Providence or Chance? You Tell Me
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Good Friday This Easter, before I chronicle some amazing experiences that I could not orchestrate, I encourage you to remember Christ's great sacrifice on the cross, his death, and resurrection from the grave. This Christian heritage is shouted from the South Stained Glass Window of the Peace Tower. In that window, there are 4 images in the first row. They represent: Michael the Archangel, St. George, Justice, and Joan of Arc. The image of Justice demonstrates God's love for us and the justice He demanded. The figure holds a sword. From the hilt hangs the 'scales of justice.' On the blade which is held in front of him, is the crucified Christ. We could never pay the price for sinning against a holy God. He sent His son, Jesus, to pay that price by dying on a cross. 'Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.' 1 John 4:10. Thankfully, on that resurrection morning, Michael the Archangel will sound the trumpet. Those who believe in Christ's atoning sacrifice will rise from the dead as Christ has. The National Prayer Breakfast Ottawa On Tuesday, March 24th, I attended the 60th. National Prayer Breakfast hosted by parliamentarians in Ottawa. I had bought my ticket in 2024 for the 2025 event, but the Breakfast was postponed due to the national elections. In God's providence I was out of commission in 2025, so I was prepared for 2026. Our Prime Minister, Mark Carney, was not prepared to just read a passage of Scripture and take his seat. He quoted the BOOK of the Bible (Matthew), but not the chapter and verse (Matthew 1:23). He was also proud to quote the Stoic, Marcus Aurelius. Then, he proceeded to expound what he thought the passage was saying even though he is not a theologian. His erudite exposition extracted the theme of 'generosity' that he applied to Canadians. After all, they are 'generous people who take care of each other'. Of course, he totally missed God's generosity in sending His Son as 'God with us' to save sinners. This was his message the day before his government passed Bill C-9 to remove the 'good faith' defense in quoting certain parts if the Bible, designating them as 'hate speech' worthy of jail time. Have a listen here. Tell me what you think. ------------------------------------------------------------- Peace Tower Church I was booked to speak at the Peace Tower Church on Saturday, March 21st. for a 3-hour long seminar. This was like drinking from a firehose. I spoke about Christians who helped to lay Christian foundations in Ottawa and left enduring legacies: three stonemasons (Thomas McKay, John Redpath and John A. Pearson), a military engineer (Col. John By), and a lumber baron (John Booth). I almost named my seminar, 'Four Johns and a Thomas'. ----------------------------------------------- The Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast I had the unexpected honour of speaking at the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast too. The Director of the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast happened to be at the Peace Tower Church on Sunday morning, March 22nd. Pastor Jimmy, Peace Tower's Pastor, paid recognition to me sitting in the congregation. He mentioned the seminar I led and the amazing history lessons learned the day before. After the service, the Director of the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast asked me to speak briefly about the Christians who laid Ottawa's foundations at his event too. So my stay was extended by one day. Ottawa's National Prayer Breakfast was on Tuesday morning, and the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast was on Wednesday morning. Because of that, an American organization called Well Versed, whose mission is to 'bring Biblical principles of governance to government leaders, and to the people who elect them', heard my presentation. They referenced me in their newsletter here. Scroll right down to the end. If you read the newsletter right to the end, you will find a unique perspective on the National Prayer Breakfast. That was followed up by an interview today, April 2nd, 2026, about The Legacy of 25 Scripture Verses on Parliament Hill, that interview will air on Canada Day - July 1st, 2026. ------------------------------------------------------------- Providence or Coincidence? Friends, I am convinced that God, in His Providence, orchestrated my experience in Ottawa in March 2026, and this is how it all began: On April 25th, 2025, I received this message from a friend in Ottawa: Hi Lynette, I received an email through the Parliament Hill Christian Fellowship email address from someone interested in hosting a Teams/Zoom meeting with a speaker who can talk about the historical roots of Christianity in our nation/parliament and I thought of you. At that time, I was out of commission with chronic pain. Because of that connection, I am currently offering free Zoom workshops as 'Lunch N Learn', for those belonging to the Parliament Hill Christian Fellowship and any subscriber who wants to learn about our Christian history. Because of the Lunch N' Learn sessions, I met the pastor's wife of the Peace Tower Church where I taught a 3-hour seminar on Saturday before the National Prayer Breakfast. Because of the pastor recognizing me in his congregation on Sunday morning, and mentioning my teaching, I spoke at the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast. Because of that brief talk, I was interviewed today, April 2nd, 2026, about the 25 Scripture verses on Parliament Hill by the organization, Well Versed. I believe in God's providence in setting up Canada from France. He raises up and takes down nations according to Daniel Chapter 2. See the article on my website here. I believe that nothing happens in my life by chance. Psalm 139, part of which is written on the back wall of the Memorial Chamber of the Peace Tower, applies to my life. That's my Psalm. ------------------------------------------------------------- Next Lunch N Learn Sessions Here is the Schedule for the next 3 months:. Watch for a registration form soon. Tuesday April 14th: Christians Who Laid The Foundations of Ottawa: Thomas McKay Tuesday May 12th & Tuesday June 9th: The East Stained Glass Window & the Altar of Remembrance. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Ps. Here are 4 ways you can support our work and spread the messages in the email: 1). If you enjoyed this newsletter, then forward this email to a friend and ask them to Join The Community. 2). You can purchase some of our products from our store. 3). Invite me by Zoom to speak to your church or organization. 4). Make a donation by e-transfer at: info@christianrootscanada.org. Until Next Time Soli Deo Gloria Lynette, Your Curious Canadian History Buff |