The End of the Week

Hello Everyone. I had the most amazing day Thursday. We started off with class and we discussed prayer, which is a really good topic for the National House of Prayer. In the afternoon we made sandwiches for the mission and then we were able to take them over and hand them out that night. (first time we have had the opportunity to do that) Now being honest with everyone, at first I found it really difficult to be in the mission. I was nervous to touch things because of the germs, and I was scared to talk to people for fear of what they would say. So the night began with this lady who brought in her guitar and played golden oldies gospel tunes. She had such a way of working with the ground that soon we were all singing and clapping away. I was amazed at the end of the night how comfortable and how much fun I had. I even danced and sang up at the front. The real amazing part was how harshly God reprimanded me for my attitude. He brought to mind the verses that say, if you don't help the poor-whatever you do for the least of my brothers you do for me...etc. I really had to repent and was blessed by the people and the worship. On Friday we had civics class and discussed homosexuality; that was a very interesting topic. We brought up the provincial human rights groups, and how they look for people who discriminate against homosexuals and then fine them. (a lot of them being christian organizations) One thing that has changed this year, is that the government has cut funding to these groups, which helps those who take their fine to court, not having to fight government money. Another thing that will work in our favor is that our law system is based on Common Law, which is a system that follows previous examples of similar cases. So, if a christian suffers a similar scenario with a homosexual group, they can take them to court and most likely win. Friday afternoon instead of going to the East Block Chapel, we stayed here and worshiped and prayed together to end the week. We also went to a movie that night for a chance to get out of the house. (it has been a full house all week 35 ppl!) So that was this week, and I hope everyone has a great weekend and I will write an new entry towards the beginning of next week. Goodnight.

Erica

Week after Toronto

Don't worry! I am still alive! This week has been so crazy, where do I begin? Okay, well I went to Toronto and attended the Airport Church, it was really cool to be in a congregation with that many people. Unfortunately I got sick with a head cold, and found it really difficult to participate in the 2 different church services. On Monday we made beds an went to Question Period in the afternoon. The House is once again hammering Gordon O'Connor and demanding his resignation, he is really becoming worn out, so really pray for him these next few weeks. Monday evening the teams all arrived and we had 9 from Toronto and 16 from the Masters Commission in B.C. (really full house) I was quite happy to have some kids my age here, as well as to find out that they are apart the same denomination that I am. Tuesday morning we had class and discussed how we are to interpret the Song of Songs. Many preachers negate ever speaking on this book and if they do, they refer to it as an allegory representing Jesus and the Bride. (Church) Richard told us that when the book was written there was no concept of the Church or Jesus coming to earth, so to make it an allegory is taking it out of the context of its original purpose. He has a way of making things so understandable! Tuesday afternoon was my last day working for my MP but I may see her Monday and have the opportunity to meet some of the other MP's, possibly even Mr. Harper!!!YAY! (we will see) In the evening we had the Master Commission do a skit for us and then settled down to hear Rob speak on prophetic intercession, also a very interesting class. This is the definition he gave us:

prophetic intercession is an urging to pray given by the Holy Spirit for situations and circumstances about which you have very little knowledge in the natural. You receive a prayer request from God which can be received as a burden, an impression, dream or vision.

Today we had Ken Hall's class, and I don't know if it is because I am not feeling well, but I found it very hard to concentrate. Question Period this afternoon once again attacked the Defense Minister, but also took a few rounds out of Peter McKay (foreign affairs) and John Baird (Environment) regarding Afghanistan detainees and the Kyoto Accord. I went to a movie tonight with Jill and Amanda and now I am looking forward to a really good sleep so that I wake up feeling good tomorrow. I hope you all had an amazing weekend and I will let you know what happens in the next 2 days.

Erica

The Rest of the Week

So Tuesday night, I didn't end up going to class, because I still wasn't feeling to great. So Instead I put on my pj's made hot chocolate, watched t.v., and went to bed early. Wednesday was an amazing day. The morning was theology, but Ken was away so Rob taught it. We discussed the after-life, all things known about Heaven and Hell. It was a really good class, and although we were all very familiar with the topic, there were many things I saw from a different perspective. The afternoon was spent in Q.P. Except one major difference, BRIAN MULRONEY SHOWED UP!! So we were waiting to get in when he came walking through the hall, so everyone of course got out their cameras to take pictures. I didn't have one so I waited until he looked over at us and then I threw my hand up in the air and started waving frantically with the dumbest smile on my face. He frowned as if he thought maybe he knew us, and CAME OVER. So we all got to shake his hand, it was awesome. Then we all headed out to Kannada to do a concert of prayer. The night went well the only problem was that we had a synth to play, not a piano, and the sustain pedal did not really work so it sounded like....plunk, plunk, plunk. God managed to bless the people regardless of the terrible sound. Thursday morning was class and we looked at dream interpretation again, as well as church structure. All of us came with dreams and once they were interpreted we all felt very encouraged by their messages. As far as the Church structure went, we discussed the differences between big churches and smaller ones, and what produces an effective church. In the afternoon we made sandwiches for the mission, and then Amanda and I headed outside to play basketball. It was such a warm day out that we stayed outside and sun-tanned. That night one of the staff members came into do the fireside and she shared with us her heart for China and how many times she has been there etc. It was amazing to hear her. Friday morning we had civics class and we discussed Prime Minister Laurier life, as well as, how to be affective in changing the government. We looked at issues like abortion, and homosexuality, and discussed how the church seemed to give up once they were in place. We looked at William Wilberforce's life and how he had a long term plan (20yrs) and he was able to abolish slavery. If the church could think that way, in a few years, we would begin to see change. It was a very interesting topic. Friday afternoon we went to the East-block chapel and prayed with the Newfoundland team, and then us girls shopped and stayed outside all day again. (it was +22, and major tanning weather, everyone here is sunburned) Tomorrow we leave for Toronto to speak, and we get home late Sunday night, so I will talk to everyone Monday, and I hope you all have an amazing weekend.

Erica

Parliament is Back

So It has been a really long time since I made an entry. It was hard the last two weeks because Parliament Hill has been out of session. So last weekend my dad came and visited me, it was really good he came because I was beginning to get too homesick and ready to go home. So I was able to take him through Parliament Hill and tour Ottawa with him, it was such good timing that he came, I know Jesus was keeping an eye out on me. Monday we went to QP (question period) it was funny to see how many of the MP's had sunburns, including Mr. Harper. Although there is still the rumor of an election, the government has managed to keep it all under wraps. Some of the topics they brought up, was Canada's involvment in Afghanistan, and if the Defense Minister would keep the promise of pulling out in Feb. 2009. I think where O'Connor sits, is that come time they will reavalue the time-line, but he just keeps telling the House that he said 2009. The opposition is really against him right now, and continue to bring things against him, in effort to break him and convince the Prime Minister of his imcompetance. Many of us here having been keeping him in our prayers especially this term because it has been so rough. Another huge issue in the House, is the agreement the Liberals made with the leader of the Green Party. Dion promised that they wouldn't run against her in her riding, all of this being a method to boot Peter McKay out of power because her riding is his area. Monday night our team arrived from Hallifax, 5 of them, and we were able to meet them as well as practice for the prayer concert out in Kanada. (we are doing the worship) Today we had class, and we looked at how to read the Psalms and how many different types there are. After class we were suppose to go to our MP's but I wasn't feeling so great so I had prayed all morning that the office would call and say they didn't need me, and God answered my prayer. So this afternoon I slept for two hours and I am feeling much better. Tonight is Rob's class and I will add a little blurb on what he teaches tonight.

Erica

Easter Weekend

Wow! It has been a little while since I wrote in my blog. I hope everyone had an amazing Easter weekend. Now let me see, I didn't talk about Friday. Okay so Friday morning we attended a good Friday service, then went out for lunch with Terry and Richard. Saturday morning we got up early and hit the road to go shopping in Montreal!!! I love it there, all the stores, the nice clothes, the shoes, and the French accents. I bought a skirt and tank-top for summer time. (if it ever comes) Sunday we went to an Easter service called, O Happy Day, it was at this huge church and the music was phenomenal. They had a full choir and two black men who had amazing vocals. It was such a fun service. We then went over to the Long's house for Easter lunch, so that we didn't have to be alone, it was really sweet of them. Monday was a day off, so we played some basketball (us three girls) and ate, yet another, Easter dinner! We will all have to go running after that weekend. For 4 days of not blogging, that seems like a whole lot of nothing, but the weekend seemed so full....it must look shorter on paper. Today got us back into the swing of things real fast, we went to class, MP's office, and then class again. So this morning we discussed how to interpret the books of the Prophets. Richard told us that they are very difficult to read because we need to look at them as oracles, unfortunately it doesn't always show you what is the beginning and the end. Working this afternoon went really well, and I was able to discuss abortion and gay rights with the secretaries working in Lynn's office. I love when you find out people's views on certain issues. Tonight Rob spoke on fasting, here is a little excerpt from his class:
- Matt. 4- Satan tempts Jesus with bread after 40 days of fasting- It is interesting to note that after the Holy Spirit descends on Jesus, he leads him into the desert to be tested (that is how he began his ministry)
- Our 'appetites' are powerful, when we fast we allow for our spirit to control our 'appetite' (appetite being- our desire for anything)- Fasting prepared Jesus to meet with the enemy; was used as a weapon that showed His absolute commitment to the Father

So that was the last couple of days, but before I say goodnight....Remember when I blogged about our interviews on 100 Huntley Street? Well it aired last Friday and this is the website you can watch the 10 minute segment. (Just remember, they are quick little blurbs) http://www.crossroads.ca/broadcas/program.htm scroll down to April 6, and you will see in the description column, a series on prayer part 4. That is the one you click on. Goodnight everyone.
Erica

Easter Week

Hello everyone! This week has been really nice with Parliament out, I have had opportunities to nap, and go many different places. On Wednesday, we had Ken Hall's class and we discussed rebirth, the funny thing is, that is not what I remember about the class. Ken was trying to teach me what "cause and effect" is, by flicking his empty coffee cup, the problem was, it wasn't empty. I had coffee all over my notes, my Bible, and my pictures....it was very funny, and I won't forget that lesson. In the afternoon we went to see the movie Amazing Grace. It was an unbelievable film, and I would recommend that all of you see it; especially if you have political goals, or are desiring to change something that seems impossible. (a forerunner) Most of us left in tears and with a flame re-ignited in our lives to see things change. After that we had a free night so I decided not to play basketball. (I was so sore from playing football the day before) It was a good night anyways and I am sure the boys were glad not to have to worry about me messing up their game. Thursday we had our spiritual directions class, and we finished up the topic (Prophetic) with an exercise where we prayed for a person and asked for a color, why that color, a song, and a verse. It was really meant to encourage everyone and I think we all left uplifted. Thursday afternoon we made burgers for the mission, and Thursday night we went to a dramatization of the crucifixion, it was good, and it was a musical so there were some amazing voices. Tomorrow we are going to a good Friday service, but I will let you know how that goes. Have a great night. Goodnight.

Erica

Tuesday- Passover/Repentance

Last night I celebrated my very first Passover meal...I know, I am not very cultured. It was a lot of fun, we had a lady who has a heart for Israel come and lead us in the ceremony. I had always thought that the passover feast was strictly meant for those who were Jewish, but I was really impressed with the idea of partaking in the feast, although different, it has close similarities to communion. Today in class we discussed the topic of the Old Covenant versus the New Covenant. I really enjoyed Richard's thoughts on the whole subject and we were able to look at scriptures that support the idea of the New Covenant replacing the Old. We looked at Jesus' ministry, as well as Paul's teaching, and came to the conclusion that- we should not ignore the Old Testament because it is God's Word. However, Jesus' ministry confirms the 10 commandments, and the 2 great commandments (love the Lord your God, and love your neighbor) not all 613 laws of Moses. Did you know, that in our present day, it is impossible for Jewish people to follow the Law, and even in Moses' time, the Israelites could not obey all the laws. Anyways, that is just a little tid-bit from this morning. This afternoon I went to my MP's office, it was really good today, I had lots of work to do and didn't have time to sit around, I love that! Tonight Fran taught our intercession class and we looked at repentance. This is a small excerpt from her teaching that really impressed me:

Biblical Examples of people who Interceded for a Generation's Sin
- Ezra had been approached concerning the intermarriage with the people

- Nehemiah had received a report of the state of Jerusalem and of the remnant which was left behind.

- Daniel had been pondering the words of Jeremiah and was convicted to interceded for his people

- Moses was crying out that God would not destroy the Israelites for worshiping the golden calf.

- Paul cries out for his kinsmen.

- Jesus identified with the sin of all mankind.

Until we have come to the place where we cry out for our corporate sins, we cannot intercede for our nation.
Requirements of the Intercessor

- you must be willing to see the true condition without trying to justify a persons actions

- you must be willing to allow the Lord to break/burden you heart with His heart

- You need to have the grace of God working within you to begin to carry their burden.

- You must be willing to release the burden upon the Lord. Note, God may burden us about a situation so that we may cast that burden upon Him.

I hope these blurbs will help for those of you leading a life of intercession. They really impress me when I am taught them. I believe that to be an intercessor is an incredible calling, I also believe we are all called to intercession. I hope those of you who are ahead of the game, spur on that passion in people like me, who are a lot slower in this area. Anyways, I will put my soap box away now and say goodnight.
Erica

Niagara and the Weekend

So it has been a really long time since I put in an entry, sorry about that, but Friday we were in such a hurry to get on the road I didn't have time to write. So, I could tell you about classes Thursday and Friday, but I just don't think it would be as interesting as my weekend was, so instead I will tell you about Niagara. We arrived 9:00 Friday night and we all decided to go out on the town. (If any of you have been to Niagara Falls, it is really cheesy tourism, with lots of lights and expensive games and rides) Although we didn't participate in anything, we decided to come again in the morning. So Saturday morning we went to the falls, and it was so cold and windy out, that it felt like the mist was actual rain...we were drenched. We did however, decide to go under the falls, and walk around in all the tunnels, I was a little disappointed, but it was worth the sound of the fall on top of you. We then drove to Niagara on the lake, which is about and hour away, and is the nice tourism section. It is set up like a little western town with a small street and little stores on each side. So for the afternoon we shopped, and I bought a caramel apple!!(I love them) Then we were on our way to a little town where Terry and Richard lived, we spent the night there, then drove to Toronto. We woke up early Sunday morning, hit the road, and drove to Richard's old church to minister there. We answered questions regarding the internship, as well as perform the song we wrote, everyone loved it. Once lunch with the pastor was over we started home, and got home last night at10:30pm. So tomorrow Richard is letting us sleep in because we are soo tired. Parliament Hill is on Easter holidays so we will have to find alternate activities this week. I will post picture of our adventure as soon as I can. Have a great night, and sorry you had to wait so long for an update.
Erica

p.s. I am not a real detailed person so for more info, check out Amanda's blog- http://worldtravellingpants.blogspot.com/