PrayBC - Provincial Issues

Gordon Campbell Resigns as Premier and Leader of Liberal Party

2010-11-03T16:17:00.001-07:00

Gordon Campbell resigned as Premier of British Columbia and Leader of the Liberal Party this morning in Vancouver. He has served as member of the BC Legislature for 16 years and as Premier since 2001. Prior to his election to the BC Legislature he also served 3 terms as Mayor of Vancouver. We wish to recognize Mr. Campbell's many years of public service and thank both him and his wife and family for the many hours of time and energy that he has given in service to British Columbia. We pray God's blessing upon Mr. Campbell and his wife as they move forward into a new chapter of their lives.

The BC Liberals will be choosing an interim leader who will act as Premier until a new leader can be chosen. We encourage our many ministry friends and prayer partners to make this matter a significant prayer focus as the decision will affect our province in very significant ways.

Serious Flooding on Northern Vancouver Island

2010-09-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

From the Victoria Times Colonist

B.C. communities inundated by mudslides and flooding over the weekend were barely able to take stock of what hit them as they braced for another storm heading their way Sunday night.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre was predicting that already-swollen and overflowing rivers were in danger of flooding their banks again as the storm was predicted to hit.

“Another active system is expected to arrive on the coast this evening,” the centre warned Sunday. “Forecast precipitation totals for the next front are lower than those received over the past two days, but are still significant. … River levels are expected to begin to rise again overnight.” Read entire article

Heavenly Father, we pray for those affected by these serious storms on Vancouver Island and the Central Coast. We ask that you would keep people safe from harm and that your grace would be sufficient for them. We ask that you would help those providing and coordinating emergency services. Give them your wisdom to be able to quickly assess needs and to provide solutions that will ease the situation for everyone concerned. Keep workers safe from harm as they seek to bring assistance.

Amen!

Extreme Forest Fire Risk

2010-07-27T08:35:00.001-07:00

Many regions of our province are experiencing high temperatures and a lack of rain. As happens every summer, these conditions result in extreme forest fire hazards. As of this writing, there is a fire in the Lillooet area that is causing great concern because of the terrain. There is also the possibility of thunderstorms through the Interior later today. Please pray with us that those who are fighting fires will be kept safe, that no property damage will result from any fires currently burning and that the expected thunderstorms later today will bring only much needed rain.

Heavenly Father, You rule over the weather and it is subject to Your command. Lord you know that it is very hot and dry in many parts of our province. While we enjoy the summer weather, we also recognize that the forests are very dry and the fire hazard is extreme. We ask today that you will protect our forests and spare us from serious fires at this time. We pray that the expected storms in the Interior this afternoon and evening will only bring much needed rain.

We ask this in Jesus Name, Amen

Fire in Armstrong!

2010-07-11T19:53:00.000-07:00

An accident has started a large fire in a hog field at the Tolko sawmill in Armstrong, B.C. The BC Ministry of Forestry was called at around 3 p.m. Armstrong Mayor Chris Pieper saw a plume of smoke around 4 p.m. and drove to the scene. “It was a big fire,” Pieper said. “It's not a little fire. The hog field pile — the bark debris from the barking operations — that was what was on fire. There were some logs from the log yard on fire as well. I didn't see any buildings on fire.”

It is believed the flames spread into several spot fires. RCMP have forced the evacuation of a trailer park on the other side of the street from Highway 97A and closed a five-kilometre section of the highway in both directions.

The BC Ministry of Forestry is on site with 11 firefighters, two helicopters and fixed-wing air tankers. The RCMP and firefighters from surrounding detachments, including Vernon, Swan Lake and Enderby are also battling the blaze.

An emergency centre has been set up at Spallumcheen municipal hall.

Canadian-owned Tolko Industries Ltd. is major producer of and marketer of lumber, veneer, plywood, oriented strand board and kraft papers, with manufacturing operations across Western Canada, according to the company's website.

Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Major+fire+Armstrong+sawmill+trailer+park+evacuations+underway/3264272/story.html#ixzz0tQtRFxmr

Blair Lekstrom resigns as Minister of Enery, Mines and Petroleum Resources

2010-06-11T13:28:00.000-07:00

Blair Lekstrom resigned today as Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. He will sit as an independent member. While there are many political ramifications in his decision, we want to encourage you to remember Mr. Lekstrom in prayer as well as those who will be affected by his decision. This includes current members of cabinet who will be shuffled, staff who will have to adapt to a new minister and the constituents of Peace River South. Click here to read Mr. Lekstrom's resignation letter.

Take A Prayer Tour Of The Legislature Grounds

2010-06-08T12:49:00.000-07:00

If a visit to Victoria is in your plans this summer, consider going on our walking Prayer Tour of the Legislature as part of your vacation. We've developed the Prayer Tour to help people pray for our province and government in a creative way. The tour itself takes about an hour. The tour works great for individuals, small groups or prayer groups. If you would like to go on the tour, please contact at our office at info@praybc.com for more information.

Kash Heed Resigns as Solicitor General

2010-04-09T22:21:00.000-07:00

Kash Heed resigned as Solictor General this afternoon. Please click here for details on the resignation. More importantly at this point is the question of who will become the next Solicitor General. This is a crucial role within government and it's important that someone with tremendous wisdom and insight be appointed as the next SG.

Let's be praying that as Premier Campbell deliberates as to who he will appoint, that God will give him wisdom and tremendous discernment for this very important decision.

Throne Speech Prayer Gathering on Feb 9

2010-01-25T11:02:00.000-08:00

The upcoming session of the BC Parliament begins with the Throne Speech on Feb 9. Last summer, we coordinated a prayer event to seek and ask God’s blessing and direction on our leaders , the legislation and the debates of the session.

It was exciting to know that there were nearly 60 people mixed in among the protestors and spectators who were standing in the gap for our leaders and province at this crucial time.

PrayBC will be hosting a similar event during the upcoming Throne Speech and we would love to have you join with us. This is not a protest or politically motivated event. Our sole purpose is to pray on the grounds and among those who have come to protest.

We will meet at 12 Noon at Church of Our Lord, (626 Blanshard St, Victoria, BC) for a one hour orientation, worship and prayer time and then move to the Legislative Precinct at approximately 1 PM. To register, please visit the PrayBC website.

Serious Flood Risk on Vancouver Island

2010-01-12T09:39:00.000-08:00

Vancouver Island is experiencing another Pineapple Express. While it's extremely mild (13 C on the way to my office this morning), the downside is that the snow begins to melt, which added to the heavy rain and high tides creates some serious flood issues for low lying areas like the Comox and Cowichan Valleys.

You may remember that the Duncan area experienced some serious flooding several months ago during similar conditions. We are asking you to pray that this current threat would pass without further flooding in both regions. There is considerable stress for those who are involved in emergency planning and services as well as for those who are at risk.

'Heavenly Father, we know that it is You who controls the weather and directs the jet stream, the winds and the rain. We come to you in confidence today because we know that nothing is impossible for You. You know the situation on Vancouver Island and in these two valley regions. Lord, we ask you to intervene and spare both areas from further flooding. Ease the strain on residents and emergency service coordinators and providers as well. Relieve their stress and grant them your peace through this time. We ask this in the Name of Jesus, Amen.'

Extreme Forest Fires Kamloops Area

2009-08-30T07:30:00.000-07:00

Please pray for the safety of our firefighters, air crews, and residents. Please pray that the weather patterns will turn the fire back on itself, that property will be protected and that livestock will be safe. The current weather conditions are such that we need God to directly intervene through directing wind patterns and sending us unexpected and lightning free rain.

A fast-moving blaze east of Kamloops, near the town of Pritchard, forced about 100 people from their homes early Friday morning. The Martin Mountain fire burst from four to 80 hectares overnight and kept on growing to an estimated 690 hectares.

As the fire continued its spread Friday night, residents in an additional 125 Pritchard homes were ordered to evacuate.

Elise Riedlinger, a fire information officer, said the Martin Mountain fire had been smoldering for a few days but high winds took it out of control late Thursday.

"There are residences immediately threatened by this fire," Riedlinger said.

Ninety-five firefighters and five helicopters are currently tackling the blaze.

B.C. Forests Minister Pat Bell issued a news release Friday afternoon warning of high temperatures, low humidity, and lightning.

"We are asking the public to be extremely cautious over the next few days," Bell said.

"There is a high likelihood that we will see new lightning-caused fires arise in the southern portion of the province and that existing fires will begin to exhibit extreme fire behaviour."

Throne Speech Prayer Walk Report

2009-08-26T12:57:00.000-07:00

We had a fantastic day yesterday. Almost 40 people came together to pray and seek God's blessing on our province during the Throne Speech. This was a significant event because we believe it's the first time the church came together to pray for our province on the grounds of the Legislature in this way. One participant said that she had been praying for 60 years and longed to see the day that this would happen. How exciting for her and us.

I was able to attend the Throne Speech as a guest. It's always a privilege to be there and to reconnect with MLA's who are returning or just beginning their service to our province. Yesterday, I was able to experience a number of firsts, including meeting the Premier in my current role. I did get a picture with him, but 'blinked' so I'll have to wait for another opportunity.

I am very excited about what the Lord has in store for us as we move forward and anticipate some tremendous things happening over the next few months. We have a tremendous sense that God is with us and preparing the hearts of those we seek to serve. Someone described it as 'building and setting a table for them to come enjoy.' I think that's exactly what we are doing.

I am amazed at what God has helped us to accomplish in the past 2 years. This was a giant step forward for us as we move towards fulfilling what God has put in our heart for BC and we are grateful for His help and strength.

You can get a sense of the entire day on the video that we've uploaded to Youtube. Click here to see it.

Throne Speech Prayer Event on August 25

2009-08-13T10:10:00.000-07:00

The Speech From The Throne is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25th. This Speech is particularly significant because it marks the beginning of a new Parlaiment in BC and will outline the government's agenda and vision for the next 4 years.

We feel it's important to mark this day with a special prayer focus. We have planned a PrayBC Prayer Event in Victoria during the Speech. We would like to invite you to join us for this exciting and strategic time of prayer on August 25 from 12:00 - 3:30 PM.

The Prayer Event is non-partisan and not intended to call attention to ourselves. Our only objective is to pray for the well being of our province and those whom God has called and entrusted to lead us.

If you would like to participate with us, please register by clicking here. We will provide a specific schedule and meeting areas to those who register with us. We look forward to seeing you on August 25.

Please forward this information on as you see fit.

2700 People Evacuated in Kelowna

2009-08-01T22:32:00.000-07:00

NEW EVACUATIONS AT TERRACE MOUNTAIN

New evacuation orders were issued in the Kelowna area Saturday, forcing a total of 2,500 people in the Fintry area out of their homes.

About 1,000 residents in the Muirallen Estates, Fintry Delta, Upper Fintry/Dunwaters Estates, Valley of the Sun and La Casa areas were ordered just before 6 p.m. to leave their homes and head south toward Kelowna along Westside Road, due increased activity from the nearby Terrace Mountain fire.

At about 8:30 p.m., the emergency operations centre issued a second evacuation for 1,500 residents in communities formerly on standby.

Residents in Caesar's Landing, Wilson’s Landing/Trader’s Cove, Nahun, Shelter Cove, and the district lots off South Terrrace Main, as well as residents living on Bear Creek Main to Bear Lake and near Bear Creek Provincial Park, were ordered to evacuate to West Kelowna's emergency centre.

Another 10 properties in the Fintry High Farm area are also on evacuation order.

The centre also warned of a planned power outage for residents still on alert in the Killiney and Westshore-Beau Park areas, as B.C. Hydro had to cut power to some lines threatened by the blaze for safety reasons.

An emergency reception centre is set up at Mount Boucherie Senior Secondary School at 2751 Cameron Rd. in West Kelowna.

Some campers and tenters at Bear Creek Provincial Park were offered space on the school grounds or at the Wal-Mart on Louie Drive, but officials warned accommodations for other displaced tourists were scarce in town due to the long weekend. They were asking anyone with room available for evacuees to come to speak with volunteers.

The latest fire-status update earlier Saturday had Terrace Mountain 90-per-cent contained and holding steady at about 4,500 hectares. The human-caused blaze was first spotted July 18.

Forest Fires: Lillooet, Whistler, Terrace Mountain, Kamloops

2009-07-31T06:20:00.000-07:00

The intense heat continues to produce serious fire conditions throughout BC but particularly in the Interior. We are encouraging you to pray for a break in the weather condition and for cooler weather. Rain is not in the forecast, but nothing is impossible for God. We simply need to pray and ask.

We also need to pray for communities like Lillooet that have been evacuated as wwell as other communities facing evacuation alerts and orders. Finally, we are asking for the Lord to protect all of those involved in fighting these fires so that they will be kept safe and unharmed.

For the most current information on wildfires of note, please click here.

Forest Fire Update in Kelowna

2009-07-20T08:17:00.000-07:00

This comes from Pastor Derrik Hamre, in Westbank and was emailed on Sunday morning.

We survived the night without evacuation, although we remain on evacuation alert. Our home on Doucette Drive is now in the middle of the two fires (one approaching from the west known as the Rosevalley fire and a second approaching from Glen Canyon in the south). We are housing a family of 5 who were evacuated yesterday from Glenrosa area. The fire watch is live on radio and Internet. Currently 6,500 residences or 17,500 people have been evacuated. Once again the church was central in coordination of emergency services and response. This was good until the fire jumped the highway, this followed with a major power outage and then evacuation of the church. We sent in volunteers to rescue computers and important documents. As the Holiday Inn next door was being evacuated, we were clearing out important documents from the church. I am happy to report that the church survived the night, although the fire is approaching the church from Glen Canyon. Currently we are watching water bombers and helicopters attacking the fires at both ends. Standing on our drive way we look left and see bombers attacking the growing Rosevalley fire. When we look right we see the lights of emergency vehicles as they man a new fire line they are building to protect the town of Westbank. The winds are light, the heat will be about 35, no rain. I was just on radio, interviewed about churches being closed in Westbank today. I told them that we are asking our families to gather together, to pray, to volunteer and to continue to help our community at this strategic time. The radio is now discussing water shortages, power outages, and new evacuation orders. I have to go, just wanted you to know that we are safe and currently still in our home. They just dropped fire retardant to the north, we have a lot of trees behind us. Got to go...

Forest Fire In Kelowna

2009-07-18T16:02:00.000-07:00

A forest fire has started on the West side of Lake Okanagan, just above Westbank. Reports say that crews are onsite and that they are making progress. With the extremely dry conditions and strong winds, it's important that the crews have some heavenly help on their side as well.

Father, we pray that you would help those fighting this fire to quickly gain control over the fire and extinguish it. We ask that you would protect every pilot and every ground crew member during this time. Keep them safe and give them great success as they rise to this challenge. We ask this in Jesus Name, Amen!

For more information, click here.

Forest Fires Ravage the Interior

2009-06-09T17:31:00.000-07:00

The recent warm dry weather has accelerated the fire season in BC considerably. There are at least 2 significant wildfires affecting various parts of our province.

1. The Tyaughton Lake fire is affecting over 6000 hectares and spans over 60 kms. The strong afternoon winds have created some aggressive fire conditions. Evacuation orders have been issued for Marshall Lake, Liza Lake, Carol Lake, Mud Creek, Tyaughton Lake and Gun Creek Road.

The evacuation alert remains in place for Gun Lake, Gold Bridge and Bralorne. The focus on this particular fire is to protect lives, homes and properties.

2. The Smith River Fire There is an evacuation alert in place for the communities of Fireside, Coal River and Muddy River Indian Reserve #1. The priorities are to keep the fire off the highway and away from structures by setting up containment lines.

The reason for the size shift is due to more accurate mapping from the air. The fire is still growing but at a slower rate.

Crews are continuing to work along the highway. Due to storms activity Monday night (June 8) and erratic winds fire size did increase.

Burn-off procedures have been started on the west side of the fire in order to increase the fuel free guard between the fire and the communities and highway.

The surrounding topography will be used to break the burn up into managable sizes.

The fire did see storm activity last night which put rains on the east flank allowing them to decrease in fire activity, where as the west flank only recieved winds.

Due to increase in smoke the highway will be monitored and short closures may occur due to fire activity. All efforts are being used to try and keep the highway open but will be closed in the event that it is unsafe to drive. The closure will occur between Fireside and Liard Hotsprings, should it occur. Delays can be expected still. Smoke is heavy in local areas.

We have several specific prayer points for you.
1. Please pray for the protection of everyone involved in fighting these fires. This includes ground crews, flight crews and heavy equipment operators.

2. Please pray that the Lord would protect the properties and homes of those who have been evacuated from their communities and that they would emerge safe and unscathed by the fires that surround them.

3. The answer to this situation is rain. While we all enjoy the sunshine, the reality is that a few days of rain would change the situation dramatically and allow firefighters to gain an upper hand on these fires. We know that in response to the prayers of one man, God sent rain that ended a 3 year drought. We know that God is able to change and interrupt weather patterns so that lives, homes and trees will be saved.

Mill Closures in North Thompson

2009-06-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

We've just received word that Canfor has announced the closure of it's mill in Vavenby as of July 15. Many families will be affected as will the communities of Vavenby, Clearwater and many others.

Lord, we pray for those who have received this upsetting news today. We realize that there are many factors that lead to these decisions and that none of them are easy. We pray first of all that Your peace would surround those who will be affected by this closure. Minister to husbands and fathers who are concerned about provision. Minister to women and mothers who are concerned about stability and security. Most of all, Lord we ask that You would be their provider and sustainer. Walk with them through this valley and time we pray.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Touching Your Town With PrayBC

2009-06-01T09:22:00.001-07:00

Question Period always leaves me with the very clear sense of the complexity of governance and leadership in BC. Our diversity means that our challenges and concerns are as varied as our geography and climate. What matters in Vancouver is rarely the same thing that matters in Dawson Creek, Cranbrook, Kamloops or Terrace.
Because everyone matters, we have created a unique way to share the concerns that affect your community with the PrayBC Prayer Network. There is a new Current Issues page on the PrayBC website where we will be posting prayer requests and issues that affect your community and region.
We need your help to make this work effectively. If you feel that there is something happening in your region that requires prayer, email your concern and any related information to blog@praybc.com. We will get in touch with you and do our best to have as many people as possible praying about what concerns your community. Our goal is make our website a source of credible prayer information and resources.
You can visit our site at www.praybc.com

Decisions, Decisions...

2009-05-28T17:28:00.000-07:00

Even though things are fairly quiet on the political front, there are some very significant decisions that are being made that will affect many things within our province.

First and foremost, the Premier is the in the midst of choosing a Cabinet that will assist in providing leadership and oversight to the various ministries within our province. With the loss of Wally Oppal and the resignation of John van Dongen, two very important roles will need to be filled by experienced MLA's. It's important for everyone that the right people be in the right places so that our province will experience the greatest benefit.

Second to the choosing of the Cabinet would be the question of a new budget being presented. Economic conditions in BC continue to reflect global realities and it may well be that what was presented in February will no longer be a reasonable plan to follow as we move forward.

I'm more convinced than ever that we have underestimated our role and impact in praying for those who govern over us. It's only the church who can invoke God's blessing and help on behalf of our leaders. Because we know that God is always faithful, we can be confident that as we pray, He will be working and moving in sovereign and powerful ways within the lives of our leaders and in those who surround them.

Thanks for praying with us. We are making a difference!

Looking Towards the Future

2009-05-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

For the past 28 days, we have been praying that God would use this election to accomplish His purposes for our province. Last night, the BC Liberals were re-elected to another 4 year term. There are difficult decisions to be made with regard to the current economic situation. These challenges will be front and centre as the Government moves forward.

Premier Campbell and his team need God's wisdom and strength as they move forward into the future. There are cabinet positions to be assigned that are crucial to the future prosperity and health of our province. Those assignments will determine much of what happens over the next 4 years. Pray with us that good and right choices will be made that will benefit all British Columbians.

Finally, every MLA will need some time to catch their breath and begin the process of preparing for the next 4 years. Pray that God will give them strength and wisdom moving forward.

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2009-03-02T09:36:00.001-08:00

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Gang Violence Continues to Increase

2009-02-18T21:02:00.000-08:00

Metro Vancouver has an obvious and serious gang problem. While the current pattern of gang members shooting each other in broad daylight is disconcerting enough, it's only a matter of time until innocent bystanders are killed and wounded. This week's murder of a young mom while her 4 year-old watched from his carseat underlines the fact that the situation is more far gone than many expected. Vancouver, Surrey, Prince George, Williams Lake and many other communities are dealing with the same issues minus the kind of violence currently underway in Vancouver.

Our primary focus is to see the violence come to an end in Metro Vancouver before any innocents are killed. That requires several things. The police will need some significant investigative break throughs so that the most dangerous and most likely to offend can be taken off the streets before harm comes to anyone else. In some cases, all that is necessary is for known members to begin to talk about certain issues. In other cases, the police will need to discover previously hidden evidence that will allow them to arrest and imprison gang members. Pray that God would help our law enforcement officials to gain ground in this battle for our streets so that citizens can live in peace and safety.

Pray for our political leaders. In particular pray for the Solicitor General (Hon. John van Dongen) and the Attorney General (Hon. Wally Oppal) as they provide leadership at a provincial level as well as the upcoming mayors summit in Surrey this Thursday. These men and women need tremendous wisdom and courage as they move forward in developing a plan to deal with this issue in their communities.

Finally, there is a reason why young men and women involve themselves in gang related activity. The rewards for being involved outweigh the obvious risks that come along with this kind of a lifestyle. Part of the solution is for the church to be pro-active at a grassroots level by engaging these young people before they are ensnared by gang life. What they need is to experience a genuine expression of God's love, hope and purpose through the lives of other people. Pray for boldness for the church to step into this dangerous world and begin to make a difference now.

PrayBC Provincial Issues

2009-02-18T20:37:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first post of PrayBC Provinical Issues. As PrayBC continues to develop, it's become more and more apparent that we needed to add a track that focused on issues of public concern. The premise behind PrayBC is to serve as a resource and to provide leadership for those who want to take on the task of strategically praying for our province. The intent of this prayer resource is to bring various issues to the attention of our prayer network so that we can begin to pray strategically about the social, economic, and environmental issues. Most of the material presented here will come from the news and from our observations at the Legislature. Our hope is that the Church in British Columbia will begin to rise and pray over these isssues believing that as we do, God will hear from heaven and respond in significant ways.