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.

Imran Khan Addressing Minorities at Rally in Lahore

Hi everyone, it's been so long since I added a post but I am at a critical point in my studies and have been totally emersed in my textbooks. But I'll definitely have a lot of updates coming this month.. As for this video brought to us by the facebook group Christians in Pakistan.. What do you think of his speech? A valiant effort or just another political speech? Let's hope it's more than that for the sake of Pakistan and it's minorities...

November 10th, 2011 - LTNI Meets with Hamilton-Area NDP Member Parliaments

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Love thy Neighbour International extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to MP David Christopherson (Hamilton Center), for coordinating and inviting two other Hamilton area New Democratic Party MPs, to meet with an LTNI delegation at his constituency office. On November 10th, 2011 LTNI Chair Vincent Samuel, Director Rafique Masih and Executive Member Simon Arif met with MP David Christopherson and MP Chris Charlton (Hamilton Mountain East), as well as a constituency office staff member of MP Wayne Marsdon (Stoney Creek).

Initially, Vincent spoke regarding the lack of religious freedom and human rights around the world. According to recent REW research reports, approximately one third of the countries in the world have high or very high restrictions on religion, and nearly 70% of the world's population live in countries with heavy restrictions on freedom of religion. These restrictions on religion originate from both national authorities and religion-related terrorism undertaken by private individuals, organizations and extremist groups. Government restrictions included constitutional limitations or other prohibitions on free speech. Countries in Asia, the Middle East and North Africa have the most severe restrictions on religion. Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Iran top the list of such countries. While most countries provide for the protection of religious freedom in their constitutions or laws, only a quarter of these countries fully respect and implement these legal rights in practice.

In 75 countries i.e., 4 out of every 10 countries in the world - governments limit the efforts of religious groups to preach and in 178 countries or 90% percent of the world’s countries: members of religious groups must register with the government. India and China also have extreme, but different restrictions on religion. China has very high levels of government restriction but few incidents of social hostilities, while India has very high social hostilities but few government restrictions. The governments with most religious restrictions are Saudi Arabia, Iran,Uzbekistan, China, Egypt, Burma, Maldives, Eritrea, Malaysia and Brunei. Whereas, countries with highest religion related terrorism are Iraq, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Somalia, Israel, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Saudi Arabia.

The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: Despite death sentence, Asia Bibi’s family holds firm.

The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: Despite death sentence, Asia Bibi’s family holds firm: Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian woman sentenced to death for blaspheming the Islamic prophet Muhammad, has become the focus of global attention. Believers around the world have rallied to take action on behalf of the 45-year-old wife and mother (for more information on her, click here).



Check out this blog posted on the VOM website and the video above to see how the family of Asia Bibi are coping. It's a strange thought, I mean how does one really cope with a situation like this? It just breaks my heart every time I see her daughters, and how brave and optimistic they are. God bless them. I don't know what I would do if anything happened to my own mother, the relationship a girl has as she grows up with her mom is irreplaceable.

Asia Bibi's story has really touched millions, and taught others about the reality of sharia and the injustice of blasphemy. I'm so glad that they are being made aware of just how many people are standing strong for them and lifting them up in prayers. So community, please continue to do so, make it a specific act of faith to verbalize your prayers for Asia and her family and others that are suffering in this persecution. I have seen it again this weekend, how prayer has effects that we may not even understand or see come to fruition but God does. He hears our prayers and our desperation for His grace and mercy in these situations that are beyond our control.


To learn more from the Voice of the Martyrs reports about persecution in Pakistan, please visit their Pakistan Country Report. For more videos like this one, visit their multimedia site.

The Power of Prayer: before you even voice one it has an impact!

This month I’ll be volunteering at The Call Detroit. On November 11^th, 2011 thousands of Christians from all over America (and my mom and me from Canada, among others I’m sure) will gather together and pray for the future of Michigan, the United States, and the world.

According to the Transform Michigan website:

“It is widely said how Detroit goes will indicate the direction our nation will take.  It was once an economic and automotive engine of the United States.  Detroit is ground zero for the spiritual war in our nation. Poverty, racism, and Islam are most powerfully rooted here - more than anywhere else in the nation.”

Thank you for 2000+ views!

Thanks to everyone who's been keeping up with the blog, I appreciate all your time, advice, comments and constant encouragement both for me and my family. We all know no good deed goes unpunished but thankfully thus far our efforts have been reciprocated extremely positively! THANKS!

If you haven't seen this, here's a documentary that's quite an interesting watch; it's a bit basic for people who already have researched islam, however if you're new to the topic and want a bit of breakdown regarding the islamic culture and why it is the way it is, it'll give that to you.

Also keep watching out soon for some new upcoming event and news blogs!

Warning: it is LONG, a full documentary about an hour and a half so if you're busy working or studying like me you might want to watch it in parts!

Leave no man behind.

I think the most amazing leisure time I’ve had recently has been spent with friends and family in discussion; anything and everything can come up and often does in these conversations and it’s so amazing to have like-minded individuals around who share a mutual love for this fellowship. Recently during one such occasion, one of our friends brought up a point that has been on my mind ever since I heard it: that of the value of a life. 

Nowadays people seem to think that everything has a cost, but what is the cost of a life; it’s real value? uncle Rafique Masih gave me the recent example of the Israeli soldier;