If you've never had the chance to visit Montreal, you're definitely missing out. Known as the "Canadian Cultural Capital" it is filled with such life and respect for the arts. Its long-lasting tradition of jazz and rock music has continue to thrive on St. Catherine Street and talent for dance, theatre and visual arts is also noticed. Incidentally, Montreal is home to those as talented as Celine Dion, Caroline Rhea and Mario Lemeux. But whether it is a winter of summer visit, Montreal proud has many attractions on display. Montreal's great history can be experience in its Old Port where its social, cultural and economic heart is located since the days of fur trading in the1600s. Beauty is no stranger to Montreal but with all of its aesthetics Montreal has a great need for Christian influence.
Though it may be that we raise thousands each year to travel overseas to further the Gospel, Canadians need to recognize the need for the Gospel right here in our own nation. Quebec has such a strong presence of Catholicism in the traditional sense. Yet about 5% are actually practicing Catholics and less than 1% of people claiming to be Christians. The is such a disconnect between God and today's generation. Many youth are growing up with an "anything goes " attitude which can often be translated into the way they dress, the friends they hang out with, the activities they involved themselves in and ultimately, the lifestyles that they choose. With these statistics ringing in our ears, we felt that as Canadians we had a duty to fulfill in reaching out to the youth of Quebec. So in October of last year we headed to Montreal to see where we could help.
Now just one year later on October 22, Activate took a trip to Montreal for the 2nd time. We met up with some old friends at LCA youth group (Laval Christian Assembly) where Pastor Rudy Moley was ministering. And for the first time, we did ministry at Fabre Street Church and Trinity Pentecostal. It was great to meet to new youth and to connect with pastors in another province to see how they are reach out to such a unique group of young people.
And so without any surprises, Montreal was a delight! The connection we made last year was a good one and our hope is to return each year. Who knows what we'll get to be apart of next? I mean this year, some of us crazy ones did get a chance to bungee jump but can we really be surprised about that? Probably not.
Until next time, pray for Quebec. Its in great need of God's love and revelation to be poured out over that province. We're seeing it happen but there needs to be more. Please pray!
Can't wait until next year...
