CMM in Vancouver Island - MARCH 2008

This is just a short report covering a very "action-packed" 12 days! Do have a look at our photos – they show views of this beautiful place and also pictures of the many lovely people who have made us so welcome. Go to: Roger's Photobucket Site

THU 06 - The longest day! After a short flight from Birmingham to Amsterdam we took the "marathon" to Seattle (about 10 hours). The flight to Vancouver was short, but had to change airports before a final flight to Victoria, on Vancouver Island. We were relieved that it was a quick journey to our accomodation at Spencer Castle and a long-awaited sleep. It had been a 32-hour day!

FRI 07 – Victoria Choir rehearsal – about 15 of them, well trained by Geoff Thornburn, and ready to go. No problem with syncopation in Canada, but, they left the improvised bits for me to go through with them. They responded well. It was a joy to be back amongst friends whom we have know for such a long time.

SAT 08 – “Freedom in Christ” Conference – a good number attended, a lot of great worship times, and they responded to the teaching and “Come Holy Spirit” times.

SUN 09 – Morning Services at St John’s Duncan. I led the worship at the 1015 more informal service. The folks really got going and were very enthusiastic.
- Evening Seminar – more lovely worship – I abandoned my programme and went with the flow of the Spirit. Kathleen and Devon did magnificently well in leading and prophesying. By the end of the evening we had encouraged quite a number of the Canadian folk to have a go at prophesying! A young girl gave a very moving testimony of how God had set her free and really blessed her when she came over to Lee Abbey for our Jail Break Music Week in 2006. “A bruised reed he will not break.”

MON 10 – Rehearsal in Duncan with Choir and Soloists - Great talent and a super team. As in Victoria, the choir was well-trained (by Sue Doughty), and they are praying that many will come to the productions at the weekend.

TUE 11 - A day off in Chemainus! We had time to "sleep-in", walk on the beach. Devon & Kathleen went shopping.

WED 12 - Drive down to Victoria. Geoff Thornburn took us on a lovely trip that included Cowichan Bay where we found a fishmonger's with a grand piano! We drew a bit of a crowd as we gave a "world premiere" rendering of "Rock of Ages". We also went "cider-tasting" and walking amongst the ancient trees and river at Coldstream.
- evening "House Meeting" at St Mathias - I shared about our call to the Christian music ministry and were blessed with a wonderful time of "singing in the Spirit".

THU 13 - An audio-visual set up at St Mathias, followed by a "pub lunch" with Ron Corchoran, rector of St Mathias. Ron and I have been close friends for nearly 20 years and he spent 3 months at Christ Church Burney Lane as our vicar on a "swop" with Peter Lawrence. After a "heart-sharing" time we prayed with Ron and asked God to guide him and bless him in his ministry
- evening - we drove up to Duncan for a combined Choir Rehearsal. It was a great thrill having the two choirs together and we had a great time of music-making and fellowship. W then returned to Victoria.

FRI 14 - a special treat - a trip on Patrick & Deborah's catamaran out of Victoria Harbour. This was really special and we were so grateful for this privelege.
- afternoon - set up and rehearsal at St Matthias
- evening - production of JAIL BREAK. The choir and soloists did so well, and the audience were responsive. This was a very special evening and we were sure God was blessing many folk. Afterwards we returned to Duncan.

SAT 15 - a time to rest at our lovely home in Chemainus, and again, local folks were generous in their inviations to meals!
- evening - production of JAIL BREAK at the Christian Reformed Church, a wonderful centre with great equipment. The presentation of the musical went very well indeed, and there was a great response. God blessed us with splendid prayer times before each production.

SUN 16 - "Palm Sunday" morning service at St John's, Duncan. Again, we led the worship, and introduced them to new "English" worship material, including songs by Stuart Townend and Martin Laysell. The St John's folk are thirsty for lively worship and things of the Spirit. They have been led well by Rector Glyn Easson and Music Leader Sue Doughty.
- evening - our final production of JAIL BREAK at the Reformed Church. This was preceded by an exciting time of contemporary worship led by the local musicians, and it prepared the way for a very powerful performance in front of a large audience/congregation. Again, we were aware of God's presence and power at work.

MON 17 - the commencement of the long journey home. Dave & Sue Doughty took us on the ferry to Vancouver, and took us on a short trip around Stanley Park. He had just 2 flights on our return journey: the long trip to Amsterdam and then a final quick "jump" over to Birmingham.

It was be good to be back home, but are missing our great friends in Dunacn and Victoria. We had 3 great performances of JAIL BREAK – good attendances, great response, and people being prayed with afterwards. We were really aware of God at work and it is right that we were there at this time.

The Anglican Church in Canada is struggling with the issue of “same-sex blessings”. Most evangelicals/charismatics are vehemently opposed to this, and so are leaving or are being dismissed. Congregations are confused, worried, divided, etc. Please pray for Ron Corchoran. He is now one of the few evangelical Anglican clergy on Vancouver Island. A similar situation exists in Vancouver and indeed many areas of North America.

The situation at St John’s Church in Duncan is sad, with Glyn the Rector off sick for months. Pray for them, especially Dale Huston the “stand-in” Priest and Sue Doughty who leads the music. They will need to be open to all God is doing and receive his guidance and strength. We are so sure that this has been God’s timing for us to be here, both in Victoria and Duncan. The folk are open to the work of the Spirit, but really need the leaders to be Bible-based and willing to lead them in moving on in the gifts of the Spirit.

JAIL BREAK has been a message “in season”, and God has touched many lives through it. Pray that this will continue and that the “seeds sown” will go on building up the church.

Bless you all, and thank you for your prayers.

Roger + Devon & Kathleen