god
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May 17, 2025 – Beyond the Walls: When the Gospel Gets Its Hands Dirty
The phrase has been echoing in online circles recently: “The Church is not an NGO; it exists for the Gospel.” On the surface, it’s a sharp reminder that the Church’s core mission transcends the structures of secular non-profits, urging us to remember our foundation – the Good News of Jesus Christ. But what happens when… Continue reading
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May 16, 2025 – The Comfort of Coffee, Tears of Hope, and the Spirit’s Touch: A Richmond Bible Study
Yesterday morning held a deeply meaningful encounter in a local Richmond, British Columbia coffee shop. It wasn’t a routine meeting, but a scheduled time to offer spiritual support, Christian fellowship, and the grounding of Bible study specifically to a mother from our community as she bravely shared her trauma and challenging history. Joining me was… Continue reading
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April 24, 2025 – An Afternoon in the DTES: Beyond Headlines, Embracing Humanity
This afternoon, I had the profound experience of sharing a glimpse into Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) with a journalist seeking to understand the complex realities of homelessness and addiction. Often portrayed through a lens of fear and despair, the DTES revealed a different narrative as we walked the streets of Hastings – one woven with… Continue reading
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April 23, 2025 – The Sacred Trust: Serving as a Listening Presence in Richmond
As a priest serving our community here in Richmond, I am often granted the profound privilege of bearing witness to the raw and vulnerable stories of individuals and families. Today’s encounter at the Chinese cafe, sharing fragrant oolong tea while listening to a mother’s heart alongside another Christian, was yet another reminder of this sacred… Continue reading
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April 10, 2025 – Glimmers of Hope in the Heart of Richmond: Reflecting on a Powerful Gathering
Last night, something truly special unfolded within the 360 Community. Our gathering, themed “Rebuilding from the Streets: Dustin Pirillo’s Journey of Hope,” wasn’t just an event; it was a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the transformative power of personal stories, and the deep yearning for connection and hope within our community.… Continue reading
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March 9, 2025 – A Heartfelt Friday at St. Alban’s Lunch Program
The Friday lunch program at St. Alban’s is a place where simple acts of kindness and faith can make a profound difference. This past Friday, I experienced that firsthand. I noticed a person, whom I’ll call L, looking a bit troubled. L approached me hesitantly and asked if I would be willing to pray with… Continue reading
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March 6, 2025 – Beyond the Hymns: A Sunday Shift in Perspective
Sunday mornings are often a time for reflection, renewal, and connection. This past Sunday, however, something shifted in my understanding of what those moments truly mean. It wasn’t just another service; it was a powerful reminder that worship isn’t an end in itself, but a launchpad for action. The service, as always, was filled with… Continue reading
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Feb 9, 2025 – Standing Together for Poverty Reduction: My Reflections from the RPRC Meeting
On February 6, I had the opportunity to attend my first member meeting with the Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition (RPRC) as a new member. It was a profoundly inspiring and thought-provoking experience that reinforced my commitment to social justice, advocacy, and community support. More importantly, it was a moment of faith—a response to my Lord’s… Continue reading
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January 2, 2025 – The Power of Redemption: A Conversation About Guilt, Restoration, and Trust
Last week, I had the opportunity to sit down over coffee with a man who shared a transformative story. He had been in a serious relationship with his fiancée, building plans for their future together when a significant mistake occurred—he had an affair with a colleague. What stood out to me was not the affair… Continue reading
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December 7, 2024 – From Conversations to Community: Cultivating Grace, Hope, and Unconditional Love
Recently, I engaged in profound conversations with my friends T and D that sparked deep reflection and fueled my desire to take meaningful action. I have known T for a long time, and as our discussions deepened, T opened up about some personal struggles. As a Christian actively involved in a conservative church, T has… Continue reading