god
-
August 12, 2025 – 🤝 Showing Up with Purpose: My Visit to Recovery Church in Richmond
This past Sunday evening, I had the privilege of attending Recovery Church at the Salvation Army Richmond Community Church. As someone who’s been actively reaching out and serving the community, I came not just to observe—but to experience, to be present, and to offer support. 🛐 A Space for Healing and Hope Recovery Church is… Continue reading
-
July 11, 2025 – Love Is Love. And Nothing Else.
🍽️ A Quiet Dinner, A Loud Heartache Tonight, I sat down for dinner with two women I’ve come to know through pastoral care. The evening was warm, thoughtful, and filled with gentle conversation. But behind the shared laughter, one story resonated with unspoken weight. One of the women is struggling—not because she’s lost her way,… Continue reading
-
May 23, 2025 – Feeding Hope and Facing Questions: A Community Reflects on Food Insecurity in Richmond
When we speak about food insecurity, homelessness, and human dignity, we must also be willing to listen. After sharing “Feeding Hope in Richmond” on Reddit, I took time to read through each comment. I found myself encouraged by some, challenged by others, and reminded of how layered and complex these issues are in our city.… Continue reading
-
May 21, 2025 – Loving Our Neighbors: A Faith-Based Reflection on Substance Use and Stigma
A recent webinar hosted by the Community Addictions Peer Support Association (CAPSA) delivered a profound message. It wasn’t just another public health presentation; it was a deeply moving invitation for churches and community groups to fundamentally rethink their approach to substance use. It called us to embody the compassion of Christ in tangible, practical ways,… Continue reading
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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