Immigration changes being made to assist the persecuted..

Minister of Immigration Jason Kenney is seen here describing the idea behind new immigration legislation that would assist victims of persecution in immigrating to Canada more quickly by preventing immigration/refugee fraud. We've all seen fraud happen, but it's about time our government takes swift action against those that commit fraud and plug up our system preventing REAL victims and those that immigrate here legally from getting through.

Thank God for Minister Kenney, and our Conservative Canadian Government!

Click here for the video.

"Minister Kenney responds to a question from MP Menagakis on new legislation aimed at protecting Canada's immigration system from those who seek to abuse Canada's generosity, including human smugglers, foreign criminals, and bogus refugees. The new legislation seeks to ensure that the system remains unclogged for bona fide victims of persecution."

And here he is answering a question regarding bogus refugee claims..



"Minister Kenney answers a question during QP from MP Lizon on unfounded refugee claims coming from democratic states within the European Union"

The ICV Youth Pay Tribute to Shahbaz Bhatti

Often remembering our heroes, we forget to remember they were men. They had families, friends, relationships with others in this world. The personal nature of their sacrifices get lost in the hustle bustle of politics and lessons learned. But like the rest, Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti was just that, a man whose presence was a loss to his community but to his family and loves ones as well. This is the personal side to the persecution that he faced, and his assassination.

Bravo to the ICV Youth for capturing their emotions and bearing it all so that others might learn from it, and be aware of his life and sacrifice.

ICV Hosts Meet and Greet Event with Dr. Paul Bhatti and Pakistani MPAs‏

Press Release - Revised

Feb 10, 2012

ICV Hosts Meet and Greet Event with Dr. Paul Bhatti and Pakistani MPAs‏

International Christian Voice Canada is pleased to report the success of their Meet and Greet event held on February 4th, 2012 for the visiting delegation of MPAs and Leaders of All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA) led by Dr. Paul Bhatti, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Pakistan. The event was held at 7pm at the Canadian Coptic’s Center in Mississauga, and was well attended by approximately 350 members of the Pakistani Christian community from both Canada and the United States; including pastors and church leaders, leaders of various community organizations such as the CCA, CCASA Toronto Chapter, and representatives from both ICV Buffalo and the newly created ICV Winnipeg chapters. Other people of importance attending the event included MP Wladyslaw Lizon; representatives from MP John Carmichael’s office; Mark Dotzert, National Councilor Conservative Party of Canada; and Lesley-Anne Leighton an NGO working in Pakistan with Diadem International and the Shahbaz Bhatti Trust.

The APMA delegation led by Dr. Paul Bhatti, Chairman; included: APMA Coordinator for Punjab Mr. Khalid Gill, Punjab MPA Mr. Tahir Naveed Chaudhary, Balochistan MPA and Minister Mr. Jaffer George, Sindh MPA Mr. Saleem Khokhar and APMA Coordinator for Islamabad-Rawalpindi Region Mr. Manzoor Khan Ghori.

From the United States, attendees included Mrs. Alfreda Gill (Vice President Pakistani American Christian Coalition); Ernest Gulab (President Pakistani American Christian Coalition); Mazoor Alam (Chairman Pakistani American Christian Coalition); Samson Johnson, Anwar Sadique (Executive Member Pakistani American Christian Coalition); Waseem Sohail, Justin Pervez and Victor Gill (Phidelephia). Rana Umar Hayat President and Imdad Khan represented ICV Winnipeg Chapter. A large group from the ICV Buffalo Chapter delegation led by Mrs. Samuel Siraj also attended the event.

The evening was brilliantly hosted by Mr. Vincent Samuel, who moved things along with ease; beginning with an opening prayer by Mr. Khalid Gill, and the singing of Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti’s favourite Psalm #9 “Daim Yahova Ya Rabb”; led by Mr. Khalid Gill, Mr. Vincent Samuel, Mr. Nadeem Akhtar & Mrs. Phoebe Samuel. Pervez Masih President ICV started the evenings speeches with a welcoming opening address. He spoke about his relationship with Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti and the cause for which the event was being held.

Mr. Manzoor Khan Ghori introduced the gathered audience to APMA and revealed some of their vision and strategies. Mr Khalid Gill next took to the stage in the night’s most memorable speech: he led the audience in cheers for the APMA’s “Quaid-e-Tehreeq” Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti – and inspired everyone with his ache for the persecuted. APMA delegates Mr. Tahir Naveed, Mr. Jaffer George, and Mr. Saleem Khokhar all spoke about rallying together behind their elected leader, Dr. Paul Bhatti; and pleaded with the audience to unite as one Christian community. APMA Chairman Dr. Paul Bhatti, in an eloquent and succinct address, highlighted the issues facing the Christian minority in Pakistan and urged the Canadian Pakistani Christian Community to work together for the development of the persecuted minorities in Pakistan by supporting APMA in their efforts. Dr. Bhatti thanked the community for being wonderful hosts to their delegation.

What Happens When Bhangra Artists Become Scholars & I (sadly) Become the Only Voice of Reason (My Tribute to the "Argument" I Had With HDhami)

WRITTEN TRANSCRIPT OF THE VIDEO IS AVAILABLE BELOW:

Isn't it incredible how in today's media driven culture how often we see entertainers in the guise of politicians/religious scholars/teachers. For anyone who knows me I was a BIG fan of HDhami at one point, I enjoyed his music, thought of him as a very talented individual... and he still may be all that. But for me I now also see him as someone who uses his "pulpit" as a Bhangra singer, to propagandize his personal beliefs. So first of all, far be it for me to call Mr. Dhami, or any celebrity that chooses to bring their personal opinions to the forefront ignorant, I think it's great! It really helps me decide who I should be looking up to. But here's my problem with him, and SO MANY other people in entertainment these days, they feel the need to "protect" certain populations as though they are being constantly victimized - in this case Islam - and the easiest way that most of these people see fit to do this is unfortunately at the cost of Christianity.

Hartinder Dhami as a Sikh man, I doubt would want to discuss the merits of his own religion with any Muslim. He did however see fit to post one of the infamous Ahmed Deedat "debates" from YouTube on his Facebook account. Why? To show his fans how women in Islam are far from oppressed. In fact... it's the rest of us that are oppressed (I mean women in Western culture, and specifically Christian women).

Dinner With APMA - Feb 2nd, 2012

This past week we were honored to host a dinner at our home for ICV and the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA) visiting from Pakistan. It was a rare privilege to be able to sit together and “pick” each other’s minds regarding the issues that Pakistani Christians in Pakistan and Canada face today, and how we can all come together to overcome those issues.

Attending on behalf of the ICV were:

• Mr. & Mrs. Peter Bhatti
• Nitasha Bhatti
• Mr. Obeid Newton
• Mr. Reuben & Mrs. Eliza Charles
• Mr. Ashleigh Francis
• Mr. Bosco Martyres
• Mr. & Mrs. Asher Khokhar
• Mrs. Jacqueline Jacob

APMA Executives present were:

• Mr. Khalid Gill; Chief Coordinator for APMA, Punjab
• Mr. Jaffer George; MPA Baluchistan Provincial Assembley and Member Central Executive Committee APMA 
• Mr. Tahir Naveed; MPA Punjab Provincial Assembley and Member Central Executive Committee APMA 
• Mr. Manzoor Khan Ghori; Coordinator for APMA, Rawalpindi-Islamabad Region

Also in attendance were our family friends Mr. Emmanuel Gill, and Mr. Rafique Masih with his son Nabeel Masih.

Together the APMA team took time to explain their goals, their vision, and their passion for the persecuted people of Pakistan. I learned that at the time of the creation of Pakistan, as Mr. Khalid Gill put it “Not when my grandfathers signed Pakistan into its being was it known as an Islamic Republic, but a nation free of religious obligation. Where people could practice freely, such was the vision of Quaid-e-Azam.” An interesting thought. It’s been repeated over and over by many, especially in this past year after the assassination of Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti...

Where did we go wrong?

As many of you present at the ICV community “Meet-and-Greet” event are aware of, the APMA delegation were adamant in bringing awareness to all that heard them that the only way to effectively accomplish the goals (such as the repeal of blasphemy law) was to unite together. This was the main topic in the evenings discussions at my home as well. An awesome moment was when Mr. Khalid Gill insisted that it would be better not to give anything at all with a heavy heart, but to pray wholeheartedly for the people involved in fighting against persecution; "to pray for those that are persecuted" he said, "is more valuable than any donation".

What’s the most common statement I heard that night?
Do what you can, whatever you can. But as a community we must STOP opposing each other. By creating an environment where no one is able to accomplish anything we do nothing to each other here in Canada, but for the persecuted families – OUR families, in Pakistan, it’s a deadly circle of hate that they cannot overcome on their own.

At the end of the night Nitasha and I were able to add our two cents to the discussion as well. It’s nice to see that our elders have noted the importance of filling younger generations with a heart for Pakistan. Leadership begins at home, without instilling those values in our kids they will never be able to go out into the world of politics/community and be effective leaders. Teach your kids to seek God first, and then realize that He provides the opportunities where we can really do and be our best... going backwards (opportunity then God) never works out quite as well.

More pictures and information coming soon.

ICV Grows: The next Generation & The next Step!

 

Congratulations ICV Buffalo!

Months ago in a one-on-one meeting with ICV chair Mr. Peter Bhatti, he spoke passionately about the vision that his late brother Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti held for the International Christian Voice. It's all about unity, about gathering many voices to share in one common goal all around the world: to stop the religious and political persecution of the Christian minority in Pakistan. The end of 2011 brought one of the first steps by Mr. Peter Bhatti towards the fruition of this vision: with the opening of the first US chapter of ICV in Buffalo, NY.

Mr. Bhatti and his team went from Ontario, Canada to join the Buffalo chapter during their inaugural chapter meeting. Participants from Canada stated that they were very impressed with the outcomes of the meeting and are looking forward to seeing what the ICV US counterpart will have to bring to the table with regards to ICV goals.

Holidays & Congratulations!

Happy 27th Anniversary Mom & Dad

This past holiday season was an especially exciting one in my household as it included a short visit from some extended family! Arriving from the "down under", Dr. George Howell, his wife Sheba and his two incredibly lovely kids (Joshua and Zachariah), were able to join us for New Years and the celebration of my parents 27th Wedding Anniversary. With me being in school and constantly traveling I was never able to throw them a proper 25th, so this was our version of the Silver Anniversary. Celebrating just over a quarter century of matrimonial life together is no small, nor at times easy feat! As a surprise that night we were also able to celebrate the anniversary of Dr. George and Sheba as well!

 Their First Dance (Literally was their First Dance that night!)

Dr. George & Mrs. Sheba Howell cutting their surprise anniversary cake.

Be a priest for those in need!

Hello 2012!

I haven't been writing for quite a while, but I do have a lot to say! Unfortunately life got in the way as it often does, and the PCInq suffered. Thanks to everyone who encouraged me to get back to it! Here are some topics to look forward to in the next few blogs:

1. Holidays and Congratulations - A blog almost completely unrelated to the community at large!

2. ICV Growth and upcoming news

-- also watch out for my newly translated video about blasphemy in Pakistan from the experts views to be uploaded soon!

So let's get started with this blogs topic!

Some people may have seen via my Facebook stream, that in the beginning of this year I posted a lot about Aaron's breastplate and intercessory prayer... I’ve finally gotten the time to explain what I was talking about and here it is!

In November 2011 @ The Call Detroit, I learnt so many unforgettable lessons. I saw North American nations come together in an act of faith, to pray specifically for Detroit – it’s impact on the greater United States – their relationship with Canada – and in turn their broader effect on the world. That's a mouthful no doubt! But I think it’s important to understand how each distinguishing point is connected to the next, and how these larger concepts are in turn connected to the individual. When Jesus was crucified; when He died; when He rose and granted salvation to humanity: we have been blessed with that salvation through relationship. I.e. We MUST have a relationship with Christ in order to receive our salvation – as must everyone else who chooses it.

ABC’s of Christianity, I know.

Now when we pray for our homes – cities – nations – or even the world: we should remember that we are praying for individuals, each and every person. Without individual change – without individuals turning to God and seeking Him, the kind of change that our nations/cities/homes require is not possible.

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*SIDE STORY!* It applies to the blog so I thought I'd share this...

When I was younger (quite like the news on TV these days), I would hear on CNN and the like, how the US was "going down" in one way or another (financially, socially, economically, politically) – but my mother, the sound voice of reason in our house would always say that “a nation with so many praying people will never truly fall”. Okayyyyyyy. So it may not be a biblical fact that the US is shatterproof – and like my younger self I am sure many will grimace and mutter things like:

"WHAT praying people?" OR "the US is FAR too immoral to be saved"

-- And I hear you, believe me. But what I know is that after a great many lessons I realized that the problem was not that "Christians” were not there: the problem was that my mind was not allowing me to see them. I attracted the crowds that flowed with my own thoughts. When I finally gave myself up and got to know Jesus, I asked the Lord to show me what He saw; to be led where He would have me. He led me right back to the body, and the body is strong. 

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“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You - Who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.” – Isaiah 64:4

If none but one person in this world would have it, God's love so indescribable, would remain ever steadfast for that one. That is the awesome nature of God’s love – and the sacrifice Jesus gave for us. Why we always say: "He died for ME". Thankfully though, there are many more than just one who believe this. So getting back to that conference; I want to tell you about how I learned to be an intercessor and pray for the individual.

Intercessor:- Mediator, a negotiator who acts as a link between parties.

Intercession:- the action of intervening on behalf of another; -- in our case saying a prayer on behalf of another.

In the wee hours of the morning, a Detroit area pastor took to the stage to lead us in an exercise – one for which it's important to truly understand the value and importance of acting in faith and on the word. (Probably later on I will further expand on this topic but for now I'll attempt to give a succinct reference in three points.)

1. The first is just to say that Jesus prayed. Not pretend prayers. He never applied the vastly used theory that "God knows my thoughts so why bother”. Jesus took part in literal specific and real conversation with God the Father; showing His own relationship with the Father, as well as the important nature of fellowship regardless of circumstance (in His case that would be that He is the SON OF GOD). Not only did Jesus pray, but He prayed for us, He interceded on our behalf when we could not reach the Father; this is why we pray in Jesus name, because we are led by Him. So before anyone rolls their eyes remember: no one is above the act of prayer.
2. “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” – James 2:26
3. Thirdly, if you open up the bible it is FILLED with people doing literal things by faith. Think about Moses reaching out his staff to part the sea.. Did he actually part the sea? No GOD DID the work, but Moses acted in faith. Think about Elijah’s servant who ran seven times to find only a cloud the size of a hand; even for such a small sign they rejoiced. God blessed their faithful actions.