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Challenges of Living and Working in Canada |
So you're new here. If you came with
your entire family (that is, with your spouse and children), consider yourself
blessed. At least, you have your loved ones with you as you adjust to your new
environment. If you had to leave them or your spouse is working in another
country and the children are staying with relatives back home, countless many
are in that situation. It's easy to get lonely, homesick,
miss loved ones so
deeply or all of the above. Or, you're single and you miss your relatives and
friends so much. No doubt you had thought, "if I can only flag down a
jeepney to catch a ride back to Manila, I would do that right now."
Newcomers
feel homesick. Thankfully, Edmonton has more Filipinos now than say, 30 years
ago. So while we may not be here in the millions like the Philippines, there
are a few communities where you can belong. That's why we encourage our kababayans
(countrymen) to come check out First Filipino Alliance Church (FFAC). We're a
bunch of normal folks who want to connect with you so that you can be in a
church family where you can belong.
Don't
worry. We don't brainwash or convert people here. It's the farthest thing from
what we do and what we're about. While the church building may look different from
what you're used to and the worship service styles may be new to you, these are
secondary. Our main emphasis here is neither religion nor church, but the
person of Jesus Christ. We want people to get to know our Lord and Savior Jesus
and what He did and what He continues to do for you so that you may experience
for yourself the life He gives as God meant it to be lived. Yes, you can
actually thrive and be successful in the midst of the challenges of living and
working in Canada.
It's
not just about making money and lots of it. Many of us came here to provide for
a better lifestyle for our loved ones. Many people have found out that while it
is good to have enough money to live comfortably, it does not necessarily buy
you a good loving relationship with your family. It is possible to avoid having
your money be master over you (become slaves to money) and instead, learn how
to properly manage your finances through our Master Jesus. In December, we're
preparing for a 2-message series about God's generosity and a godly perspective
on money.
Becoming
Victorious Over Temptation. Due to the profound loneliness of living abroad,
the temptation to fall into sexual sin is ever prevalent. If you're in the
midst of a forbidden liaison, cry out for help. Get out of it. The possible
consequences are not worth the risk. Many marriages, families and lives have
been shattered by this issue. There's hope. Know that Jesus forgives, cleanses
and heals our brokenness. He is able to mend our lives. God's Word contains
very practical instructions on how to live in purity and grow in healthy
God-honoring love relationships.
What
I've mentioned above is not exhaustive. They're just some of the things we're
able to offer to our new friends who come here. You don't have to be alone in
facing all the challenges of working and living in Canada. Most people here
were newcomers too a few years or decades back. By God's grace, we were able to
adjust and overcome the odds. We found life here. Or, rather, Life (Jesus)
found us. With God helping you and a little help from friends you'll meet here,
you can too!
Let
us help you settle in Canada. Succeed here even long after we're gone from here
by settling yourself in Christ.
ricky mapa, pastor
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