Ottawa

The church planting conference we attended in Ottawa last week was great. It was an inter- denominational conference for people from every province in Ontario to gather and learn more about church-planting, to be encouraged and to meet with other people who were in the same adventure as we are. It was so refreshing to be a part of something that celebrated diversity. The diverse cultures, languages and even differences in denominations that were represented at the conference. I think one of the main things I came away with was an affirmation that God indeed loves diversity (which is so apparent in His creation), and that diversity is something to be celebrated. The whole week it was confirmed over and over again that no matter what denomination we all come from it really isn't important as long as we always keep Christ at the centre. I'm reading a book right now called "The End of Religion" written by a teacher of mine from years ago (Bruxy Cavey) that is ultimately about the same issue. That Christ Himself was opposed to 'religion', and that He didn't come to create a new religion, but to show us that He wanted a relationship with each of us. It's cool because it's putting words to what I've felt for years. I've never liked the tag "religious". I've defended myself against that title when friends have used it, explaining that I'm not religious...I'm in relationship with the Creator of the Universe. There is a HUGE difference.


Anyway, back to Ottawa :) The one morning we had a bus tour that took us to the National House of Prayer. This was cool since I never knew of it's existence before that day. It's a very cool place that used to be a convent until it was purchased as the National House of Prayer. Now it is a retreat centre ultimately for anyone of any denomination that wishes to come and use it. There are several rooms that people can stay in. While staying there, people are able to meet with some of the country's leaders and also of course to spend time in quiet and prayer for the leaders of our country as well as anything else people want to pray for. It was so cool. Here is a pic of the outside of the building:


And inside off of the common room/lounge was a bright sunlit balcony where an artist had been inspired to create and had left his/her painting for us to enjoy:


After this stop it was off to Parliament Hill to see the parliament buildings and to pray for Canada. In the morning before our bus trip we had a session on how Canada was founded on Christianity. I never realized just how rich our Christian heritage in Canada was until that day, which was really cool. One of the things that struck me most was the presence of the Word of God that still remains in Parliament.

As you can see, above the windows on the main tower are scriptures! I had no idea. I'm admittedly rather daft when it comes to our history and especially politics. I think I slept through most of grade 10 history when we learned about politics. I've never been much of a history buff. It was cool to learn some of that as an adult who had much more appreciation than I did at the age of 15.

The of course we took a moment to pray on parliament hill which was cool:
The lady in the front on the right side with the black coat is actually a prayer warrior. I forget her formal title, but her full time job is to pray. Can you imagine? She definitely fulfills the verse that says to "pray without ceasing". Pretty cool.

Ottawa was great. Beautiful city (although very difficult to navigate :). It was a real time of learning and growth for me. I am grateful that Joel and I were able to go. Hopefully we'll be able to attend the conference again in 2009 in Calgary :)

Mel