Battle 'Hard to Classify': Hird (Peace Arch News, White Rock)

http://www.peacearchnews.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=44&cat=47&id=1022101&more=0

Battle "hard to classify" : Hird

Daniel Pi photo
Rev. Ed Hird is a self-confessed history buff. His book, Battle for the Soul of Canada, combines his two passions: history and the Bible. He describes it as "a bold experiment... that worked."
By Alex BrowneArts Reporter
Jul 08 2007


Memoir an analysis of the need for faith
Battle "hard to classify": Hird
It's a book rooted in biblical teaching - but also in Canadian history. It's a personal memoir that also happens to be a challenging analysis of the need for faith.


Rev. Ed Hird, Rector of St. Simon's Church, North Vancouver, acknowledges his book is hard to classify.

"It's a bold experiment," he said.
The miracle is that it worked: “ it kind of clustered together."



The key to the book is in its subtitle: Raising Up the Emerging Generation of Leaders. For Hird, a member of the Anglican Coalition in Canada, believes both the nation and the church is ready for spiritual leadership after decades of travelling well-intentioned detours.


But his model of a leader is not an expected one. Drawing on quotations from Timothy 1 and 2, Hird links St. Paul's protege and right-hand man, a shy yet unwavering Christian, with distinctly Canadian qualities.


"In many ways Timothy has the personality profile of Canada," he writes.
"Gentle, somewhat insecure, and easily rejected. Yet Paul saw that this unlikely individual had the potential to be a great leader, even to be the successor after Paul's assassination."


In his book Hird, also past-president and national chaplain of Alpha Canada, stresses the need to find the present day Timothys amongst us "not necessarily people of obvious and dominant leadership qualities, but those with a quiet potential to lead."
"Without a vision, as the Bible says, people perish," he said.


A self-confessed history buff, he also peppers his analysis with stories of both well and lesser-known Canadians of the past.


The book is available locally at Angel Christian Supplies, but the author also has strong Peninsula connections.


"I spend my weekends and holidays here - about 95 per cent of my family lives here now," he said. "My parents live here, my in-laws live here, my younger sister and her husband and their five children live here."


In addition, he and his wife Janice also lead the annual B.C. Christian Ashram Retreat, formerly at Camp Kwomais, which has now moved venue to Camp Alexandra.


Hird acknowledges the seeds "and the literal starting point" of the book were in the schism in the Anglican Church over the last half decade, manifest in the homosexual marriage debate.
The effect was pronounced in the case of his own congregation. Because it hewed to traditional definitions of marriage, St. Simon's found itself evicted by its diocese from the church building and property, and ended up finding a new home.


"Basically the Anglican Church has gone through some identity challenges," he said. "The homosexual issue was not central, it was symptomatic."


But Hird's intention in the book, he said, was not to surrender to 'unforgiveness' and bitterness, but to find a way forward out of catastrophe, by using the example of Timothy.
"Anglicans are looking for hope, and Canadians are, in general,"he said.


“Statistics show that Canadians are as spiritual today as they were 40 years ago. But it's gone into the realm of privacy. Most Canadians won't talk about spirituality in front of strangers, but they will if they're comfortable.


"Spirituality has a way of surviving through all things." 

 p.s. In order to obtain a copy of the book 'Battle for the Soul of Canada', or any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.

To receive a personally signed copy of any of our books within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.

It's Never Too Late to Write Your Own Book

http://www.highertrustmarketing.com/blog/?p=409 Infoproduct Marketing Insiders by Jeff Smith July 7, 2007 Author Profile - It's Never Too Late To Write Your Own Book 

 For most people, writing your own book is not an immediate priority - first get through school, then get a "Real" job, get married, raise a family, settle down a little - it's only after catching your breath and middle age begin to rear it's ugly head do most aspiring writers think about actually experiencing the dream of writing their own book. That's the case with Ed Hird outlined in a profile of his new book "Battle For the Soul of Canada: Raising Up The Emerging Generation of Leaders" where he finally put pen to paper at the ripe old age of 50. Based on his life experiences as a pastor helping youth in many difficult situations, and a self-ackknowledged history buff, Hird felt he had a message that needed to be heard about what made past leaders great and how those principles could be applied to today's Generation X population. Here are some lessons those of you who are considering writing your own book can take from Ed's newest book venture: 1. Don't give up on your dreams. At 50 who would have thought you could become a successful first-time author? 2. Use the formula Hird used to dream up ideas for writing your own book. For example, understand how your experiences can be combined with some research to write on a topic that is outside of your comfort zone. In this case, Hird saw evidence of a "lost" generation, but didn't necessarily know what the answer was. So - he researched some of the greatest leaders in history and came up with his recommended solution. 3. Make the solution you offer your readers yours. Even though Hird researched what made past leaders successful - his summary of these principles and application to today's audience makes his solution his own, something he can now turn into a franchise by developing further information products, speaking, recording videos, running seminars, offering consulting and so on(...) 

 p.s. In order to obtain a copy of the book 'Battle for the Soul of Canada', any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.

To receive a personally signed copy of any of our books within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.

How to Raise Up a Generation of Leaders (Richmond News)

http://www.richmond-news.com/issues07/071207/islandlife.html

Ed Hird, a pastor who has spoken at the English service at Richmond Emmanuel Church, is the author of Battle for the Soul of Canada: Raising Up the Emerging Generation of Leaders. Technically, the book took Hird two and a half years to write, but in reality it is the culmination of 25 years of working with youth through the church and other institutions, such as Burnaby's New Haven Correctional Centre. In the book, Hird tells the stories of remarkable Canadian pioneers with the hope of inspiring today's youth take up the leadership torch.

Brett Beadle/Richmond News
How to raise a generation of leaders
By Michelle Hopkins


Ed Hird believes he knows the key to raising leaders.


He has written a book titled Battle for the Soul of Canada: Raising Up the Emerging Generation of Leaders, in which he proposes that the answers lie in our past.


"If you look at our history and the great leaders that helped shape this nation of ours, they all had a couple of things in common; they all shared similar values, not necessarily religious values, and perseverance," says Hird.


Drawing on nearly three decades of religious work in such places as Burnaby's New Haven Correctional Centre (where he was a social worker dealing with troubled youth), Woodlands School (a residential school for mentally and physically disabled people) and the Downtown Eastside, Hird outlines a spiritual path we can embark on to raise the thinkers and the movers of tomorrow.


Although the book is written with a religious undertone - every chapter starts out with a biblical passage by Timothy (In the bible the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, a young pastor, to encourage him in his church work) - Hird says one doesn't have to be religious to get the gist of what he is trying to convey.


"I don't preach in the book. You don't have to attend church to read my book, it's written for those who are hungry for a purpose in life," explains Hird. "I tell the story of nine key Canadian pioneers who have impacted and shaped our country. Their stories, I believe, can inspire and drive our young people to build better futures."


Hird unlocks snippets of wisdom from Canada's heroes such as Frederick Seymour - the forgotten first governor of the United British Columbia colony. The scenic Mount Seymour in the North Shore is named after him. He is credited with establishing the B.C. public school system, improving the courts, drawing up public health regulations, setting standards for mining and reducing the provincial debt. (Governor from 1864-1869).


Hird also devotes a chapter on explorer and trader Alexander Mackenzie, who crossed North America by land in 1793.
"He had bull-dog persistence, inexhaustible energy and insatiable curiosity," adds Hird.
By telling their inspirational stories, Hird strongly believes our young people will be moved to act and live according to their talents.


The author believes one of the impediments to this happening is that the generation Xers suffer from an identity crisis caused by living in the shadow of the affluent baby boomers.


"We need to invest in our youth and promote them," explains Hird. "We need to walk hand-in-hand with the generation X and the millennial generation (born between 1977 and 1994).... We need to root for them, cheer for them and money won't do it, we need to invest time.
"We need to tell our young people that pioneers had it tough and they need to know it's not easy in life, but that they can make it."


The 52-year-old father of three grown sons took nearly three years to research and write the book.
"In the strictest sense of the word it took me about two-and-a-half years, but in the broader sense it's been in the making for 25 years."


Hird is no stranger to writing - he has penned more than 250 articles for a number of different publications, including theNews' sister paper the North Shore News.


His talent for writing is in his genes, says Hird.
"My great-grandmother, Mary Mclean, was the first Canadian female reporter with the Regina Leader."
In his chapter on The Passion of Louis Riel - a Metis leader who was hanged for treason for his resistance against the Canadian government - he tells of how his great-grandmother disguised herself as a Catholic priest in order to interview Riel in jail.


"I have her passion for writing and her determination to tell a good story," Hird says. He adds that turning 50 was a defining moment for him because hitting that milestone propelled him to put pen to paper.


"It's part of us baby boomers' transition, our destiny to try new things,' explains Hird, who won The Word Guild Canadian Writing Awards 2007.


Another reason for the book is to make sure Canada's greatest leaders are not forgotten. Hird, who was ordained as a pastor in 1980, feels strongly that we Canadians "live in the shadow of the United States and our story needs to be told."


"Canada has a great history, our great leaders and explorers can inspire us and they are a symbol of our great nation," says Hird.


Hird is a walking encyclopedia of Canadiana facts. He is fascinated by our rich past.


"Did you know our first newspaper and hospital in B.C. were francophone?" questions the self-professed history buff.


Interspersed with interesting vignettes and his own spiritual thoughts, Hird takes his readers on a literary journey through our history.


Battle for the Soul of Canada: Raising Up the Emerging Generation of Leaders is available at Richmond's Seraphim Christian Bookstore.
published on 07/06/2007
p.s. In order to obtain a copy of the book 'Battle for the Soul of Canada', or any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.

To receive a personally signed copy of any of our books within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.

Greetings from Ontario

an article published in the July 2007 Deep Cove Crier
Greetings from Ontario
By the Rev Dr. Ed Hird

I have always loved books. Most pictures taken of me as a child showed me reading books. I even read books at hockey games, at least during the intermission.

Recently I attended “Write! Canada”, a four-day national writer’s conference in Guelph, Ontario. Rubbing shoulders with 225 other authors, editors, and publishers reminded me that I truly am a bibliophile (book-lover) from a long line of bibliophiles. My father read so many books as a young person that his public library put a restriction on how many books that he could take out per day. All columnists and reporters have a love for words, including my great-grandmother Mary McFadden McLean who disguised herself as a Roman Catholic priest in order to interview Louis Riel. Her Regina Leader-Post Editor told her: “An interview must be had with Riel if you have to outwit the whole police force of the North-west.” Riel said to my great-grandmother on Nov 19th 1885: “When I first saw you at the trial, I loved you.”

Rudy Wiebe, the plenary speaker at The “Write! Canada” conference, reminded me that it is important to share one’s story and one’s experience. It is also important to do this in a way that builds others up. As the proverb says, it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.

Because of my new book ‘Battle for the Soul of Canada’ and my writing for the Deep Cove Crier and the North Shore News for many years, I accumulated enough ‘points’ this year to be accepted as a professional writer in the national writers’ organization, The Word Guild http://www.thewordguild.com/ . The 280-strong Word Guild, which sponsors the annual “Write! Canada” conference, has a mandate of connecting, developing and promoting Canadian writers and editors who are Christian. Writers from beginner to professional level were able to sharpen their skills through top-notch instructors. The conference also offered networking and marketing opportunities, appointments with literary agents and editors, manuscript critique services, open-mike reading sessions and a gymnasium-sized bookstore well stocked with reference materials

The long-term vision of The Word Guild is to connect with Canadian culture through writing from a Christian worldview. Its immediate goals are to help writers and editors at all stages interact with each other, develop new skills and discover new publishing opportunities. Many writers and editors struggle with isolation—many often work alone, sometimes from their homes, and do not have the opportunity to interact with their peers very often. The Word Guild also offers prayer support through a dedicated group of people praying for The Word Guild, and the writing-related needs and requests of its members. I was very impressed to discover that The Word Guild offers critique groups, a mentoring program and national and regional conferences, designed to encourage excellence in our craft.

The high point of The Word Guild year is the black-tie Award Gala held this year at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, right before the ‘Write! Canada’ conference. It was hosted by Christine Williams, the producer and host of On the Line on CTS TV; and by Rick Gamble, formerly a reporter at CTV's Kitchener affiliate CKCO, now a communications instructor at Wilfrid Laurier University.

At the event honouring work published by Canadian writers who are Christian, winners ranged from well-known, venerable theologians Dr. J. I. Packer and James M. Houston, to 14-year-old Richard Weening, the youngest-ever winner. Entries were judged according to excellence of writing; impact (the inspirational or informational value making it worthwhile); fulfillment of stated purpose; suitability to target audience; originality and freshness of style. The number of entries more than doubled in the past three years in The Word Guild contest, which is open to any Canadian citizen or permanent resident who affirms The Apostles' Creed. A total of 231 entries were received.

Rudy Wiebe, one of Canada's most acclaimed authors with eight novels to his credit, was given the Leslie K. Tarr Award for outstanding career contribution to Christian writing and editing in Canada. Wiebe, 72, of Russian Mennonite background, is widely published internationally and has twice won Governor General's Literary Awards for his novels.

The Tarr Award capped numerous honours for Wiebe in 2007. His memoir, Of This Earth: A Mennonite Boyhood in the Boreal Forest (Knopf Canada), won the $25,000 Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction.

Wiebe admitted that he was surprised to be chosen for the Tarr award because he writes for large secular publishers and is better known within literary fiction circles than in Christian circles.

"I write realistic stories about people in tough situations who have problems and conflicts that are not easily resolved—not romances where everything ends nicely,” he explained in an interview.

The Vancouver Island author Mark Buchanan won the Christian living category for the fourth time with his fourth book, for The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath (Thomas Nelson). I was short listed as a finalist in three categories, and was pleased to receive top prize in the category of best independently published nonfiction book. So far ‘Battle for the Soul of Canada’ has sold over 1,300 copies, with another 5,100 just out in a second printing.

I would like to personally thank our Deep Cove Crier publisher Bruce Coney for believing in me over the past two decades. His encouragement has helped me keep writing and growing through the challenges of life. I would also like to thank the thousands of Deep Cove Crier readers who have faithfully read my column, and often said kind words to me when I meet them at Parkgate Shopping Centre, or down in the Cove. Perhaps one-third of my book ‘Battle for the Soul of Canada’ was previously published in my Deep Cove Crier articles. Your support and prayers for me have been a big part in the birthing of this award-winning book. Please continue to pray for me, as I have been told that there are other books inside of me waiting to be birthed.

The Reverend Dr. Ed Hird

p.s. In order to obtain a copy of the book 'Battle for the Soul of Canada', or any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.

To receive a personally signed copy of any of our books within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.

As Sick as Our Secrets

As Sick as Our Secrets
-a Chapter from 'The Battle for the Soul of Canada', pre-published in the North Shore News
http://nsnews.com/

http://twgauthors.blogspot.com/2007/06/as-sick-as-our-secrets.html
As Sick as Our Secrets (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

There's an oft-heard saying in the recovery community: “We're as sick as our secrets.”  Over the years, I have met many people in abusive situations who have paid a great price to eventually extricate themselves from the vicious cycle of manipulation and recrimination. Only the truth, however painful, can really set us free.

Secrecy keeps us chained to our abusers. At the heart of the ‘twelve steps’,[ii] in Step Four and Five, is the willingness to break the power of secrecy by admitting to God, yourself, and another person the exact nature of how you have wronged other people.

I have done many ‘Fifth Steps’ for others over the past twenty-four years. It is always such a privilege. I feel like I grow so much through this opportunity. I notice, however, that ‘Fifth Steps’ are very difficult in our secretive, victim-based culture. Many people want to come to me and admit the exact nature of how they have been wronged, but not how they have wronged other people.

Until we can open up and get such things off our chest, we are still stuck with guilt, recrimination, and self-doubt. We really are as sick as our secrets. The Bible tells us:Cast our cares upon the Lord, for He cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7)

I have found that sharing deeply my heart with another caring, listening person can be profoundly liberating. That is why we are encouraged by James, Jesus’ brother: confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. (James 5:16)

I have a number of friends who have recently had the courage to go see Bonnie Chatwin, a North Shore Pastoral & Clinical Counselor.[iii] It was not at all easy for them to do this, but I was amazed by the breakthroughs that they have achieved. How much do we want to be well? Often the price of being well is giving up our obsessive need for independence and secrecy, and beginning to trust another person with our life story.

We as Canadians live in a culture that has become more secretive and private. The vast majority of Canadians still believe in God, prayer, and Jesus’ resurrection, but such faith concerns have largely gone into the closet. There is a widespread perception that faith is so personal and private that it cannot be mentioned publicly.

The recent Da Vinci Code fad fits totally into that way of thinking. It implicitly teaches that true spirituality is about dark hidden secrets that only the elite may know about: secrets allegedly hidden in Da Vinci’s paintings, secrets covered by an alleged secret society named the Priory of Sion, secrets about Mary Magdalene and Mother Eve in the Garden of Eden. Over one hundred million North Americans have either read the Da Vinci Code book or seen the movie.

There is something in us that is drawn to secret knowledge and secret passageways. But is secrecy really the way to health and life? Is secrecy really the key to genuine spirituality?  Paul taught Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:3-4:The time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths."

The false elders that Timothy was replacing in Ephesus had been drawn back into the secret, occult ways of the Temple of Diana/Artemis (1 Timothy 1:3-4). People are sometimes shocked by the word ‘occult’, but all it means, according to the Concise Oxford Dictionary[iv], is ‘concealed, kept secret’. ‘Occult’ comes from the Latin root ‘celare’ (to hide).

The most famous person in the world once said: I have spoken openly to the world...I said nothing in secret. (John 18:20)Jesus also said: Whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed or secret is meant to be brought out into the open. (Matthew 4:22)

Rabbi Saul/Paul, who was Jesus’ most famous disciple, commented: We have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, we set forth the truth plainly...(2 Corinthians 4:2)Contrary to the claims of the Da Vinci Code, Christianity has no secret codes, no secret initiation rites, no secret vows. Jesus said nothing in secret. Jesus brought everything out in the open.

We really are as sick as our secrets. As we battle for the soul of our nation, may God bring us out of the hidden darkness and into his visible light.

The Rev. Dr. Ed Hird

http://battleforthesoulofcanada.blogspot.com

[ii] “Twelve-Step Program”, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve-step_program

[iii] Bonnie Chatwin Counselling and Consultation, http://www.bc-cc.ca

[iv] http://www.askoxford.com/worldofwords/wordfrom/concise11/?view=uk

p.s. In order to obtain a copy of the book 'Battle for the Soul of Canada', or any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.

To receive a personally signed copy of any of our books within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.

... Goes Before A Fall

...Goes Before A Fall
-a pre-published chapter from the book "Battle for the Soul of Canada"
http://twgauthors.blogspot.com/2007/05/goes-before-fall_24.html
The Deep Cove Crier Newspaper
...Goes Before a Fall (2 Timothy 3:1-9)

What goes before a fall? The Good Book says ‘Pride’.Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)What is pride, anyway? The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines pride as: ‘overweening opinion of one’s own qualities, merits’ and ‘proud’ as ‘haughty, arrogant’.

Roget’s Thesaurus speaks of the double-edged nature of pride. Many people use the term to refer to satisfaction in their children’s accomplishments, or to self-respect. But Roget’s Thesaurus reminds that pride is also connected to:arrogance, haughtiness, insolence, loftiness, lordliness, overbearingness, presumption, superiority, narcissism, vanity, egotism.

Hence we see the origin of the 1960’s slang phrase “ego trip”.

Paul warned Timothy three times to watch out for the proud and arrogant false teachers in his midst. In 1 Timothy 6:3, Paul commented:If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited/proud and understands nothing.The Greek word for pride (tuphoo) has the root concept of ‘smoke’, almost like our modern concept of the ‘smoke and mirrors’ used by spin-doctors.

Again in 2 Timothy 3:1-2, Paul said:But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive...The danger of pride is why Paul cautions against ordaining new believers, lest they come under the devil’s condemnation through unteachability. (1 Timothy 3:6)

Why is pride spoken of as the first of the seven deadly sins? Perhaps because pride causes us to forget our Maker:Your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt, the land of slavery. (Deuteronomy 8:14)Pride is basically non-productive and unteachable:Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. (Proverbs 13:10)

Pride is self-destructive:When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. (Proverbs 11:10)Pride is the spirit of the mocker:The proud and arrogant man-"Mocker" is his name; he behaves with overweening pride. (Proverbs 21:24).

In High School, many ‘Big Men on Campus’ become proud and mocking while they are ‘the big fish in a small pond’. But things change when they go into the real world. Pride goes before a fall.

he most difficult thing about pride is that it is like bad breath: easy to detect in others, and hard to detect in ourselves. Pride has to do with a sense of entitlement, that we deserve everything that we have, that the world owes us a living.

The most famous human being once said in Mark 7:22 that pride comes from within our hearts and actually makes us unclean (non-kosher). Pride separates from others, by seducing us into thinking that we are better than others. Pride is the root cause of every caste system, every class system, and every system of racial hatred.[i] That is why the Bible says:Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. (Romans 12:16)

Pride goes before a fall.

Pride makes it very difficult to admit our need for anyone else, even God himself. Dr. Albert Runge comments that “Pride is the greatest hindrance to prayer.”[ii] Pride feeds the illusion that we are completely independent and self-sufficient. That is why Jesus said:It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s Kingdom. (Matthew 19:24)Yet real breakthrough happens when we admit our need, our helplessness and powerlessness over life’s struggles.

CS Lewis’ wife, Joy Davidman, resisted her need for God for many years. She writes:God had been stalking me for a very long time, waiting for his moment; he crept nearer so silently that I never knew he was there. Then, all at once, he sprang. For the first time in my life I felt helpless; for the first time my pride was forced to admit that I was not, after all, 'the master of my fate'.[iii]

Pride and humility are total opposites. That is why both James and Peter quote Proverbs 3:10: “God opposes and resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Let me ask you a question: Do we really want the Maker of the Universe to be opposing and resisting us? Yet that is what is guaranteed if we don’t deal with the pride issue. God will resist us at work, at home, in society.

Pride may not be a big deal to us, but it certainly is to God. Why is God so opposed to pride? Because it cripples our ability to really love others around us. As the famous poem in 1 Corinthians 13 puts it, love is not proud. Why are so many people successful in business and failures at home?

Pride goes before a fall.

Pride, like alcohol addiction, is cunning, baffling, and powerful. It is almost impossible to destroy head-on. Dr. Albert Runge comments that “our pride may lead to false guilt and self-condemnation, which refuses to accept God’s gracious forgiveness.”[iv] That is why Jeremiah 17:9 says: “Our heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”

The secret to taming one’s pride is gratitude and thanksgiving. As John Fischer puts it,a thankful heart cancels out pride and arrogance. No need to judge other people when you are thankful for who you are. No need to measure yourself by and compare yourself to others when you are thankful for what God has done in your life.[v]Gratitude is a deep sense that life is a generous gift from a gracious giver. Gratitude is best expressed by the ancient words: “All things come from You, O Lord, and of your own have we given You.”

My prayer for those reading this book is that each of us as Canadians will gratefully lay our pride and self-sufficiency down at the foot of our Maker. It is our hidden pride that is holding back the waves of God’s revival to our thirsty nation

The Reverend Dr. Ed Hird

[i] AA Allen, The Price of God’s Miracle-Working Power, 1950s, http://www.agapao.de/download/books/allan.pdf p. 89 “Pride generally takes one of five forms: 1)Pride of FACE –How much better I look than those around me. 2) Pride of PLACE – Don’t ask that of one in my position! 3)Pride of RACE – I come from an excellent family and must uphold the family honour at any cost! 4) Pride of PACE – Everyone should be able to see that we are the most capable and efficient person available. No one else could keep up with me! 5) The last and worst one of all: Pride of GRACE: Look at my spiritual accomplishments, how humble I am, the length of my fasts, my visions, dreams and revelations, the gifts I possess – I must be a special favorite with God![ii] Albert Runge, A Brooklyn Jew Meets Jesus, Christian Publ., Camp Hill Pennyslvania, 2001, p. 197[iii] “Extraordinary Joy”, http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0001188.cfm[iv] Runge, p. 178[v] High Praise Media Group Page http://home.bellsouth.net/p/s/community.dll?ep=16&groupid=281535&ck=

p.s. In order to obtain a copy of the book 'Battle for the Soul of Canada', or any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.

To receive a personally signed copy of any of our books within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.

"Battle for the Soul of Canada" Shortlisted for TWG Award

The Word Guild have recognised great Canadian writers who are Christian for many years. Dr. J.I. Packer and Mark Buchanan to name a couple. This year "Battle for the Soul of Canada" has been added to the list of finalists.

http://www.thewordguild.com/newsreleases/index.html
SHORTLIST OF FINALISTS - THE WORD GUILD 2007 WRITING AWARDS

Book - Culture
Craig A. Carter of Toronto for Rethinking Christ and Culture: A Post-Christendom Perspective (Brazos Press/Baker Publishing)
Ed Hird of North Vancouver for Battle for the Soul of Canada: Raising Up the Emerging Generation of Leaders (independently published)
James K. A. Smith of Grand Rapids Mich. for Who's Afraid of Postmodernism? (Baker Academic)


Book - Independently-Published Nonfiction
Barbara Caiger of Markham Ont. for Walking Alongside: The Essence of Parish Nursing (Trafford Publishing)
Ed Hird of North Vancouver for Battle for the Soul of Canada: Raising Up the Emerging Generation of Leaders (independently published)
Keturah Leonforde of Guelph Ont. for Reflections from the Waiting Room: Insights for thriving when life puts you on hold (Essence Publishing)
Helen F. Miller of North York Ont. for The Hardest Place (Essence Publishing)
Kimberley J. Payne of Millbrook Ont. for Voice of a New Christian: Volume II (Within Reach)

Article, Short Story, Poetry & Song Lyric Categories
Article - General Readership (articles that explain or encourage faith for mainstream readers)
Paul M. Beckingham of Vancouver B.C. for "A Question of Faith" (Tidings)
Rick Gamble of Brantford Ont. for "A Ten Dollar Heart" (The Brantford Expositor)
Rick Gamble of Brantford Ont. for "A Veggie Tale" (The Brantford Expositor)
Rick Gamble of Brantford Ont. for "Leave an Impression" (The Brantford Expositor)
Jennifer Green of Ottawa for "In the beginning was the Word" (Ottawa Citizen)
Jennifer Green of Ottawa for "The Vanishing Choirboys" (Ottawa Citizen)
Ed Hird of North Vancouver for "Handel's Messiah At Christmas" (North Shore News)

The Word Guild
Media Release
The Word Guild Canadian Christian Writing Awards 2007 Media Release #2 Parts 1 & 2
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=fqnnt4bab.0.omofv6bab.bclffybab.411&ts=S0242&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thewordguild.com%2F; office voice mail 905.294.6482
This release is available as a downloadable Word document at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=fqnnt4bab.0.oa8aj5bab.bclffybab.411&ts=S0242&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thewordguild.com%2Fnewsreleases%2Findex.html

May 08, 2007
For immediate release

TOP CANADIAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS COMPETE FOR AWARDS

Number of entries doubles in three years for contest that recognizes the best work published by Canadian writers who are Christian

Waterloo, Ont. - The best Canadian writers who are Christian are competing for top honours in The Word Guild Canadian Writing Awards. This contest recognizes the most outstanding work published during 2006 in 31 categories.

Winners from across Canada will be announced on June 13 at The Word Guild Writing Awards Gala in Waterloo, Ont., the premier black tie event honouring Canadian writers who are Christian.

The evening will be hosted by award-winning journalist Rick Gamble, formerly of CTV's Kitchener affiliate CKCO, where he did local and national news reporting for 23 years before becoming a communications instructor at Wilfrid Laurier University. The Gala, to which the public is invited, also will feature a band, book signings and a reception.

"The contest has more than doubled in size in the last three years," commented Wendy Elaine Nelles, founding director of The Word Guild, the association that sponsors the contest. "We received a record number of 231 entries. These awards are gaining in national recognition and reputation."

The awards honour the best nonfiction books, novels, articles, columns, poems, stories, scripts and song lyrics published in the previous year. The contest is open to any Canadian citizen or permanent resident who affirms The Apostles' Creed.

Some of Canada's best-known Christian writers are among this year's contestants, including Mark Buchanan, J. I. Packer and James Houston.

"Prizes get attention, whether they're for sports, movies or books. The whole purpose of our writing contests and Awards Gala is to showcase examples of excellence, and to increase awareness of the variety and the quality of writing by Canadians who are Christian," she explained. "And whether entrants win or lose, the judges' critiques provide helpful feedback that enables them to become better writers."

Twenty-seven expert judges were recruited to evaluate the entries. This year's most hotly contested categories were profiles/human interest articles, long feature articles and columns/editorials/first person essays-each received 15 to 20 entries.

In another positive sign for the Canadian Christian publishing community, 91 book entries were submitted in 17 fiction and nonfiction categories.

Entries were sent from nine provinces and territories. While Ontario writers submitted 144 entries, British Columbia was strongly represented with 44 entries. There were 16 entries from Alberta, 13 from Manitoba, four each from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, three from Saskatchewan and one each from Quebec, Nunavut and the U.S.A.

Winners of The Word Guild Writing Awards will be presented with a cash prize, a certificate and a specially designed lapel pin to mark their achievements.

Other writing awards will be presented at the Gala, including the Leslie K. Tarr Award for outstanding career achievement; the Best New Canadian Christian Author prize for an unpublished book-length manuscript; and the Partnership Award which recognizes individuals or organizations who have offered exceptional support and encouragement to Canadian writers and editors who are Christian.

The Gala will be held on Wednesday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Maureen Forrester Recital Hall, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Avenue W., Waterloo, Ont. The public is warmly invited to celebrate with the finalists, their families and friends. Tickets may be ordered through TicketWindow.ca or by phone at 1-877-700-3130. Tickets are $12 in advance, or $15 at the door.

Award sponsorships are still available. Any business, organization or individual who would like to provide concrete support and encouragement to Canadian writers who are Christian is welcome to inquire about sponsorship benefits. Charitable tax receipts are available. Contact fundraising [at] thewordguild [dot] com to obtain details.

The Word Guild also sponsors Canada's largest Christian writers' conference, Write! Canada. From June 14 to 16, writers, editors, agents and publishers will meet in Guelph, Ont. for professional development, networking and marketing opportunities.

Keynote speaker Rudy Wiebe, one of Canada's most acclaimed authors, has twice won the Governor General's Award for fiction and earlier this year won the $25,000 Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction. Full details about the classes, faculty and manuscript critique service are available at www.thewordguild.com/writecanada.
The complete shortlist of finalists for The Word Guild 2007 Writing Awards is posted at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=fqnnt4bab.0.omofv6bab.bclffybab.411&ts=S0242&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thewordguild.com%2F.


ATTACHED:
Backgrounder - The Word Guild Writing Awards
Shortlist - The Word Guild Writing Awards 2007
BACKGROUNDER - THE WORD GUILD WRITING AWARDS

The awards are sponsored by The Word Guild, a national association with the mandate of connecting, developing and promoting Canadian writers and editors who are Christian. Formerly known as The God Uses Ink Awards, these writing prizes have been awarded annually since 1988. The Word Guild assumed responsibility for the awards in 2002, revamping and expanding the program.

The Word Guild contests are open to all eligible writers who have Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status, and are not restricted to members of The Word Guild. All entrants are asked to affirm The Apostles' Creed as a condition of acceptance in the contest. However, the opinions and viewpoints expressed in the shortlisted and winning works represent the authors' personal beliefs and are not necessarily endorsed by The Word Guild.

Although contest rules do not require an explicit statement of Christian belief, judges looked for an underlying expression of the writer's Christian worldview informing and influencing the writing. Entries were judged according to excellence of writing; impact (the inspirational or informational value making it worthwhile); fulfillment of stated purpose; suitability to target audience; originality and freshness of style.

Entry guidelines and forms for the 2008 contests will be posted at www.thewordguild.com in late 2007. Entries for work published in 2007 will be accepted until January 18, 2008.

The Word Guild, an association of more than 270 Canadian writers and editors who are Christian, was founded in 2002. Members are committed to encouraging one another and fostering standards of excellence in the art, craft, practice and ministry of writing.
The long-term vision is to impact the Canadian culture through writing from a Christian worldview. Immediate goals are to help writers and editors at all stages connect with each other, develop new skills and discover new publishing opportunities. See http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=fqnnt4bab.0.omofv6bab.bclffybab.411&ts=S0242&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thewordguild.com%2F for further information.


Note: Book jacket stickers labeled "Finalist" are available as a promotional tool for all shortlisted books. These eye-catching, removable stickers may be obtained at cost from The Word Guild by contacting info [at] thewordguild [dot] com.

SHORTLIST OF FINALISTS - THE WORD GUILD 2007 WRITING AWARDS

Books

Book - Apologetics/Evangelism
Dr. Brad Burke of Windsor Ont. for An MD Examines: Why Does God Allow Suffering? (Cook Communications)
Dr. Brad Burke Windsor of Ont. for An MD Examines: Why Doesn't God Stop Evil? (Cook Communications)
Donna Carter of Calgary for 10 Smart Things Women Can Do to Build a Better Life (Straight Talk Ministries)
Stanley E. Porter of Hamilton Ont. and Stephen J. Bedard of Meaford Ont. for Unmasking the Pagan Christ: An Evangelical Response to the Cosmic Christ Idea (Clements Publishing)
Alan Reynolds of Richmond B.C. for A Troubled Faith: Do We Really Need God? (Word Alive Press)

Book - Children
M. D. Meyer of Winnipeg for Get Lost! (independently published)
Helen Toews of Winnipeg for Emma's Corner (The Cottage at Creek Bend)

Book - Christian Living
Mark Buchanan of Duncan B.C. for The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath (Thomas Nelson)
Dr. Brad Burke of Windsor Ont. for An MD Examines: Why Does God Allow Suffering? (Cook Communications)
Dr. Brad Burke Windsor Ont. for An MD Examines: Is God Obsolete? (Cook Communications)
Dr. Brad Burke Windsor Ont. for An MD Examines: Does God Still Do Miracles? (Cook Communications)
J. I. Packer of Vancouver and Carolyn Nystrom for Praying: Finding our Way Through Duty to Delight (InterVarsity Press)
Alan Reynolds of Richmond B.C. for A Troubled Faith: Do We Really Need God? (Word Alive Press)

Book - Culture
Craig A. Carter of Toronto for Rethinking Christ and Culture: A Post-Christendom Perspective (Brazos Press/Baker Publishing)
Ed Hird of North Vancouver for Battle for the Soul of Canada: Raising Up the Emerging Generation of Leaders (independently published)
James K. A. Smith of Grand Rapids Mich. for Who's Afraid of Postmodernism? (Baker Academic)

Book - Independently-Published Nonfiction
Barbara Caiger of Markham Ont. for Walking Alongside: The Essence of Parish Nursing (Trafford Publishing)
Ed Hird of North Vancouver for Battle for the Soul of Canada: Raising Up the Emerging Generation of Leaders (independently published)
Keturah Leonforde of Guelph Ont. for Reflections from the Waiting Room: Insights for thriving when life puts you on hold (Essence Publishing)
Helen F. Miller of North York Ont. for The Hardest Place (Essence Publishing)
Kimberley J. Payne of Millbrook Ont. for Voice of a New Christian: Volume II (Within Reach)

Book - Instructional
Barbara Caiger of Markham Ont. for Walking Alongside: The Essence of Parish Nursing (Trafford Publishing)
Sue Careless of Toronto for Discovering the Book of Common Prayer: A Hands-On Approach; Volume II: Our Life in the Church (The Prayer Book Society of Canada & ABC Publishing)
Dr. Rod J. K. Wilson of Vancouver for How Do I Help a Hurting Friend? (Baker Publishing)

Book - Leadership/Theoretical
James M. Houston of Vancouver for Joyful Exiles: Life in Christ on the Dangerous Edge of Things (InterVarsity Press)
Tim Perry of Otterburne Man. for Mary for Evangelicals: Toward an Understanding of the Mother of Our Lord (InterVarsity Press)
Alan Reynolds of Richmond B.C. for A Troubled Faith: Do We Really Need God? (Word Alive Press)

Book - Life Stories
Sheila Wray Gregoire of Belleville Ont. for How Big Is Your Umbrella? Weathering the Storms of Life (Kregel Publications)
Lloyd Mackey of Ottawa for Stephen Harper: The Case for Collaborative Governance (ECW Press)
Marilyn Meyers of Waterdown Ont. for Through Fire & Sea (Rocksalt Publishing)
Sandy Rosen of Fort Langley B.C. for Off the Map (Destiny Image Europe)

Book - Relationships:
Steve Bydeley of Kitchener Ont. for Fathered by God: Resolving Life's Hardships (Lapstone Publications)
Barbara Caiger of Markham Ont. for Walking Alongside: The Essence of Parish Nursing (Trafford Publishing)
Dr. Rod J. K. Wilson of Vancouver for How Do I Help a Hurting Friend? (Baker Publishing)

Book - Special
Kirsten Femson of Pickering Ont. who compiled The Way They Should Go: Timeless Advice for the Teen Journey (Castle Quay Books)
George Whipple of Burnaby B.C. for The Peaceable Kingdom (Penumbra Press)

Novel - Contemporary
Keith Clemons of Caledon Ont. for These Little Ones (George Colton Publishing)
Deborah Gyapong of Ottawa for The Defilers (Castle Quay Books)

Novel - Mystery/Suspense
Deborah Gyapong of Ottawa for The Defilers (Castle Quay Books)
Linda Hall of Fredericton, N. B. for Dark Water (Waterbrook Press/Random House)

Article, Short Story, Poetry & Song Lyric Categories

Article - General Readership (articles that explain or encourage faith for mainstream readers)
Paul M. Beckingham of Vancouver B.C. for "A Question of Faith" (Tidings)
Rick Gamble of Brantford Ont. for "A Ten Dollar Heart" (The Brantford Expositor)
Rick Gamble of Brantford Ont. for "A Veggie Tale" (The Brantford Expositor)
Rick Gamble of Brantford Ont. for "Leave an Impression" (The Brantford Expositor)
Jennifer Green of Ottawa for "In the beginning was the Word" (Ottawa Citizen)
Jennifer Green of Ottawa for "The Vanishing Choirboys" (Ottawa Citizen)
Ed Hird of North Vancouver for "Handel's Messiah At Christmas" (North Shore News)

Article - Inspirational/Devotional
Donald N. Bastian of Brampton Ont. for "The Joy of Aging" (Christianity Today)
Paul M. Beckingham of Vancouver for "Comfort!" (Regent College Publishing)

Article - Long Feature
Jennifer Green of Ottawa for "The Fear of God" (Ottawa Citizen)
Terry LeBlanc of Evansburg Alta. for "Native Suicide: A Challenge to the Church" (Faith Today)
Ross Muir of Kitchener Ont. for "Recovering Silence" (Canadian Mennonite)
Patricia Paddey of Mississauga Ont. for "Why Are Evangelicals So Passionate About Israel and Palestine?" (Faith Today)
Karen Stiller of Port Perry Ont. for "The Beauty and the Beasts of Christian Farming" (Faith Today)

Article - News
Jennifer Green of Ottawa for "Conservative Anglicans livid over lesbian priest in Ottawa/Torn Asunder" (Ottawa Citizen)
Ross Muir and Tim Miller Dyck of Waterloo Ont. for "Mennonite Groups Oppose Land Speculator" (Canadian Mennonite)

Article - Personal Experience
Paul M. Beckingham of Vancouver for "Folk Religion or Folk Folly?" (Tidings)
Donna Mann of Holstein Ont. for "Weeding And Revising" (Mosaic: Arts, Entertainment & Lifestyle)
Violet Nesdoly of Surrey B.C. for "A Mother's Meddling Fingers" (Christian Women Online Magazine)
Adele Simmons of Whitby Ont. for "The Cabin" (Writers' Circle of Durham Region)
Stephanie Tombari of Burlington Ont. for "Heal Me" (GEEZ Magazine)

Article - Profile/Human Interest
Milton Friesen of Airdrie Alta. for "Faith and Politics in Action"(Decision Magazine-Cdn. Edition)
Milton Friesen of Airdrie Alta. for "The Universe to Explore: Faith and a World of Ideas" (Decision Magazine-Cdn. Edition)
Jennifer Green of Ottawa for "The Education of David Jeffrey" (Ottawa Citizen)
Gail MacMillan of Bathurst N.B. for "The 50 Cent Angel" (St. Anthony Messenger)
Josie Newman of Claremont Ont. for "Going to Extremes" (Charisma)

Article - Short Feature
Paul M. Beckingham of Vancouver for "Purpose-Driven Starbucks" (Tidings)
Linda Wegner of Powell River B.C. for "Llama kills blamed on dog packs, lack of enforcement" (Country Life in B.C.)

Column/Editorial/First Person Essay (single)
Kurt Armstrong of Vancouver for "Why Love Will Always Be A Poor Investment" (Radix)
Sheila Wray Gregoire of Belleville Ont. for "Seeking a Wise Man" (The Shield)
Thomas Froese of Uganda and Ancaster Ont. for "Christmas: the luxury to pick and choose" (ChristianWeek)
Ann-Margret Hovsepian of Montreal for "Is Marriage Still Sacred?" (Beyond Ordinary Living)
Denyse O'Leary of Toronto for "Can you choose to help? Or are you simply spreading your genes?" (Maranatha News)

Column/Editorial/First Person Essay (series)
Grace Fox of Heriot Bay B.C. for "Parents-Stay Awake!" and "And What Happened to My Kid at Summer Camp" (B.C. Christian News)
Thomas Froese of Uganda and Ancaster Ont. for "Where is African spirituality heading?" and "Doomsday Diversions" (ChristianWeek)
Violet Nesdoly of Surrey B.C. for "Research-The Dietary Supplement Your Poems Can't Do Without" and "Poems Growing-Cultivate with Care" (Inscribe Christian Writers: FellowScript)
Dave Toycen of Mississauga Ont. for "A Seat at the World's Food Table" and "The Most Powerful Weapon" (World Vision Canada: Childview/Enfants du monde)
Heidi VanderSlikke of Harriston Ont. for "The God of Wonders" and "What's in a name?" (Christian Courier)
Ray Wiseman of Fergus Ont. for "Life-wise with Ray Wiseman: Christmas gifts that endure" and "A new year brings new hope" (Wellington Advertiser)

Poetry
Caroline H. Davidson of Ladysmith B.C. for "September Lace" (Circle 49 Publishing)
Judith Millar of Kitchener Ont. for "After the Fall" (Southern Ontario Library Service: The Changing Image)
Violet Nesdoly of Surrey B.C. for "Some Words" (Infuze Magazine)
Richard Weening of Newmarket Ont. for "1 Corinthians 13" (SCA International: Word & Deed)

Song Lyrics
Ali Matthews of Stratford Ont. for "Poised for a Fall" (Shake A Paw Music)
Ali Matthews of Stratford Ont. for "Santorini" (Shake A Paw Music)

Additional Categories:
Awards will be presented on June 13 to the winners of eight categories for which there are no shortlists of finalists: Book-Biblical Studies; Book-General Readership; Book-Young Adult; Novel-Independently Published Fiction; Novel-Romance; Article-Children/Young Adult; Article-Review; and Short Story. No awards will be presented this year in the following categories: Script/Screenplay; Novel-Historical.

p.s. In order to obtain a copy of the book 'Battle for the Soul of Canada', please send a $18.50 cheque to 'Ed Hird', #1008-555 West 28th Street, North Vancouver, BC V7N 2J7. For mailing the book to the USA, please send $20.00 USD.