JULY/AUGUST 2015 STORIES

Have you heard about our prison sponsorship program? You can help us reach out to prison inmates across Canada by sponsoring a one-year subscription to testimony. Read more.

MY JOURNEY WITH AN ENEMY—Learning to walk with rather than away from
You’re a Christian. You’re pretty easygoing and get along with most people. In fact, the idea of having an enemy is not even on your radar. Then one day all that changes and you are at serious odds with a fellow Christian. That’s where this writer found herself recently, and this is part of the journey she’s been on. [Full content available to subscribers.]

WE CAN'T ABANDON THEM NOW—Christians in Burundi are asking us to pray
Most of us would need Googleto even know what continent the country of Burundi is on. This small landlocked African country of 10 million people has been in the news a lot lately. But then we read or hear about hundreds of crises and tragedies from around the globe every day. Sometimes it’s tempting to turn a blind eye or a deaf ear. Here’s a story that reminds us why we must not do that. [Full content available to subscribers.]

AN EXTRAORDINARY VIEW—Disability and the body of Christ
“Extraordinary” and “courageous” are words people use when they talk about Andrea Foster. They are not words she uses to describe herself. In her words, this mother of four children—the younger two of whom are twins with special needs—is simply “a Jesus follower being helped by the Holy Spirit and supported by the body of Christ.” More important than what is said about her, though, is what she has to say. We invite you to consider her extraordinary view of people with disabilities and the church. [Full content available to subscribers.]

TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF—Saying enough without saying too much
With the insecurity of today’s job market, people of all ages and work experience are writing resumes and sitting in job interviews. Downsizing, plant closings, the scarcity of full-time positions—these are the new realities of the modern workplace. So, if you are job hunting or know someone who is, Carol Ford has some valuable advice for when a potential employer looks across the desk and says, “Tell me about yourself.” Read more.

A DISTINCTION TO CONSIDER—What does it mean to be healed?
Praying for the sick has always occupied a prominent place in Pentecostal theology and practice. That’s not to say we all think the same way on the subject. Differing positions can be debated with deep conviction and passion. But after the Scripture verses have been quoted and the stories told, the questions that sparked the debate remain unanswered. Randall Holm had a friend who helped him consider another way of looking at divine healing. He invites us into the conversation. Read more.

A PATTERN OF PRAYER—In search of an everyday groove
We eat breakfast in the car on the way to work and lunch in the car on the way to an appointment—or we skip them all together. We’ve barely cleaned up after one meal and it’s time to start preparing the next one. We bring work home from the office, and a steady stream of texts and emails means that we are always “on call.” Life can get so crammed with the things we have to do that we can’t find room for the things we know we need to do. Like pray. How on earth do we find time in our day to pray? Lindsey Gallant is searching for an answer to that question. [Full content available to subscribers.]

Departmental Stories

MISSION CANADA: THIS AIN'T YO GRAMMA'S CHURCH—Quashing Christian Stereotypes on Campus
Until recently, most people did not equate the PAOC with university ministry. That is coming to an end. We now have ministry expressions on over 50 campuses across the country … and we are adding more! In fact, we have a vision to add at least another 20 campuses by 2020 in our efforts to reach every campus in our nation by whatever means. It is both an incredible challenge and opportunity. Read more.
  
INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS: WHY EUROPE?—The Brilliant Yet Daunting Task of Evangelism
Join Keith Waara, the director of Development and Strategic Initiatives for International Missions, as he talks about the spiritual needs of Europe and how one initiative, the Life Springs Centre in Germany is preparing workers to go across Europe to spread the gospel. Read more.
 
ERDO: PLANNING FOR CRISIS—Going The Distance in Times of Need
No one knows when a crisis will strike, yet each year ERDO staff review and update their crisis response planning. Learn from Carol Froom, ERDO's director of resource development, and David Adcock, the chief executive officer, about the support that ERDO has been able to provide for recent situations around the world and how they prepare for what crises will come in the future. Read more.

You can read all of the above articles (and more) by subscribing to testimony for only $24 per year (CAD) by calling 905-542-5400, ext. 3223 or emailing orderdesk@paoc.org. A digital version of the full issue is now available! Please also free to check out past articles from previous issues at testimonymag.ca.
 
Interested in advertising in testimony? You could reach thousands of readers across the country. Contact testimony@paoc.org for rates and ad specifications.

Get a copy at your church or order your own for just $2.50 (CAD) by calling 905-542-5400 ext. 3223 or e-mailing orderdesk@paoc.org.