THE CANADIAN ROCKY MOUNTAINS

A few weeks ago, I was in Camore, some 130km west of the city of Calgary. What stands out as you drive west are the majestic Rocky Mountains. They just stood there while clouds swirled round about. I remembered a portion of scripture which says 'even mountains praise Him.' The obvious question that I asked myself as I gazed at the motionless mass of rock was, "How do they do the mountains praise God?" I could not answer the question but I know that they probably have a language of their own which only God knows. I couldn't resist taking a few pictures. Picture at top left shows the Rockies taken from Main street looking west. Bottom picture shows the Rockies taken from the foot of the Rockies in the tourist town of Canmore, looking west.

DEFINITION OF A FAN

"A fanatic is one who won't change his mind and won't change the subject" - Winston Churchil
Whose fan are you?

FOOTPRINTS

You have probably heard this story before. It is repeated here because many people have been blessed by it. Someone else might if you pass it along. A man of God died and he was warmly received in the bosom of God when he passed on. He asked God to show him his life while he was alive. God warmly obliged. The man was shown a very simple scene. It consisted of 2 pairs of foot steps walking side by side. This wonderful scenery of was however broken by a single pair of footsteps in certain places. The man asked God the significance of the scene. God explained that the footprints represented his promise for his children. “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” Mathew 28: 20. The first set of footprints represented the man while the second was God’s. As to the the single pair in some sections of the scene, God explained that those were the difficult times that the man experienced on earth. During those times, God lifted the man up and shielded him from the troubles of the world. Thus only God’s footsteps could be seen. He is indeed the good Shepherd. He can be yours too if you invite him in your heart.

ONE PAUPER IS BURRIED AT WESTMINISTER ABBEY

Westminister Abbey is not a burial place for paupers. Only those who have made it in life get to rest at this famous burial ground in London when they die. One man however defied the norm. He is David Livingstone who wandered about Central Africa in the latter part of he 19th century, attempting to abolish slavery and introduce Christianity to the heathen. When he died in 1873, his possessions were described as follows:
"In the chest was found about a shilling and half, and in other chest his hat, 1 watch and 2 small boxes of measuring instrument. And in other chest 3 drachmas and half half scrople." Other notable items of Livingstone were his bible, diary and a few items of clothing. Most of Livingstone's items were auctioned off for 3 British pounds! Although Livingstone was not a rich man when he walked the face of this world, he saved his wealth in the right place where moth and rust cannot touch it. He was indeed a servant of God who died in love of the unloved.

WHAT IS AN ADVENTURE?

"To see God's hand in everything makes life a great adventure." Our Daily Bread. Others would say life is a blast if God is in it. At least this is the conclusions that the greatest or wisest man who ever lived reached (Solomon) when he penned his conclusion to the book of Ecclesiates (see Ecc 12:11-14). Without sensing God, everything becomes routine, boring and rather meaningless.

MEETING THE JUDGE

A young man was playing by the river bank. He got swept away by the fast flowing river in no time. He was no swimmer at all and just bobbed up and down the water. In between shallowing the murky water, he shouted for help and got the attention of a man who was strolling by the river. The man wasted no time. He jumped in the murky water and rescued the young man from drowning. The young man and his family were very thankful. A few months later, the young man got in trouble with the law. He was charged with a break and enter crime and brought before the court. The presiding judge at the court recognized the young man from somewhere. The young man equally recognized the judge. It was the same man who had pulled him out of the murky water. The young man told the judge that he was sorry for the crime and asked for forgiveness. The Judge replied, 'I saved you from drowning and I expected you to live a decent life. Today, I am your judge and you deserve to be punished. You will be sent away to a juvenile detention.'
The above story illustrates what Jesus will do to those who have turned from his free gift of salvation. He came as saviour, two housand years ago but He is coming as Judge to demand of us what we have done with his free pardon. Every person will give an account. As you enter the new year, think of how you can improve your accounting to Jesus and let this be your new year's resolution.

THE INN-KEEPER

This Christmas, think of the Inn Keeper in the Christmas story. He flatly turned away Mary and Joseph that there was no room for them at the inn. He probably looked at the hagard Mary in her advanced pregnacy and suggested the stable as an afterthought. He was the happiest man at what happened next. He witnessed the happiest birthday bash ever. I strongly believe that he went to Mary and asked her if he could hold baby Jesus in his hands. How he wished he he had given her more decent surroundings! The best present this Christmas is to make room in your heart for Him who had no room at the inn. Merry Chritsmas to you.

LIVINGSTONE AND HIS LOVE FOR AFRICA

Here is how one of his experiences was described:
"Tales were told as later coffee was sipped and the red embers of the fire glowed in retreat from night air. As the travellers spoke and later slept, their weary bodies were lulled by Africa's choruses. Crickets quietly chirped continuously to one another, while an owl would let out a cosy 'coo oo' in call to a mate. Occasionally large animals such as the hyena and jackal would call out defiantly into the night as the thousands of twinkling stars awaited the moonrise."
The above quote is from Rob Mackenzie's (1993) DAVID LIVINGSTONE THE TRUTH BEHIND THE LEGEND, Fig Tree Publications, Zimbabwe

WEDDING ANNIVESARY

A Toronto man took his wife of 40 years (plus children) to a local hotel to celebrate their 40th wedding annivesary. He decided to give his wife and kids a real treat and asked them to order anything they wanted on the menu. It was a real sumptuous meal and the drinks were top class. At long last, the bill came and the man was dreading what it would come to. He had planned all along to simply close his eyes and put the bill on plastic. All he wanted on this day was to entertain his darling wife and kids. To his surprise and disbelief, the bill came to nothing! The waitress pointed to the lone man in the corner and said , "He has paid everything including the tip." The man went over to the corner and said, "Sir, you didn't have to pay the bill. I know that it is quite high and I don't want to be a burdern on you." The lone man simply smiled and said, "Listen son, I am a Judge and I am always presiding over divorce cases. I was so thrilled to see you celebrating your annivesary with your wife and children. I wish many more couples would do the same so that I don't have to sign divorce papers. Please accept my gesture as a present for your annivesary." The man was lost for words but thanked the Judge.

Note. The story was part of a sermon on building strong families as told by my Pastor at Faith Baptist Church- Regina

DECEASED ZAMBIA SOCCER PLAYERS

Zambia's soccer heroes(they perished on their way to a World Cup Soccer Qualifier) off the coast of Gabon in 1993) should never be forgotten. Their names are posted here in respect of their contribution to soccer in Zambia.

David Efford Chabala (goalkeeper)
John Soko (defender)
Whiteson Changwe (defender)
Robert Watiyakeni (defender)
Eston Mulenga (midfielder)
Derby Makinka (midfielder)
Moses Chikwalakwala (midfielder)
Wisdom Chansa (midfielder)
Kelvin Mutale (striker)
Timothy Mwitwa (striker)
Numba Mwila (midfielder)
Richard Mwanza (goalkeeper)
Samuel Chomba (defender)
Moses Masuwa (striker)
Kenan Simambe (defender)
Godfrey Kangwa (midfielder)
Winter Mumba (defender)
Patrick Banda (striker)
Among the deceased also was Godfrey "Ucar" Chitalu who was the National Team manager. Chitalu, in his hey day, was arguably the best footballer ever produced by Zambia.

ROUGH RIDERS BEAT CALGARY STAMPEDERS

For the first time, I sat down to watch a football game to the end on TV.The Riders as they are populary known in Saskatchewan have had their ups and downs but they enjoy the best support from fans ever. On November 5, they met the Calgary Stampeders in Calgary in a western semi final. The game was shrouded in pre-match controvesies about the Rider Muscot, a gopher who was banned from attending the semi final in Calgary on the grounds that the gopher (rodent) is a pest! The Stampeders commanded the game from the word go. Unfortunately, they made a lot of errors, so called turn overs which the Riders capitalized on. I don't understand all the rules about football but it was fascinating to watch the runs especially by Kenton Keith, who I think was the "Warrior of the game." The Riders are now on their way to meeting the British Columbia Lions in Vancouver next week in the western final game. The winner between the Riders and Lions will proceed to Winnipeg to play in the "Grey Cup."

ZAMBIA'S PARLIAMENTARY RESULTS-2006

CENTRAL PROVINCE
Candidate Party
1 Chisamba Muteteka Moses MMD
2 Katuba Shakafuswa Jonas MMD
3 Keembe Ronald Shikapwasha MMD
4 Bwacha Nyirongo G. MMD
5 Kabwe Central Kayula Kakusa MMD
6 Kapiri Mposhi Malwa Friday P C MMD
7 Mkushi North Changwe Lucy S MMD
8 Mkushi South Chisanga Sidney MMD
9 Mwembeshi Kasoko Edward UDA
10 Mumbwa DR. Chituwo Brain MMD
11 Nangoma Hamusonde Boyd UDA
12 Chitambo Hamir Nassim MMD
13 Muchinga Kunda George MMD
14 Serenje Central Banda Ackimson MMD

COPPERBELT PROVINCE
15 Chililabombwe Banda Esther PF
16 Chingola Katema Joseph PF
17 Nchanga Chimumbwa Charles PF
18 Kalulushi Anson Simama PF
19 Chimwemwe Willie Nsanda PF
20 Kamfinsa Nyirenda Micheal PF
21 Kwacha Mulenga Lombe J PF
22 Nkana Mwenya Musenge PF
23 Wusakile Chela Barnabas PF
24 Luanshya Phiri Njovu Jean M PF
25 Roan Kambwili Chishimba PF
26 Kankoyo Chanda Percy P PF
27 Kantanshi Mukanga Yamfwa D PF
28 Mufulira Masiye Marjory M. PF
29 Kafulafuta George Mpombo MMD
30 Lufwanyama Puma Lwipa F. MMD
31 Masaiti Lundwe Gladies MMD
32 Mpongwe N/A
33 Bwana Mkubwa Zulu Joseph K PF
34 Chifubu Bwalya Benson M. PF
35 Kabushi N/A
36 Ndola Central Mushili Mark PF
EASTERN PROVINCE
37 Chadiza Allan Mbewe MMD
38 Vubwi Kazonga Eustarekio MMD
39 Chama North Todd Chilembo MMD
40 Chama South Nkhata Borniface MMD
41 Chipangali Mwale V. MMD
42 Chipata Central N/A
43 Kasenengwa Tembo Verah MMD
44 Luangeni Cifire Angela N. MMD
45 Milanzi Chosani Njobvu UDA
46 Mkaika Phiri David B ale B. MMD
52 Nyimba Forri Tembo R MMD
53 Kapoche Banda Nicholas MMD
54 Msanzala Dka Peter MMD
55 Petauke Siliya Dora MMD
LUAPULA PROVINCE
56 Kawambwa Chitika Elizaberth PF
57 Mwansabombwe N/A
58 Pambashe DR. Benard Chisha PF
59 Bahati Chimbaka Besa E PF
60 Chembe Mbulakulima .A. Mwansa MMD
61 Mansa Central Musosha Crispin Mumba MMD
62 Chipili N/A
63 Mambilima Chinyanta John MMD
64 Mwense Chongo Jacob .B PF
65 Chiengi Kalumba Katele MMD
66 Nchelenge Mwila Benjamin NDF
67 Bangweulu Kasongo Joseph PF
68 Chifunauli Mwansa Ernest C PF
69 Luapula Machungwa Peter PF
LUSAKA PROVICE
70 Kafue Machila Bradford M MMD
71 Feira Shawa Charles J MMD
72 Chilanga Ngandu P Magande MMD
73 Chongwe Masebo Sylvia T. MMD
74 Rufunsa Chipungu Kenneth MMD
75 Chawama Brendt Sampa Violet PF
76 Kabwata Lubinda Given PF
77 Kanyama Mtonga Henry PF
78 Lusaka Central Scott Guy PF
79 Mandevu Kapata Jean PF
80 Matero Bwalya Sinyangwe Faustina PF
81 Munali Mumbi C Josephine PF
NORTHERN PROVINCE
82 Chilubi Chisala Obius PF
83 Chinsali Mulenga Christopher PF
84 Shiwang'andu N/A
85 Isoka East Namugala Catherene MMD
86 Isoka West Paul Sichimba MMD
87 Nakonde Sichula Able PF
88 Chimbamilonga Sikazwe Brian MMD
89 Kaputa Nalumango W. M. MMD
90 Kasama Central Chishimba Saviour PF
91 Lukashya Mwamba Alfreda PF
92 Malole Munaile Emmanuel INDEPENDENT
93 Lubansenshi N/A
94 Lupososhi N/A
95 Mbala Gaston F Sichilima MMD
96 Mpulungu Lameck K Chibombamilimo MMD
97 Senga Hill Kapembwa Simbao MMD
98 Kanchibiya N/A
99 Mfuwe N/A
100 Mpika N/A
101 Lunte Mutati Felix C.M MMD
102 Mporokoso Misapa Maynard MMD
NORTH WESTERN PROVINCE
103 Chavuma Konga Kenneth MMD
104 Kabompo East N/A
105 Kabompo West Kalenga Daniel MMD
106 Kasempa Pande Kabinga J MMD
107 Mufumbwe Bonshe M.N MMD
108 Mwinilunga East Katuuka Stephen UDA
109 Mwinilunga West Muchima Elijah MMD
110 Solwezi Central Tetamashimba .B MMD
111 Solwezi East Taima Richard MMD
112 Solwezi West Mwanza .H. MMD
113 Zambezi East Sayifwanda Sarah MMD
114 Zambezi West Kakoma Charles W. UDA
SOUTHERN PROVINCE
115 Choma Central Chazangwe George UDA
116 Mbabala Hachipuka Emmanuel UDA
117 Pemba Matongo David UDA
118 Gwembe Ntundu Brain M.M UDA
119 Dundumwezi Singombe Edgar INDEPENDENT
120 Kalomo Central Muntanga Request UDA
121 Katombola Musokotwane Regina UDA
122 Mapatizya Sejani Ackson UDA
123 Livingstone Sakwiba Sikota ULP
124 Chikankata Habeenzu Munji UDA
125 Magoye Mweemba Bennie UDA
126 Mazabuka Central Nkombo Gary UDA
127 Bweengwa Hamududu Highvie H UDA
128 Monze Central Mwiimbu Jack .J. UDA
129 Moomba Mooya Vitalis UDA
130 Itezhi Tezhi Beene Godfrey UDA
131 Namwala Chizyuka Robby UDA
132 Siavonga Syakalima Douglas UDA
133 Sinazongwe Muyanda R. UDA
WESTERN PROVINCE
134 Kalabo Central Mwapela Sikwibele R MMD
135 Liuwa Kashweka Maliwa David MMD
136 Sikongo Ndalamei Mundia MMD
137 Kaoma Central Liato Austin C MMD
138 Luampa Limata J Mwiya UDA
139 Mangango Mwendoi Akakandelwa MMD
140 Lukulu East Batuke Imenda ULP
141 Lukulu West Namakando Simasiku MMD
142 Luena Milupi Charles L. INDEPENDENT
143 Mongu Central Mulyata Joseph MMD
144 Nalikwanda Lungwangwa Lungwangwa MMD
145 Nalolo Mwangala Mubita MMD
146 Senanga Sinyinda Clement W MMD
147 Sinjembela Mubika Mubika MMD
148 Mulobezi Mabenga Micheal MMD
149 Mwandi Liwanga Kainga M MMD
150 Sesheke Central Mufalali Adons MMD

THE NEW ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT

The people of Zambia went to the polls on September 28, 2006. The seating president (Mr Levy Mwanawasa) was re-elected with a less than 50% majority. One commentator put it this way, “The present set up favours a seating president. There is no way a seating president can lose an election.” Attempts to hold elections under the new constitution were tossed out of the window as being costly. If implemented, the winner of the presidency under the new constitution has to have 50 plus 1% to be declared a winner. In spite the flaws in the rules, the elections were hailed as ‘free and fair’ by domestic and international election observers and the major opposition parties conceded defeat gracefully. Congratulations to them. Mr Mwanawasa has now formed a government. Most keen observers including the ZamPost newspaper commented that the seriousness of the new leader in delivering on election promises would be seen in the calibre of leaders he would choose to head the government. I offer my thoughts on some of the names that have been announced.

1. Mr Rupia Banda. Has been named as V/President or the 2IC (Second In Command). This man held cabinet positions in the KK government. My Banda comes from an aging crop of leaders (I have no idea if Levy made a nomination or whether the man contested elections). As per practice of most African leaders, Mr Mwanawasa has chosen someone who may not have aspirations beyond VP. It is true that presidents in Africa Africa do not like to surround themselves with youthful leaders for fear that they may get ideas of moving one notch up. Mr Mwanawa parried a question on grooming a successor by suggesting that his party machinery through its convention will provide direction. I strongly believe that Mr Mwanawas has robbed himself an opportunity to train a 'young person 'who might carry on his vision. There is nothing wrong with Mr Banda as a person but we may not see much of him by next election. The seating V/P lost his parliamentary seat. He will be sent to the graveyard, i.e. diplomatic srvice.

2. Agriculture- The ‘old man’ Sikatana has been moved to Foreign Affairs. His training as a lawyer were initially as mismatch for agriculture but boy, didn’t he deliver? Right now there is more produce in Zambia than the Food Reserve Agency can find capacity for storage for. My thoughts are that people who deliver should be in charge of program delivery ministries like education, local government, energy and industry. I strongly feel that Levy has ‘robbed’ Zambians of a true servant who delivered food. Foreign Affairs is important but the best place for Sikatana is one of the mainline ministries suggested above. Ben Kapita, the new agriculture minister previously headed the Farmers Union. He has the know how to pick up from Sikatana left and people will be watching him carefully. At least, people know that with sound leadership, they can grow enough food to feed themselves.

3.Education – Lungwangwa George is now in charge. He comes from the University of Zambia where he was in top leadership. On paper he looks ok but will he deliver? Currently there is lip service to developing education in Zambia yet it is probably the most effective vehicle of liberating people from widespread poverty. It is a known fact that a lot of people with 7 years of primary education regress into illiteracy. Zambia has produced a lot of educators who can assist George come up with a programme to provide decent education to the people of Zambia. Education should be a right of every school going age child.Education should not only be for certification. We need education that liberates the mind, empowers one to dream big and prepares one to be an effective member of society.

4. Finance – Magande has returned his portifolio. A lot of favourable things have happened and many of them not at the instigation of the previous government. The copper ore is fetching a higher price than before and the money lenders of this world have been magnanimous in forgiving the colossal loans. People have been told that macroeconomic indicators are favourable for Zambia. This is welcome news but people need to see how these favourable conditions translate into better housing, clean water, good health and everything social. Magande will need more than just good booking. The resource base of Zambia is more than mining. The time to exploit the rich resource base of Zambia is now. Trade and Industry as well as Commerce need to be critically examined. Local people should be empowered to engage themselves in productive ventures. The tuntembas will not take Zambia out of the misery. Finance and the related government departments (mentioned above) should work together and empower Zambians to run productive businesses that will be sustained over many years to come. There is no reason why Zambians should not own hotels, banks, add value to their produce by owning food processing plants etc.

5. Energy and Water – Many political commentators suggest that 21st century wars are going to be fought over energy and water. It is happening in the middle east. America is everywhere today not in the name of exporting democracy but to get an assured access to energy and water. For all the key industries to succeed (agriculture, trade, manufacturing, transport etc), an assured energy source is needed. Currently, Zambia has one aging oil refinery at Ndola (probably the only industry alive in this once upon a time manufacturing city). The challenges for the minister are many and this ministry should have been given to someone with a vision. Zambia has so much sun yet very few people use solar energy to heat their domestic water. They have to rely on expensive hydro generated or coal fired power plants!

6. Tourism – Again times are good. Many international visitors are including Zambia in their travel plans. There are countries that depend on tourism for the majority of their GDP. We can learn from them in terms of how they did it. The new minister should equally encourage Zambians to see Zambia. There should be deliberate efforts to showcase Zambia o Zambians and non Zambians without lacing it with Hollywood crap.

UNDER 14 BOYS SOCCER NATIONALS (TIDE CUP)

The U14 boys and girls national club championships are being held in Toronto (Vaughan and Etobicoke) from October 4 to 9. My son's team, the Regina East United Internationals are representing Saskatchwean. I flew into Toronto on Friday to cheer my son's team. It was a delight to see them tie (1-1) against a highly seeded team from Quebec. My son's team played below their usual capacity. If they had played their usual game, Quebec could have lost by a baskeful. In the opening matches against Manitoba and the Yukon, the Internationals triumped against their opposition by 3 to 2 and 11 to zero respectively.In their regular season games in Sakatchewan, the Internationals did not lose a single game. The work ethic of the boys has been most excellent and a delight of everyone that is part of them. It is very likely that they will be in the top four teams by the end of the Tide Cup Tournamemnt on Thanksgiving day Monday. I look forward to celebrating their well deserved achievement. They have surely brought pride to Saskatchewan, a provinve which most people don't associate with soccer.

Luke 9:23

"If any man will follow me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily, then follow me."
The words of Jesus were often controversial to those who heard them for the first time. We are blessed that so much has been written about what was said 2,000 years ago. We are able to assimilate better what Jesus said. Learned men and those who have walked the walk have explained the 'true' meaning of what jesus said. But, unless you take it personal, the words remain philosophical. The personal element is about following Jesus. It is an open invitation. What is interesting is that Jesus does not hide the conditions of following him. There is a cost to following him. The cost is self denial and taking up your cross daily. Simply put, it is about putting aside your old self and seeking help from Jesus every day about your failures. I can live with this stuff and so can you!

THE PAUPER AND THE PRINCESS

There lived a woman and her son in one village. The son’s name was Fue. The woman lost her husband in a fierce war which people claimed brought hardships in the land. Fue never knew his father because he was born at the time that his father went to fight in the war. The war brought a lot of bitterness because no one knew why the men were conscripted to fight.

As Fue grew older, he desperately wanted to know his father’s background and whether he had brothers or not. There was none. Since he could not find any role model on his father’s side, he became very close to his mother. He copied everything his mother did including plating his hair and applying make up on his face. The boys of his age thought Fue was very strange, especially that he never played with the other boys other than his mother. Fue’s mother was quite happy to see how close she was with her son. She told Fue that she would buy him a special present one day. Fue was quite excited and looked forward to the day that he would get his present. Being a good mannered boy, he never bothered asking his mother when his present would come. He knew in his heart that his mother would honour her word one day and that was enough to keep Fue happy.

One day, Fue’s mother became extremely ill. She knew in her heart that she would die. Fue was very troubled that he would have no where to go if his mother died. After all, he had no living relative. He decided to ask his mother what would become of him if she died. She smiled at him and told him that she was really looking forward to dying since she would be joining her husband who died in the war. She told Fue that there was nothing to be scared about since God looks after everyone. Still, Fue thought she needed an adult to run the house, cook food and look after the maize gardens and the animals. He didn’t think he could do all that by himself. His mother just smiled and told Fue that if ever anything happened to her, Fue should open the old trunk and get whatever was inside. That same evening, Fue’s mother died and Fue was devastated. He could not eat for weeks and he did not even think about the old box that his mother had mentioned. The pain was too much and he had no one to turn to. He was indeed a pauper.

Fue lived on by doing odd jobs for other people in the village in exchange for food. His clothes became worn out and people started shunning him. He could not understand why his mother passed on. Couldn’t she have taken him along? Was there any fairness in this world? One day Fue remembered his mother’s last words about his present. He quickly dashed into the old house and pulled out the trunk which was almost rusting. He thought he would find money and with it, he would buy some decent clothes and probably move away from the village. He badly wanted to start a new life. Disappointment greeted him. There was nothing of value in the trunk except a small clay flowery plate. He nearly threw it to the ground but changed his mind that he would keep it since his mother had looked after it so carefully for a long time. He didn’t know what to do with a plate.

Convinced that there was nothing left for him in the village, Fue decided to go on a journey to some distant country to look for opportunities and probably find a wife to marry. He gathered his few belongings including the clay plate and set off towards the east. He travelled for hours under the tropical scorching heat and around mid day, he decided to take a rest. He took out his clay plate and scooped some water from the stream with it. As he scooped the water from the stream, he saw an image of a very beautiful woman in the plate who looked just like his late mother. Was it some joke? He thought he was getting mad. He stood still and the picture was still there. Since he was so thirsty he decided to drink the water from the plate anyway but the image disappeared. He wasn’t sure whether to be angry or sad. He chose to be happy and so he began to sing a song:

Iyi nsani ehe
Iyi nsani yamaluba
Tekumona apo yikele kwati ni mayo wa mfyele yamaluba
Oh yamaluba, Oh yamaluba

(This plate sure
This flowery plate sure
It looks just like my mother
Beautiful and Flowerly
Beautiful and Flowery)

As Fue finished singing the song, something strange happened. A beautiful princess came out of the plate wearing the most glamorous gown ever imaginable. She also brought wonderful clothes for Fue as well as the choicest food. She told Fue that she wanted him to marry her. They shared the food and the princess told Fue that she wanted him to go with him to her palace. She asked him to jump into the tiny plate with her. They did so and found themselves in a beautiful castle. They lived happily thereafter.

Note: Most probably, this story’s moral is that misfortune can also be a source of happiness. The story comes from northern Zambia.

QUEEN CITY MARATHON TOOK PLACE ON SEPTEMBER 10

As I approached the check in counter at Regina Airport on my way to Montreal, two ladies from Calgary were spotting their QCM (Queen City Marathon) medals around their necks. I was doing the same. They were so proud to see me wearing my 42km medal. We shook hands and chatted a bit on the nice running weather. Over 3,000 participants took part in the QCM. For my part, I was just thrilled to finish the QCM in my PF (Personal First of 4 hr and 16 minutes). I trained for 4hr but a strange headache threw my runnin intentions out of whack.It was great to visit with running friends from Winnipeg, Saskatoon and elsewhere.
A running race always has some memorable highlights. My headache is one. Then the finish line! It was great to see friends from work, my wife and collegues giving that last 100m encouragement to cross the line with a big smile. The pictures are their to prove it! A 75 year old man finished the marathon to a round of deafening applause. That was really great!! When I get his name, I will send him a note of encouragement. The 2.5km Friensship Run from the Running Room to the Leg and back, a day befre the QCM was equally memorable. needless to say that for the first time, I won something. I span the wheel and myspin landed on a free stringed bag.

The bottom line is that people run to achieve a goal and hey, life in general is about setting goals and realizing them. The QCM was one great experience towards achieving my life long goals. I talked about 'retiring' from running but we will see..

AIDS CONFERENCE IN TORONTO

The AIDS conference is just wrapping up in Toronto. The Canadian Broadcasting Cooperation (CBC) has carried out some excellent programming on the conference (video streaming can be seen at www.cbc.ca). CBC carried out extensive coverages of:
1)How grand mothers in Africa are shouldering the burden of caring for the oprhans. Interviews with grandmothers from South Africa and east Africa were quite revealing.Canadian grand mother are equally rendering support through fundraising etc.
2)There have been some encouraging suport from the world's richest and the famous including comments or financialsupport from Bill Gates and his wife, Bill Clinton and Mr Lewis (the UN Envoy for AIDS).
3)The fight of AIDS through drama in Gambia by a nongovernmental organization showed that a lot can be achieved withought spending millions of dollars. The Nova Scotia Gambia Association has been carrying out AIDS campaign warnings through drama in Gambia resulting in reduced AIDS prevalence among the vulnerable groups.
4) There have been some stattling statistics on AIDS prevalence in Canada and North America in general.

Unfortunately, it looks as though the political leadership in Canada has had some second thoughts on whether to support the conference or not. The Prime Minister, for example kept away from all deliberations. Major announcemnts on AIDS by the Canadian government have had to be postponed.

THE DASH

A young boy accompanied his grandpa to the cemetery. They walked about looking at tombstones and the flowers that loved ones had left. What caught the boy’s attention most as they looked at the tombstones was the dash between two numbers. Each tombstone had different numbers but there was always a dash between two numbers. The boys asked grand pa why the dash was on every tombstone. Grand pa seized the moment and explained the meaning of life as symbolized in the dash. He explained that the dash stood for the length of one’s life on earth. The first number stood for when the person was born while the second number stood for when the person died. The dash then was an expression of how long someone lived. ’God will demand an accounting of how the dash was lived,’ he went on. “A dash lived for self is worthless. As well, a dash that did not recognize God as the giver of life and Lord will face judgement. It did not matter how long one lived.” The young man got very scared and wondered how he could avoid the judgement. Grandpa asked the boy to open his heart to Jesus. The boy was born again in the graveyard.
This story is an adaptation of Pastor Grabke's sermon on August13, 2006 at Faith Baptist Church in Regina.

BRIAN

My Pastor shared the following story a few Sundays ago on our responsibility to love others.
A lady was driving home on a cold and grey evening. The sun had already gone down and darkness was setting in. As bad luck would have it, the car got a flat tire. Considering the time of day and the weather conditions, the lady became frantic and waved every car that passed by. Unfortunately, all the cars zoomed past her without stopping. The lady became quite scared and feared for her life. Along came a truck driven by a shabby looking man. The man spotted the lady from a distance and sensed that she could be in trouble. The lady fearing for her life jumped into her car and rolled up the windows. The man stopped and inquired if he could be of any help. The lady was not sure whether she should speak to the stranger.The lady speaking through her rolled down car window said that she had a flat tire and would appreciate some help at any cost. The man got to work immediately and quickly replaced the flat tire. The lady asked the man who he was to which he replied that his name was Brian. The lady asked Brian to name any price for changing the flat tire. Brian refused to take any money but said that he was just happy to see that she was out of danger. He only asked the lady to extend a helping hand to others as means of paying for the generosity he extended to her. The lady thanked Brian and left. Some 5km down the road, the lay spotted a coffee shop and went over to have a cup. As she sat down to order her coffee, an overworked pregnant waitress came to serve her. It was obvious by her expression that she was barely trying to make ends meet. When the lady struck some conversation with the waitress, she learnt that the baby was due any time but money was short. Upon leaving the restaurant, the lady left four $100 dollar bills on top of the change from the $1,000 bill that she had placed on the tray with a note saying, ”Please take the money and use it for the baby.” The lady was overjoyed and before she could thank the lady, she was already driving off. The waitress went home and eagerly wanted to share her experience that evening with her husband. The husband was already fast asleep when she got home but she lightly kissed him on his forehead and said , “I love you Brian.”