We left Detroit and spent a night at Niagara, showing the boys and myself the spectacular falls for the first time. I was also struck by how commercial tourism had capitalized by creating a Gatlinburg-type stretch called Clifton Hill -- whereas Gatlinburg is stretched for miles in the Smokey Mountains, the Niagara version has nearly all the same attractions crammed within about 5-6 blocks!
We went from there to Toronto, but on the way stopped into see our friend Chris, his wife Hennie, and their 4 children who played great hosts to the boys, wearing them out to all sorts of games and activities. We, meanwhile, caught up on the lives of our friends and shared great moments sharing the joys and challenges of ministry, parenting, and transitions that we each face. It was a special time.
And now we've just concluded a wonderful weekend in Toronto and the fabulous Fairview Church of God, pastored by Rev. Roger and Deanna Bitner. We had met the Bitners, and consequently learned of this unique and diverse congregation, several years ago through the annual ChoG Pastor & Spouse Roundtable Retreats. Roger and Deanna had graciously invited us to visit them in years past and our new assignment gave us not only an opportunity to take them up on that offer but to share with Fairview Congregation.
The bountiful Bitner bread and breakfast was more than a wonderful retreat for Keli, the boys, and i as we were served wonderful preserves from their beautiful garden and fruit trees that gave us also provided us nature's entertainment with visiting birds, squirrels, and even a raccoon! We are very grateful for the hospitality and friendship of the Bitners.
What makes the Fairview Congregation unique is the cultural and racial diversity--members from Sri Lanka, Mexico, Guyana, several islands of the West Indies, and many more countries wonderfully gather in fellowship, worship, and service to their equally diverse city of Toronto. Though we had just a brief visit to Toronto, it does not take you very long to see how nearly every culture of the world is represented within this population providing truly unique experience for the senses as you encounter new smells, textures, sights, and sounds through the busy streets.
Appropriately, we shared about the Revelation 7 vision of God's people at His throne from every tribe, every nation, every language--and for that to be actualized in the future, God's people now have to embrace an apostolic calling to cross man-made borders and barriers to share the Good News with those unlike themselves (Romans 1:5).
Oh Canada--oh that all our churches so wonderfully represented the diversity of God's people as the Fairview Congregation does each week.
(additional pictures will be posted to our June pics page soon...)
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