Don't quite agree

As a supporter of your organization, I recently received, for the first time, a magazine of yours. I enjoyed reading it. The only thing I don't quite agree with is that on page 37 (Spring 2009) where there is one line " . . .because of the unknown number of Buddhists in China where government persecution has suppressed and driven them underground.” This statement is so far from the truth.

I was born, brought up and educated in China, and moved to Canada over eight years ago . . . It is true that the Chinese government oversees foreign religious groups more tightly than most governments in other countries, because they are afraid some people may undermine China's stability under the guise of religious groups. But the native Chinese have the freedom to practice whatever beliefs they have as long as they don't do illegal things in the name of religion . . . — Hong Chen-DeCloet

Great insight

Interesting article by Grace Jordan in Spring 2009, but missing the most important chapter—"How to share Christ with Buddhists.”

Great insight in the way it was written—what was said (Western Christian speak) vs. what was heard (Buddhist background listener)—BUT pointing out the problem is the easy half of the equation . . .It would have been great to see the re-phrasing of the Christian speak so it makes sense to the Buddhist listener, so we know how to make contact. The practical tips—Love your Buddhist neighbour; Live a holy life; etc—are just too general to help in a true one-on-one . . . — Jeremy Fry

Interesting reading Thanks for the Alliance magazine. Interesting reading. — Lesley Patterson

Problem here

Regarding Scott Murley's article, Redeeming Technology for the Church, (Spring 2009). It was nice (Spring 2009). It was nice to see the goal that we have to communicate with excellence but there is a problem here that shows a lack of excellence.

In bold print at the end of the article was the quote "Preach the gospel always. If necessary use words.” The problem is according to the Franciscan's themselves, Francis never said this . . . The thought is his; this catchy phrasing is not in his writings or in the earliest biographies about him. Excellence in journalistic style requires you not to misquote your sources. — Dan Esau

Really grateful I read almost every article in the first few days. I am really grateful that there is a Canadian Alliance magazine. — Henry Wiebe

I am not clear on its purpose and I am doubtful about the necessity of the Canadian C&MA having a magazine. It seems like an unnecessary expense. ~ Sr. Pastor

Visually appealing, with articles that are relevant and practical.  ~ Sr. Pastor

It’s clearly Canadian! ~ Sr. Pastor

I think we must have churches doing innovative things for the gospel—but where are their stories being told? …Let’s hear about people taking risks and giving their lives for the Kingdom—Surely we have these stories. ~ Sr. Pastor

I like reading the stories of how God is working around the world. ~ Pastoral Staff

I am concerned when I visit churches and still see them in boxes... Perhaps we should be communicating our expectations to some of our pastors who have come into the Alliance…This should be a point of discussion when pastors come into the denomination that we expect them to put some effort into distributing our materials. ~ Official Worker

Loved it and keep it coming. Great book reviews, comments on media and overall Canadian content. ~ Elder

I have subscribed to Alliance Life for the past four decades, but slowly it has become entirely American. The new Canadian magazine is more meaningful because I recognize several of the  names, and because my missions giving goes to Canadian Missionaries. ~ Elder

It is very attractive and set up well for the purpose it was created. It could become a valuable resource if used to its full potential. We need to promote it more.  ~ Missions Coordinator

It looks great! I know it will have a great impact on informing our people of so many things we can’t share on a weekly basis and the myriad of things we don’t know about. ~ Member