As a young man, for my Centennial Project in 1966-1967, I travelled around Canada, the USA, Europe, North Africa and the British Isles for over a year as a Goodwill Ambassador for Canada.
On my backpack was a bright red and white Canadian flag, much like the one in the picture, which quickly became the envy of my fellow travellers who were not Canadian. It opened doors to rides when hitchhiking, to meals in people's homes, to places to stay and talk about what Canada was like. It just goes to show the favour we enjoy all over the world as Canadian citizens.
I attribute that to our Christian foundation as a nation. When you visit Parliament Hill you will find scripture quotations everywhere but especially on the Peace Tower. ( I speak on the Spiritual Heritage of Canada in venues across this land and it is very enlightening to see the response in those who are hearing these things for the first time.)
We owe a debt to the belief in scripture that calls us to love one another, to make room for those fleeing persecution in search of justice and liberty. Ours is a free society, built on the dignity of the individual, the need for human rights, and the willingness to be welcoming and multi-cultural in both theory and practise.
In 1867 our religious views came from the Word of God whether Catholic or Protestants. Our basic world-view was Christian. It is reflected in so many aspects of political life today on the Hill. From the scriptural quotations, to the Charter, to the National Anthem, to calling our leader a Prime MINISTER, as we do all those in Cabinet, they are Ministers. Our governmental departments are still called Ministries today.
If you and I look around at our world, it is interesting that the millions of people who are in search of a better life, mostly look to those nations that are traditionally Judeo-Christian. Truly those whom the Son has set free are free indeed. Christianity has made freedom available to all both naturally and spiritually.
Canada is still a desired place to immigrate to and build a life and a future for your family. We have much to be thankful for as Canadians and much to preserve of our Christian heritage.
May God continue to bless Canada as we honour Him for His blessings upon us. We are not the envy of much of the world because of our collective wisdom. We are the envy of much of the world because of His guidance, protection and blessings.
At Mission O, Ministers Matter!
