A Look in the Mirror:Personal Reflection on Anti-Asian Hate

Rev. CY Yan More than half of Asian Canadians have suffered discrimination over the past year, according to a new survey from the Angus Reid Institute.  Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports of anti-Asian racism and xenophobia have risen in B.C.[1]  Vancouver, particularly, has experienced a 717% increase in anti-Asian hate crimes.  With 98 reported cases over the last year, Vancouver was recently dubbed the “anti-Asian hate crime capital of North America.”  In one incident, a young Montreal man was blinded by a group who attacked him with military-grade pepper spray.[2] Apart from the Asian community, we have all heard and seen the bitter divide between

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[Good Questions] how does one believe in Jesus?

Rev. Hong Shunqiang Previously we mentioned that God gives us the instinct to believe in him, and some people may want to know how to believe in Jesus.  So let us look at what the Bible says. Faith Comes from Hearing the Message People must hear the Word before they believe in Jesus; otherwise, they will need to know what to believe. In the Bible, Romans 10:12-18, says: ” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can

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[Good Questions] How do I believe when God does not give me faith?

Rev. Hong Shunqiang Some have asked, “God doesn’t give me faith, yet He commands me to believe in Him, isn’t He being unreasonable?” Or, “God should not judge me even when I die one day without believing in Him because He doesn’t give me faith.” And some said, “I think Christianity is good, and I want to believe, but I can’t because God doesn’t give me faith.” So is it God’s responsibility that people do not believe because He does not give them faith? Man has an instinct of faith. Firstly, let us talk about the origins of human spiritual beliefs. Indeed, faith is an instinct of man.

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“No, not for China, …”

Rev. CY Yan Hudson Taylor – a name widely remembered for his love for China.  But, myself an ethnically Chinese person, I have to ask a question – what is it about China that made the place and the people so loveable to Hudson Taylor?  He indeed sacrificed so much while he was serving as a pioneer missionary there.  But was it simply because of his love for China? Let’s take a look at the many situations and events that he had to suffer through during his time there: In 1853, the Taipings rose in insurrection against the ruling Manchu government. Outwardly, they presented themselves as a Christian

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Insights from Asbury Revival 2023

By Dr. Enoch Kwan – dated February 28, 2023   The “Asbury Revival 2023” flooded news channels since mid-February, stirring up much excitement and debates. Reports of how an ordinary chapel in a Christian university in Kentucky turned by the initiation of the students, blessed by the school, into an extended semi-organized time of worship, singing, confessions, and prayers. People from the school and many who took a trip, hours out of their way testified extraordinary feelings and conviction of God’s presence. Despite some skeptical commentaries, most reports indicate a genuine, unmanufactured sincerity. The Asbury administration was also mindful that a genuine revival should not be just excitement

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Everyone Believes!

By Dr. Enoch Kwan Everyone has faith in something. Even non-religious people have faith or belief in something. For example, people believe in money, self or pleasure, etc. I find this statement very true, not only for our relationship with God but true in general with people: Without faith, it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is (God) and believe that He (is so pleased to) reward (with many good gifts) those who seek Him (diligently). (Ref Heb. 11:6) All human relationships require faith, which is, believing in each other. It is impossible to establish a meaningful relationship if

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Struggles between ‘Worry’ and ‘Trust’

Little Wood Some scholars say, “There is always anxiety around even though there may be none in the future.” It is the Chinese wisdom saying.  When we feel ‘losing control’ or facing some uncertainties in the future, we may quickly induce helpless or even already have an elaborate plan.  Whether knowledgeable or skillful, we can’t escape the feeling of ‘anxiety’ and ‘distress.’ Moreover, the anxiety level also depends on our personality and experience, which brings about emotional disturbance. Some may fill a mind with lots of negative thoughts. For example, some very passionate friends would be deeply agitated by things that may not relate to them personally.  Their

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The Reciprocal relationship of Earth and Heaven

October 2022 Little Wood In different stages of life, we may come across friends and relatives of various backgrounds and experiences. We may remember many of the ‘old’ memories about people and events such as the playmates in the neighborhood, classmates during schooling, colleagues in working, circle of interests group, and the networks of family and clans.  All these had shallow or deep levels of relationship but also became part of our memory. Our minds may suddenly turn back to some scenes that were decades ago. We passed through peals of laughter and tears, successes and losses.  The ‘I’ today consists of numerous personal tiny pieces; we may

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[Eyes]

By Little pill Most people understand prophecy as the foretelling of something that will happen. Therefore, prophets are someone who knows about the future.  The bible states “Prophet” is someone God employs to announce God’s message to the intended audience. I always thought the prophet must articulate well to deliver God’s message. Still, the prerequisite of a prophet is not articulation. Instead, it is a submissive heart with an attentive ear, and observant eyes, in humbleness, that receive God’s message clearly and accurately. Last month, we talked about tinnitus, a hearing problem that can lead to deafness, and today, we will talk about eyes. Eyes are often called

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Do not go through your trials in vain

Doctor Luke In my past 30 years of practicing medicine, I have seen many people experience physical or mental suffering. None of us will seek pain by ourselves. We all hope to live a peaceful life. However, trials are a must for everyone, and no one can escape. Trials often come when you and I are least prepared. So what attitude should we have when facing trials? I see trials as an opportunity for change. Many of my patients became Christians when they faced the challenge of illness. Because only in suffering can they know who they are. Each of us is helpless and weak and needs God’s

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