Time for training about what to do in a diaster...
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Nipawin On-line
Nipawin Corps new Website: http://www.islandnet.com/~havelock/NipawinTSA.htm
Feedback wanted: blog@sheepspeak.com
Miracles in the Midst of Suffering
Reflections on the Explosion that Rocked Nipawin, Saskatchewan
The Salvation Army volunteers here worked and continue to pray with the town of Nipawin in its time of need. On the morning of Friday, April 18th, a terrible explosion rocked Nipawin. As we continue in prayer for the town in mourning the loss of two of its citizens, we also praise the Lord for the many miracles He performed that day and the ability of the town to rally together.
The Salvation Army was among the first responders to the incident; offering prayer, support and the love of Christ to a town in shock. The firefighters, police, EMS, and SaskPower were on site very quickly as well and were used by God to miraculously secure the area and stop the fire from spreading to an adjacent hardware store where ammunition was kept. Twenty-five volunteers from The Salvation Army in Nipawin came together quickly and, with the help us the Nipawin Oasis, the King Fisher Inn, the Royal Canadian Legion, and the Soup Town Café, provided food, coffee and juice for the on-site Emergency personnel. It was a great blessing to see the Lord work through all of the volunteers.
It is, of course, a trying time for any community when two of its members are suddenly and tragically taken from them and we continue to pray for the friends and family of those affected but we should not forget the many blessings and miracles that occurred in the midst of this tragedy as well. I spoke with one lady who was on the street outside the building that exploded. Glass and debris shot out towards her. She was unscathed. I heard of another person who had just paid for their haircut and walked away from the hairdresser’s plate glass window a moment before it shattered in the explosion. Many other people, myself included, earlier in the week were standing right on the corner where the explosion took place to watch this same demolition crew at work. It was a blessing that this accident did not occur then. It was also a blessing that the windstorm that did hit Nipawin after the explosion, did not hit until after the fire was out. Each day, as our town here recovers, I hear of more and more of the blessings and miracles that the Lord performed that day in the midst of this tragedy.
Personally, as I was walking from the site to the Salvation Army Corps where volunteers were quickly assembling in order to provide food and prepare the reception centre for possible evacuees, I poked my head in the Oasis Centre. That day they were planning on a large luncheon for the RBC staff in town. The Lord, through the Oasis, provided that lunch for the firefighters and police officers instead. Many of the Oasis volunteers eagerly joined us at the corps and on-site to help prepare and deliver food and coffee. We experienced a similar miracle in discovering that a lunch at the legion would not be needed either.
Another testimony to the Lord and the people of Nipawin occurred around the evacuation centre itself. The Salvation Army Hall was designated as the reception centre. Green Groves Motel offered us bedding; we had provisions there for anyone who needed to spend the night. In the end, however, of all the people we registered, no one was without a place to stay for the night. Green Groves Motel offered their empty rooms as well but no one from the evacuation centre needed them either. Friends, family, and others in the community called us offering to billet anyone who was in need. I stayed the night at the evacuation centre to man the phones and, praise the Lord, I was alone; everyone else had gone to a home.
Now, understandably, there were also upsetting times. As well as the fatalities, there were injuries, lost businesses, and a lost home. There was a couple whose home was lost; they were able to escape but their home, their belongings and their dog was not. The building came crashing down on their dog and the fires raged for as long as they did over the site. That night in his distress I understand his owner prayed, “God, please let me see my dog one last time – if only just in Heaven.”
The next morning at just before 7AM when I was delivering coffee to the people on site, I heard it: barking. The SaskEnergy employees had heard it first. They told the firefighters. The firefighters rescued him; he was more or less unscathed. He was saved. The dog was saved! Praise the Lord it was a miracle; it really was!
Feedback wanted: blog@sheepspeak.com
Miracles in the Midst of Suffering
Reflections on the Explosion that Rocked Nipawin, Saskatchewan
The Salvation Army volunteers here worked and continue to pray with the town of Nipawin in its time of need. On the morning of Friday, April 18th, a terrible explosion rocked Nipawin. As we continue in prayer for the town in mourning the loss of two of its citizens, we also praise the Lord for the many miracles He performed that day and the ability of the town to rally together.
The Salvation Army was among the first responders to the incident; offering prayer, support and the love of Christ to a town in shock. The firefighters, police, EMS, and SaskPower were on site very quickly as well and were used by God to miraculously secure the area and stop the fire from spreading to an adjacent hardware store where ammunition was kept. Twenty-five volunteers from The Salvation Army in Nipawin came together quickly and, with the help us the Nipawin Oasis, the King Fisher Inn, the Royal Canadian Legion, and the Soup Town Café, provided food, coffee and juice for the on-site Emergency personnel. It was a great blessing to see the Lord work through all of the volunteers.
It is, of course, a trying time for any community when two of its members are suddenly and tragically taken from them and we continue to pray for the friends and family of those affected but we should not forget the many blessings and miracles that occurred in the midst of this tragedy as well. I spoke with one lady who was on the street outside the building that exploded. Glass and debris shot out towards her. She was unscathed. I heard of another person who had just paid for their haircut and walked away from the hairdresser’s plate glass window a moment before it shattered in the explosion. Many other people, myself included, earlier in the week were standing right on the corner where the explosion took place to watch this same demolition crew at work. It was a blessing that this accident did not occur then. It was also a blessing that the windstorm that did hit Nipawin after the explosion, did not hit until after the fire was out. Each day, as our town here recovers, I hear of more and more of the blessings and miracles that the Lord performed that day in the midst of this tragedy.
Personally, as I was walking from the site to the Salvation Army Corps where volunteers were quickly assembling in order to provide food and prepare the reception centre for possible evacuees, I poked my head in the Oasis Centre. That day they were planning on a large luncheon for the RBC staff in town. The Lord, through the Oasis, provided that lunch for the firefighters and police officers instead. Many of the Oasis volunteers eagerly joined us at the corps and on-site to help prepare and deliver food and coffee. We experienced a similar miracle in discovering that a lunch at the legion would not be needed either.
Another testimony to the Lord and the people of Nipawin occurred around the evacuation centre itself. The Salvation Army Hall was designated as the reception centre. Green Groves Motel offered us bedding; we had provisions there for anyone who needed to spend the night. In the end, however, of all the people we registered, no one was without a place to stay for the night. Green Groves Motel offered their empty rooms as well but no one from the evacuation centre needed them either. Friends, family, and others in the community called us offering to billet anyone who was in need. I stayed the night at the evacuation centre to man the phones and, praise the Lord, I was alone; everyone else had gone to a home.
Now, understandably, there were also upsetting times. As well as the fatalities, there were injuries, lost businesses, and a lost home. There was a couple whose home was lost; they were able to escape but their home, their belongings and their dog was not. The building came crashing down on their dog and the fires raged for as long as they did over the site. That night in his distress I understand his owner prayed, “God, please let me see my dog one last time – if only just in Heaven.”
The next morning at just before 7AM when I was delivering coffee to the people on site, I heard it: barking. The SaskEnergy employees had heard it first. They told the firefighters. The firefighters rescued him; he was more or less unscathed. He was saved. The dog was saved! Praise the Lord it was a miracle; it really was!
Hey High Point!
All our friends at High Point Community Church, we'd like to introduce you to the soon to be Lieutenants Peter and Alison Lublink: http://www.lublink.ca/
They're the next corps officers there. We know them from Training College - You'll love them.
Say 'Hi' for us.
Captains Michael and Susan Ramsay
http://www.sheepspeak.com/
They're the next corps officers there. We know them from Training College - You'll love them.
Say 'Hi' for us.
Captains Michael and Susan Ramsay
http://www.sheepspeak.com/
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Hockey Smile just in time for the play-offs!
Sarah-Grace is sporting her new 'Hockey Smile' just in time for the play-offs this year (-:
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Happy Earth Day!
God cares about the Earth...The land itself shall enjoy its sabbath rest (25:2, 26:34,35) just as man is commanded to (Exod. 20: 8-11, Deut 5:15), and as God did (Exod. 20:11, Gen. 2:3). If we ‘tenants’ (25:23), fail in our responsibility to carry out that duty, then the owner of the Land –who cares about His land- may remove us from it.
Re. Isreal, He did: “He carried into exile to Babylon the remnant, who escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power. The land enjoyed its sabbath rests; all the time of its desolation it rested, until the seventy years were completed in fulfillment of the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah. (2 Chronicles 36:20-21).” The land is the LORD’s. He cares about His land and therefore so should we.
read the whole article: http://www.sheepspeak.com/OT_Michael_Ramsay.htm#Leviticus%2025%201-23
read more Earth Day info: http://www.earthday.ca/pub/resources/faqs.php#general
Character...
Romans 5:3,4, “...rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
But what is character?
But what is character?
Read the related sermon: http://sheepspeaks.blogspot.com/
Monday, April 21, 2008
Thank the Lord for everyone who helped out in the recent emergency here in Nipawin
Bouey, Mary
Bouey, Tammy
Bannister, Annette
Bannister, Cecil
Bourlett, Sherry
Brad, Gabe
Brad, Gay
Cote, Sheila
Garstin, Bryton
Garstin, Diane
Garstin, Shayla
Huntley, Randall
Johnson, Crystal
Nicklen, Louise
Nicklen, Melanie
Peterson, Cal
Peterson, Mic
Peterson, Tanisha
Sahar, Mackenzie
Salisbury, Ella
Schenstead, Gary (Nipawin Oasis)
Spalding, Elaine
Spalding, Irvine
Waterhouse, Brenda
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
God Bless Nipawin
God bless Nipawin.
The community came together really well: fire, police, EMS, etc.
We at The Salvation Army here would like to specifically thank the Lord for the support of our many volunteers as well as the Oasis Centre, the King Fisher Inn, Soup Town Cafe, the Legion and Green Groves Motel for all of their assistance with our operation here. Thank You!
Our prayers are with everyone in this time.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Hockey
That being said. I blogged earlier about the Buffalo Sabers. The Ottawa Senators are out. The Ducks are on the Brink. These were the final contenders for the cup last season with the Ducks being the ultimate victors. The ealier analogy applies, I think...
read it: http://renewnetwork.blogspot.com/2008_04_01_archive.html#71968160638334413
Relay for Life
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Relay for Life
In TSA we are all about Life, of course, a new lfe. A new chance. A new opportunity.
The relay for life is coming up to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer.
Why not enter a team, join the fight against cancer, and be a noticeable part of the community all at the same time:
For more info (Canada) : http://convio.cancer.ca/site/PageServer?pagename=RFL_CAN_home_accueil
For more info (Nipawin) : http://convio.cancer.ca/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFL_SK_Nipawin_?pg=entry&fr_id=2179
Helene, my cousin, has very recently been diagnosed with cancer. It is serious. Say a prayer for her, her husband George, their two small children and the rest of the family.
Say a prayer...
Praise the Lord for their faith too!
Michael
The relay for life is coming up to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer.
Why not enter a team, join the fight against cancer, and be a noticeable part of the community all at the same time:
For more info (Canada) : http://convio.cancer.ca/site/PageServer?pagename=RFL_CAN_home_accueil
For more info (Nipawin) : http://convio.cancer.ca/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFL_SK_Nipawin_?pg=entry&fr_id=2179
Helene, my cousin, has very recently been diagnosed with cancer. It is serious. Say a prayer for her, her husband George, their two small children and the rest of the family.
Say a prayer...
Praise the Lord for their faith too!
Michael
Monday, April 14, 2008
uniform
I was walking down the street this evening with one of the evengelism students at the Bible college here when a car pulled up, noticed my uniform and asked if I knew how he could find an AA meeting. We called up Abe and had a meeting at a coffee shop.
Praise the Lord for this great ministry tool!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Communion
Okay this blog isn't quite as controversial as the title might suggest but I think that it is no less significant.
Chief Joseph (who has quite an extensive biography) was kind enough to share with us at Rotary today. In part of his speech he highlighted social problems that face First Nations people in Saskatchewan: addiction, FASD, prostitution, poverty, imprisonment.
Chief Lawrence Joseph said that the economic benefits of alcohol (drugs) and gambling out way the social costs.
As a Salvationist, I disagree.
-
TSA Canada's position on gambling: http://www.salvationist.ca/ethicscentre/gambling
TSA Canada's position on substance abuse: http://www.salvationist.ca/ethicscentre/substance-abuse
TSA Canada's position on poverty and economic justice: http://www.salvationist.ca/ethicscentre/poverty
Happy Boothday
Okay - there is no such thing as 'Booth Day' but it's a catchy name nonetheless - Thia is the anniversary of the birth of General William Booth, co-founder of The Salvation Army.
So today would be a good day to head out and share the good news so that whosoever will may be saved and in the process experience the joy that accompanies each other's repentance, salvation, and sanctification.
To God be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
War from Armybarmy
On War and Revelation... from: http://www.armybarmy.com/
The book of Revelation is sometimes used to argue that warfare is acceptable for the Christian. There is, after all, some awfully violent imagery in this book.
Here is a taste of Eugene Peterson's take on War and the Book of Revelation, in the chapter "The Last Word on Evil" from his book "Reversed Thunder":
"The perennial ruse is to glorify war so that we accept it as a proper means of achieving goals. But it is evil. It is opposed by Christ. Christ does not sit on the red horse, ever. When Jesus said that he came to bring not peace but a sword he was talking of the peace that allows persons to vegetate in sins and the sword that separates us from them. No - war is hell. War is evil. In a world where persons refuse God's lordship and reject Christ's salvation, war is the route to achieve mastery and discover glory. But always and everywhere Christ is in battle against it. And the white horse will conquer the red horse."
Hallelujah. Do it Lord Jesus.
Grace,
Aaron
www.armybarmy.com
Monday, April 07, 2008
We're fine, nobody's hurt
Praise the Lord.
When we hit black ice - after momentarily crossing the centre line we went off the road instead of into the oncoming traffic.
When the car rolled no one was hurt (not even a bruise).
The car seats and seat belts worked wonderfully.
two ladies in an on-coming vehicle saw the accident and called the police before we were even out of the overturned car.
The ladies let the girls and I wait in their car for the police.
The ladies gave us a ride back to the Tisdale Corps.
Neither the computer nor the LCD projector (I think) were harmed at all.
Even though the car was wrecked we were unhurt.
The Lord is good and the girls and I were very thankful that he took care of us - and they were also happy that they had something for 'show and tell' ( - :
We're okay - the LORD is good. He is good indeed.
When we hit black ice - after momentarily crossing the centre line we went off the road instead of into the oncoming traffic.
When the car rolled no one was hurt (not even a bruise).
The car seats and seat belts worked wonderfully.
two ladies in an on-coming vehicle saw the accident and called the police before we were even out of the overturned car.
The ladies let the girls and I wait in their car for the police.
The ladies gave us a ride back to the Tisdale Corps.
Neither the computer nor the LCD projector (I think) were harmed at all.
Even though the car was wrecked we were unhurt.
The Lord is good and the girls and I were very thankful that he took care of us - and they were also happy that they had something for 'show and tell' ( - :
We're okay - the LORD is good. He is good indeed.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
The 57 Cents my in-box today:
A little girl stood near a small church from which she had been turned away because it was 'too crowded.'
'I can't go to Sunday School,' she sobbed to the pastor as he walked by.
Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the pastor guessed the reason and, taking her by the hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the Sunday school class. The child was so happy that they found room for her, and she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to worship Jesus.
Some two years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings. Her parents called for the kindhearted pastor who had befriended their daughter to handle the final arrangements.
As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled red purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump.
Inside was found 57 cents and a note, scribbled in childish handwriting, which read: 'This is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go to Sunday School.'
For two years she had saved for this offering of love.
When the pastor tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do. Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the pulpit, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion.
He challenged his deacons to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building.
But the story does not end there...
A newspaper learned of the story and published It. It was read by a wealthy realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands.
When told that the church could not pay so much, he offered to sell it to the little church for 57 cents.
Church members made large donations. Checks came from far and wide.Within five years the little girl's gift had increased to $250, 000.00--a huge sum for that time (near the turn of the century). Her unselfish love had paid large dividends.
When you are in the city of Philadelphia , look up Temple Baptist Church , with a seating capacity of 3,300. And be sure to visit TempleUniversity, where thousands of students are educated.
'I can't go to Sunday School,' she sobbed to the pastor as he walked by.
Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the pastor guessed the reason and, taking her by the hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the Sunday school class. The child was so happy that they found room for her, and she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to worship Jesus.
Some two years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings. Her parents called for the kindhearted pastor who had befriended their daughter to handle the final arrangements.
As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled red purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump.
Inside was found 57 cents and a note, scribbled in childish handwriting, which read: 'This is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go to Sunday School.'
For two years she had saved for this offering of love.
When the pastor tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do. Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the pulpit, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion.
He challenged his deacons to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building.
But the story does not end there...
A newspaper learned of the story and published It. It was read by a wealthy realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands.
When told that the church could not pay so much, he offered to sell it to the little church for 57 cents.
Church members made large donations. Checks came from far and wide.Within five years the little girl's gift had increased to $250, 000.00--a huge sum for that time (near the turn of the century). Her unselfish love had paid large dividends.
When you are in the city of Philadelphia , look up Temple Baptist Church , with a seating capacity of 3,300. And be sure to visit TempleUniversity, where thousands of students are educated.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Buffalo Sabers
Last season the Buffalo Sabers won the President's Trophy as the top team (most points) in the whole National Hockey League and were a major contender for the ultimate prize, the Stanley Cup.
The Sabers this year didn't have enough points to even make the playoffs. This new generation of Sabers doesn't make it into the playoffs on the merits of the old team and how they played last year didn't save them.
Are there any of us who, like the Sabers, are relying on our past efforts instead of pressing on towards the prize?
Just a question...
We're studying Romans....feel free to read ahead!
“Romans is neither a systematic theology nor a summary of Paul’s lifework, but it is by common consent his masterpiece” – N.T. Wright.
Paul’s letter to the Romans was written in the mid-to-late 50s and is addressed to a Gentile dominated church. In the mid-to-late 50s, Rome was by far the Mediterranean world’s dominant power and Nero was the Roman Emperor (54-68 AD, Proconsul since 51AD). Immediately prior to this time, in 49 AD, Nero’s predecessor, Claudius had banished the Jews from Rome. The remaining Christians then would be predominantly non-Jews. When Nero officially ascended the throne in 54, many of the Jewish Christians returned. Things had changed and this was the historical context of Paul’s letter.
Pertaining to the theme of Romans and not wanting to devote an excessive amount of space to introductory issues, I have to acknowledge that as Douglas Moo states, “we must be careful not to impose on Romans a single theme when Paul may never have thought in those terms…a theme that fits 1:16-11:36 may not fit the whole.” In contrast to this difficulty, the easiest thing to determine about Romans is its basic shape. Its four sections emerge clearly: chaps. 1-4, 5-8, 9-11, and 12-16.
For those who want to do some pre-reading and establish some background knowledge for our advent readings in Paul's letter to the Romans you are welcome to read some papers on the first two chapters of the letters from sheepspeak.com: http://sheepspeak.com/NT_Michael_Ramsay.htm
Paul’s letter to the Romans was written in the mid-to-late 50s and is addressed to a Gentile dominated church. In the mid-to-late 50s, Rome was by far the Mediterranean world’s dominant power and Nero was the Roman Emperor (54-68 AD, Proconsul since 51AD). Immediately prior to this time, in 49 AD, Nero’s predecessor, Claudius had banished the Jews from Rome. The remaining Christians then would be predominantly non-Jews. When Nero officially ascended the throne in 54, many of the Jewish Christians returned. Things had changed and this was the historical context of Paul’s letter.
Pertaining to the theme of Romans and not wanting to devote an excessive amount of space to introductory issues, I have to acknowledge that as Douglas Moo states, “we must be careful not to impose on Romans a single theme when Paul may never have thought in those terms…a theme that fits 1:16-11:36 may not fit the whole.” In contrast to this difficulty, the easiest thing to determine about Romans is its basic shape. Its four sections emerge clearly: chaps. 1-4, 5-8, 9-11, and 12-16.
For those who want to do some pre-reading and establish some background knowledge for our advent readings in Paul's letter to the Romans you are welcome to read some papers on the first two chapters of the letters from sheepspeak.com: http://sheepspeak.com/NT_Michael_Ramsay.htm
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Mug Shot
We had a great time visiting with Majors Eric Bond, Donna Bond, and Bev Call this weekend when they came to see us in Nipawin, Tisdale, and Melfort! Major Judy Regamey joined us in Melfort.
.
.
General's latest pastoral letter:
PASTORAL LETTER SEVEN
CHILDREN
CHILDREN
Dear Fellow Salvationists,
In this seventh Pastoral Letter I feel led to think aloud with you about the children of the Army and the children of the world. In doing so I send you warm greetings from London where Spring has come early and is now in full bloom. God's handiwork is matchless. So is God's love, a love that extends in a very special way to embrace our children and children everywhere.
We know from the words and teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ that there is a special place for children in the heart of God. That is why we too as individuals and as an Army must also hold the children in high esteem and look to their wellbeing at all times. Jesus had harsh words for any person harming a child. Also he made time and space for children, letting them come to him even when those around him tried to prevent it. He prioritised the children.
.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
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