Parents for Democracy

The newly registered non-profit ‘Parents for Democracy in Education’ society is calling for volunteers to be a part of protests and lobbying of MLAs on the issue of pro-gay teaching in B.C.’s public schools.  

Additionally, the society is seeking funds. It is asking people to join in the cause by purchasing memberships. The first protest held by the group is scheduled for May 8, outside the legislature building in Victoria.

On to TWU

Tonner Jackson, a senior basketball star with White Rock Christian Academy, has been recruited to play for Trinity Western University next year. Scott Allen, new coach for the TWU men’s team recruited Jackson. “He is an unselfish athlete that understands the concept of sacrificing of the individual for the betterment of the whole,” Allen said in a press release. Jackson will be studying business at TWU.

Hope for Elvis

Elvis impersonator Steve Elliot will be performing at Home Church Fraser Valley April 5. All proceeds from the concert will be going toward the Salvation Army’s Gateway of Hope project, which is aiming to build a 31,000 square foot homeless shelter in South Langley. The concert will be held at Nicomekl Elementary School Gym, 53 Avenue at 200 Street in Langley. Doors open at 6 pm; the show starts at 7 pm. Tickets are $15; seating is limited. Seats can be reserved ahead of time by calling 604-514-HOME

Rotary Hope

The Rotary Clubs of Langley are hosting a gala event at the Coast Hotel in Langley on April 18. The evening, which will include an auction and buffet along with other entertainment, is being organized to benefit the Salvation Army’s Gateway of Hope project. Tickets for the event are $100, and can be purchased by calling 604-514-7375.

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Holy Cross basketball

Holy Cross Regional High School varsity girl’s basketball team nabbed fifth place at the 2008 AA Provincials. The squad came second in the Fraser Valley match-ups, to secure their berth in the Provincial tournament. Megan Schaufele was named to the All Tournament All Star Team, while teammate Amy Beauchamp received an honorable mention.

Chamber impressed

An ex-convict and drug addict received a standing ovation from the members of the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce recently. Stan Mingo, who was in and out of jail for the better part of 24 years, told his story to the group – crediting his recovery to his Christian faith, the Salvation Army’s Harbour Light program and Army envoy Gary Johnson. Mingo is now a substance abuse counsellor. He runs a recovery house called Reaching Out, and has started a 12-step group called Crime Addictions Anonymous.

Ongoing pain

Ebolingo Etibako, the survivor of a horrific arson fire which killed his mother, three siblings and girlfriend, is now embroiled in a new tragedy. Etibako is facing three charges of robbery ­– in addition to charges of breaching his bail stipulations of not being in a bank and not wearing a hat or hood. Etibako’s mother was a strong Christian, who was a prominent member of the east Vancouver Congolese community in which she lived.

VST’s new archive

There is a worthy addition to the basement at the Vancouver School of Theology. A new archival facility has been added to house the Diocesan Archives. The archival space has been five years in the making, and nearly $1.3 million was spent on creating the space. The archives were closed to researchers for much of January to allow for unpacking and reorganization of the materials – but are now back open for use by students in the Archival Studies Program, through UBC and other researchers.

Name ends confusion

St. John the Evangelist, Whonnock, has been given a name makeover – due to constant confusion between the church and another one in the same area with a similar name. The church has settled on Church of the Holy Spirit, which sets them apart from St John’s in Maple Ridge.

April 2008