O Canada ...
The results of the recent presidential election in the Unites States have created some anxiety for those of us north of the 49th parallel. Now, with the leadership of our country in a state of disarray, our nervousness has increased. We get tense, and tension, whether caused by threats real or imaginary, creates some nasty reactions.
The bluster from south of the border has done what it was designed to do—stir the pot of anger and fear. The last time we had a serious disagreement with our southern neighbour was during the war of 1812. My more militant half reminded me that in 1814 British soldiers crossed from Upper Canada and took Washington by storm and burned the White House. As a member nation of the Commonwealth we should expect to be supported once more if “push comes to shove,” right?
But that’s a foolish thought!
So, my militant half is tempered by a memory of something that happened in 1980 on Parliament Hill in Ottawa which was, and is, much more productive (not to mention more Christ-like). It was during the Fellowship National Convention held in Hull, QC that year. The delegates took advantage of their presence so close to the seat of power and staged a march to the hill on that chilly day on October 23, 1980.
No, it was nothing like those nasty events that took place during the COVID crisis, and no burning took place (apart from the eternal flame in front of the Parliament buildings). Instead, delegates walked across the river and held a prayer rally to which they had invited senators and parliamentarians.
At the rally, newly elected Fellowship President, Dr. Jack Scott, addressed the crowd who had come to pray for our leaders and our country. Here are a few of his remarks delivered on that occasion.
“It’s wonderful to be a Canadian…we thank God for the privileges that are ours. We thank God for those He has given to be in authority of over us…This is a time of great change…as Christians we recognize that God has ordained change. But when He changes things, He always has a definite pattern…and despite the machinations of men, the eternal purposes of God are being worked out in our nation and in our world…Paul had been reminding Timothy that some tremendous changes were taking place in their world. In fact, Peter was also aware of it. Peter was the one who declared, ‘Fear God…and honour the Emperor.’ That wasn’t easy, because the Emperor at that time was Nero, that monster of cruelty. It was a difficult thing in the political scene of that day to be a Christian…After reminding them of these difficult situations, now he says: ‘Therefore, I exhort (because of this) that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men (in these difficult days); For kings and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.’ We Christians have an obligation, a solemn duty, to pray for all who are in authority. The mighty ministry of intercession on the part of the people of God can help to strengthen and to improve the life of our nation. Let’s face it. Our leaders have great burdens to bear. They have difficult problems to resolve, and many of them have high ideas to fulfill. And we can—if we will—enormously help them by our regular and fervent intercession. In fact, it is our duty to uphold them in prayer.”[1]
Dr. Scott then led those present in prayer.
His words resonate for us today.
Some of those who read this blog post will remember that rally from our Fellowship’s past. Perhaps it will serve as a reminder that our duty is to pray for those in authority—especially in times of uncertainty.
But there was one more tiny event that took place at that convention in 1980. It brought a smile to our faces but also served as a reminder that the work of the God who wants all men to be saved should be our primary concern no matter what happens in the political world.
Does anyone remember the abandoned kitten who appeared outside the convention hall? Helpless and alone, it was doomed. Some of us worried about the wee thing. That was until one Fellowship pastor, Ken Godon, who was driving the shuttle bus from the convention center to the hotel across the river in Ottawa, picked it up, settled it in the bus, fed it, and took it home with him after the conference was over.
Fellowship Baptists pray—and stay focused on God’s rescue mission.
[1] Jack Scott, Prayer: The Christian Citizen’s Obligation, (Evangelical Baptist, December 1980) p 16, 17