Winnipeg but we are excited about Nipawin, Tisdale, NE Saskatchewan and all that the Lord has in store for us there.

Michael

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web: www.sheepspeak.com
Comics and daily Bible readings: www.sheepspeak.com/drwas.htm

10 Commandments for the road from the Vatican

The "Drivers' Ten Commandments," as listed in Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road, are:

1. You shall not kill.
2. The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of mortal harm.
3. Courtesy, uprightness and prudence will help you deal with unforeseen events.
4. Be charitable and help your neighbor in need, especially victims of accidents.
5. Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and an occasion of sin.
6. Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they are not in a fitting condition to do so.
7. Support the families of accident victims.
8. Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time, so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness.
9. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.
10. Feel responsible toward others.

Read more from the Toronto Star: http://www.wheels.ca/article/28746

The Vatican on-line: http://www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm

one sermon down, many to go...

I preached my first sermon as a Captain tonight and said farewell to my friends at the Penn. The Lord greatly blessed my humble offering for sure.

I spoke about Luke 4:1-14, what is commonly referred to as the temptation of Jesus (However, Given the truth of James 1:13 - "No one, when tempted should say, 'I am being tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one." - I would probably opt for a different title for this section).

I will miss the guys at Stony.

Michael

Celebration 125 - 4

Last night was a very moving meeting.The Heralds of the Good News have really bonded with the Commissioner. We will miss her as she takes on her new duties at the United Nations. As we were each ordained and commissioned Commissioner M. Christine Macmillan offered a very personal prayer on our behalf and a blessing to us. The Lord was there evening and it was a late night again last night.

Captain Ashley Bungay delivered a wonderful Valedictorian address; Major Rice responded. We were greatly blessed.

There was an alter call at the end. The stage was filled. One of the people that came to the stage was a fellow from Weetamah (a corps at which we served here...Mark informed us he offered his life in service to the Lord)

This morning the alarm went off just after 5 am. TSA in Winnipeg entered three teams (Rick Zelinsky and Al Hoeft did a lot of work to get that al together) in the Manitoba Marathon. I was blessed to be a part of that. One runner threw out SA Frisbees as he ran along. I ran the first leg alongside Peter Lublink and Al. We all wore shirts with Celebration 125 on the front and Colossians 1:25 "...proclaiming His message in all its fullness" on the back. It was a good witness; we received comments as we ran the race.

There was an outdoor TSA concert at the Forks Marketplace complete with the Canadian Staff Band, kids activities, and the Gospel message. Later in the day we acknowledged our appointments and worshipped the Lord together at Calvary Temple. The Commissioner continued to speak to us from Colossians. We then had our Silver Star dinner at Booth College and thanked the Lord for the blessings He has provided to us through the Silver Star honourees.

Tomorrow we retire the flag.

Tomorrow I preach my first official sermon as a Captain in the Salvation Army to my friends at Stony Mountain Penitentiary.

Good night,

Captain Michael Ramsay
web: http://www.sheepspeak.com/

Commissioning and Ordination

It was a holy time tonight.

Captain Michael Ramsay

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ramsay@sheepspeak.com

Celebration 125 - 3

Another busy day. I was on duty for the Multi-sensory prayer room. This provides people with the opportunity to pray visually and tactile-ly and as creatively as they please. it was really nicely set up.


After being there for a while I was able to join everyone who was at “Under the Big Top” – a family celebration with guest ringleaders Kevin and Sheryl Slous, youth and children’s pastors from Mississauga Temple, Ont. This was exciting. They presented Bible stories and the gospel in an exciting way for Children. My kids really enjoyed it and there was no shortage of people who responded to the 'alter call' - they were invited to 'let their light shine' and were given glow sticks when they went up.

There were many good Bible story 'acts': Jonah (Rebecca really liked the big fish but she thought it looked more like a Hippo), Shadrack, Meshach, and Abendego, and David and Goliath. Gavin, a youngster from the audience, was invited up to act out the part of David. He did an amazing job but he never was able to hit Goliath with the sling (he did hit the ringleader twice); in the end he wound up finishing off Goliath with a marshmallow gun...

The Canadian Staff Band was there again -they're everywhere! Praise the Lord for their ministry. Jabulani is performing again upstairs at CFOT as I finish off this posting. They have been a powerful instrument for the Kingdom this weekend as well...





Trade has even opened up a temporary store here and they have a big business going on as well. By the time I was able to get there everything that I needed was already sold out...

It is a busy weekend. I'll try to keep it posted..

Michael
http://www.sheepspeak.com/

Celebration 125 - 2

Today started out early with the big rehearsals for the remainder of the weekend events at Calvary Temple for the 125 and Commissioning ceremonies. After a morning of rehearsals, we headed over to Booth College for my first ever Officers' Councils. There were some powerful testimonies about covenant given by Colonel E Sheppard and Captain S Russell. The Lord moved. The message was a powerful one from Col 3:1ff -

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

We were then invited up to reaffirm our covenant if we were so led by the Lord - as I just signed my original earlier in the week, I thought that I was still okay; One of the cadets had already broken his though - well he actually broke the frame in which his covenant was encased...I think even that is repaired now (-:

This evening we celebrated the Legacy of TSA in Canada. It was exciting to be ministered to by the Cadet Choir (don't worry, I was exempt), the Canadian Staff Band and the Jabulani again. It was really moving. A number of us, dressed barmy army high collars, had the privilege in leading those gathered in shouts and cheers to the Lord. I tell you, this is the direction the uni should move, the reaction is always great. I also wore my Maple Creek rancher's hat in anticipation of our impending prairie ministry; this was well received.

Famous guest speakers gave their pre-recorded testimony on the video screen. and Commissioner M. Christian Macmillan spoke about Colossians 1 and Social Justice and the astronomical number of children who go to bed hungry every night (when the Lord has already provided more than enough for everyone in the world) and people both young and old (as young as 8, I think and as old as 98 gave their testimonies re legacy and as to what God is doing in their lives...and He IS doing a good work for sure.

Earlier in the day the Canadian Staff Band also hit the streets for the Lord and the Army. They weren't arrested though as some of our earlier musicians and ministers were - this is good. They took it to the streets and were still able to minster to us in the evening, Praise the Lord.

This weekend is a blessing for sure...back at it tomorrow...ITLP, I even get to change the colour of my epaulets... (-:

Michael

ramsays@sheepspeak.com
Comics: www.sheepspeak.com/drwas.htm
Rations: www.havelock-viha.com/journal.htm

Happiness is paying your taxes, study suggests
Last Updated: Friday, June 15, 2007 3:04 PM ET
CBC News

Contrary to the common notion that paying taxes can be a painful experience, researchers at the University of Oregon say the practice actually may trigger feelings of satisfaction and happiness.

read more: http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2007/06/15/taxes-study.html

This actually makes sense - after all, in this day and age taxes are the primary means by which the Lord uses our resources to provide justice to the poor and underpriviledged...and why wouldn't doing the Lord's will make people happy - and remember this next time a politician offers you tax cuts as if it is a 'good' thing. cf: blog, More on Psalm 72 (http://renewnetwork.blogspot.com/2007_06_01_archive.html#669742481567054149) from Wednesday June 13, 2007)

Celebration 125

Celebration 125 (125 years of TSA in Canada. It is also 100 yrs in Winnipeg this year!) kicked off today in Winnipeg with the Canadian Staff Band and Jabulani from Bermuda. It was great. The Staff Band is an amazing tool of the Lord. Early on in the performance we were urged to ponder 'peace in our time', the music and words of which fit in quite well with my mediations of late (see Wednesday's blog, 'more on Psalm 72'). After praising the Lord some more with the Staff band, Jubalani then encouraged us to put our faith  'in Jesus name', clap (we're good at that) sing and dance in the aisles (some of us did! - I must confess that in the WC Baptist tradition in which I grew up the only time people raised their hands were to go to the bathroom (-: ) and we declared that 'Jesus has the power.'

As well as worshiping and testifying with music, Major Millar (CSM), shared from the word. He encouraged us from the Word. He told us to go 'back to the future'; we should return to the time before the fall. We will return to perfect communion with God. This past is our future holiness. Colonel Robert Redhead was then invited up to conduct the powerful peace he composed entitles 'Back to the Future'.

It was a good time. May the Lord be glorified. May the Lord continue to bless this weekend. And may souls be saved...halleluiah!

Tomorrow is another full day...

Michael

The New Testament according to Dr Seuss

(Hat tip, as they say, to Debbie VanderHeyden)

And now for the Dr. Seuss Bible:

One day God said, "This is what I will do:

I'll send down my son. I'll send him to you

To clear up this humpity bumpity hullaballoo.

His name will be Christ and he'll never wear shoes.

His pals will all call him 'The King of the Jews.'"

He didn't come in a plane.

He didn't come in a Jeep.

He didn't come in a pouch

Of a high jumping Voveep.

He rode on the back of a black Sassatoo

Which is the blackiest creature you ever could view.

He rode to Jerusalem -- home of the grumpity Jews

Where false prophets were worshiped -- some even in twos.

There was Murray VonMyrrh and Ghengis Vovooz --
The one you could worship by taking a snooze.

Christ spoke from a mound

Which is a pile of ground.

People gathered around

Without making a sound.

read more: http://www.seuss.org/seuss/seuss.newtest.html

By the way, if you like that, you may wish to peruse 'Cadet Crab was Sad' from sheepspeak.com: http://www.sheepspeak.com/Cadet_Crab_was_Sad.pdf

Busy time

I had hoped to have the whole house boxed by now but it turns out that was not possible. Too bad.

My folks arrive tonight. I am looking forward to that. We haven't seen them in a long time. It is always an encouraging time when they come. It is fitting that they will receive the 'silver star' acknowledgement for their role as positive Christian, spiritual role models.

More on Psalm 72

I have been reading Psalm 72, of course, in preparation for Canada Day. There are some very interesting points...that may or may not make it into the actual sermon depending on the Lord's leading.

Psalm 72 was, of course, part of the foundation upon which our nation was built. Any foundation is key to the following structures that are added to it. Psalm 72 promises peace (Shalom) to the nation that serves the Lord by taking care of the. poor and the needy. My mind wandered a little bit during choral practice today (-:

I got to thinking...this has actually played out in Canada. After Canada introduced taxation and monetary support to the provinces that was used to distribute wealth more equitably to the poor and disenfranchised, after we opened up our borders to the immigrant and refugee, after we introduced Medicare (so that everyone could go to a doctor - not just the wealthy), Canada became known as a nation of peacemakers. Our governments sent our brave soldiers to risk life and limb to stand between warring factions. We had peace and we were used by God to share that peace with the world.

In recent years, tax cuts have crept in as popular election promises - this inevitably leads to cuts in services to the poor and underprivileged. There have been stories in the news in the last year about Canadian government agents knocking down refugee claimants doors in the middle of the night. Canada now has legislation where people can be charged or deported without even being informed of the charges against them. It is not uncommon to be billed as a result of a visit to the doctor. There are more people living on the streets now than has been recorded in the past...and our valiant soldiers are returning home in coffins daily as Canada -in the short time since the end of the cold war- has invaded no less than 3 foreign countries.

Psalm 72, part of the foundation upon which our country is built, is both a promise and a warning... The Lord has provided more than enough for everyone in Canada and actually everyone in the whole world. As we are faithful in distributing his resources to the poor and the needy, He will remember us. The result will be shalom. If we neglect the poor, however,...

Michael

Pictures

The VanderHeydens to the rescue again...

We were out of boxes and needed light bulbs - where to turn? What to do? Who can save the day? Super Jimmy, of course. He came knocking on our door within minutes....


One day earlier in the year there was a knock at the door. We told the girls to answer it and asked them if they thought it was Santa. They said "Yes, it's Debbie. Debbie's Santa..."




The picts from the kids' ceremony are thanks to Sheldon Bungay

Walking with friends

Tonight, I visited my friends at Stony Mountain for the last time before I am ordained. I will see them once more the day after the commissioning ceremony when I say good-bye officially (however, I may be able to still find a way to get to Aboriginal Day at the penitentiary again this year before I leave).

Last night I went for possibly my last walk around Winnipeg for 'street combat'. I saw some friends that I met in our early days here. It was good to see Brad, for one, a friend whom Jimmy and I met in our early walkabouts in the city and have gottem to know a little over our time here..

A while ago I wrote about my experiences walking with people in Winnipeg...you can read more by clicking HERE.

Covenant Sunday

We signed our Officer's covenants today. (Click Here) It was a really good service. The Lord spoke through many people here today. I was particularly touched through Susan's solo and Major Slous' comments about his covenant experiences in light of Romans 12:1-2 as well as a note from our home corps.

We said our official good-byes to the Swans the Slouses and the Commissioner. We will miss them all for sure. As well as the CFOT staff, Commissioner MacMillian has certainly earned a spot in the Heralds' hearts.

The Lord's work through the children was also acknowledged in a meeting this afternoon. I truly appreciated that they were presented with plaques acknowledging them as a valued and valuable part of our ministry team. This is true. That sentiment was also expressed in the very moving message from Aaron White, of 614 Vancouver, in his covenant Sunday message to us.

There is still a lot of packing to do and some trials ahead I'm sure. I really appreciated a visit from the Vanderheyden's last night, a call from a friend and colleague on the Island, and my run with Peter this morning (10K is a great way to start the day - the marathon is coming quickly...)

God bless.

Stress

Covenant Sunday is this weekend.

Sarah-Grace's and Evan's birthday is this weekend.

Nancy's baby shower is this weekend.

We planned on having the house packed this weekend.

Some of the company decided to show up early.

We have the rest of our company still to come at the agreed upon time...

stress.

Sarah-Grace had a good party.

I really hope Nancy did.

Picts of Sarah-Grace's and Evan's party:

Hey if anyone else is finding life stressful, why not turn to Dr Was. We have some new pictures still being added. We have completed the daily Bible readings though; so, if you scroll down you can click the date on the left and see the comic and Scripture for today.

The Opossum Paul

The Opossum Paul above the road to Damascus

We're right in the middle of environment week

Canadian Environment Week June 3-9, 2007
June 5, 2007 at 11:43 am

Protecting Canada’s natural environment reaps a world of benefits for Canadians, from strengthening the economy to enhancing health and quality of life. Canadian Environment Week is a time to celebrate our achievements and bring awareness to taking practical steps to conserve our land. (Read more from salvationarmy.ca)

Ducks Prevail

Congrats to Teemu Selänne the Niedermayer brothers - especially Rob for his first time - on winning the cup.

National Theological Underpinnings

Anybody preaching July 1st?

Canada Day (formerly Dominion Day) is just around the corner. This is an important time to reflect upon some of the theological underpinnings of our society. We were not born out of the atheist revolutions of the 1700s. If anything our forefathers took an intentional stand against the rebellions against God, King, and country that were happening elsewhere. Instead of focusing on the selfish pursuits of individualistic liberty and pursuits of personal happiness at the expense of others, the Canadian fathers of confederation focussed on peace (Jesus is the Prince of Peace), order (God is a God of order not disorder), and good government ( cf. Isa. 9:5-7, Ps. 72).

Canada’s motto, which was first used officially in Saskatchewan less than 40 years after confederation, “A Mari usque ad Mare” is Latin for “from sea to sea.” It comes from Psalm 72. In verse 8, where it declares, “He shall have dominion also from sea to sea.” That is a key underpinning of our society and of our founding identity, the idea that God himself, through the Canadian government, shall have dominion from sea to sea.

May it be so…

Sir Samuel Leonard Tilley

Sir Samuel Leonard Tilley, one of the fathers of Confederation, among his other accomplishments, is credited with proposing the Dominion of Canada's name based on the Scriptures, specifically Psalm 72:8.

Sir Samuel Tilley's political life was closely linked to his religious beliefs. Some of these beliefs fit very well with the old Army. Tilley, a part-time Sunday-school teacher and lifelong temperance advocate, he was one of the so-called "Smashers", a political formation that tried, unsuccessfully, to introduce prohibition to New Brunswick in the 1850s

Chickens crossed ocean blue way before you, Columbus

Last Updated: Tuesday, June 5, 2007 8:55 AM ET
The Associated Press

Why did the chicken cross the ocean? To get to America before Columbus — and from the other direction — according to a new report in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

read more from CBC: http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2007/06/05/science-chicken-migration.html

ac/dc

Today we got a briefing on the Area Commanders (AC) and the Divisional Commanders (DC). It sounds interesting. It sounds confusing.

Also pertaining to ac/dc, we had choir/songster/united vocal rehearsal today. Given my previous musical experiences, I am glad that I get to wear a costume instead of singing on Friday. In the past:

I was forced to stay in grade 6 band as a 'lesson' to me.
I was kicked out of grade 5 choir for fighting.
After hearing me lead my grade one class in a song, as a student teacher, I was instructed by my supervisor to 'buy a tape when the children need to sing'
When we were required to learn to play the recorder for our mandatory 'Music Education' class, I practised everyday - right under my professors window! - and I don't think that I ever got any better.

For those in Nipawin who may be seeing this, don't worry. Susan is extremely gifted in music - more than enough to make up for my lack, I assure you...

New DR Was
www.sheepspeak.com/drwas.htm

'Dentes Inferno'

Farewell Weetamah

We had our farewell at Weetamah today. We will miss everyone there for sure. I want to express again my sincere thanks and let everyone know again how much the Lord has blessed us there.

James, I will sure miss our planning and teaching together. I trust that Kelsey and you will get as much from the churches in revelation as you did from the livestock in Exodus...

Michael

War has been Declared: The Invasion of Winnipeg

Shortly after the Bombardment of Manitoba began, an explosive and successful invasion of the City of Winnipeg Began.

The Salvation Army began calling for its ‘Bombardment of Manitoba’ in the April 11th, 1885 issue of the Canadian War Cry Magazine. They ran this advertisement again on the 18th and 25th of April. Staff-Captain Young, Lieutenant Archer, Captain Hackett, Captain Harrison, and Cadets Teirney and Graham answered the call; so, “on the 10th day of December, at –430 below zero The Salvation Army opened fire in Winnipeg.” This is how the War Cry reported the successful invasion:

Read more from Sheepspeak.com: www.sheepspeak.com/Michael_Ramsay_JAC.htm#War

Read the JAC version: www.armybarmy.com/article14-49.html

Read a longer WCBC version: www.sheepspeak.com/Michael_Ramsay_History_TSA.htm#TSAInWinnipeg

Soldiers Covenant

Since one has accepted the 11 doctrines of the Salvation Army, one declares - among other things that "I will be a faithful steward of my time and gifts, my money and possessions, my body, my mind and my spirit, knowing that I am accountable to God....I will abstain from alcoholic drink. tobacco, the non-medical use of addictive drugs. gambling, pornography, the occult, and all else that could enslave the body or spirit."

Thoughts? Thoughts@sheepspeak.com

A beautiful day at the zoo

Cadets had planned on going to the zoo today as part of an 'official' outing. It was cancelled. However, it was such a beautiful day and Stacey, Evan, and our clan had decided to go anyway. We had a great time.

More Pictures: http://www.sheepspeak.com/zoo.htm

Artwork by Rebecca


Go Senators Go!

The senators down south played like a bunch of elected politicians...lets hope they play like the hired professionals they are up here (-:

The next issue of JAC is out!

The newest issue of JAC is out!
http://www.armybarmy.com/jac.html

The following is an excerpt for the Editorial Introduction by Captain Stephen Court

Greetings in Jesus' name. Welcome to Issue 49 of Journal of Aggressive Christianity. Over the next two issues we're celebrating 50 issues and taking two snapshots of JAC at 50.

Come in and take a peek at one highlight from each of the first ten issues of JAC. We've also got some fresh contributions. And then, next issue, we'll give you another peak.

read more: http://www.armybarmy.com/article1-49.html