The West Coast

Stanley Park, Vancouver

Did you know: One litre of water, eight teaspoons of sugar, and one teaspoon of salt can save someone from dying of diarrhea? Did you know: Sikhs are incredibly generous and some of their temples offer free meals with no strings attached on a daily basis? Did you know:  There are people in our own country struggling to get by from day to day? Did you know: Each and every person has a story to tell. Did you know: Prayer changes things?

Over the past week we’ve been doing a lot of learning, discussing, and experiencing. We recently came back from a week in Vancouver, most of which we spent exploring the streets and meeting new people on an Urban Plunge arranged by YWAM Vancouver. Before we dove into the plunge, we had the weekend to ourselves to explore bits of the city. Some of us went to the aquarium and saw dolphins, sea turtles and belugas, taking city transit and walking through the city’s parks. Some of us hooked up with family and friends in the surrounding area, while still others cruised around the shopping centres.

Before heading into Vancouver, we heard rumour of two things inhabiting the hostel in which we would be staying. The wonderful guests staying with us at the hostel included cockroaches and bed bugs, but we were in luck and did not suffer too much grief from these creepy crawlers. Instead we told ourselves this is still a place to stay that is better than the concrete sidewalks. Besides the bugs are just a preparation for the critters we are going to find second semester.

The Urban Plunge itself was something of a different beast than the bugs in our beds. Our first day we spent on the streets was a day of experiential learning. We explored culturally diverse shops attempting to find dried lizards. We talked with people and shared life with them, by attempting to share our extra lunch. Our goal was to sit down with them and enjoy life together. For some of us, that was no easy task, while others found people to talk to. But the experience does not end there. We were challenged to sit in our groups of three on the sidewalks in the commercial sections of downtown Vancouver, watching the people that would pass us by. We paid heed to their eyes and body language as they walked by, and felt privileged if we got a nod or even a friendly greeting.

That first day was still does not end yet. For the night’s meal, we had no money and nothing packed, so we were on our own on the streets of Vancouver. This meant we had to get creative or find a place in which we could get food. Groups of us decided to be on the receiving end of where we are often the help: soup kitchens. We got food handed to us, rather than handing the food out. Others of us met a man on the street who was overjoyed at the possibility of having guests come to his church’s free dinner. Even with his hospitality, we still went hungry because of time restraints and having to leave before the food got started. Still others of us busked and asked around for free food. For example, a local bakery handed out pastries that were custom ordered but never picked up. 

In the following days we partook in touring a Sikh temple and a Buddhist temple, as well as an Islamic mosque. We also helped local missions serve food and hang out with their clients. We stood on street corners with signs reading “Free Prayer” and smiled at the people passing by. Engaging with those who wanted prayer, we went about not preaching theology but simply doing our best to love. We got creative and did an “Impact Vancouver” where teams of three or four split off and came up with a way to bless Vancouver. We did all sorts of things, like write encouragement letters to the police and to the local missions, or just play basketball in the park. The letter to the police was so well received that it will be passed on to all the officers in Vancouver. We played with local children and handed out free hot chocolate and smiles. And yes, a smile should always come free. :)

Still the week didn’t end there. On our final night we got to join a night of Justice and Worship put on by an organization called Steps of Justice (www.stepsofjustice.org). It was a great way to wrap up the week by challenging us to take the next step towards justice. We watched videos on water demands and on the sex trade, we listened to people share their stories and passions. One of the key points from the night was that obedience is critical to taking these next steps and carrying out God’s work. It was an encouraging way to end the week, looking into the future and counting on being obedient to God.   

Raymond

P.S. Check out this video from Charity Water, an organization introduced to us through Steps of Justice.