WHAT MAKES CANADA GREAT?(什么使加拿大更伟大？）

What makes Canada great? Some say it’s the clean air, the rich natural resources, the three million lakes spread across beautiful landscapes. Others say it’s the people, known worldwide to be considerate, polite, and welcoming.  Then there are those who believe its greatness lies in its civil liberties, guaranteed in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Because of these freedoms, many leave familiar surroundings and warmer climates to brave the cold of the True North. But even in Canada, those freedoms can be shaken.

Some may still remember the October Crisis of 1970 when strikes, protests, even bombings, left an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in the Province of Quebec.  The crisis came to a head when two cabinet ministers were kidnapped and one, Pierre Laporte, was murdered. 
During those fearful weeks, it was not business as usual. In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau made an unprecedented decision - he invoked the War Measures Act during peace time, suspending basic civil rights and liberties. It was a controversial decision.  Some agreed it was necessary, others felt it was not.  But regardless of where one fell on the issue, one thing was certain – there was a crisis, and a recognition that outside help was needed to bring the situation under control.
Viewed in broad strokes, the tapestry of our nation is rich, beautiful, and seamless.  We are free, we are independent, and when crisis comes, we know how to handle it.  Or do we? If we were to zoom in on the individual lives that make up our great nation, would we still see freedom and beauty?

The truth is that viewed closely, it is clear that the fabric of our nation is being torn apart.  Over 3 million Canadian young people are experiencing mental health issues like anxiety, stress, and depression.  Suicide accounts for 24% of deaths for people ages 15 - 24.[i]  Alarming numbers of Canadians experience violence, abuse, poverty, and uncertainty on a daily basis. Morality is on the decline.  Addictions are on the rise.  As for our health, 2 out of 3 Canadians are dying of heart disease, stroke, or cancer.[ii]  The numbers are sobering and reveal that Canadians are in the midst of a crisis so broad, so systemic, so severe, that it makes the October Crisis pale in comparison. To many, Quebec’s crisis called for decisive, even drastic action – and the War Measures Act was invoked.  But what action can be taken for the individual crisis of broken hearts, broken homes, and broken lives?

Many of us live by our own philosophy of life.  When there is a problem, we look to government, health care, education, even credit cards to get us out of trouble. We cling to our right to be left alone, to try to figure out how to get through life on our own.  But many of us find that our efforts only lead to failure.  We try different methods, and when they don’t work, we look for others.  We try relationships, counselling, even pres**tion drugs, all to hide the pain that fills and overwhelms our lives.  But could it be that there are certain things none of our solutions can solve? Could it be that we are in a crisis so great that it is time to let go of our opinions and reach out to a Higher Power?
At this point, you may be tempted to turn away, and that’s okay.  But if you read on, you may discover something that will change your life for the better.  You see, thousands of men, women and children just like you find true security, purpose and healing in a Saviour. It’s true that as you weave through the millions of “professed” believers, it’s hard to find authenticity. But if you look hard enough, you will find genuine seekers and the Source of their inner strength.

I don't know what your past experience with Christianity has been. It may have been very negative, or maybe Christianity seems irrelevant to you. But maybe it’s time to take a second look.  There is often a world of difference between “Christians” and “Christ”. Christians can often mislead, but not Christ. You can trust Him. Why? Because He proclaimed a war measures act upon Himself. When a great war between good and evil broke out in heaven (see Revelation 12) then spilled to earth (Genesis 3), Christ had to make a choice. He could continue with business as usual in His heavenly surroundings, or He could suspend His rights and freedoms to come and live among us and experience our pain, our suffering and our sins.  He chose to come (John 3:16), and because He did, all who recognize the depths of their personal crisis can cry out to Him, and find in Him healing and hope.  After all, He said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

All this may not make sense to you, but if you are willing to start the journey, you will not be disappointed.  You will discover answers, meaning, and purpose for your life. Christ promised, “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). 

What makes Canada great? Is it its beauty, resources, and freedoms?  Yes, all of that.  But perhaps the true greatness of a country begins in the hearts of its people, people who are willing to recognize their challenges and to seek for outside Help.  Today is your opportunity to begin your journey and give God a second chance.  Contact us for more information on our literature and free online Bible course.  What do you have to lose?

 From:http://www.glowcanada.ca/canada.html